10 Best Hiking Shoes Men 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is designed for those serious about hiking, offering a blend of comfort, durability, and stability. It's an ankle-height shoe that provides good support without restricting movement. The upper is made from pigskin leather and mesh, ensuring breathability and durability while also featuring 100% recycled laces and webbing, which is a plus for environmentally conscious hikers. The bellows tongue effectively keeps out debris, making it suitable for varied terrains.

The insole is designed for medium support with reinforced heel cushioning, which should provide comfort during longer hikes. The EVA foam midsole aids in stability and comfort, reducing strain on the feet. The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole is praised for excellent traction, making it reliable for different surfaces. The shoe is relatively lightweight, which is beneficial for long-distance hiking, but it might lack the robustness needed for extreme terrain conditions.

The ankle support is good due to its shaft height but may not be adequate for those needing higher support. The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel adds to the shock absorption and stability, enhancing comfort. It’s a solid choice for hikers looking for a comfortable, eco-friendly shoe with good traction and support, although it may not be ideal for very wet environments or extreme terrains.

The KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for hikers who want a durable and supportive mid-height boot. It features a waterproof KEEN.DRY membrane that keeps your feet dry while allowing moisture to escape, which is great for wet or muddy trails. The boot uses premium leather combined with breathable mesh, so it balances durability with comfort. Its leather comes from environmentally certified tanneries, making it a more eco-friendly option. With a mid-cut design and an external support shank, it offers good ankle support and stability on uneven ground. The removable footbed provides arch support and cushioning that holds up well over long hikes.

Traction is a strong point here, thanks to KEEN’s all-terrain rubber sole with multi-directional lugs that grip well on slippery or rocky surfaces. The fit is roomy around the toes, allowing natural movement, which many hikers appreciate for comfort during long walks. On the downside, the boot weighs around 4 pounds, which is a bit on the heavier side compared to lighter hiking shoes, so it might feel bulky for those who prefer a lighter style. Also, while the leather is tough and protective, it requires some care like gentle cleaning and conditioning to keep it in good shape. This boot suits hikers looking for a rugged, protective, and waterproof shoe with good ankle support, especially if you tackle varied terrain and need reliable traction and durability.

The Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex shoes are designed as rugged hiking shoes well-suited for challenging outdoor trails. They feature a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that keeps your feet dry and protected from wind, while still allowing breathability for comfort throughout the day. The advanced 3D chassis between the sole layers provides solid stability and cushioning, which helps when walking on uneven or rocky terrain.

Their Contagrip rubber outsole offers strong grip on various surfaces, including loose gravel, making these shoes reliable on mixed trails. The reinforced toe cap adds extra protection against bumps and scrapes, which is a plus for rough environments. The materials combine synthetic and textile fabrics, balancing durability with flexibility. The low-profile design suggests moderate ankle stability rather than high support like hiking boots.

These shoes are ideal if you want waterproof, comfortable, and stable footwear for active trail hiking or fast-paced trekking where rugged traction is important. If you need heavy-duty ankle protection for very steep or technical terrain, you might want to consider higher-cut boots. The shoes provide a strong mix of comfort, protection, and grip suitable for most hiking adventures.