10 Best Hiking Shoes Men 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is designed for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable and comfortable footwear option. One of its key strengths lies in the combination of leather, mesh, and nylon materials, which provide both durability and breathability. The shoe features a rubber sole that enhances traction, making it suitable for various terrains, and the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole is particularly effective in providing grip on slippery surfaces. With a heel height of one inch and an EVA foam midsole, these shoes offer decent stability and comfort for medium-length hikes.

The shoe's waterproofing is another highlight, as it utilizes a pigskin leather upper and a protective toe cap, keeping your feet dry in wet conditions. The bellows tongue is a nice addition, helping to keep out debris while you traverse different environments. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole provides reinforced heel cushioning, contributing to comfort during extended wear, which is essential for hiking.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While most users find them comfortable, some might feel that the shoe could be a bit heavy for longer hikes, especially when compared to trail running shoes. Additionally, the care instructions specify hand washing only, which might be less convenient for those who prefer machine washability. Lastly, while the shoe offers good ankle support, it is not a high-top style, so those needing additional ankle protection might want to consider alternatives.

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for hikers looking for reliable support and comfort on the trail. It features a waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry while allowing moisture to escape, which helps prevent sweating inside the boot. The upper combines durable pigskin leather with breathable mesh, providing a good balance between protection and ventilation. The shoe includes a protective toe cap to guard against rocks and debris, and a bellows tongue design helps keep dirt out.

Comfort-wise, the boot offers a contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning and an EVA foam midsole that adds stability without feeling heavy. The lightweight design (around 11.7 ounces) means it won’t slow you down, and Merrell’s Air Cushion in the heel helps absorb shock for extra comfort on rough terrain. The Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole delivers solid traction, which is important for maintaining grip on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Ankle support is moderate, thanks to the mid-height shaft that provides some protection without restricting movement too much. This makes the boot versatile for various hiking conditions but may not be ideal if you need maximum ankle stabilization for very challenging trails. One minor downside is that the shaft circumference is quite narrow (4 inches), which might feel tight for people with wider ankles. Also, while the boot offers good waterproofing, it might take a little time to break in fully due to the sturdy materials. The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is well suited for casual to moderate hikers who want a durable, comfortable, and fairly lightweight boot with dependable waterproofing and traction. It may be less suitable if you require extra-wide fit or maximum ankle support for very rugged hikes.

The Columbia Mens Crestwood Hiking Shoe is a low-top hiking shoe designed for men who want a reliable option for various outdoor activities. Its upper combines suede leather, mesh, and webbing, offering durability and breathability, which helps keep your feet comfortable over long hikes. The shoe includes Columbia's TechLite midsole, providing good cushioning and energy return, so it supports your feet well during all-day wear. While it emphasizes comfort and lightweight design, it does not specifically mention waterproofing, so it may not be the best choice for very wet conditions.

Traction is handled by Columbia’s Omni-Grip rubber outsole, which is designed to be non-marking and gives solid grip on different surfaces, making it suitable for most trails. Ankle support is minimal due to the low-top design, so if you need extra ankle protection, this shoe might not fully meet that requirement.

The craftsmanship and materials aim for long-lasting use, which is great if you hike regularly but don’t want to replace your shoes often. This shoe is well-suited for casual to moderate hiking where comfort, traction, and durability are important, but it might not be ideal for very rough terrain or wet conditions where higher ankle support and waterproofing are needed.