The 5 Best Hiking Boots for Men That Are Lightweight, Durable and Waterproof
Updated: Feb. 29, 2024
These hiking boots for men were made for walking, running and climbing the toughest terrains—and that's just what they'll do.
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Hiking boots for men are one of the most essential pieces of equipment for outdoor enthusiasts. When looking for hiking boots, find a pick that’s lightweight enough not to slow you down, waterproof for hiking in rainy climates, durable enough to take on all types of terrain and, of course, comfortable.
Finding the right pair, however, is easier said than done. But you don’t need a headlamp to find your way to that unicorn of a boot. We’ve found the best hiking boots for men to add to your outdoor gear.
The Best Hiking Boots for Men
- Best Overall: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
- Best Budget: Columbia Trailstorm Peak Mid Hiking Boot
- Best Waterproof: Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof
- Best Lightweight: Altra Lone Peak 7
- Best for Rough Terrain: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II
Best Overall Hiking Boot
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Behold: The ultimate hiking boot for men is the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX. It has the durability you need for scrambling or mastering more technical hiking routes, thanks to the polyurethane-coated leather upper. And yet somehow each shoe weighs less than 1 pound, so it feels more like a trail runner than a boot. These hiking boots are also flexible, which works comes in handy for winding paths.
The Gore-Tex waterproofing technology is developed by the same company that made insulated cables for the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the All Terrain Contagrip keeps its stability on any terrain. Consider this pair a no-brainer as a gift for hikers of all kinds.
Pros
- Suitable for all terrains
- Weighs less than 1 pound per shoe
- Available in five colors
- Comes in half sizes
Cons
- Not very flexible
Best Budget Hiking Boot
Columbia Trailstorm Peak Mid Hiking Boots
For a wallet-friendly price, the Columbia Trailstorm Peak Mid Hiking Boots have a lace webbing system to keep your foot secure and stable, a toe cap to protect from rock strikes and a waterproof membrane to keep feet dry. This option lets you save money on outdoor gear and still get a high-quality product.
The midsole is one of our favorite features, because it’s padded enough to keep your feet comfortable, but responsive enough to give you the bounce you need to reach any summit. Speaking of comfort, you might also like to check out these Allbird trail runner shoes.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Extremely waterproof
- Mesh upper provides ventilation
- Appropriate for casual or technical wear
Cons
- Only available in two colors
- Only available in one half size
Psst—The Tifosi sunglasses, made for durability and sport, will be your go-to pair for hiking!
Best Waterproof Hiking Boot
Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof
If you’re planning on chasing waterfalls or sticking to the rivers and lakes you’re used to, you’ll want to bring the Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof boot with you on your journey. The patented Keen Dry technology is one of the most trusted in the outdoor space and is generally much more breathable than other waterproofing methods.
This pair tends to dry much quicker than other hiking boots, and the traction works for most types of terrains. With an added odor control feature, you can feel better about kicking off your boots once you reach your vehicle.
Pros
- Best waterproofing technology on the market
- Has an odor control feature
- Responsive midsole
- Available in size 7 to 17
Cons
- Not very flexible
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot
Altra Lone Peak 7
The Altra Lone Peak 7 isn’t technically a hiking boot, yet there are features that make it a smart pick for anyone looking for a lightweight trail runner on the weekends. The lace-up closure provides a snug foot hug and the TrailClaw lugs placed near the toes grip onto most types of terrains.
With an 11-ounce weight, these shoes help you fly through hills while protecting against most of the elements. The breathable upper keeps your feet comfortable for those long-distance hikes.
Pros
- Only weighs 11 ounces
- TrailClaw lugs for traction
- Available in five colors
- Comes in sizes 7 to 15
Cons
-
Better for trails than technical hikes
Best Hiking Boot for Rough Terrain
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II
If a hiking boot had a child with a trail running shoe, it would be the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II. A darn tough rock guard encompasses the entire shoe with weatherproof technology, and a microfiber mudguard and lacing harness ensure you don’t trip.
The bottom of the shoe has 4.5-millimeter lugs that act more like angled spikes, which is particularly useful on inclines and muddy paths. The foot hug is also second to none—adding an extra layer of stability over other hiking boots for men.
Pros
- Rock guard encompasses entire shoe
- Designed for all terrains
- Keeps your foot secure
- Only available in two colors
Cons
-
Most expensive boot on this list
What to Consider When Buying Hiking Boots for Men
The three main things you want to consider when buying hiking boots for men are durability, weight and waterproof technology. If you hike very rough terrains while carrying multiple pounds of equipment, you’ll want a more durable shoe. But if you’re sticking to established trails, a lightweight shoe would be best.
Choosing waterproof shoes is smart if you expect to cross any bodies of water or if there’s rain in the forecast. Most of the best hiking boots for men try to combine these three factors into one.
- Durable: These hiking boots are the best picks for people who encounter rocks or rough terrain that might cause some wear and tear. They also take the brunt of the damage to protect your feet.
- Lightweight: Hiking boots that are lightweight feel more like running shoes, so they don’t slow down hikers. These are a solid pick for established trails or walks in the park, but shouldn’t be used for rock scrambling or technical hiking routes.
- Waterproof: Depending on the terrain, you might want to invest in a hiking boot with special waterproof technology to keep your socks and feet dry at all times.
How We Found the Best Hiking Boots for Men
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Should hiking boots be tight or loose?
Hiking boots should feel comfortable, though it’s better for them to be a bit tighter. You want your foot to remain secure at all times during your hike, and a loose hiking boot may cause your feet to slip out.
Is there a difference between hiking and walking boots?
Yes. Hiking boots have features to protect against rocks, muddy terrain, water and other elements. Walking boots are primarily focused on comfort.
Originally Published: May 04, 2023
