Tested: The Best Men’s Hiking Shoes For Tackling The Trails

When shopping for your first pair of footwear for hiking, it may seem natural to pick something with a little extra heft; something bulky to withstand the demands of a trail. However, hiking shoes may prove to be a better option for some. They’re light, more breathable, and provide more freedom when jaunting through the woods or mountains. To make your shopping decision easier, we’ve put together a guide to the best hiking shoes to buy this year where we got to test out our favorites.

How We Tested

A rugged activity like hiking doesn’t need to be paired with chunky footwear. Whether you’re new to the activity or a seasoned veteran, you’ll quickly see how low-top hiking shoes will afford you a breezier experience. Admittedly, there are a lot of excellent options to choose from out there, but there are also some not-so-great choices. For our guide, we looked to our favorite brands and popular brands that we may not have had as much experience with, considering aesthetic, durability, materials, waterproofing, outsole, laces, and price.

From there, we sourced our units and got to the fun part of the job: testing. We took each pair outdoors to see how they felt on-foot and how long they lasted, looking at supportiveness, traction, agility, and all-around comfort. The results are detailed below.

Measurements: I, Ethan Brehm, was the person testing these hiking shoes. I’m a U.S. size men’s 12.5 and have medium-width feet, so keep that in mind when reading my feedback on these units. Unless stated otherwise, all of the shoes in this guide are a size 12.5.

What to Look For

Durability: When traversing the outdoors, the durability of your shoes is extremely important, both for the immediate outing and for longevity (you don’t want to be replacing these shoes every year or two). As such, look for upper materials such as nylon or leather, and even tough outsole rubber, especially from brands such as Vibram. Durability also includes midsole plates for protecting your own feet and toe guards for any unexpectedness on the trail.

Weight: Another thing that makes hiking shoes preferable over boots is their lower weight, which allows you to go a bit faster and, thus, last longer outdoors. Most of these shoes are fairly lightweight, with some being better in that regard than others.

Traction: The main difference between casual footwear and hiking shoes/boots is the traction. You won’t want to spend much time on uneven terrain with regular sneakers on. In these regards, Vibram is by far the most popular and common outsole maker on the planet. But even within the Vibram sphere, certain lugs will be higher than others. If you’re looking to do steep inclines/declines or trek through mud, make sure you have something with a bit more traction.

Support: While hiking boots will give you more stability and support than hiking shoes, hiking shoes still win the low-top shoe game in this regard. Modern innovation has managed to lessen the weight of these sneakers without losing much of anything in the way of support. That said, you should still be considering how long you’ll be wearing these shoes and the intensity of your trek. For backpacking and multi-day hikes, opt for some of the sturdier options.

Waterproofing: Because of their lower profile, hiking shoes don’t cover above your ankles. So when traversing through streams and lower water, you won’t be afforded as much leeway. However, most hiking shoes offer some innate water resistance, whether it be water-repellant uppers materials or an entire GORE-TEX membrane that will protect your foot entirely.

Merrell Moab 3

Best Budget Hiking Shoes: Merrell is simply one of the best brands when it comes to hiking footwear. Its updated version of the flagship Moab better optimizes the size of the mesh lining vents on the sides and has more cushioned midsoles, more supportive insoles, and more grip on its Vibram outsole with the TC5+. The insoles themselves are removable Kinetic Fit Advanced, which has a reinforced heel for medium support. Merrells don’t take long to break in, and these shoes are no different. The proprietary Air Cushion in the heel and blended EVA midsoles give you support and comfort for a long journey, while the bellowed foam tongue keeps out any unnecessary extras. Weighing around 2lbs, the Moab 3 is both flexible and sturdy. There’s a reason why you can’t go far on the trails without spotting these.

The Good

Years ago, the first purpose-built pair of hiking boots I bought were Merrell Moabs (first-gen) and they’re still some of the best boots I’ve ever worn. This is my first experience with the low-top version, which has a similar underfoot feel, with remarkable yet straightforward traction, solid arch support –– perhaps my favorite of any brand –– and durability that’s obvious just from looking at the shoes.

Another obvious advantage of the Merrells is their price tag. For just about $120, these shoes have hardly gone up in price over the years and yet you still get a superb on-trail experience. I particularly noticed the heel support this time around, which complements the arches very well. I tend to lean on my heels more when I stand/walk, so this was helpful to me especially.

The Not So Good

A major detraction people have with Merrells is their “crunchy” appearance. Not known for being as stylish as, say, the Salomon and Hoka offerings, the brand’s range is nevertheless function-forward, which is quite alright when you’re hiking. I will say, however, that compared to the boot version that I’ve gone out with, the Moab 3 shoes seemed to run a tad large. I tested a size 12.5 and there was too much space by the toes, which was only a major issue when going up or down slopes. Likewise, Merrells have always had an issue with the laces, in that they’re pretty thick so you’ll have to double-knot these if you want them to stay tied.

Verdict: You won’t get a sophisticated lacing system, waterproof uppers, or extra features for technical trails but the Merrell Moab 3 is a steady, reliable hiking shoe for a fantastic price. We noticed that the low-top shoes ran a tad large and they won’t be as stylish as other options on this list but in terms of function, you can’t go wrong with Merrells.

Oboz Firebrand II Low Waterproof

Best Boot-Like Hiking Shoe: Boots have their place in the hiking world, and certain adventurers can’t live without ankle protection. However, from a performance standpoint, hiking boots also feel a bit sturdier and wider than their low-top compatriots. While it’s still very much below the ankle, Oboz’s range of hiking shoes does a great job of blurring the gap between a shoe and a boot. Narrower in the heel, yet wider in the toe to prevent blisters, the Firebrand II Low offers extreme traction with sidewall lugs and Sawtooth lugs underneath for an unbelievable capability. Likewise, the noticeably dense cushioning on the underfoot makes these great for multiday expeditions. Still a hiking shoe through and through, these low-tops from Oboz are breathable thanks to the wide mesh vents, yet entirely waterproof with B-DRY leather membranes throughout the uppers.

The Good

Compared to your standard hiking shoes, the Oboz Firebrand II felt more like boots in their height and sturdiness. If you can get the laces right, the ankle is far more secure than the other shoes I tested. I also loved how stiff they felt around my feet (I’m more of a boot guy, personally) and how the traction performed even on harder surfaces like asphalt.

Like a more stylish version of the earth-tone-heavy Merrells, the Oboz Firebrand II is surprisingly attractive, even if it won’t give you tons of versatility off the trail. Despite testing a size 13 (larger than my regular size 12.5), I can also deduce that these fit true to size, even with the wider toe box up front, which is designed to prevent blisters. The 13 Firebrands fit similarly to the 12.5 Merrells above, which were a tad large. So if you’re getting a pair, go for your normal size with the Oboz.

The Not So Good

Like the Merrells, these had super thick spaghetti-sized laces that require double-knotting. However, my least favorite aspect was how many switchbacks there were, with about triple the amount on the Moabs. This only adds extra time when lacing up, which I do meticulously because I’m a stickler for fit and tightness. I also didn’t love how the tongue felt on my foot, with weird pressure at certain points throughout my hike. Some wearers may not love how stiff the uppers feel at first. While I personally didn’t mind them, they do take a while to break in for more flexibility.

Verdict: Sturdier than your average hiking shoe, the Oboz Firebrand II also features superb traction and heightened security around the ankle –– that is, if you can get the laces to tighten to your liking. While they take a bit longer to break in than some others and take even longer to lace up (just exaggerating), these shoes are still some of the more stylish trail-specific shoes you’ll find.

Salomon X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX

Most Stylish: Lately noted for crossing over to the streetwear scene, Salomon hasn’t forgotten about its first calling card: outdoor activities. And this pair is certainly made for traversing the more challenging trails in the backcountry. While Salomon’s oeuvre includes high-top “shoes,” we went with the purists’ pick. Breathable and waterproof, the Salomon X Ultra 4 taps into the brand’s expertise in trail runners, equipped with GORE-TEX protection and the low profile of a hiking shoe. Made for agility on any terrain, this silhouette weighs in at just 1.7lbs but keeps your foot secure thanks to a single lacing system, proprietary SensiFit cradling technology, and Active Support, which adapts to the shape of your foot. The Contragrip MA outsoles let the wearer go from wet to dry terrain without losing any traction.

The Good

Compared to your average hiker, the Salomon X Ultra 4s undoubtedly look cooler. These low-top shoes almost don’t seem like they’re meant for the outdoors at all, which is perfectly fine because they perform well. Like other Salomon sneakers, these feature built-in vents that integrate with the design of the upper, serving both form and function. Likewise, these fit incredibly true-to-size, with a perfect amount of room in front of the toes while also locking my feet into place, which helped a lot with inclines and more narrow paths that may have been trickier with other shoes or boots.

Salomon has arguably my favorite lacing system of any shoe I’ve worn, hiking or otherwise. They helped with fine-tuning the fit, which was already great. I’ve become quite a fan of cinched lacing systems but Salomon has perfected the tech here and made it easy to get the hang of after only a couple of uses.

The Not So Good

My criticism, and it’s kind of a weird one, is that I can’t see too much of a difference between Salomon’s X Ultra 4 hiking shoe and its Acs walking shoe. Both happen to be incredibly comfortable, stylish, and easy to walk in but it does call into question the brand’s ability to separate the two activities. However, hiking and walking are admittedly adjacent to one another, and I found the transition here to be fluid. Some users complain that these aren’t as comfortable or supportive as the X Ultra 3s but I found them to be just fine. The uppers were, however, a bit stiff and didn’t break in very quickly.

Verdict: Lightweight and comfortable, Salomon’s X Ultra 4 may not have much differentiation from the brand’s non-hikers but these stylish trail shoes are nevertheless superb. Our biggest complaint is the lack of break-in time for the uppers but the underfoot feeling and fit checked all the boxes. If you’re looking for the lacing system perfected, and at a fair price, check out these outdoor-streetwear crossovers.

Danner Trail 2650

Best All-Arounder: You don’t have to sacrifice style for function on your adventure. Danner’s Trail 2650 comes in three attractive colorways to pair with any hiking ensemble. But what’s most impressive is how well-rounded these shoes are. With some of the most reliable traction on the market, the Trail 2650s utilize the expertise of the Oregon-based footwear brand who’s specialized in some of the sturdiest adventure and work boots over the past 90 years. Weighing just 12oz per shoe (1.5lbs total), these low-profile sneakers come equipped with Vibram 460 outsoles for gripping any terrain, durable uppers made from leather and textiles — lined with mesh for ventilation — and an OrthoLite footbed to keep you going for as long as you’d like.

The Good

Perhaps more than most other Danner models, the American-made Trail 2650 has incredible style. Available in several unique and neutral colorways, the shoes we picked for testing were the “Clay” variant, which looked great on my feet. I found the leather and textile uppers to be remarkably form-fitting yet I never once found them to lack in durability. Likewise, the heel bumper is great for getting clumps of dirt off without hurting the back of your foot. I also found the outsole traction to be quite versatile, supplemented even more by how lightweight these felt on my feet. It has an agreeable midsole, which balanced bounce and firmness –– the most like a walking shoe of any I tested. Due to both the style and the comfort of the shoe, I kept these on for the rest of the day, even after my hike was over.

Like the Oboz above, these Danners feature a high number of switchbacks for the laces. However, this time around, it doesn’t affect the user experience as much. These shoes are very easy to slip on –– one benefit that can be had for shoes over boots –– and they don’t take as long to lace up.

The Not So Good

It’s important to note that there is no tongue guard to prevent debris from getting in, which happened on a couple of occasions throughout my (fairly moderate) hike. I would also add some cushion to the back of the collar behind the Achilles. It’s a bit rigid and too noticeable when hiking. These also run a bit small. I tested a size 13, rather than a proper 12.5, and they fit just fine, so keep that in mind.

Verdict: We call the Danner Trail 2650s the “best all-arounder” because it balances everything from comfort to style to durability to performance to price. Nearly perfect, these hiking shoes only missed the mark in a couple of places, notably the tongue, which allowed too much debris inside, and the back of the collar, which could’ve been more comfortable against the Achilles. Other than that, these are very well-rounded hikers.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX

Best for Backpacking: If you’re going to be gone for days on end, the last thing you want to be complaining about is the very thing keeping you afloat: your shoes. HOKA has gone from start-up to one of the most dependable footwear firms in the world over the past decade thanks to its oversized outsoles and meticulous cushioning. With its roots in running and distance running shoes, the French-based company has transposed its expertise effortlessly to its line of hiking boots and shoes. Among its most popular models, the Anacapa Low GTX is a take on the Anacapa Mid boot and boasts the same tech. Made from waterproof nubuck leather and upcycled polyester, these shoes weigh just 14oz per shoe and employ a balanced compression-molded EVA cushion, GORE-TEX fabric, and the brand’s signature heel geometry.

The Good

Transposing Hoka’s knack for comfortable, wide-soled support to the outdoor world, the Anacapa doesn’t seem like it would be a hiking shoe at first glance. However, with a closer look, you’ll see how well they’re positioned to serve you well outdoors. Featuring a meticulously-designed upper with both breathability and durability in mind, the shoes are complemented by a very comfortable midsole –– no surprise here. As I mentioned, I lean back on my heels when I stand and walk, and they gave me some extra cushioning in the right spots. However, cushioning doesn’t always yield support and sturdiness, and I felt after a while that I needed something less plush underfoot perhaps. On the other hand, if you’re backpacking on less-technical terrain, these should aid you well.

In terms of the outsole, the Vibram Megagrip was exceptional on both dirt, uneven rocky terrain, and smoother surfaces. I was able to transition to wearing these around the house and even on a few errands without an issue (and they don’t look too crunchy either). They’re also pretty lightweight, which helped with endurance as well.

The Not So Good

First of all, the fit of the Anacapas didn’t really work out for me. I went with a size 12.5, which was slightly too large. I could’ve gone a half-size down no problem. I also didn’t love the laces here. They were thick, cord-like shoestrings that never felt like they stretched enough to tighten around my feet properly. If these were my daily hikers, I would swap out the laces for something flatter and stretchier (I loved the Danner laces).

Verdict: Compared to the Mid version of the Hoka Anacapa 2s, the low-top iteration felt similar underfoot and performed equally. However, the higher collar on the Mid may mitigate the issues with the laces here. We still loved the Lows with its versatile aesthetic, underfoot comfort, and sneaky durability. These are incredibly lightweight as well, which will serve you well on longer trips.

La Sportiva Spire GTX

Best Upgrade: La Sportiva is one of the oldest boot-makers on this list — an Italian brand launched in 1928 that eventually made custom mountain boots for soldiers during World War II. Today, the company has quite a range of both broad and specialized footwear. Made for day hikes for serious outdoorsmen, the low-top Spire is constructed with abrasion-resistant mesh, 100% recycled polyester laces, and a combination of Nano Cell 2.0 and GORE-TEX Surround for 360-degree breathability. For versatile traction on any terrain, the outsole comes equipped with Vibram XS Trek and Impact Brake System.

The Good

I’ve gotten hands-on with La Sportiva’s incredibly assertive Nepal EVO GTX Mountaineering Boots in the past but these Spire GTX shoes are completely different in every way. Much more accessible for the average hiker, but even better for the experienced hiker, these waterproof sneakers feel very light on the feet. I also loved how supportive they were. I felt the most confident with these shoes when it came to getting on top of rocks or even going up more technical slots. Likewise, these didn’t have any aggressive midsole tech, which I loved since I just wanted something that could keep me balanced all day.

These also featured a traditional lacing system but utilized bungee-style laces that had solid tension yet allowed me to fine-tune my fit, which was crucial since I had the wrong size to begin with. Despite the comfortable uppers, these felt very durable up top, while also providing me with proper breathability. I wasn’t getting too hot in these, which can happen with some waterproof models.

The Not So Good

All of my issues with the Spire GTX have to do with the fit. I got a size 12, since they were out of stock of the 12.5, and the shoes were remarkably small. I’m a comfortable 12.5 but I’ve worn 12s on many occasions without any issue. Despite needing some more room, as expected, in the front of my toes, I wasn’t expecting to be suffocated from the sides. These shoes are incredibly narrow, which is saying a lot since I don’t have abnormally wide feet by any means. So keep that in mind when shopping for these. There’s also the matter of availability. As stated, I couldn’t get a 12.5 at the time of sourcing these units for testing.

Verdict: $200+ is notably a lot for any pair of hiking shoes but the La Sportiva Spire GTX is a lightweight, durable shoe that builds confidence out on the trail, especially when doing more technical climbs. The downside is that these were pretty narrow, which affected endurance on the trail –– a shame since the support underfoot was optimal. Whether you’re an advanced hiker or a newcomer, you’ll find these sneakers to be quite helpful, as long as you find the right size.

Hiking Shoes Comparison Chart

Hiking Shoes Vs. Hiking Boots

If you’ve only ever hiked in one of the two, it’s easy to see how hiking boots and hiking shoes would be interchangeable. These days especially, many “boots” are simply high-top versions of their low-top counterparts. And while similar, each type of footwear has its pros and cons. For one, the lower silhouette is optimal for those with bad or weak knees. If you twist or roll your ankle in boots, you run the risk of injuring your knee, since the damage will often transfer to the nearest support joint that’s not being supported. On the other hand, if your ankles have taken some damage over the years, you’ll probably want to opt for boots instead.

To be honest, hiking boots and hiking shoes are typically two sides of the same coin. For any given brand, these two options are typically built with the same materials and durability, yet just feature a different silhouette. High-top hikers are great for some, but not every excursion demands the capabilities of a heavy-duty boot. If you’re just trekking through a few trails after work or even doing some low-maintenance hikes for a few hours on the weekend, lighter-weight shoes won’t weigh you down as much and can ensure that you and your feet can last the entire duration. Likewise, the smaller frame allows them to pack better in a suitcase if you’re planning on embarking on some adventures on vacation.

Honorable Mentions

If you’re looking for a hiking shoe with a higher boot-like feel, these adidas Terrex Swift R3 GORE-TEX have a very accessible silhouette for transitioning from hiking to other activities — which is one of the main benefits of hiking shoes over hiking boots anyway. We just couldn’t get our hands on the shoes for testing.

Columbia makes fantastic budget-friendly outdoor gear and these Facet 75 Outdry hiking shoes are no different. However, we didn’t love the look of the shoes, despite the $130 price tag.

While socks pose great advantages on our feet, such as rubbing protection and sweat absorption, we may not always want an added layer between our feet and our shoes. Likewise, there’s nothing worse than hiking with wet socks. Fortunately, Astral’s TR1 Mesh Shoes are great whether you’re hiking through wet or dry terrain, and best of all, don’t require you to wear socks. However, these seemed a bit more like water shoes than traditional hiking shoes, so we skipped them for this guide.

Blending the best of a trail runner and a hiking shoe, the Naglev Unico Hiker is both agile and sturdy. Made from a single piece of Kevlar, the upper is reinforced with abrasion- and water-resistant rand that also repels oil, and is backed by a breathable wool sock liner on the inside that wicks moisture as well. However, at over $250, these were a bit impractical (and ugly) for the price.

Sporting a nice minimalist aesthetic, the Arc’teryx Aerios Aura Shoe didn’t meet some of our requirements during our research but they were loved by a lot of people out there, so we decided to mention them anyway.

Fans were excited when Keen unveiled their Targhee IV a couple of months ago. However, these are very similar to the Oboz above and we opted for the latter for their durability and support.

Tested: The Best Men’s Hiking Sandals To Hit The Trails

If you prefer to sport something even lighter and more breathable on your feet when traversing the great outdoors, then check out our guide to the best hiking sandals to wear.