10 Best Men Hiking Shoe 2026 in the United States

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe in Black Night, size 10, offers a blend of leather, mesh, and nylon materials, providing a good balance of durability and breathability. The shoe's rubber sole and Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole are designed to provide excellent traction, making this shoe suitable for various terrains.

The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel and the lightweight EVA foam midsole contribute to a comfortable and stable hiking experience by absorbing shock and providing support. The inclusion of a removable contoured insole and a molded nylon arch shank suggests that it offers decent support and stability for medium hikes. The shoe also features a pigskin leather and mesh upper with 100% recycled laces and webbing, which is a plus for eco-conscious consumers.

The Bellows tongue helps keep debris out, and the protective toe cap adds an extra layer of safety. This shoe appears to be a solid choice for day hikes or medium-intensity trails, especially for users who prioritize comfort, stability, and eco-friendly materials.

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for hikers looking for a reliable, comfortable boot that can handle wet conditions. It features a waterproof membrane that keeps water out while allowing sweat to escape, making it great for damp trails. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh offers durability and breathability, and the boot includes a protective toe cap to shield feet from rocks or roots. Comfort is enhanced with a removable insole that provides medium support and reinforced heel cushioning, plus a shock-absorbing air cushion in the heel adds extra stability on uneven terrain.

The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole delivers good traction, which helps prevent slipping on various surfaces. Being a mid-height boot, it offers some ankle support without feeling too bulky. However, it weighs about 11.7 ounces, which is moderate—not the lightest option for those wanting very lightweight shoes for long hikes. While it provides decent arch support and stability, it may not be enough for hikers needing extra strong ankle protection or those tackling very rugged trails. The use of recycled materials like laces and mesh lining is a nice eco-friendly touch.

This boot is well-suited for casual to moderate hikers who want a dependable, waterproof shoe with good comfort and grip, but serious backpackers or those on very challenging terrain might look for something more specialized.

The KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes are designed to offer a blend of comfort, support, and durability for hiking enthusiasts. One of the standout features is the KEEN.DRY breathable membrane which ensures your feet stay dry by allowing moisture to escape while blocking water from entering. This makes them a reliable choice for wet conditions. The shoes also feature a high abrasion rubber toe guard, which provides extra durability, and a bruise plate that protects your feet on uneven terrain.

These shoes are built with environmentally conscious materials, including premium leather from certified tanneries and a DWR coating to prevent leather from drying out. The traction is excellent due to the KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole and 4mm multi-directional lugs, ensuring a firm grip on various surfaces, from muddy trails to rocky paths. Comfort is a priority with the KEEN Original Fit, which offers ample toe space, and the removable footbed with arch support that molds to your foot shape, providing cushioning that remains resilient over time.

At size 11, some might find them a bit bulky or heavy, which could become a factor during long hikes. Additionally, although the shoes are easy to clean with a soft bristle brush, tough stains might require a leather cleaner, which might be inconvenient for some users. This product is ideal for hikers looking for robust, waterproof footwear that doesn’t compromise on comfort or environmental responsibility.