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 Columbia Mens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot is designed with hikers in mind, offering a good balance of protection and comfort. Its Omni-Tech waterproof technology ensures your feet stay dry during moderate rain or snow, while still allowing breathability to prevent overheating. The Techlite midsole provides lightweight cushioning and impact absorption, which helps reduce foot fatigue on long or uneven trails.

For grip, the Omni-Grip outsole delivers reliable traction across various terrains like rock, dirt, and gravel, working well in both wet and dry conditions. The boot's ankle height and cushioned collar offer decent support, making it suitable for moderate hikes without feeling too bulky. Constructed with durable leather and mesh alongside sturdy metal hardware, these boots are built to last through multiple seasons. On the downside, the shaft circumference is quite narrow, so those with wider ankles might find the fit tight.

This boot is a solid choice for casual to moderate hikers who want dependable waterproofing, good traction, and comfort at an affordable price.