Best Hiking Boots for Men

KEEN Targhee II Mid-M is a pair of hiking boots for men that put the H into hiking. Simply put, you don't get a pair of these bad boys if the only thing you're planning to do with them is walk to the nearest grocery store to get a couple of brewskis. This is a model for the sort of individuals that would describe hiking not just as a hobby but more as a way of life.

Having said that, hiking is also all about changing things up every once in a while. Sometimes you're taking a relatively mild stroll on an easy trail in the countryside and the next day you're engaging in some long-distance hiking through some of the steeper hills. Which is why the most important element of this model is an aggressive outsole that virtually bites into any kind of terrain thanks to the 4mm multi-directional lugs. With the help of the latter, you won't have to worry about picking the wrong location for the next hike as your shoes will be able to handle them all.

Of course, if you're planning on tackling canyons and mountaintops, a lugged outsole simply won't be enough to secure a decent level of comfort. Though it would seem obvious that the manufacturers knew that, especially if you take into consideration the mid-cut that is quite useful in terms of increasing ankle support and the ESS shank that provides some additional torsional stability. Other than that, it should probably go without saying that the hydrophobic mesh lining makes the whole thing as waterproof as possible, not to mention that the latter ensures exceptional durability in conjunction with the nubuck leather.

In conclusion, while the question of looks and style is certainly up to debate, nobody will be able to debate the fact that KEEN Targhee II Mid-M are the best hiking boots for men that would take conquering some really challenging terrains over a peaceful and relaxing stroll any day of the week.

The thing about hiking that attracts so many people is that it isn't some kind of game with set in stone rules that you have to follow. On the contrary, everything from the choice of location to the pacing is all up to you. Meaning that, if you don't feel like a slower pace would be quite your tempo, nobody is stopping you from picking the said pace up and enjoying a nice occasional jog throughout the hike. And if that sounds like something that'd be quite up your alley, we would certainly recommend looking into a model like Merrell MOAB 2 MID WTPF-M.

What makes these Merrell hiking boots perfect for the previously described scenarios is mostly the model's outsole. To be a bit more precise, a Synthetic Vibram® TC5+ outsole that, in case the name itself isn't a dead giveaway, features exceptional shock absorption properties. By the way, the latter is actually a far more impressive feat than you might think since these are light boots that weigh no more than 4 ounces. In addition to the shock absorption, the product features relatively solid traction over rock and dirt.

Other than that, the model includes just about everything you'd expect to find in a decent pair of men's hiking boots. The protective rubber toe cap is there in case you feel like climbing some rocks or hiking through a rocky terrain. A combination of breathable mesh lining and performance suede leather ought to be able to ensure respectable levels of both comfort and durability. 

The already quite renowned in hiking community at this point Merrell M Select™ FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed is making a comeback as well, meaning that your feet won't get swole and sore after a few hours of intense hiking sessions. Finally, the 5mm lugs will be able to offer a solid grip and the M Select™ DRY technology will be able to keep your feet relatively dry despite numerous mesh linings throughout the boot.

All things considered, the particular pair of Merrell hiking boots will certainly prove to be a great pick for people that like to throw an occasional jog into their hiking sessions, as well as those that are looking for a great combination of breathability and ruggedness.

As per usual, Timberland is here to offer their customers a pair of hiking boots that won't lose to just about any model in terms of performance and durability but, unlike those other models, the shoes from Timber always look damn good too.

Having said that, there isn't much to say about the looks of this model that hasn't already been said a thousand times about previous iterations of the product and other boots from this company. So, instead, we thought it wouldn't be too bad of an idea to focus on performance since it isn't an aspect where the hiking boots trail behind their competition either. First off, there's the B.S.F.P. (Brake, Support, Flex, and Propel) system that will be able to provide the sort of traction that very few models out there are capable of replicating. Of course, where's traction there's a durable rubber outsole that you can rely upon to help you with braking, accelerating, and climbing the rocks, steep hills, and even steeper mountaintops with relative ease. A gusseted tongue is there to relieve lace pressure, not to mention how useful it is when it comes to keeping trail debris out of the boot.

Speaking of laces, the Timberland hiking boots for men include speed lace hardware with a set of hooks, so you won't have to tie these things back up again every couple of hours. What else is there? Well, we could certainly point out the product's removable, dual density EVA footbed that is perforated, which is a solution that allows the air to circulate and wick away moisture in order to keep your feet cool and dry. By the way, the previously mentioned gusseted tongue works overtime in combination with the padded collar to make sure your ankles stay comfortable and unharmed.

To put all of it differently, the pair of stylish hiking boots from Timberland is the sort of product we could easily recommend to hikers that put as much of a stock into looks as they do when it comes to comfort and performance. With the help of these bad boys, you will be able to hike with style.

There's a lot to like about Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II. At first, they may seem like your regular Columbia hiking boots, excellent in general but not necessarily exceptional in particular. But we wouldn't trust that first impression.

Any one of these boots comes equipped with a rubber sole. But very few of them could challenge the Omni-Grip™, a rubber sole that simply does not care about the terrain underneath it. It will help you accelerate on snow. It will let you fearlessly conquer rocky hills. The advanced traction that it provides will give you the sort of slip-free movement that hiking boots are all about.

Other than that, we would be remiss not to mention the Techlite™ lightweight midsole. Thanks to its superior responsive cushioning, you'll be able to enjoy hours of comfortable hiking experience with a high energy return.

The mesh tongue may not seem like much. Of course, just like any other similar tongue, it is about as breathable as a tongue can get. But it is also surprisingly durable. Whether you prefer spending your time out on a trail or climbing a mountain, the tongue will be there for your feet.

One thing we absolutely love about these hiking boots for men is their waterproof seam-sealed construction. Naturally, it makes your options far less limited. But it also makes these boots pretty good everyday shoes.

In short, Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is a pair of boots that manages to stand out thanks to the equally durable and comfortable build. They will help you conquer any terrain under any weather conditions.

Companies like to throw fancy and complicated terms. That's just what they do. But, come on, there are only two things that you need from hiking boots - comfort and stability. And that's exactly what you'll get from this product from Salomon.

In the comfort department, the first thing that these boots offer is something they call Sensifit. Not the most original name but it does make the boots just cradle your foot, from the midsole to the lacing system. It will make your feet feel snug and comfortable by creating as close to a customized fit as you'll get from mass-produced shoes.

Of course, that's not the only thing that makes the boots quite comfortable. We could also talk about OrthoLite, a particularly cozy insole, a gusseted tongue, and a few other elements of the model's design, but there's nothing particularly exceptional about them.

The same, however, cannot be said about the Descent Control technology. Simply put, the technology incorporates a particularly effective outsole design. It will help you tackle some of the more technical hikes. It minimizes fatigue on rugged terrains. But where it really shines is during those tough descents and technical ascents that hardcore hiking and backpacking are all about. It holds your foot in place, so you're far less likely to slip where the latter simply isn't an option.

Finally, there's the asymmetrical chassis, another smart design solution that surrounds your feet with cushioning. This way, the manufacturers have been able to kill two birds with one stone - increase comfort with the cushioning and add stability by connecting the chassis directly to the sole.

All in all, these hiking boots from Salomon isn't something we would recommend to beginners. They're a tad pricey, sure. But if you know your way around the downhills, if you live for rugged terrains, if you're all about rewriting the rules and showing nature who's the boss, you might want to give these bad boys a shot.