The 16 Best Hiking Boots For Men
The old-school days of hiking are gone. That is, while it’s quaint to go to your local trail shop and try on pair after pair of boots (a time-tested process that still works!), there are far more efficient ways to now get your favorite pair of hiking boots (some testing required). The best hiking boots absolutely crush it in terms of dependability, toughness, functionality and long-lasting construction — and if that seems like a laundry list of qualifications to meet, well, fear not. After all, these are the best hiking boots we’re talking about here.
You’ll find something on this list for everyone, from the seasoned vet to the casual summit-goer to the hiker who’s looking to try out something new — and perhaps the first-time climber in need of the best gear around. The best men’s hiking boots do the hard work for you, and come through in the clutch when you need it — and the best part about this group of hiking boots is that these days, brands are making them so you can go off-trail to your favorite brewery afterward, no change of boots required. They’re just that good — see you on the trail.
Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots
When we need to step into a pair of the best men’s boots, regardless of the occasion or time of year, we definitely keep Danner top of mind. From the USA-made quality to the long heritage of dependability to the fact that comfort and style go hand-in-hand, this is a brand that knows how to get it right — and that absolutely applies to the best men’s hiking boots, as you’ll see today.
First up. The ever-reliable, ridiculously comfortable Danner Mountain 600, a grab-and-go pair of boots made to mimic the style of classic boots but done up in hybrid, performance-ready format. Too good to pass up.
Salewa Mountain Trainer Trooper Mid L Boots
Salewa continues to move forward in its quest to outfit men with modern, adaptable hiking boots that are a far cry from the heavier hiking boots worn decades ago — and the MTN Trainer Trooper accomplishes that aim quite nicely, made to move and keep you on your feet, no matter the conditions.
It starts with the Vibram Maton sole with reinforced lugs, all the better to keep traction on rocky and slippery surfaces, and carries through to the 3F System with ankle and heel support. All your bases are covered here.
Vasque Saga GTX Waterproof Backpacking Boots
The best men’s hiking boots often have a bit of city-ready style to go along with trail-focused functionality — take the Vasque Saga GTX Hiking Boots, a rough-and-tumble pair of men’s boots done up in black and dark gray for optimal stealth and dependability. Described as “nimble and precise” by the brand, we’d have to argue that that’s an assessment that holds true in any situation.
It’s the use of Vibram and Gore-Tex technology combined that gives them the toughness required to get the job done, no questions asked. Plus, the roughly $230 price tag is agreeable given what you’re getting.
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon is throwing the kitchen sink (figuratively, of course) at its latest and greatest pair of the best men’s hiking boots, and the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX definitely deliver on all fronts. Made with the brand’s 4D Advanced Chassis technology to deliver comfort and smooth movements on the trail, all indications are that you should really be able to feel the difference when it comes to these newly iconic, tough men’s hiking boots. Gore-Tex also adds a handy bit of functionality.
Danner Explorer 650
As we’ve said, the Danner brand is all about outdoor exploration and rugged style in equal measure, and they continue to prove it with releases and a constantly evolving product line that channel their heritage and history so nicely. The fan favorite Danner Explorer 650 is one such boot, made with durable nylon panels in place of sections of the boot that were once leather — the overall effect is such that these boots are light, rugged and yet stylish, all at once.
Arc’Teryx ACRUX TR GTX Boots
We appreciate and recognize the dependable brand and sense of sleek style that Arc’Teryx has cultivated for itself, and it’s only fitting that the modern mountaineering and outdoors brand has come through once more with its ACRUX TR GTX Boots for another dose of sleek, dependable performance. It’s a combination that few brands are getting right these days, yet touches like the SuperFabric upper deliver a lightweight feel and tough design in equal measure.
KEEN Men’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots
KEEN takes great care when it comes to crafting boots that go beyond what you might expect of them. Take, for instance, its use of design touches like environmentally prepared leather and eco anti-odor technology, both made to eschew the traditional and chemical-heavy processes used by so many in the industry. The Targhee III Waterproof Mid is as fine an example of this mix of style, craftsmanship and eco-friendly progress that you’re apt to find these days.
Vasque Breeze III GTX Waterproof Hiking Boots
When it comes to Vasque, you simply can’t go wrong — not at least if you’re searching for one of the best pairs of men’s hiking boots on the market (and at this point in the season, you definitely should be). The Vasque Breeze III GTX Waterproof Hiking Boots blend a fall-ready colorway (Brown Olive and Bungee Cord) with trail-focused performance (a critical blend of Vibram and Gore-Tex). The result is an unbeatable pair of the best hiking boots for men.
Asolo Fugitive Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
The best hiking boots blend all the modern bells and whistles you could ask for, and yet do so in a way that’s not overly ostentatious or over the top. That might seem like it’s a tall order to meet, but the Asolo Fugitive Gore-Tex Hiking Boots simply offer up exactly everything you need, and nothing that you can’t use. The aggressive tread outsole gets the job done on tough surfaces, and a lacing system based off old-school hiking boots provides a snug fit no matter the conditions.
Vivobarefoot Tracker
If it feels counterintuitive to describe a pair of hiking boots as minimalist, well, meet the Vivobarefoot Tracker Boots, some of the best men’s hiking boots for this season — and some of the most sleek and minimal, at that. The Tracker Boots look like hiking boots from the future, and yet the future is right now — all thanks to a Firm Ground sole that offers traction and yet a slim profile.
Hanwag Lhasa II Boots
Hanwag seems to be, at least to us, one of the more underrated boot outfitters in the game, but with pairs like the Hanwag Lhasa II Boots, that shouldn’t last long (at least for the discerning modern gentleman who wants a dose of rugged functionality and style). The Lhasa II get the details right, including a tough nubuck leather upper and a Vibram Tessin outsole.
Wolverine Fletcher Waterproof CarbonMax Hiking Boots
You’ve probably got a pair or two of Wolverine’s rough-and-tumble 1000 Mile line in your closet, but the brand has quite the history and lineage when it comes to making rugged work boots and hiking boots for the outdoorsman. We’d say you then expand your repertoire in a hurry with the Fletcher Waterproof Carbonmax Hiking Boot, an outrageously dependable addition to any collection of stylish, rugged Wolverine boots.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots
When it comes time to gear up for your next fall hike or outdoor adventure, look no further than the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots, one heck of a high-quality way to amp up your collection of outdoor gear. That assumes you’ve already got a Columbia jacket or base layer, and these versatile hiking boots, available for under $80 and featuring an Omni-Grip outsole, would be a stylish addition to your rotation, easily.
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Ventilator Hiking Boots
Merrell is a longtime fan favorite of those who value quality and dependable style no matter the occasion, and the Men’s Moab 2 Mid Ventilator Hiking Boot is a prime example of exactly what you can get if you hold your search for the best men’s hiking boots to high standards. We love the rich walnut color and the blend of mesh and performance suede leather to take on the elements this season.
The North Face Vals Mid WP Hiking Boots
The North Face is a brand that, as we all know, consistently delivers the best men’s gear no matter the occasion, and that goes for trail hikes and summit ascents in equal measure. For those who are looking for a pair of the best men’s hiking boots to pair up ably with their North Face jacket, the Vals Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots put everything you know and love about the brand into a reliable pair of tough hiking shoes.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker
We’ve been fans lately of the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker and more so, the brand’s commitment to moving beyond the confines of basketball or lifestyle sneakers. The use of Gore-Tex in these tough hiking shoes (as with many of the pairs on this list) gives them an extra bit of adaptability in trying times, to go along with the fact that these also share DNA with significantly lighter shoes from the Adidas line than your typical hiking boots. And, they’re stylish as heck to boot (pun intended).
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