The 8 Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2024

Why We Love It

These lightweight and supportive shoes offer versatile and reliable performance for trail running and hiking alike.

What to Consider

Hoka's thick midsole and heel may not be every hiker's style preference.

In typical Hoka fashion, the Transport Chukka GTX has a casual, sneaker-like design that's suited for urban environs and backwoods trails alike. Less casual, though, is the level of support and performance we noticed during our test hikes and trail runs. We wore these on an eight-mile hike right out of the box and had no break-in issues, blistering, or pain. The cushioned sole and extended sturdy heel kept our feet feeling cloud-like, while the Vibram outsole and deep treads had us feeling confident on varied terrain.

They handled great on loose gravel and smooth surfaces and while going uphill and downhill. The abrasion-resistant toe caps shielded us from stubs, while the lacing system and padded ankle area ensured a secure and comfortable fit. We noted that the Gore-tex lived up to the waterproof claims as well. After standing in water for 20 minutes, our socks and the inside of the shoe were still dry. We also found the shoes to be very easy to slip on and off, thanks to the extended heel and oversized pull tab, without compromising sturdiness and ankle support.

The Details: Size 7-15 | Recycled polyester, leather, EVA, and rubber | 1.8 pounds | Waterproof

Why We Love It

They offer solid traction, support, and protection to conquer more technical trails and terrain.

What to Consider

The thick, durable shoe material isn't the most breathable.

The Danner Panorama Low Hiking Shoes felt comfortable right out of the box. We didn't need any break-in period to start traversing tough terrain. During testing, we immediately noticed the traction on the shoes, which transitioned seamlessly from slippery rocks and pavement to downed trees and paths strewn with pine needles. The hiking shoes offer plenty of protection, too, thanks to the hard rubber outsole that wraps around to reinforce the toe box and base of the foot.

After racking up dozens of miles, the lugs and outsole still looked new, a testament to the quality construction of Danner's hiking shoes. We didn't feel any pinching in the toes over the course of testing, even on declines. The upper suede material effectively repelled water and it felt thick and protective. The only downsides were the overall breathability and the design of the rounded laces which merit replacing with a flatter, grippier variety.

The Details: Size 7-15 (medium and wide) | Suede, leather, EVA, and rubber | 2.1 pounds | Waterproof

Why We Love It

They provide excellent support and protection in a lightweight, waterproof design.

What to Consider

The sturdier soles require some time to break in for optimal comfort.

Merrell's new Moab Speed 2 shoes reimagined the brand's popular hiking boot in a shoe that's geared to both trail running and hiking. Though the shoes took a few wears to break in, we feel like we could do almost any outdoor activity comfortably and with support every step of the way. The midsole uses Merrell's FloatPro foam for cushion and support while the Vibram outsole is fitted with rugged lugs for enhanced traction and shedding debris. We found they handled great across all types of surfaces and terrain, especially gravel.

Despite their light weight, they still feel as sturdy as a heavy-duty pair of hiking boots. We found the ventilated upper part of the shoe kept our feet comfortable, even while testing in the heat of summer. The waterproof design makes them a versatile option for use in different seasons and climates, too.

The Details: Size 7-15 (medium and wide) | Nylon, TPU, mesh, and EVA | 1.5 pounds | Waterproof

Why We Love It

They have great arch support and a soft interior that requires minimal break-in time.

What to Consider

We would like to see a few more colorways to choose from.

The Oboz Katabatic Wind Low Hiking Shoes gave us lasting comfort and plenty of spring in our step. We experienced no discomfort, rubbing, or chafing during our test hikes. They fit true to size and felt sturdy despite their lower profile. Even while wearing during 90-degree heat, our feet never felt hot, thanks to the breathable mesh uppers.

We loved how the carbon fiber plate works with the foam midsole to propel us forward while mitigating strain and fatigue. The traction worked well on loose and slippery surfaces and in shallow water we encountered hiking through creek beds and varied terrain. After our many hikes, the shoes have no signs of rips, tears, or fraying.

The Details: Size 7-14 | Mesh, ACTNitro foam, and rubber | 1.5 pounds

Why We Love It

The strength of the materials and quality construction gives us confidence that these shoes are a long-lasting investment.

What to Consider

The rigid soles took multiple wears to break in.

These hiking shoes are built to last, so the soles are on the firm side, but we were impressed with the overall performance and protection. It took us several miles of hiking for the soles to loosen up, so it may take time getting used to these durable shoes. However, we didn't experience any pinching or chafing while breaking them in. The materials felt very high quality, and there wasn't any noticeable wear or tear after multiple hikes.

The leather exterior is treated for water-repellency that kept our feet dry during testing, yet the mesh fabric on the tongue and sides of the shoe prevented our feet from feeling overly hot while hiking. The rubber outsole is both durable and grippy. At no point during testing did we feel that the shoes were slippery or not up to the task of trail conditions.

The Details: Size 7.5-14 | Leather, nylon, and EVA | 2.8 pounds | Waterproof

Why We Love It

These lightweight shoes kept their grip on wet surfaces and loose terrain.

What to Consider

The shoes aren't available in a wider size.

We felt sure-footed with these waterproof hiking shoes while climbing up and down rocks and fording waterways. The outsole is equipped with Salomon's contagrip technology, which features substantial rubber lugs for traction on varied terrain as well as wet and muddy trails. We noticed the grippy tread on the shoe right away, as well as the lighter weight. Still, they offer solid toe protection for rocky terrain and excellent stability for a lower profile hiking shoe. We found the fit to be true to size and the sole to be supportive and comfortable on extended hikes. Despite its waterproofing, the shoes are breathable, and we didn't feel overheated or sweat more than usual, even in warm July heat.

The Details: Size 7-14 | Leather and rubber | 1.6 pounds | Waterproof

Why We Love It

They provide an ideal balance of traction, stability, and comfort at a budget-friendly price point.

What to Consider

These shoes tend to run more narrow than comparable hiking shoes, so hikers with wide feet may need an extra-wide size.

Known for their running and tennis shoes , Asics delivers a performance-oriented hiking shoe with the Gel-venture 8. They were comfortable from the get-go, providing great support and cushioning from the trail to paved surfaces. We found that the shoes offered great stability, even on uneven terrain. But this narrower, secure fit may be too tight for some, so we suggest going with an extra-wide size for those with wider feet.

Our testing spanned a range of weather conditions, and the shoes offered an ideal balance between warmth and breathability across all temperatures. We haven't noticed much wear and tear from our off-road adventures so far. This all-around performance comes at a reasonable price point, making them a great choice for casual hikers or those looking for a versatile travel shoe .

The Details: Size 7-15 (standard and extra-wide) | Mesh and synthetic sole | 1.4 pounds

Why We Love It

They're breathable, quick-drying, and light for staying nimble and comfortable on trail runs and hikes.

What to Consider

These shoes run about a half-size small, so we recommend sizing up if you're in between sizes.

Shedding unnecessary weight on the trail is music to the ears of seasoned hikers and trail runners. Clocking in at just 1.3 pounds per pair, the La Sportiva Jackal II BOA earned our best lightweight pick. The shoes use BOA tighteners to adjust the lightweight cable laces, making it easy for hikers to dial in their preferred fit. Across 100 miles of testing, the BOA system remained snug and secure throughout each walk, hike, and run. The shoes are exceptionally breathable, and they kept our feet from getting too hot or sweaty during testing. We could simply loosen the BOA tighteners to let our feet breathe at the end of a hike, rather than rushing to swap them for a pair of flip flops . The soles provided excellent traction and the built-in collar kept out rocks and debris. However, we found that the collar made wearing ankle socks with these shoes was a bit uncomfortable, so we switched to a mid-calf hiking sock.

The Details: Size 6-14.5 | Mesh, TPU, microfiber, EVA, and rubber | 1.3 pounds | Waterproof

Others We Liked Arc'teryx Aerios FL 2 Mid GTX Hiking Shoe : This unisex Arc'teryx hiking shoe gives excellent support and comfort in a lightweight design. However, we found that the top of the shoe was a bit bulky and hindered our ability to tighten and adjust the laces quickly.

Hoka Men's Trail Code GTX : Typical of Hoka footwear, these hiking shoes offer a highly cushioned sole and plenty of support. We loved the versatility offered by this lightweight, flexible, and waterproof model, but the mid-ankle design is more characteristic of a boot than a hiking shoe.

Our Testing Process To select the best men's hiking shoes, our expert testers went out on a series of multi-hour hikes around the country. For each test, we began with a thorough inspection of the hiking shoe materials, construction, and design before trying them on at home for an initial break-in period.

Out on the trail, our testers made note of the fit, durability, comfort, and performance for each pair of hiking shoes. This included evaluating features like breathability, arch support, traction, and water-repelling capabilities. We will continue to update this list based on any additional insights from testers, who will continue wearing and testing these hiking shoes or six months.

Tips for Buying Men's Hiking Shoes Look for breathable materials Having some level of ventilation in your hiking shoes is beneficial for keeping feet cool. Hiking footwear with thinner fabrics and mesh components tend to offer greater air flow and breathability. However, breathability comes at the cost of waterproofing, and vice versa. If looking for waterproof hiking shoes , prioritize designs that have a mesh tongue or upper to ensure greater breathability.

Think about waterproofing Waterproofing may be an important consideration, depending on where and when you plan on hiking. Many of the best hiking shoes on this list feature a Gore-tex liner for waterproof protection. Alternatively, shoes may be treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating that needs to be reapplied over time.

As mentioned above, waterproof hiking shoes have reduced breathability. Waterproofing also adds weight. If you plan on hiking in cooler, wetter climates, the added protection against the elements could easily outweigh the drawbacks. Winter hikers will definitely want waterproof shoes, though a hiking boot is a more practical choice given the ankle coverage and support.

Consider your location and physical needs Hiking shoes can offer versatile performance for trail running and long-distance hiking, as well as solid traction on slippery and loose terrain alike. But there are limitations that warrant upgrading to a hiking boot if you're planning to tackle technical terrain or embark on winter hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions Do hiking shoes need arch support?

Arch support is important for preventing sore feet and strain on joints. If the included insoles don't offer optimal arch support, consider swapping them out for more supportive inserts .

How should my hiking shoes fit?

Your hiking shoes should fit snugly and feel supportive without being too tight. It's recommended to have about the width of your index finger between your toes and the front of the hiking shoe. You can test this by pressing your foot to the front of the shoe and checking the space between your heel and the back of the shoe. It's also important that the heel feels secure and in place while walking around.

What is the best material for a hiking shoe?

The best materials depend in part on your preferences: durable vs. lightweight, waterproof vs. breathable, etc. Leather is a durable hiking shoe material, but it takes more time to break in. Synthetic materials, such as nylon, tend to weigh less and be more breathable, but they're more vulnerable to wear and tear.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure Kevin Brouillard is a writer based in upstate New York who specializes in outdoor gear and apparel. He is an avid hiker and used his experience exploring the outdoors as well as testing insights from T+L's other outdoor experts to curate this list of the best hiking shoes for men.

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