Guys, are you looking for footwear to keep you light and nimble on the trail? Check out these best hiking shoes for men.
Hiking footwear is moving away from bulky, hardcore footwear and more towards sleek lightweight shoes. When you’re hiking and lugging heavy gear, the last thing you need are shoes that will weigh you down. The best hiking shoes for men are durable, comfortable, and provide ample support without added weight. Below are our favorite hiking shoes for 2018, from ultralight options for fast and light trips to more supportive structures for longer treks.
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 | RAX Men's Quick Drying Slip-Resistant Aqua Water Hiking Shoes | 4.5 out of 5 | Read Our Review |
 | 4.5 out of 5 | Read Our Review | |
 | 4.5 out of 5 | Read Our Review | |
 | 4.5 out of 5 | Read Our Review | |
 | 4 out of 5 | Read Our Review | |
 | 4 out of 5 | Read Our Review |
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Why You Need to Wear Hiking Shoes and Not Just Sneakers
You'd be surprised at how many people think that a simple pair of sneakers will cut it for their hiking adventures. But we can tell you from experience… As much as we love Vans and Converse, they don't offer the structure and support you need for a day out on the trail. The best men's hiking shoes are durable, offer arch and ankle support, won't weigh you down, and protect your feet from the elements. We've chosen picks that check all of the boxes above.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Beginning Your Search:
If you need a starting place, then it will help you to begin by considering a couple of questions. When looking for gifts for travelers, here are some questions to ask yourself. They will point you in the right direction
How much do you want to spend?
Knowing your budget will be key to finding the best pair of hiking shoes. Whether you are looking for an inexpensive pair or are willing to spend a little more, knowing your budget will help narrow down your options. We suggest approaching this with a price limit in mind. That way, you will be able to knock off all the items that are out of your price range much faster and, subsequently, locate your perfect pair that much faster as well.
What Season Are You Traveling In?
Most of the shoes on our list are geared towards lighter hiking shoes for the spring through fall seasons. We did not include bulky, hardcore hiking shoes on this list. Unless you're hiking in extreme weather conditions or an incredibly difficult trail, you won't need the extra weight. The best hiking shoes for men are durable and lightweight.
Different Types of Hiking Shoes for Men
- Trail Running Shoes
- Hiking Boots
- Hiking Shoes
- checkWaterproof and Water Resistant Shoes
Here Are Our Picks for the Best Hiking Shoes for Men
Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes
A best seller, the Salomon Men’s X ULTRA 3 GTX has evolved into an even more effective hiking shoe. Thanks to Descent Control technology, it efficiently tackles technical hikes and really shines during tough descents. Wear this pair and head downhill with a spring in your step, even in wet conditions. You can enjoy a foothold with an excellent grip, stability, and cushioning.
There are just so many features that we love about this shoe. The quicklace offers a minimalist style and strong lace for one-pull tightening. It’s easy-on, easy-off. When it comes to comfort, sensifit technology cradles the foot from the midsole to the lacing system, providing a secure, snug, and virtually customized fit all around the foot. Last but certainly not least, the advanced chassis, surrounded by foam cushioning for comfort, connects directly to the sole to stabilize your heel. The Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX is one of the best hiking shoes for men.
Tech Specs:
- Textile and Synthetic
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- checkShaft measures approximately mid-top from arch
- checkA time-tested last refined over the years produces an optimal fit. It's designed to work synergistically with the reinforced top arm of the sensifit, holding your foot comfortably in place, especially when you're headed downhill.
- checkThe Advanced Chassis, surrounded by foam cushioning for comfort, connects directly to the sole to stabilize your heel.
- checkTwo different types of rubber are strategically placed on the sole, resulting in a more intense grip. A special patterned area on the heel grabs terrain more aggressively, giving you more control when you're moving along at a healthy clip.
- checkSalomon 2 year limited warranty
Pros
- plus Comfortable
- plus Great grips
- plus2 year warranty
- plusGood for downhill
Cons
- close Runs narrow
The North Face Men's Ultra 109 Gtx
For maximum protection underfoot, the Ultra 109 GTX from The North Face gives you stability and traction when blazing down slick, uneven trail. Uppers are made of gore-tex extended comfort range waterproof, breathable membrane and the PU-coated leather upper provides strong midfoot support. You will also enjoy the lace up closure for a snug, custom fit and a protective TPU toe cap for added durability. Lastly, the UltrATAC rubber outsole makes it a stable running shoe. These are among the best hiking shoes for men.
Tech Specs:
- Leather
- Imported
- Lace-up closure
- checkFor maximum protection underfoot and subtle pronation correction, the Ultra 109 GTX from The North Face gives you stability and traction when blazing down slick, uneven trail.
Pros
- plus Comfortable
- plus Waterproof
- plusGreat stability and traction
Cons
- close None
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
Did you know that Moab stands for ‘mother of all boots?’ Yup, you learn something new every day. Experience out-of-the-box comfort in this ventilated hiker. With durable leathers, a supportive footbed, and Vibram traction, all in a versatile package, you won't doubt why the Moab 2 Vent is one of the best hiking shoes for men.
Tech Specs:
- Suede leather and mesh
- Imported
- Synthetic sole
- checkPerformance suede leather and mesh upper
- checkBellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out. Molded nylon arch shank
- checkProtective rubber toe cap, Breathable mesh lining
- check5mm lug depth
- checkVibram TC5+ sole
Pros
- plus More prominent arch than the original Moabs
- plus Good lateral support
- plusGreat price
Cons
- close One less set of lacing holes than standard
- Looser fit
TFO Men Hiking Shoes California Breathable Low Trekking Shoes for Hiker
These first-grip rubber design shoes are from Italy. Enjoy a non-slip, strong road holding grip with anti-slip and wear-resistant properties. They guarantee more safety for your outdoor activities. In addition, they’re great to take out in the summer or humid climates. The first-comfort air circulation insoles provide breathable deodorization, dehumidification, and shock-absorption. Every step is a fresh step.
These multi-purpose athletic shoes good for hiking, walking, travelling and outdoor sports. You will be so impressed with these shoes. Plus, a unique design will let you stand out from the crowd – be ready to get many compliments out of them! The TFO California are among the best hiking shoes for men.
Pros
- plus Durable nylon mesh upper
- plus Great breathability
- plusGood grips and shock absorption
Cons
- close None
Tech Specs:
- Rubber outsole+leather and nylon upper
- Imported
- Anti fur leather
- checkRubber sole
- checkPerformance anti fur leather and durable nylon mesh upper. Protective rubber toe cap.
- checkRubber First-grip outsole : non-slip, bites into all types of terrain well and swallows rough terrain
- checkRemovable insole, TFO ECO blended EVA foam air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, zonal arch and heel support, 5mm lug dept
- checkHeel measures approximately ONE inch . Breathable mesh lining, nylon arch shank. Closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out.
Xero Shoes Daylight Hiker Lightweight Hiking Boot for Men
Like we said, most of your hikes don’t need a big, stiff, heavy, technical hiking boot. These are some of the best hiking shoes for men. Furthermore, most hiking boots don’t let your foot bend, move, flex and feel the world… that is, not until the DayLite Hiker perfect for day hikes and casual wear, the DayLite Hiker is built with a foot-first design and natural movement philosophy.
A natural fit and wide toe boxes allow you to spread your feet out and relax. A zero drop non-elevated heel helps to promote proper posture. Natural motion is equally important. Flexible soles allow your feet to bend and flex with ease; a low to the ground design helps with both balance and agility.
Tech Specs:
- Lightweight performance and comfort
- Barefoot-Inspired FeelTrue rubber sole
- Lightweight minimalist design – Men's 9 is just 10.2 ounces each. 6mm FeelTrue sole with optional 2mm cushioned insole
- checkComfortable, foot-first natural shape – Wide toe boxes let your toes spread and relax. Zero-drop, non-elevated sole for proper posture
- checkDurable- water-resistant ballistic mesh upper with ToughTech toe cap. FeelTrue sole has a 5,000 mile warranty
- checkSecure and Confident – the flexible sole lets your foot connect and respond to the terrain, dual-Chevron treads give great grip, and the adjustable heel and instep straps hold you in place
- check
The DayLite Hiker runs small. We recommend ordering 1 full size larger than your normal shoe size. Of course, if this isn't correct, you can exchange it for the right size.
Pros
- plus Minimalist style
- plus Wide toe box
- plusLightweight and comfortable
- plusGood grips
Cons
- close Runs small
- Not actually waterproof
RAX Men's Quick Drying Slip-Resistant Aqua Water Hiking Shoes
This quick-dry anti-slip upstream shoe is one of our favorite styles. There are so many factors that set it apart from the rest. First, it has double-slope drainage. the triangular hole on sole's side can drain away water， and enhance air convection, quick dry. A hollow insole also can dry the water quickly and provide good permeability.
In addition, the shoe is built for maximum comfort. The cushioning EVA midsole comes with high density EVA material and a triangular design. It can improve stability by up to 30%, elevate damping capacity by 20%. A quick lace-up system offers an easy fastener to keep your feet from sliding around when you’re adventuring in the great outdoors.
You can take these shoes anywhere. A rubber slip-resistant outsole is wear-resistant, similar to a car’s tire. The polygon lugs make it antiskid too – perfect for outdoor walking and exploring. These are some of the best hiking shoes for men.
Tech Specs:
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole provide exceptional traction in wet and slippery conditions
- checkShoe toe wrapped by rubber and TPU,for good toe protection
- checkMulti-use,perfect for water hiking, also available for daily walking in summer
- checkBreathable and durable air mesh upper allow the foot to breathe
- checkQuick dry material and hole on the sole and keep your feet dry
Pros
- plus Lightweight
- plus Water flows out of them easily
- plusThey look like regular sneakers
- plusGreat airflow and comfort
- plusSolid support
- plusEasy to clean
Cons
- close Takes a long time to dry
Merrell Men's Moab Edge Hiking Shoe
Enjoy the Moab Edge. Merrell believes that nothing should get in the way of enjoying active outdoor adventures. Merrell hiking boots, trail running shoes and apparel are built on Merrell’s outdoor heritage, quality and performance. The Moab Edge Hiking Shoe offers nothing less.
Vibram lug patterns provide stability in all conditions, with no lugs placed under the arch, so your foot flexes more naturally for greater comfort. Expect sure traction on both wet and dry surfaces in even the most extreme temperatures. Long-lasting M Select Fresh prevents sweat and moisture from affecting the freshness of your shoes. Our antimicrobial agents penetrate and disrupt the reproduction of the odor causing microbes in your shoes.
Tech Specs:
- Mesh upper
- Imported
- Vibram sole
- checkLace-up hiking shoe featuring breathable mesh upper with bellows tongue and rear pull loop
- checkBreathable mesh lining
- checkEVA contoured footbed with odor control
- checkVibram tc5 plus outsole
Pros
- plus Lightweight and comfortable fit
- plus Breathable mesh upper
- plusSecure fit
- plusEVA contoured footbed with odor control
Cons
- close None
Teva Men's M Arrowood Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Enter an adventure-seeking trail sneaker with style. cMen’s Teva Arrowood Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review is waterproof and super comfortable, featuring the featherweight comfort of floatlite technology, the new foam construction that’s both ultralight and durable.
Teva is an authentic icon in the outdoor industry. Founded in the early 1980's by a Colorado River guide, Teva pioneered the sport-sandal category. For more than 20 years on rivers, in canyons, and across the trails of the great outdoors, athletes and enthusiasts have traveled the globe comfortably and confidently in Teva footwear. Providing positive contributions to the world in which they play is at the core of everything Teva stands for.
The Teva name itself is a Hebrew word meaning “nature” and the hand logo is the Hopi symbol for “friendship” and “water.” Teva supports the outdoor athletic lifestyle and remains committed to innovation in outdoor performance footwear, the platforms which carry enthusiasts beyond the offices of the day-to-day and onto the rivers, trails, and canyons of the next adventure. These are some of the best hiking shoes for men.
Tech Specs:
- Leather
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- checkWaterproof hiking shoe featuring reinforced toe and heel counter
- checkLace-up closure
- checkFront and back pull loops
- checkFloat-lite midsole and outsole
- checkPU removable sockliner
Pros
- plus Waterproof
- plus Durable lace up closure
- plusPU removable sockline
Cons
- close More like a sneaker in style than a hiking shoe
Quansi Men’s Mesh Breathable Hiking Shoes
QANSI cares deeply about providing all consumers with comfort, fit and style that will stand up to countless daily activities. That's why the brand continues to develop footwear that provides stability and support. The company's innovative designs are engineered with top-quality, tested materials and then extra-cushioning insoles are added to enhance comfort and feel. The uppers are carefully constructed to fit, perform and look great, and the overall result is well-thought-out footwear that contributes to happy, healthy feet.
These training shoes are comfortable, breathable, non-slip, and waterproof. Slide them easily on and off. Non-marking and strap easy on/off design, a mesh upper allows your feet to breathe, helping to keep them cool and comfortable during intense periods of training. The lacing system provides a snug and secure fit. They are also foldable. Flexible and lightweight, they are convenient to carry and keep for outdoor or any sports. Last but certainly not least, they are easy to clean.
Tech Specs:
- Fabric sole
- Material Quality: 100% Seamless, 100% Polyester microfiber, High quality fabric+synthetic leather uppers coolmax extreme and Dries quickly, Non-mesh, Don't let sand into the shoes.
- Durable and unique anti-slip rubber soles.
- checkDegree of Comfort: Strengthen toes, collision avoidance and widen out to protect your foots tiptoe. Super lightweight and low top, Lace up and slip-on style allows for easy wear and removal. Breathable, deodorization and antibiosis insoles.
- checkEffective for drainage and thermolysis to give your feet more comfortable and soft.
- checkDouble Design: Double density flexible design for outsole and bottom to enlarge buffering effect, better than barefoot for summer outdoor sports, Natural grassland, Floor, Plastic track, Hard ground.
- checkMultifunctional: Perfect for water park, kayaking, surfing, beach volleyball, pilates, weight training, wakeboarding, sailing, parasailing, boating, windsurfing, cycling, jogging, and more.
- checkAmphibious shoes which can make sure you can enjoy your life in land or in water.
- checkA well-fitting multifunctional water shoes can bring more enjoy to your life,so please choose the correct size according your own actual foot length.
Pros
- plus Soles are thicker than Merrells
- plus Flexible shoe
- plusGreat workmanship
- plusNice fit
Cons
- close None
RAX Men's Lightweight Trekking Hiking Shoes
While hiking outdoor, you need to walk a lot under harsh elements of great outdoor. Choosing a durable and comfortable is very important. Achieve more and go further with the RAX men’s lightweight trekking hiking shoes. With a slip-resistant rubber outsole, the bottom features triangle lugs with great traction and grip beyond the deeply.
They’re also durable and offer great shock absorption. While hiking outdoors, you need to be able to walk in some harsh elements. Anti-collision shoe double toe protection wraps around your toes and adds support to the overall shoe. For a more relaxed and safe walking,this mid women hiker features a compression molded EVA midsole for additional cushioning.
Tech Specs:
- Rubber
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- checkPlatform measures approximately 1.25″
- checkLightweight hiking shoe featuring suede leather upper with breathable lycra material and adjustable lace-up vamp
- checkPadded tongue and collar keep debris out
- checkAntiskid multi-directional traction rubber outsole
- checkLightweight shoes with cushioning EVA midsole
- checkAnti-collision shoe toe double protection
Pros
- plus Very comfortable
- plus Good grips
- plusToe protection
Cons
- close Not waterproof
- Not very rugged
Louechy Men's Ponrea Mesh Hiking Shoes
Louechy clearly understands the great importance of shoes having breathability in hot weather. So, they designed the Ponrea Mesh Hiking Shoes. They combined the mesh textile uppers and rubber soles to create an flexible shoes, excellent breathability and good flexibility provides all-day comfort. The shoe wraps around the feet for comfort that’s as close as you can get to being barefoot. Embark on a fantastic outdoor journey this summer with PONREA Mesh Hiking Shoes.
Enjoy excellent breathability. The hexagonal mesh textile has a large aperture. This is built to make you feel more comfortable in hot weather. Integrated protection is offered by way of the toe bumper and heel counter. A soft rubber heel offers support and a flexible wide range of full motion. The rubber sole is both flexible and durable, offering a free bending pattern for increased comfort. On the surface, directional pattern texture offers increased traction and durability on both wet and dry surfaces.
Tech Specs:
- Rubber sole
- Mesh textile uppers.
- Featuring toe bumper and heel counter construction.
- checkWith the stretchy speed lacing to adjust tightness as you wish.
- checkThe mesh textile uppers are lightweight and super breathable, allow the feet to breathe.
- checkRubber outsole has directional pattern texture for maximum grip. Soft insole for shock absorption and cushioning.
Pros
- plus Comfortable wet or dry
- plus Light and comfortable
- plusQuick to dry
- plusGood support
Cons
- close Back of shoe rubs ankle
Common Questions
Check out these other articles on what to bring and handy tips for hiking:
- The Best Hiking Socks for Any Season
- What to Wear Hiking: Essentials for Any Day On the Trail
- Nathan #020 HPL Hydration Running Backpack Review
Invest In the Best Hiking Shoes for Men
We hope you enjoyed reading our article on the best hiking shoes for men. As you can see, men’s hiking shoes are moving away from large, bulky styles and more towards sleek, lightweight ones that are more easy to manage. Unless you are embarking on an extremely difficult hike out in the elements, more often than not, you do not need heavy duty hiking shoes.
A sturdy pair of durable shoes with a supportive toe box and good treads will work out well. In addition, it is also a good idea to make sure the shoes are non-slip on wet or uneven surfaces. Do you have a favorite pair from our list of the best hiking shoes for men? Let us know in the comment section below.
Questions and Comments
Do you have any questions or comments for us? If so, let us know in the comment section below. We will be sure to get back with you soon.
Related Article:Best Hiking Sandals For Your Adventures
Danielle Dougall
Danielle Dougall is a photographer, avid writer, and traveler. Hailing from the rainy city of Seattle, WA she now lives in southern California where she enjoys longboarding, hiking, coffee shop hopping, and dreaming up destinations for her next international trip.
