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 4 Mid Height hiking boots are a solid choice for hikers who want reliable waterproof protection and comfort. They use KEEN.DRY technology, which ensures your feet stay dry by letting moisture out but blocking water from coming in—great for wet or muddy conditions. The mid-height design offers decent ankle support without feeling too bulky, which helps prevent twists on uneven terrain. The boots include a cushioned, removable footbed that supports your arches well and a padded tongue and collar that add to overall comfort. The fit is roomy in the toe box, allowing your toes to move naturally during long hikes, which many find more comfortable than tighter boots.

On rough trails, the KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides good grip and traction, helping you stay sure-footed on rocks or slippery surfaces. Additionally, the boot has protective features like a sturdy toe guard and bruise plate to shield your feet from impacts. These boots are fairly lightweight considering their durability, making them less tiring for long days on foot. One thing to consider is that while the boot provides good ankle support, it may not offer as much as higher hiking boots designed for very rugged or steep terrain. Also, the direct-attach construction aims to keep the sole securely attached, but some users might prefer a more flexible sole for certain trail types.

In summary, the Targhee 4 boots are comfortable, waterproof, and durable, making them ideal for casual to moderate hiking adventures, especially in wet or mixed conditions.

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.