Best Men's Hiking Boots for Hitting the Trail in Style

When you’ve got some serious trails to traverse, you need to get serious about your shoes. As much as you might love your trail running shoes, what you really need is a reliable pair of hiking boots, specifically designed for keeping your feet safe, dry, and comfortable when tromping mile after mile. Below, you’ll find our picks for the best hiking boots for men. Now take a hike!

Our top picks for best hiking boots for men

How we selected the best hiking boots for men

Our selections were made through careful consideration of our experts’ advice, personal experience, and scouring customer feedback to ensure that all of our picks had mostly positive reviews. For the latter, we took special account of longevity, comfort, and value for money.

How to choose the best hiking boots for men

“There are a huge number of variables between hiking boots,” warns Alex Legezynski, founder of West London Personal Training. He suggests paying careful attention to the following:

Your anatomy

“The importance of a great fit can not be understated,” says Legezynski. “Your foot shape—and any pre-existing imbalances or vulnerabilities—must be accounted for in your shoe selection.”

Materials

“Upper materials impact the boot's durability, breathability, and water resistance,” explains Legezynski. “Full-grain leather is durable but may be less breathable, while synthetics like nylon are lighter and more breathable. Some boots combine materials for a balance of features.”

“Midsoles provide cushioning, and EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) is a common material for these due to being lightweight, as well as its shock absorption properties,” he continues. “Some boots feature PU (polyurethane) for more durability and stability, but it can add weight.”

“Look for outsoles with a lug pattern suitable for the terrain you'll encounter,” he concludes. “Vibram soles are renowned for their durability and traction. Consider the hardness of the rubber—harder compounds last longer, but may offer less grip.”

Fit

“As a general rule, think, ‘always snug, never tight,’” suggests Legezynski. “A looser fit may feel comfortable in the short term, but the friction and injury potential are punishing. This might mean some discomfort at first, particularly in harder-wearing boots that need breaking in, but breaking in should be considered part of your hiking preparation.”

Terrain and duration

“Lighter boots are generally more comfortable for shorter hikes and day trips, while heavier boots with more robust support are suitable for longer treks and carrying heavier loads,” says Legezynski. “Strike a balance based on your intended use.”

Tips for care and maintenance

Since a washing machine could easily damage a pair of hiking boots, you’re going to have to hand wash them. “Be sure to use a soap that’s safe to use, preferably a soap specifically made for cleaning boots,” advises Fratto. “Water, a cloth, and a dedicated toothbrush for the task are really all you need to clean your boots.”

“Just as important is how you dry them,” he adds. “Remove the insoles and dry them separately, making sure to air dry in a room temperature setting with no additional heat source (if you want to speed up the drying process, use a fan). Be sure your boots and insoles are completely dry before reinserting them and putting them away for storage.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What hiking boots are most comfortable?

“It really all depends on the terrain that you'll be hiking on,” says Dr. William Spielfogel, board-certified podiatrist and medical advisor to The Good Feet Store. “If you're hiking on hard surfaces, additional cushioning in the shoe will be helpful. Walking on softer surfaces will provide natural cushioning and shock absorption and will require less cushioning in your hiking boot or shoe.”

Should I get light or heavy hiking boots?

“A heavier shoe will cause you to exert more energy when walking,” warns Spielfogel. “Most importantly, hiking boots should be comfortable and lightweight and made of materials to support and protect your feet over uneven terrain.”

Is it okay to wear hiking boots every day?

“Wearing hiking boots every day can be acceptable in certain situations, but it depends on your specific needs, activities, and personal comfort,” says physician assistant and Merrell brand ambassador Leila Nabavi, PA-C. “If the hiking boots are comfortable for everyday wear and provide adequate support, there may be no issue with wearing them regularly.”

“If you have specific foot conditions or concerns, it's essential to choose footwear that supports your foot health,” she continues. “Some people may need specialized shoes or orthopedic footwear for daily use, so check with a podiatrist for individualized concerns you may have or need.”

For other daily shoe recommendations, try our guide to the best Chelsea boots for men.

Are hiking boots uncomfortable at first?

“Generally speaking, hiking boots should never be uncomfortable,” says Fratto. “However, if you have a boot that’s heavier and offers more support, then you will need to break it in. Don’t let your time on the trail be the first time that you’ve worn them out and about–take the time to get used to them beforehand so you can enjoy your hike as much as possible and not worry about any potential discomfort.”

What are the different levels of hiking boots?

According to Legezynski, most hiking boots–whether bought from any of the above brands, Columbia, Muck Boot Company, The North Face, Dicks Sporting Goods, Backcountry, or anywhere else–fall into the following categories:

• Class A (hiking shoes): Athletic shoes with added protection for well-maintained trails and gentle terrain
• Class B (mid-weight boots): Mid-weight alpine boots for rough trails, off-trail, and multi-day hikes with ankle protection
• Class C (off-trail heavy boots: Designed for rough terrain, these are crampon-compatible, with toe caps and rugged soles–you’d use them for challenging treks and alpine traverse routes
• Class D (mountaineering boots): For climbing big mountains, emphasizing crampon compatibility, rigid soles, and insulation–suited to high-altitude mountaineering, ice climbing, and extreme winter conditions