Explore the outdoors in comfort and style with these tested and approved hiking shoes for men.

Credit:

Travel + Leisure

Whether backpacking, trail running, or taking leisurely jaunts in the outdoors, having the right pair of hiking shoes can make all the difference. While hiking shoes have a lower profile and less ankle support than hiking boots, they tend to be more lightweight and suitable for staying agile on the trail. When choosing a hiking shoe, I look for a variety of factors including a grippy, lugged outsole, a sufficiently padded midsole, and breathable fabrics with waterproof protection.

We’ve put 32 pairs of men’s hiking shoes to the test during real-world outdoor adventures across multiple seasons. To select the best hiking shoes for men, we tested each shoe over various multi-hour hikes to assess their necessary break-in period, comfort, durability, fit, and performance across different trails and weather conditions. Our overall favorite stood out for its lasting comfort and top-notch performance on all types of terrain. We’ve compiled the top-ranking shoes so you can spend less time shopping around and more time on the trail.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Merrell SpeedArc Matis GORE-TEX at REI Jump to Review Best Breathable: The North Face Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Shoes at REI Jump to Review Best Hybrid: Altra Experience Wild 2 at REI Jump to Review Best Traction: Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX at Amazon $187 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: On Cloudhorizon Waterproof Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex at REI Jump to Review Most Supportive: Merrell Men’s Moab Speed 2 at Amazon $140 Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Oboz Katabatic Wind Low Hiking Shoes at Amazon $185 Jump to Review Most Durable: SALE Scarpa Moraine WP Hiking Shoe at Zappos $179 $142 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Merrell SpeedArc Matis GORE-TEX

Credit: REI View on REI View on Merrell.com View on Basspro.com Why We Love It

• These waterproof shoes blend comfort and rugged performance in a retro style that is ready to wear right out of the box.

What to Consider

• The top-notch performance and innovative features come at a higher price point.

Merrell has thoroughly impressed us with the recently launched Men’s SpeedArc Matis Gore-tex. From the first wear, we were fans of the arch support and padding of the EVA footbed, plus the integrated ventilation holes to enhance air flow. But the speedARC midsole system is where the breakthrough in comfort and performance is most apparent. Working together, two foam layers and Merrell’s FlexPlate technology deliver cushioning and stability to reduce impact and enhance power transfer with each step.

In place of standard laces, the shoes are equipped with a single-pull lacing system that can be adjusted in a few seconds. We found the latch on Merrell’s Speed Lace System to be more secure than versions we’ve seen on other hiking shoes, with no noticeable loosening or slippage. The padded collar works well with the lacing system to achieve a snug, yet comfortable fit. On our test hikes, the Vibram outsoles maintained a solid grip on uneven, loose, and wet surfaces. To that end, the Gore-tex membrane completely trapped out water when submerged. Aside from their standout performance, we’re also fans of the retro style these shoes harken back to. Merrell also makes these shoes in mid-cut and non-waterproof versions.

The Details: Size 7-15 | 1.3 pounds | Mesh and TPU upper, mesh lining, and Vibram outsole | Waterproof

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Best Breathable

The North Face Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Shoes

Credit: The North Face View on REI $135 at Backcountry View on The North Face Why We Love It

• These waterproof shoes kept our feet comfortable and ventilated on hot days and water-bound hikes alike.

What to Consider

• If you need more ankle support, you may want the mid-cut version of these hiking shoes.

Waterproof protection doesn’t come at the cost of breathability with The North Face Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Shoes. The uppers are designed with a combination of leather and mesh that feature the brand’s Dryvent membrane. The permeable coating effectively traps out water while letting air and vapor escape, keeping the feet dry and ventilated. Even on hot summer days, our feet didn’t feel overheated at any point. While trudging through puddles and wet conditions, we found that water rolled off the shoes rather than beading up.

We found the traction to be effective across loose terrain and slick surfaces. The shoes fit true to size and there’s ample room in the toe box to avoid stubbed toes and blisters. While the lacing system was easy to use, we noticed that they came undone easily on the trail if they weren’t double knotted. Though the arch support was solid, the lower cut on these hiking shoes come at the cost of ankle support.

The Details: Size 7-14 | 1.9 pounds | Leather and mesh upper and rubber outsole | Waterproof

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Best Hybrid

Altra Experience Wild 2

Credit: Altra View on REI $140 at Backcountry View on Zappos Why We Love It

• Lightweight and supportive, we felt nimble and confident in these hiking shoes that double as trail runners.

What to Consider

• The low-drop sole and higher heel can take some getting used to.

The Altra Men’s Experience Wild 2 shoes boast versatile functionality for hiking, trail running, and walking alike. We were impressed with how comfortable and fleet-footed we felt on first wear, which entailed a five-hour hike. Though the mesh uppers aren’t waterproof, we found that they didn’t collect much dirt or debris while treading through swampy terrain. The traction was equally adept in muddy conditions, and we found they also performed well on rocky and smooth surfaces.

On descents, the roomy toe box helped avoid any pressure or discomfort. The rocker style of the shoe can take some adjustment if you’re not familiar with the design. After a couple wears, we were confident that it enhanced our stride and reduced pressure on the heel. The thicker sole with this rocker design also dulled the impact of the terrain underfoot during hiking and running.

The Details: Size 7-15 | 1.3 pounds | Mesh upper, EVA foam midsole, and MaxTrac outsole

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The 10 Best Hiking Boot Brands of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Best Traction

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX

Credit: Hoka $187 at Amazon View on REI $180 at Backcountry Why We Love It

• These shoes delivered reliable support and grip to tackle steep and varied terrain.

What to Consider

• It took us several hikes to properly break them in for optimal comfort.

The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Hiking Shoes impressed us with their performance across varied surfaces and trail conditions. The Vibram outsole’s rugged lugs were put to the test on a number of hikes, including a 12-mile trek up a volcanic peak. We found that the traction held up in packed snow, uneven terrain, and loose lava rock. The EVA midsole offered enough cushion to protect our soles against tough terrain underfoot while still providing a firm platform to push off from.

The Anacapa 2 shoes feature Hoka’s signature rocker role, which has an 8mm heel to toe drop to propel hikers forward and reduce strain on the joints. The shoes also boast waterproof materials, so we’re confident these shoes can handle almost any terrain. For the most part, they kept the elements out while still allowing air flow. They did take on some moisture when trekking through snow on our summit trek, but the shoes dried out by the next morning and didn’t retain any odor.

The Details: Size 7-15 | 1.9 pounds | Nubuck leather and recycled mesh upper, EVA midsole, and Vibram outsole | Waterproof

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Best Lightweight

On Cloudhorizon Waterproof Shoe

Credit: On View on Amazon View on REI $180 at Nordstrom Why We Love It

• Between the cushioning and support, these are comfortable without weighing you down.

What to Consider

• The flat laces aren’t the most secure.

True to its name, the On Cloudhorizon Waterproof shoes deliver a lightweight design with airy comfort. The impact of each step was curtailed by the thick Helion superfoam, helping keep our joints and muscles fresh as we racked up the miles. We were impressed by the foam’s responsiveness and the balance it strikes between plush comfort and stability. These features, combined with the lightweight design, gave us plenty of spring in our step.

Though it’s made with breathable mesh that gives them the appearance of a running shoe, the waterproof membrane makes these more trail-ready than first impressions might indicate. The traction held up on slick and uneven surfaces alike, and we didn’t have any moisture seep in while standing in shallow stream beds. Although the flat laces are not the most secure, we appreciate that the Cloudhorizons include an elastic band on the tongue to tuck away tied laces.

The Details: Size 7-14 | 1.6 pounds | Polyester upper and rubber outsole | Waterproof

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Best Value

Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex

Credit: Salomon View on REI $145 at Backcountry View on Zappos Why We Love It

• The durable construction, advanced features, and conformed fit come at a great value.

What to Consider

• The speed lace system tends to loosen and require retightening.

Among the innovative designs and high performers on this list, the Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-tex stood out as a high-value find. We were impressed with the sound construction, from the tight seams to the cushioned midsole and uppers, which effectively formed to our feet. This secure fit, combined with the Contragrip treads, delivered excellent performance on the trail. Across slippery and jagged surfaces, as well as 20 percent grade rock scrambles, we didn’t lose our footing or experience any blisters or pain. The shoes also kept our feet dry during stream crossings and we’ve yet to see any signs of wear or tear. Our only complaint is that the laces are prone to gradually loosening while hiking. That said, readjustment is fairly quick and easy.

The Details: Size 7-14 | 1.6 pounds | Synthetic upper, EVA foam midsole, and rubber compound outsole | Waterproof

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Most Supportive

Merrell Men’s Moab Speed 2

Credit: Merrell $140 at Amazon View on REI $170 at Backcountry Why We Love It

• They provide excellent stability and support for taking on any outdoor activity with comfort and confidence.

What to Consider

• The sturdy soles take a few wears to break in properly.

The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Gore-tex shoes translate the brand’s reputable hiking boots into a nimbler shoe for hitting the trails. The shoes impressed us with their excellent support and traction from the get-go. Merrell’s FloatPro foam midsole cushioned our feet against impact and rough terrain, helping keep fatigue and soreness at bay. We found that the deep lugs on the Vibram outsole were especially grippy on loose gravel, but performed well on all surfaces we encountered.

These lightweight, low-cut shoes proved to be surprisingly sturdy. Between the rigid padded collar and the FlexPlate integrated in the cushioned midsole, the shoes balanced comfort and stability. The Gore-tex membrane effectively trapped out water, making these a versatile option for multi-season use. We also found the ripstop fabric to be durable against wear and tear, and we’re fans of the vibrant color options.

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

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Most Comfortable

Oboz Katabatic Wind Low Hiking Shoes

Credit: Oboz $185 at Amazon View on REI View on Zappos Why We Love It

• They were ready to wear right out of the box and feature great arch support with a soft interior lining.

What to Consider

• We’d appreciate a wider selection of colorways to choose from.

The Oboz Katabatic Wind Low Hiking Shoes kept our feet comfortable amid tough terrain, hot temperatures, and wet conditions. The felt broken in from the start and we’ve yet to experience any discomfort, rubbing, or chafing during our test hikes. While we wore them with hiking socks, the interior feels soft enough to wear these barefoot on shorter journeys.

We appreciated the spring and forward propulsion the carbon fiber plate delivered, helping us tackle steep inclines and minimizing strain on the legs. Even on a 90-degree day, the mesh uppers allowed ample air flow to prevent our feet from overheating. Comfort aside, the shoes also stood out for their sturdiness and durability, as we’ve yet to see any signs of tears or fraying.

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

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Most Durable

Scarpa Moraine WP Hiking Shoe

Credit: Scarpa $179 $142 at Zappos View on Scarpa.com View on Campman.com Why We Love It

• The material and construction quality give us confidence these shoes will last many seasons of rugged adventures.

What to Consider

• It took us multiple wears to break in the rigid soles.

The Scarpa Moraine WP Men Hiking Shoes are a solid option for hikers in search of a long-lasting investment. On first wear, the stiffness of the sole surprised us, but we found that several miles on the trail loosened them up. Still, we didn’t experience any pinching or chafing while breaking them in. The resulting fit is true to size and sufficiently comfortable, while the enduring sturdiness of the sole came in handy on rougher trails and terrain.

The leather upper is treated with a PFAS-free waterproof membrane that kept our feet dry in shallow water, though we’d caution against submerging them fully. We found that the waterproof protection doesn’t come at the cost of breathability. The addition of mesh fabric along the tongue and sides of the shoe let enough air flow to keep from overheating.

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

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Other Men’s Hiking Shoes We Liked

There were two other pairs of men’s hiking shoes that stood out to us, but didn’t earn a spot on our main list due to some shortcomings.

Arc’teryx Aerios FL 2 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes: Though we appreciated the lightweight design and support they offered, we found that the bulkiness at the top of the shoe impeded our ability to tighten and adjust the laces.

Travel + Leisure

Salomon Men’s Ultra Pioneer ClimaSalomon Waterproof Hiking Shoes: We loved the traction these lightweight shoes gave us on wet surfaces and loose terrain. However, we preferred the performance and design of the Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-tex shoes.

Travel + Leisure

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.

Travel + Leisure

Our Testing Process

We have tested 32 pairs of hiking shoes since 2023 to find the best options for all needs. We’ve taken them on hikes at home and abroad to see how they stack up against the competition. For each pair, we began with a thorough inspection of the shoe materials, construction, and design before wearing them at home for an initial break-in period.

Then, we took them out on a series of multi-hour hikes to evaluate their fit, durability, comfort, and performance for each pair of hiking shoes. We also assessed key features like breathability, traction, weatherproofing, and arch support. We will continue wearing them out on trails in the coming months and update this list based on any additional insights from our outdoor adventures.

Tips for Buying Men’s Hiking Shoes

Prioritize ankle support

Spraining an ankle is a pain—and potentially a serious hazard if hiking off the beaten path or on more technical terrain. If ankle support is a major concern, leveling up to a hiking boot may be a safer bet. Despite their lower profile (and comparative less ankle support), some hiking shoes can still provide ankle support. Notably, look for lacing systems that will maintain a snug and secure fit. The more your foot can slide around, the greater the risk of rolling or spraining an ankle.

Think about breathability

Even if you don’t live in a hot or humid climate, having some ventilation in your hiking shoes can help wick away sweat and enhance comfort. Hiking shoes with thinner fabrics, such as nylon and mesh, tend to offer greater air flow and breathability. Keep in mind that the most breathable options often come at the cost of waterproof protection, and vice versa. Still, those with Gore-tex membranes allow some air flow while trapping out moisture. If it’s a waterproof design you’re after, look for pairs with a mesh tongue or upper to get some balance of breathability and moisture protection.

Consider waterproof materials

Outside arid regions, waterproofing is an important consideration when selecting hiking shoes. Many of the best hiking shoes on this list incorporate Gore-tex liners to shield synthetic fabrics and leather against moisture. Other hiking shoes may include a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, which generally requires reapplication based on the frequency of use.

As noted above, waterproof hiking shoes tend to be less breathable. But if you plan to hike in cooler, wetter climates, the added protection can significantly extend the life and utility of your hiking shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor, Kevin Brouillard, is a writer based in upstate New York who specializes in outdoor gear and apparel. He is an avid outdoorsman and used his firsthand hiking experience as well as testing insights from T+L’s experts to compile this list of the best hiking shoes for men.

The 7 Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Edited by Read More: