After 14 hours of research evaluating 350 products, we picked Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX as our top choice.
Hiking burns anywhere from 400 to 600 calories per hour, but instead of running out of steam within an hour or so (like at the gym), you can hike for hours without tiring. It’s also is a great way to get out of the city, breathe clean air, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Heck yeah!
For many people (myself included), hiking is an occasional thing, so there’s no need for all the fancy hiking extras. There are really only two things you NEED for a proper hike: a good water bottle and the best hiking boots for your feet.
Hiking boots are perfect for the hardcore trails, not the sort you’d use for trail running. Hiking usually means straying from the typical hiking trails and getting out in the rugged wilderness of a forest or mountain.
But with literally THOUSANDS of hiking boots to choose from, how could you possibly determine which are the best ones?
We’ve got you covered!
We’ve poured over the best hiking boots around, testing a few pairs ourselves on our favorite hiking trails—all so we can bring you the list below with the best hiking boots for men according to your footwear preferences.
#1 Best Hiking Boots Overall
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
- Incredibly durable, tough, and supportive
- Not too heavy; designed for your comfort
- Excellent traction, good waterproofing, stylish, and protective
Pros
Made with durable leather upper, great lacing system, solid sole, supportive, medium weight, no blisters, minimal break-in time, great stability and ankle support, good-looking, great for heavier hikers, and easy to slip on/take off.
Product Ratings
8.4/10
Performance: If you’re looking for a pair of hiking boots that can “go the distance”, this is the pair you want! You’ll find few boots can match the durability of these bad boys. Users have reported hiking for thousands of miles without discomfort, and we at Lovablepicks can personally attest to the extreme comfort of these boots—no blisters even after hours of hiking.
There’s almost no need to break in the boots, so you can start hiking with them right out of the box. The boots are also beautifully stylish, with a design that’s easy to slip on and off without struggling. The leather upper is durable and long-lasting, though the seams tend to wear out quickly. But few boots are more comfortable than these bad boys. Best of all, they’re heavy enough to handle regular hardcore hiking without being so heavy they weigh you down.
Features: This is the best pair of all-around hiking boots we could find, thanks to their medium weight, excellent foot and ankle support, comfort, and durability. The leather uppers are highly resistant to wear, and you’ll love the Gore-Tex waterproofing that protects your feet from getting wet as you hike.
The synthetic sole gives you excellent traction, with a deep tread that is perfect for descending dusty hills or scrambling over rocks. The solid ankle clasp will reduce sprains or strains, and the lacing system keeps the boots firmly gripped to your feet. (Note: Some users have complained the laces come loose to easily—a problem we can attest to as well. Expect to re-tie your laces up to three times on a 4-hour hike.)
Price: The price of these boots changes according to the size. For the average American (shoe size: 10.5), the cost is $128—an incredible price considering you won’t need to replace the hiking boots for years to come. Definitely worth it!
#2 Most Stylish Hiking Boots
Season Three’s The Ansel Boots
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- Minimal, stylish design looks like a fashion moot more than a hiking boot
- Hardy-yet-soft merino wool lining to keep your feet temperature controlled
- No blisters or break-in, “comfy outta the box”
Pros
An incredibly dapper and stylish looking boot that could pass as a work or going-out shoe as well as a light hiking boot. Made in Italy from the very best materials and crafts techniques, these are high-end, high-quality, and the cream of the crop (hence the price).
Product Ratings
Product Rating
8.7/10
Performance: The Ansel boots are excellent for light hiking and even everyday wear if you are constantly on your feet. They’re not recommended for extreme conditions or super long hikes as they just don’t have the infrastructure or waterproofing. You don’t need to break them in as they’re soft and blister-free right away (phew!).
Features: The 100% merino lining, unique nappy suede, metal hardware, Ortholite soles, and 100% leather welt prove the high-quality and comfort value of the Ansel boots.
Price: There’s no denying that these boots are pricey, so much so you could call them an investment. However, The durability of the materials and the hardwearing nature of the construction means they’ll be your hiking pals for years to come.
#3 Best Heavyweight Hiking Boots
Vasque St. Elias GTX
- Heavy boots designed to keep up with any hiker
- Comfortable right out of the box; offers great stability and support
- Highly durable materials; long-lasting leather with good Gore-Tex waterproofing
Pros
The included can holder keeps dad’s brewski from getting warm. Multiple sizes available.
Product Ratings
9.4/10
Performance: If you’re looking for a pair of heavy duty hiking boots, look no further than these bad boys. They’re definitely a heavyweight pair of boots, weighing a solid 4.3 pounds. However, when you slip them on, you’ll see it’s worth a bit more weight to get the amazing comfort, stability, and support offered by the boots.
The leather upper is highly durable, and the synthetic sole delivers quality traction for maximum grip on any rocky or dusty trail. You’ll have to get used to the weight, but few boots can match this pair for durability and longevity. Though it lacks breathability, this heavy duty boot can keep up with anything you throw at it.
Features: The heavy-duty boot is designed to be waterproof, with Gore-Tex water resistance that will keep your feet dry as you wade through streams and creeks. The sole offers excellent heel and arch support, and you’ll find the shoe comes in sizes ideal for both narrow and broad feet. The 0.75 inch-thick platform offers extra cushioning to keep your feet comfortable, and the footbed has EVA cushioning built into it.
Price: At $160, these are one of the pricier pairs of hiking boots on our list. Yet the durability and heavy-duty construction of these boots make them worth every penny if you’re an avid hiker. The boots are built to outlast the rest of your hiking gear!
#4 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R Mid
- Perfect hiking boots for easy terrain and day hikes
- Lightweight, yet still beautifully durable
- Comfortable and easy to wear for hiking and trail running
Pros
Lightweight, slim profile, very comfortable, affordable, stylish, flexible and versatile, good waterproofing, short break-in period, and comfortable right out of the box.
Product Ratings
8.9/10
Performance: If you’re a casual hiker who wants to take a day-long hike over easy terrain, these are the perfect boots for you. They’re half hiking boot, half trail shoes, with a comfortable, lightweight design that won’t weigh you down as you hike. They offer excellent support and cushioning without adding to your load.
Not only are they durable, they’re stylish as well. They come in a wide range of colors (blue, brown, grey, black, etc.), but they’re built with the sleek style that sets Adidas apart from its competitors. Their slim profile makes them a great pair of shoes for casual hikers.
Features: The shoe is entirely synthetic, from the lightweight, mesh-lined upper to the high traction rubber outsole. The adiPRENE inserts add extra cushioning to the footbed, keeping your feet comfortable even after long hours of walking. The Gore-Tex lining offers some waterproofing, though they’re not going to keep up with heavier hiking boots.
The lacing system is really the only big downside of these shoes. The speed laces popular among modern athletic shoes don’t really grip your feet effectively for long. Eventually, they’ll come loose, leading to instability and a higher risk of accidents. Plus, there’s no option for customizing the fit of the shoe to your feet. Thankfully, for day hikers and casual outdoorsmen, the lacing system shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Price: At $96, these are one of the best-priced hiking boots on our list. They’re lightweight and comfortable, yet surprisingly durable. If you’re looking for a pair of boots to keep up with your occasional hikes, these are the ones you want.
#5 Best Leather Hiking Boots
Timberland Men’s Chocorua Hiking Boot
- Leather upper is incredibly durable; great for years of use
- Comfortable and easy to wear; not too heavy
- Leather and Gore-Tex combination offer double waterproofing
Pros
Lightweight, sleek, good support and stability, beautiful full-grain leather design, waterproof construction, fit right out of the box, excellent quality, and great warmth in cold weather.
Product Ratings
8.4/10
Performance: If you want a beautiful pair of leather hiking boots, look no farther than these Timberlands. They’re not quite on par with the heavy-duty hiking boots above, but they’re definitely a stylish, good-looking choice. The full-grain leather used to build them is gorgeous, and the slim profile of the shoes goes well with any hiking attire.
Of course, the leather also offers an extra layer of waterproofing. Combine that with a Gore-Tex inner lining, and you’ve got a pair of hiking boots that will keep your feet warm and dry in any cold or wet environment. Best of all, thanks to the light weight design, you can hike for hours without tiring.
Features: The leather upper is supportive and offers good stability, and you’ll love the cushioning built into the footbed. The boots are comfortable right out of the box, meaning there is no need for a break-in period. The lacing system allows you to adjust the grip on your feet, making them a highly versatile pair of shoes.
The downside to these bad boys is their sole. The traction isn’t as deep as you might like, and it tends to wear out quickly. Many users report feeling stones and debris through the soles. If you’re doing a lot of hardcore hiking, you need a different pair of boots. But for trail walking and day hikes, these are a good choice.
Price: At $110, these boots are a reasonably priced option. They offer you style and comfort for your day hikes, and they can be taken into any climate you want. Not a bad choice indeed!
#6 Most Comfortable Hiking Boots
Ahnu Orion
- THE MOST comfortable pair of hiking boots you’ll ever wear, especially for those with high arches
- Never worry about blisters; wear them right out of the box
- Well-designed pair of hiking boots with decent stability and grip
Pros
Very comfortable, ergonomic design, minimal break-in time, excellent traction, breathable, made with durable leather and rubber, and a US-made product.
Product Ratings
8/10
Performance: If you’re the kind of hiker who cares about comfort, these are the shoes for you. They can be worn right out of the box, with minimal break-in time and ZERO chance of giving you blisters. The ergonomic footbed comes with layers of multi-density foam that will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
These boots aren’t the most durable—they’re prone to showing signs of wear far sooner than you’d like—but they do offer good traction and grip on the ground. The leather upper is sleek and stylish, and the lacing system will keep them gripping your feet tightly. All in all, a great pair of boots!
Features: The boots are highly breathable, thanks to the mesh membranes built into the inner lining. Sadly, these membranes also affect the waterproofing. You may end up with wet feet if you walk through running water, though you shouldn’t have to worry about a mild rain or small creek.
The rubber outsole offers excellent traction, and you’ll find the high collar keeps your ankles stable as you scramble over rocks and rough terrain. They’re not the most supportive shoes, however, so those prone to ankle problems may want to consider a different pair.
Price: At $150, these are a pretty well-priced pair of boots. You get maximum comfort, a stylish design, and a lightweight set of boots that will keep up with your day hikes.
#7 Best Waterproof Hiking Boots
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
- Great mid-weight pair of hiking boots with above-par waterproofing
- Comfortable, stable, and supportive—great for heavier hikers
- Durable leather upper and rubber sole makes for a long-lasting boot
Pros
Not too heavy, excellent durability, superior waterproofing, comfortable, good support and stability, outsole provides maximum traction, and long-lasting.
Product Ratings
7.6/10
Performance: These are the boots for those who want something a bit sturdier without adding too much weight to their hiking gear. They’re a mid-weight choice, offering stability, comfort, and support without overdoing it on the extra pounds. At 4 pounds, they’ll be the right choice if you’re looking for something that will allow you to hike for hours in comfort.
These boots offer a wide toe box that’s perfect for those with broader feet, yet excellent arch support and cushioning for your heels. They’re an incredibly comfortable pair of boots, perfect for long-distance weekend hikes. With the comfortable ankle collar and support built into the sides of the uppers, you’ve got a pair of boots that will keep up with you for hours of hiking.
Features: The boot is designed to be snug, though the lacing system isn’t as effective for a tight fit. The nubuck leather upper can handle A LOT of wear and tear, plus there’s a Gore-Tex lining to enhance waterproofing. Instead of a synthetic outsole, these boots use Vibram rubber. This gives it greater flexibility and durability than synthetic materials.
The 5″ shaft gives you good ankle support and stability, reducing the risk of injuries. The heel comes with a 1.75″ cushion built in, and a 1″-thick platform for your feet. All in all, they’re comfortable boots built to withstand a lot of regular use.
Price: At $200, these are pricey boots. They’re definitely worth it if you’re a hiker that wants to get a lot of mileage out of their mid-weight boots, but these top-rated boots also offer excellent quality at a much lower price.
#8 Best Cheap Hiking Boots
Keen Targhee II Mid Waterproof Boots
- An affordable pair of sub-alpine hiking boots
- Lightweight, durable leather uppers; great for day hikes
- Built-in toe protection to keep your feet safe
Pros
Lightweight, well-priced, good waterproofing, well-designed, great ankle support, solid traction, minimal break-in period, and excellent toe protection.
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
The Keen Dry waterproofing is as good as any Gore-Tex waterproofing, so you can wear these shoes in any weather conditions without worrying about wet or cold feet. The leather upper has a breathable lining that keeps your feet dry as you walk.
The lacing system is an especially good one, and you’ll find the shoes grip your feet nice and tight as you walk. The built-in cushioning is comfortable and will prevent blisters. Definitely a good pair to consider if you’re an occasional hiker.
Performance
9.5/10
This is not the most long-lasting pair of boots on our list. While the leather uppers can take a beating, the insole and rubber outsole tend to wear out a bit quicker than some of the higher-priced boots. However, you get excellent comfort and a good-looking pair of shoes for a reasonable price, making this a good option to consider if you’re a casual hiker.
The shoe doesn’t have the best stability, but it has built-in support to keep your ankle from rolling or twisting. At just over 2 pounds, they’re a pair of lightweight boots that are perfect for casual or day hikes.
Value
9.5/10
At $100, these are the cheapest hiking boots on our list. They’re not the best quality, but they’ll last for a couple of years of regular hiking on average trails. Look elsewhere if you’re a hardcore off-road hiker, but consider these if you want an affordable pair of boots for a weekend hike.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10