10 Best Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for durability and comfort. With its waterproof Premium Timberland Leather upper, it effectively keeps your feet dry, making it ideal for wet conditions. The gusseted tongue adds to its waterproof capabilities by preventing debris from entering the boot. Its rustproof speed lace hardware ensures a secure fit, which is a great feature for hiking over uneven terrain.

Comfort is another strong point, thanks to the EVA footbed and midsole, providing cushioning for long walks. The rubber sole offers good traction, allowing you to confidently navigate various surfaces, from rocky paths to muddy trails. The ankle support is adequate, offering a nice balance between flexibility and stability, which is particularly beneficial for those undertaking moderate hikes.

These boots are well-suited for casual hikers who value comfort, waterproofing, and traction. Serious backcountry trekkers might want to look for options with more aggressive ankle support and lighter materials, but for day hikes and moderate outings, the Timberland White Ledge Mid makes a reliable companion.

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe in Beluga is designed with hikers who prefer a wide fit in mind, thanks to its wide last which helps improve comfort for those with broader feet. Its upper combines suede and synthetic mesh, providing a mix of durability and breathability. Water resistance comes from Merrell’s proprietary waterproof membrane, so it can handle damp trails and light rain, though it’s best described as water resistant rather than fully waterproof for very wet conditions. The lace-up closure allows for a secure and customizable fit. The shoe weighs around 2 pounds, which is moderate—neither too heavy nor extremely light—helping maintain a good balance between support and ease of movement. The rubber sole offers solid traction, suitable for most trail surfaces, but for very rugged or slippery terrain, some might look for more aggressive tread patterns.

While it’s labeled as a hiking shoe rather than a hiking boot, it provides moderate ankle support, which is fine for easier to moderate trails but may not be enough if you need strong ankle protection on rough or steep terrain. The use of recycled materials in its construction is a plus for environmentally conscious buyers. This shoe is a good fit for casual to intermediate hikers who want reliable comfort, decent water resistance, and trustworthy traction without the bulk of a heavy boot.

The Timberland Mt. Maddsen Boot is a solid choice for hiking, especially if you want waterproof protection and good comfort. Made from premium full-grain leather with a TimberDry waterproof membrane, it keeps your feet dry in wet conditions while also preventing debris from entering with its gusseted tongue. Its anti-fatigue footbed is designed to provide cushioning and all-day comfort, which is great for longer hikes or rough terrain. The rubber lug outsole offers good traction on various surfaces, helping you maintain grip on trails.

Weighing about 3 pounds per shoe, it’s on the moderate side—neither too heavy nor super light—so it balances durability with comfort. The ankle-high design supports your foot without restricting movement, which can help prevent injuries. One thing to note is that leather boots typically require some break-in time and may not breathe as well as mesh options, so your feet might feel warmer during hot weather hikes. Also, while the boots are durable and covered by Timberland’s warranty, they might not be the best if you’re looking for ultra-lightweight shoes or prefer more flexible materials.

This boot is well suited for hikers who want waterproof protection, good support, and solid traction for all-mountain use.