The 11 Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots

5

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Salomon’s Quest 4 is our top pick for hiking boots, with a long list of useful features. A heavier boot with durable outsoles and deep lugs, the Quest 4 is at its best when backpacking challenging terrain and inclines but is also comfortable enough for everyday hikes. And there’s hardly any break-in time, thanks to a midsole that flexes with your foot's stride.

The boot is designed with wings on the sides of the midsole that securely cradle the foot, while lace locks perfect the fit. Hitting high above the ankle with a padded, flexible cuff, our tester found it excels in heel and ankle support (even on steep inclines with a heavy load), rating it a 5 out of 5 for stability and support.

The interior upper has fewer seams, which prevented rubbing and blisters during test hikes. On wet days, the waterproof construction prevented leaks to keep our hiker’s feet dry. They noted, however, that the heavy-duty weather protection tends to trap heat, so it’s not an ideal boot for hot hikes. 

Testing Notes: “These are great boots. Incredibly durable and really well put together, plus they look great. They’re especially good when trekking up and down steep dirt and gravel trails.”

Regardless, we think the Quest 4 is well worth the price based on its perfect ratings in comfort, protection, traction, and support.

Price at time of publication: $230

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Nubuck leather, nylon | Height: Hits above ankle | Waterproof: Yes | Insulated: No | Weight (Pair): 2.9 pounds | Closure: Speed hook laces, lace locks}

Best Budget

Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot

5

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Cushioning
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

The Moab 3 is comfortable from the first step to miles of incline, which is a major game-changer according to experts like Rasmussen. It offers protection and support for hikes and light backpacking excursions at a budget-friendly price. This boot performs well in warm weather with its mesh ventilation but isn’t ideal for wet or swampy conditions since it’s not waterproof. 

With a padded but flexible collar, a thick tongue, and a shock-absorbing air cushion in the heel, these are comfortable straight out of the box. We also like that the Moab 3 feels wider than others on our list, according to our tester, making them ideal for anyone with wide feet. They even come in a wide width, in case you need room to add inserts, like insoles for flat feet.

Testing Notes: “These are solid yet comfortable hiking boots that I can tell will be long-lasting. They got me up and down steep dirt trails easily because of their natural traction.”

On the trail, this boot scored a 5 out of 5 in cushioning and comfort. The upper and midsole don’t cause friction even as you venture off the trail, earning the Moab 3 a 5 out of 5 for blister protection. Your toes are protected by a firm rubber toe cap, and our tester thought they’d be durable enough for many hikes to come. Deep, 5-millimeter lugs in the sole provide solid traction, and a molded arch in the midsole offers stability.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Pig suede leather, mesh | Height: Hits at ankle | Waterproof: No | Insulated: No | Weight (Pair): 2.02 pounds | Closure: Speed hook laces}

Best Waterproof

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  4/5
• Value
  4.7/5
• Cushioning
  4/5
• Traction
  4/5

A supportive boot built for backpacking technical terrain, Lowa’s Renegade GTX will keep you dry and warm as you take on the road less traveled. Slightly insulated, the thin, moisture-repellent leather upper breathed well during tests. While expensive, these boots are designed to handle it all—meaning you’ll just need one pair, no matter where you’re off-roading.

Even when fully submerged, the gusseted tongue and GORE-TEX lining kept our tester’s feet perfectly dry, scoring a 5 out of 5 for water resistance. Back on the trail, we were impressed by how this boot’s perforated footbed released heat and sweat, making these a good choice for long hikes.

Testing Notes: “There are a couple of things to keep in mind when trying on hiking boots. First, try boots on at the end of the day because your feet tend to swell throughout the day, and they will most likely do so as you’re hiking as well. Second, bring socks that you plan on hiking in when you try on boots because they may be a little thicker than normal socks.” 

The solid outsoles can feel heavy, and the midsole is stiffer compared to others on the list. But this makes the Renegade GTX grippy and supportive enough to handle rocks, snow, and dirt, earning a 5 out of 5 for traction and stability. We also love that they have speed hook lacing for a quick, customized fit. Though our tester noted that the boots run slightly narrow, they come in three widths. 

Price at time of publication: $245

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Nubuck leather | Height: Hits above ankle | Waterproof: Yes | Insulated: Light insulation | Weight (Pair): 2.4 pounds | Closure: Speed hook laces}

Best for Winter

Columbia Bugaboot III Snow Boot

4.7

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Columbia’s Bugaboot III is our pick for a hiking boot that has enough warmth and traction to excel in cold temperatures. Designed for adaptable, multi-terrain winter performance, they boast thermal insulation, seam-sealed lining, and complete waterproofing. Their plush, padded collar, gusseted tongue, and tall profile kept snow and water out, earning this boot a perfect 5 out of 5 in waterproofing during testing. We recommend sizing up in these boots, especially if you plan on wearing thick socks, since our tester found that they may run small and narrow.

The Buggaboot features a removable, cushioned insole that absorbs shock, plus a multi-directional, anti-slip sole that will keep you grounded. Protective rubber extends up the reinforced toe and up the back into a heel brake for ultimate traction—a key feature to look for when shopping for shoes for walking on ice. This pair scored a perfect 5 out of 5 in traction and stability with our tester, who also noted that the boots won’t mark up floors when you come in from the cold.

Testing Notes: “As soon as I put them on, I felt like my feet were in a pillow. Very well cushioned, warm, and cozy, though they seem to run slightly small—especially if you wear thick socks in the winter. They’re well-constructed and very durable in order to handle snow. I’d recommend these for anyone living in colder and snowier climates for hiking or day-to-day use during the winter.”

They also weigh less than most of the other pairs on our list. Other standout features include a lace-up closure, which stays securely tied. But since these boots lack a speed lacing system, they may be tough to adjust while wearing gloves or mittens. 

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Waterproof leather, synthetic | Height: Hits above ankle | Waterproof: Yes | Insulated: Yes | Weight (Pair): 1.53 pounds | Closure: Laced eyelets}

Best Lightweight

Altra Men's Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid Hiking Boots

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  4/5
• Value
  4/5
• Cushioning
  4/5
• Traction
  5/5

Altra’s modern Lone Peak ALL-WTHR hiking boot is a watertight kick that is remarkably lightweight and comfortable for short day hikes. The boot's responsive midsole and zero-drop platform scored a 4 out of 5 for stability and support. During tests, the wide toe box allowed our tester’s toes to relax and spread out, making these a great pick for those with wider feet. However, since the upper is waterproof, the fabric may feel too stiff for some hikers who want a more flexible lightweight boot.

The grippy outsole performs well on soft, muddy, and snowy trails due to the wide-spaced lugs, earning these boots a 5 out of 5 for traction. On the trail, the inner weatherproof bootie kept feet ultra-dry, breathed well, and conformed to the foot and ankle once tied, scoring a 5 out of 5 for waterproofing and comfort. 

Testing Notes: “The minimalist design makes for great trail feedback. It feels like the shoe is designed to benefit from how the body naturally functions, with the flexing of the foot and ankle.”

Weighing just under 2 pounds, these minimal boots felt “like wearing a hiking sock with a rubber sole,” according to our tester. But while we like the mid-height, flexible ankle collar and comfortable midsole, they can present a challenge for long, tough treks. 

Price at time of publication: $170

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Fabric, nylon | Height: Hits above ankle | Waterproof: Yes | Insulated: No | Weight (Pair): 1.87 pounds | Closure: Speed hook laces}

Best for Wide Feet

KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  4/5
• Value
  4.5/5
• Cushioning
  4/5
• Traction
  5/5

For hikers who need more space in their footbeds, we recommend Keen’s Targhee III, a spacious and supportive boot with room for feet to spread out for optimal comfort. With the comfort of an everyday shoe, the construction of the midsole, outer, and upper materials make this boot both flexible and sturdy. Lots of ankle cushioning gently supports, while the lacing system includes a strap that wraps around the heel for a customized fit. 

The trade-off to such collar comfort and flexibility, however, is that this boot lacks the padding that hikers with heavy packs often need. Scoring this boot a 4 out of 5 for cushioning and support, our tester found this boot better for everyday hikes.

Still, we think this pair has enough durability for many day hikes to come, thanks to the 4-millimeter lugged traction, toe and mudguards, and leather upper. And odor control technology will keep your feet fresh and dry, even in warm weather.

Price at time of publication: $175

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Oiled nubuck leather, mesh | Height: Hits above ankle | Waterproof: Yes | Insulated: No | Weight (Pair): 2.5 pounds | Closure: Speed hook laces}

Best for Narrow Feet

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boots

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Cushioning
  4.5/5
• Traction
  3.5/5

For narrow feet, we recommend La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor II boot. Lightweight and flexible, this boot offers ample protection for backpacking diverse terrain. This pair was comfortable and sturdy on test hikes, with molded, cushioned midsoles that earned a 4 out of 5 for comfort and a 4.5 out of 5 for stability. The Ultra Raptor also has ankle mudguards to keep debris out, although it’s a flexible shoe that isn’t as supportive as others on our list. 

We do love how the grippy, rubber outsoles of these boots offer good traction on slick, uneven terrain. Anyone who has ever done core training on balance boards can appreciate the need for good traction on unstable surfaces. During tests, our hiker also mentioned that the midsole and heel felt well-bolstered, with good shock absorption on a variety of surfaces. The ankle collar has a built-in gaiter with a convenient pull tab for slipping the boots on and off.

When it came to waterproofing, our tester found that the lining and mesh upper let air in while keeping moisture out—keeping his feet dry on his hike through fresh streams, mud, and a waterfall. “Running water completely immersed the shoes three-quarters of the way up the heel,” he said. “I experienced no soaking or moisture for the remainder of the hike.” 

Testing Notes: “Compared to competitors, I felt that the soles, grip, traction, and materials are of high quality and are particularly useful for me. My wife and I take many trips to National Parks and encounter terrain from dry desert sand and rocks to Colorado mountaintops and snow-covered peaks and everything in between. I feel that the shoe shines in terms of its versatility.”

Some hikers note that this boot runs small and narrow, making the Ultra Raptor II an ideal option for those with narrow feet. 

Price at time of publication: $199

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Synthetic | Height: Hits above ankle | Waterproof: Yes | Insulated: No | Weight (Pair): 2.1 pounds | Closure: Speed hook laces}

Best for Summer

Merrell Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot

4.8

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When temperatures rise, stay cool and dry in this well-ventilated boot by Merrell. The Moab 2 Vent’s mesh lining breathes and evaporates sweat quickly to stifle bad odors. Our tester noticed that his feet felt less tired due to this shoe’s firm midsole, stable, contoured arch, and impact-absorbing air pocket underneath the heel. Like running shoes for bad knees, these are designed to provide the right support to protect your joints with each stride.

The ankle is amply cushioned—however, the supportive heel may feel too high for some hikers. This shoe is super grippy, thanks to its 5-millimeter lug sole. It performed perfectly for our hiker, who called the sole a “total beast,” scoring it a 5 out of 5 for traction. 

Testing Notes: “The entire shoe really draws functionality from the sole. Initially, when I walked in them, I wasn’t crazy about how rigid and thick the sole was—but it was sneakily more flexible than I first thought. I felt very comfortable and firm walking at a fast pace downhill, which is typically where I would feel instability.”

Lightweight and comfortable out of the box, we love the Moab 2 Vent boot for its value and performance. Just note that while water-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof. 

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Suede, mesh | Height: Hits above ankle | Waterproof: No | Insulated: No | Weight (Pair): 2.2 pounds | Closure: Speed hook laces}

Best All-Terrain

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boot

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Cushioning
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

If you’re looking for lightweight trail boots that can carry you from a casual tour to long-haul journeys, we recommend these Salomon boots. The X Ultra 4 is stable and grippy, with multidirectional lugs that are perfect for taking on steep inclines. It’s also GORE-TEX lined for waterproof protection.

Tongue gussets keep annoying debris out, while mudguards and rubber toe caps protect against obstacles like rocks and tree roots. The drawback to iron-clad water protection? It didn’t breathe as well as other options and created some hot spots, scoring a 4 out of 5 in blister protection during test hikes.

The Ultra 4 impressed our tester with its comfort and support, even on long-distance hikes. A lace strap chassis secures the foot with a custom fit, further improving the stability of this trail-runner boot hybrid. We like the spacious toe box and heel stabilization, which make this boot feel like it can take on a demanding day out. However, it may not have enough support for hikers with very heavy packs. 

Price at time of publication: $200

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Textile, synthetic | Height: Hits above ankle | Waterproof: Yes | Insulated: No | Weight (Pair): 1.87 pounds | Closure: Speed hook laces}

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Oboz Men's Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Cushioning
  4/5
• Traction
  5/5

Long hikes can be excruciating if you are prone to plantar fasciitis pain, so it is crucial to choose footwear that offers firm support in the heel counter and midsoles, like these boots by Oboz. The supportive arch, comfortable foam cushioning, and snug heel counter in the Oboz Bridger boot help keep your foot stable to limit pain and irritation. 

Our hiker put this boot to the test by traversing rocks, underbrush, and branches. He felt fully protected, scoring the Bridger a 5 out of 5 for support, cushioning, and blister protection. He also observed less fatigue than after wearing other hiking boots, even when he upped his mileage and terrain difficulty. 

Testing Notes: “Over sharp rocks, through streams, and undergrowth, the traction remained excellent. The insoles and laces maintained a firm grip on the foot without discomfort, preventing blisters.”

Equipped with 4-millimeter multidirectional lugs on the outsole and protective footplates, this pair is sturdy enough for slick and rugged routes. Our tester noted that the water-repellant leather locked out moisture while the inner mesh lining remained breathable. You may want to order up a half size since these otherwise comfortable boots may run small. 

Price at time of publication: $190

^{Key Specs:
Upper: Nubuck leather | Height: Hits above ankle | Waterproof: Yes | Insulated: No | Weight (Pair): 2.4 pounds | Closure: Speed hook laces}