If you’re itching to get out into the Great Outdoors™, the best hiking shoes for men will be your best trail companions. Whether your idea of getting some fresh air means a brisk stroll through the park or traversing up the side of a mountain, you’ve got to dress the part—and that means wearing shoes that’ll get you comfortably and confidently to the end of the trail on your own two feet, no emergency stretchers necessary.
The best hiking shoes for men need to deliver on performance, of course: we’re talking outsoles with excellent grip, insoles with plenty of support, and outer shells engineered for water protection and breathability. But they also need to look good—with the gorpcore aesthetic still thriving in 2022, you should both want and be able to rock your hikers off the trail. The 19 hiking boots and shoes we’ve rounded up here hit all those marks and then some. So what are you waiting for? Pick your poison, lace ’em up tight, and then get on out there.
The Best Overall Hiking Boots
Salomon X Ultra 3 mid GTX hiking boot
Over the past few years, French mountaineering outfitter Salomon has crossed over from the Alps into the fashion world. While the brand’s sleek trail runners have been the shoe du jour for all the stylish people you know—and even landed our Sneaker of the Year honors back in 2019—their flagship hiking boot deserves equal praise. The outsoles feature a variety of rubber lugs for excellent traction for any kind of terrain, the upper chassis provides maximum stability, and the pillowy soft foam insoles cradle your feet with a snug-but-comfortable fit. They’re gorp-y and modern without looking too Spy Kids futuristic, striking the perfect balance of aesthetics and function that’s ideal for any outfit.
The Best Everyday Hiking Shoes
Arc’teryx Konseal FL 2 GTX shoe
All the tech’d-out trappings of an advanced hiking shoe—Vibram soles! Light, breathable uppers!—in a streamlined, minimalist package. If you’re looking for something clean and subtle that won’t look out of place at your local coffee shop, these are the joints for you.
The Best Value Hiking Boots
Merrell Moab 2 mid hiking boot
Considered by many hikers to be the best of the best, the Moab 2 Mid is built to handle the roughest of terrains. Unparalleled grip, a waterproof yet breathable upper, and stellar ankle support make it a consistent best seller among novice and advanced hikers alike. The mix of synthetic materials and natural leather land the Moab smack in between the rugged heritage of an old-school alpine boot and the advanced modernism of a do-it-all trail shoe. That is to say: its looks are lovably granola.
The Best Sneaker-esque Hiking Boots
Season Three “The Ansel” boot
Season Three’s flagship hiking boots are a near-perfect hybrid of old and new. They’re made in an age-old shoemaking factory in the Italian mountains from full-grain suede and leather, which means they’ll last roughly forever and keep looking better and better in the process. But they’re also as comfortable as your cushiest sneakers—no break-in required!—and are fitted with a merino wool lining for optimal temperature regulation and an ultralight Vibram Morflex sole that won’t weigh you down. They won’t handle long-distance backpacking trips or hardcore treks the way some of the other models on this list might, but they’re ideal for day hikes and city wear and will look absolutely stellar with a crisp tee and some heavyweight denim.
The Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Chaco Z1 Classic sport sandal
If most hiking boots feel like wearing a Monster Truck, Chaco’s Z1 is a more like a dirt bike. Don’t get it twisted: these aren’t just some dinky little sandals. The synthetic footbed and cushioned midsole are as supportive and grippy as just about any other shoe on this list, and the lightweight straps adjust quickly and securely to your foot. Sure, they’re probably not the right choice for your most rugged expeditions, but they’ll do great on a light jaunt through the woods with the occasional shallow body of water along your path. And believe us when we say they look absolutely sick with a great pair of socks.
The Best “My Other Car Is a Rivian” Hiking Boots
On Running Cloudridge hiking boots
On’s commitment to cloud-like comfort—and sleek, Silicon Valley-approved branding—has helped make the Swiss label a cult favorite stateside. Much like the primo EV model you’ve been eyeing for months, its hiking boots are made with cutting-edge tech and environmental sustainability top of mind. Their breathable uppers are crafted from recycled polyester, and their lightweight soles promise heavy-duty cushioning no matter where you take ’em—trekking up the side of a canyon or throwing elbows in the aisles at Costco.
14 More Hiking Boots and Shoes We Love
John Elliott speed lace-up boots
Pair John Elliott’s futuristic-leaning boots with your crispiest white jeans for an outdoors-inspired look that’ll make you the best dressed dude in any city.
Merrell Moab 2 vent hiking shoe
The shorter counterpart to the Moab 2 Mid has all the same features and panache, with the bonus of a lighter footprint. If you’re not anticipating any overwhelming wet conditions, this version also swaps out some moisture resistance for an extra breathable mesh upper. All that and a $100 price tag make it a solid entry-level choice.
Danner Mountain Light 2 hiking boot
Introduced back in the ‘70s, Danner’s signature boot was a revelation for the hiking scene, merging tough leather and even tougher construction with a futuristic Gore-Tex waterproof membrane.
Keen Targhee III mid waterproof hiking boot
Built with a shank for arch support, waterproof lining and heavy-duty rubber outsoles, these are an excellent, less-aggressive-looking alternative to the Merrell Moab.
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX hiking shoe
Tougher than Salomon’s popular trail runners and nearly as capable as the X Ultra Mid, but in a more compact package that’s great for everyday wear.
ROA “Andreas” boots
Throw these luxe leather boots into your duffel before your next flight to Aspen, or beat ’em to hell tackling trails closer to home. (Trust us: They’ll look better that way.)
Oboz Bridger Low B-Dry hiking shoe
Thanks to its abrasion-resistant mesh-and-suede uppers, a protective rubber toe, and a TPU chassis, the Oboz Bridger is about as durable, stable, and comfortable as a hiking shoe can get.
Vasque Breeze LT NTX low hiking shoe
A low-key design that doesn’t scream, “I love hiking!”
La Sportiva Trango Tech Leather GTX mountain boot
A neon-dipped high-top that definitely screams, “I love hiking!”
Jacquemus terra hiking boots
Modern hiking boots perfect for when the biggest mountain you’re climbing is up the stairs at a bed & breakfast upstate.
Salomon x Carhartt WIP shelter CSWP boots
What happens when the brand behind some of the best trail-ready footwear on the planet links with the most iconic American workwear label of all time? They dream up a pair of boots that’ll look great any time, any place, anywhere.
Hoka One One “Ancapa” Gore-Tex hiking boots
Surprise, surprise: the French running shoe whizzes at Hoka also make a bang-up hiking boot with the same cushy, oversized soles. All-day comfort means you can focus on taking in the views (and, you know, posting ’em to the ‘gram).
Adidas Terrex Swift R3 hiking shoes
The next time you’re planning a circuit through the trails, look to Adidas’ specialty Terrex line. Its lightweight hiking shoes offer plenty of grip minus the bulk.
Source by www.gq.com
