10 Best Men Hiking Shoe 2026 in the United States

The Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 25 is a lightweight, low-top shoe known for its excellent support and cushioning, making it ideal for running and walking. It features the GuideRails holistic support system, which helps keep your foot aligned and reduces excess movement, offering good stability—something beneficial on uneven hiking trails. The shoe's nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning provides a soft, comfortable feel that helps reduce foot fatigue during long walks.

This shoe fits true to size and has a breathable mesh upper that offers a snug yet flexible fit, allowing natural foot movement while maintaining comfort. The outsole is designed for smooth transitions and traction primarily on roads or trails, but it may not offer the aggressive grip needed for more rugged or slippery hiking surfaces.

The Adrenaline GTS 25 is not waterproof, which could be a downside if you expect to hike in wet conditions or muddy trails. Its lightweight design (around 10.6 ounces) makes it easy to wear for extended activities but may sacrifice some durability against rough terrain. The shoe also lacks specialized hiking features like reinforced toe caps or heavier tread patterns. This shoe suits those who enjoy light to moderate hikes on well-maintained trails, especially if comfort, support, and cushioning are priorities. For wet, rocky, or technical terrain, options specifically designed for hiking with waterproofing and stronger traction may be more appropriate.

The Brooks Men’s Ghost 17 GTX is a low-top, lace-up shoe designed primarily for runners and walkers but also suitable for light hiking, especially on paved or well-maintained trails. It offers a comfortable and supportive fit through its nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, which adapts to your stride and provides a soft, cushioned feel mile after mile. Weighing around 11.3 ounces, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to wear for long periods without fatigue.

The shoe features a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit upper that delivers waterproof protection while remaining breathable. This is a strong advantage if you expect wet conditions during your hikes, although the mesh material suggests some breathability rather than heavy-duty waterproofing typical of dedicated hiking boots. Traction is improved with a redesigned rubber outsole that grips well on wet and slippery surfaces, though it is optimized more for road running and light trails than rugged off-road terrain.

Support and stability are decent, thanks to the cushioned midsole and flex grooves that promote smooth foot transitions. However, the shoe lacks specialized hiking features such as reinforced ankle support or aggressive lug patterns for rough terrain. The fit is reported as true to size with positive user feedback on comfort. The Ghost 17 GTX is best suited for hikers who prioritize comfort, lightweight cushioning, and waterproofing on urban paths or easy trails rather than challenging backcountry hikes. Its excellent cushioning and weatherproof upper make it a solid choice for everyday outdoor activities in variable weather, but those needing sturdy support for technical trails might look for a more purpose-built hiking shoe.

The Brooks Men’s Ghost 17 GTX is a waterproof shoe designed primarily for runners and walkers but can also serve light hiking needs, especially on well-maintained trails. It offers a soft, cushioned ride thanks to the advanced DNA LOFT v3 foam, which adapts to your stride and provides moderate to high cushioning. This makes it comfortable for long periods on your feet. The shoe features GORE-TEX Invisible Fit technology, providing reliable waterproof protection while maintaining breathability, which is great for wet or rainy conditions. Its rubber outsole has been redesigned to deliver good traction and stability on slippery surfaces like wet sidewalks.

Weighing about 11.3 ounces, it is relatively lightweight for a hiking shoe, which helps reduce fatigue but may not offer the rugged durability needed for tougher hikes. The shoe sits low around the ankle and does not have extra support features like straps or reinforced heel sections, so it might lack the stability some hikers want for rougher terrain. Its fit is generally neutral, meaning it should suit most foot shapes but might not offer a snug or adjustable fit for everyone.

Not a dedicated hiking shoe, it suits those who want a versatile, waterproof shoe for road running, walking, and easy trails. If cushioning, weather protection, and a smooth ride on moderate walks or hikes are priorities, this shoe serves well. For more challenging hikes requiring additional ankle support or durability, more specialized hiking footwear should be considered.