Top 5 Tested Best Hiking Shoes for Men in 2023
Are you searching for top hiking footwear around? Choosing the perfect fit is the most important gear decision. The best hiking shoes must be comfortable, durable, lightweight, supportive, waterproof, and traction with every step along the trail. Best hiking shoes for men keep your ankles secure, and feet dry over the long miles.
Do you need shoes with good traction? We used the customer’s experience in this article to help you find the best hiking shoes for your needs. Nike, JD, Amazon, and Walmart are the biggest sports and outdoor online stores worldwide, with annual e-commerce net sales referring to the market growth. Below is the list of our favorite best men’s hiking shoes of 2023, from ultra options to more supportive ones.
- Best overall: Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoe
- Best budget shoes: Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Hiking Shoe
- Best ultralight: KEEN Men’s Voyageur Low-Height Hiking Shoes
- Best speed: Jack Wolfskin Men’s High-Rise Hiking Shoes
- Best shoes for technical trails: Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes
1. Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoe
If you are a beginner at harsh trail hiking, then these waterproof hiking shoes are perfect for you. For over a decade, hiking shoes Merrel have been the best choice for hikers around the world. It is a famous brand due to its all-purpose versatility, durability, and out-of-the-box comfort. Till now, its predecessors have enabled twenty million people to step further outdoors.
Moab 3 has the property of partially recycled fabrics and features a supportive insole, a softer cushioned midsole, and a more grip outsole. When you experience Moab 3 you can realize why Moab stands for “mother of all boots.”
Features
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- 100% recycled
- Protective toe cap
- Recycled mesh lining
- Bellows tongues keep you out of the debris
- Pigskin leather and breathable mesh upper
Why we love
- Super comfortable
- Solid grip
- Affordable
- Fits various foot shapes
- Fantastic cushioning
Why we don’t love
- Not sleek-looking
- Heavier than average
2. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Hiking Shoe
You will be surprised to know you can get durable hiking shoes even at a low price. Columbia hiking shoes are one of America’s top outdoor sportswear. Their suspiciously cheap Newton ridge shoes are exceedingly popular and high-rated. These best waterproof hiking shoes can meet your needs under budget. These classic footwears are the best companion for a rigorous day out on the trail.
Columbia has two promises with shoes regarding the quality and the material for creating men’s footwear. This lightweight boot features a leather exterior and advanced traction outsole that gives you versatile protection from trail to the mountain range and prevents you from slipping. Customer reviews show that these pairs of shoes are really awesome. You can buy them with no regret.
Features
- Imported
- Supportive cushioning
- PU-coated leather, and mesh upper
- Lightweight midsole for long-lasting comfort
- Waterproof breathable seam-sealed construction
Why we love
- Build for comfort
- Enhanced impact absorption
- Ensure versatile protection and prevention
- Traction technology provides stability for all-terrain.
- Perfect for miles over rock, gravel, grass, and roots
Why we don’t love
- Not good for heavy-duty, a landscaper or construction worker
3. KEEN Men’s Voyageur Low-Height Hiking Shoes
Keen’s handsome voyageur is super for outdoor shoe men in summer with a simple mesh lining. Voyageur like, its cousin, Targhee, offers you the same stability and four-wheel drive traction minus the waterproof barrier. These hiking shoes are somewhat cooler in summer than other waterproof-lining shoes.
People with low-volume feet can love this spacious toebox which provides you with ample room. You may find the fit more appealing if you have large and wider feet. These shoes are for trail hiking and for day hikes.
Features
- 100% fabric
- Rubber sole
- Imported
- Patented toe protection
- Multi-direction lugs for traction
- Removable footbed with arch
Why we love
- Durable
- Versatile
- Comfortable
- High breathability level
- Moisture-wicking mesh lining
Why we don’t love
- Absence of a waterproof barrier
4. Jack Wolfskin Men’s High-Rise Hiking Shoes
When you are wearing Force Striker, you can walk on loose scree, slippery steam beds, and rocky paths. These best men’s hiking shoes have a unique sole design that provides you with excellent support and eases the strain on your feet. Its innovative force plate in the forefoot is responsible for stability and can give you a dynamic ride.
You consume less energy due to the soft reflex foam in the midsole, which gives you excellent cushioning. Moreover, the Texapore ecosphere pro membrane makes this boot extremely comfortable, breathable, and waterproof.
Features
- 100% Rubber
- EVA midsole
- Use of force plate
- Wire support
- Texapore membrane
- Synthetic materials
Why we love
- Modern, unique athletic hiking shoe
- Excellent stability and support
- Multi-day hikes for hills and mountains
- Extremely light and comfortable
- Vibram trekking sole
Why we don’t love
- Can cause blister and foot irritation
5. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Shoes
Hiking shoes are known for their excellent properties. When you wear these shoes, you will know exactly why they are so good. Salomon Speedcross 5 is our top pick for traction. It offers you a better grip on both dry and wet rock. We found these shoes best for off-trail technical mountain missions in the alpine tundra and for winter running on snow.
Salomon hiking shoes are ideal shoes where traction is of critical importance. If you wear this on firm dirt surfaces, you can watch how the lugs wear away pretty quickly. Speedcross 5 is a new legend with more grip, more dynamic performance, a refined look, and better stability. So what are you waiting for? Go and grab this offer.
Features
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- Trail running shoes
- Go the distance
- Innovative outdoor sports gear
Why we love
- Highly grippy traction on all terrain
- Wider than its predecessors
- Comfortable right out of the box
Why we don’t love
- Warm
- High heel counter
- Does not breathe or drain water well
Hiking Shoe Buying Guide
How can you choose the best hiking shoes? Here is our advice to help you find the right pair for you. There are various things you must keep in mind while buying the best men’s hiking shoes.
It can be a challenging task with the availability of so many options in the market. To save you from this hassle, we have shortlisted some essential factors to consider while buying the best hiking shoes for men.
Type of Hiking
What type of hiking are you going to do? This is the first question you should ask yourself first in order to choose your hiking shoes. Light shoes are more comfortable, reduce fatigue, and encourage the natural movement of your foot for easy trails.
The more technical the terrain, the more stiffer the outsole can give you more stability. A higher-cut shoe with reinforcement can protect and support your ankle.
Weight
The capacity of your backpack can also influence the choice of your hiking shoes. The footwear you choose for outdoors depends on how long you plan to hike. We recommend you only take your essentials and try to make your backpack as light as possible.
Lightweight shoes can be a good choice for long day hikes, but heavier shoes can provide you the more support and durability. Consider the length and the difficulty of your hikes when choosing the weight of your shoes and backpacks.
Hiking Shoe Features
Try your hiking shoes on to ensure a good fit, even if you are wearing hiking socks. Your heel should fit snugly without slipping, and there should be no discomfort. Look for shoes with good arch and ankle support, especially when you are hiking on uneven terrain.
Shoes with sturdy soles can prevent foot fatigue and injuries. Keep one thing in mind: water-resistant shoes are less breathable. So consider your needs and the climate you are hiking in.
Durability
Hiking shoes can take a beating, so you should consider the materials and construction of the shoes when making your choice. Leather shoes are more durable but may take longer break-ins, while synthetic material shoes are lighter and more flexible.
Mountain boots with good traction, with deep lugs or a sticky rubber sole, can increase durability and provide you with a better grip.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for the best hiking shoes for men, we recommend you find a pair that fits your feet well and provide you with good support.
Shoes with sturdy soles can handle different types of terrain. Ultimately, the best hiking shoes for men depend on individual needs and preferences.