10 Best Mens Hiking Boots 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for hikers looking for reliable waterproof protection and comfort. Its waterproof membrane effectively keeps water out while allowing sweat to escape, which helps keep your feet dry on wet trails. The combination of pig suede leather and breathable mesh offers durability and airflow, balancing toughness with ventilation.

Support-wise, it features a Merrell Air Cushion in the heel and a Super Rebound Compound midsole. These work together to absorb shock and reduce strain on your feet, promoting stability during long hikes. Traction is one of this boot’s strong suits; the Vibram TC5+ outsole is specially designed to provide excellent grip on various outdoor surfaces, making it safer on slippery or uneven terrain. The mid-height design offers good ankle support without feeling too heavy.

Speaking of weight, it is relatively lightweight for a hiking boot, which helps reduce fatigue during extended wear. However, some users might find the fit a bit narrow, so trying them on or ordering a size up might be wise if you have wider feet. While it excels in comfort and protection, the materials may require some breaking in before they feel truly soft. This boot suits casual hikers or those tackling moderate trails who want dependable waterproofing, good cushioning, and solid traction without extra weight.

The NORTIV 8 Men's Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots are a solid choice for hikers looking for lightweight and comfortable footwear. They feature cushioned, shock-absorbent insoles that can be removed, providing good foot support and helping reduce fatigue during long hikes. The EVA midsoles add flexibility and cushioning, which is great for comfort on various terrains. Their rubber soles offer excellent traction and slip resistance, making them reliable on wet or muddy paths.

The boots are also waterproof, which helps keep your feet dry in damp conditions. Being ankle-high, they provide decent support without restricting movement, suitable for moderate trails and everyday outdoor activities. On the downside, while the fabric-and-synthetic material keeps the boots lightweight, it might not be as durable as full leather options for very rugged or extended backpacking trips. Also, sizing can vary, so trying them on if possible is recommended to ensure a good fit.

These boots suit casual hikers or those who need versatile outdoor shoes for various activities like camping, trekking, or light mountaineering.

The Columbia Mens Fairbanks Mid hiking boots are a solid choice for someone looking for reliable footwear for moderate rain and light snow. Thanks to Columbia’s OMNI-TECH waterproofing, these boots keep your feet dry while still letting them breathe, so you stay comfortable during longer walks. The TECHLITE midsole offers good cushioning that absorbs impact well, which helps reduce foot fatigue on varied terrain.

In terms of support, the ankle-high design gives decent protection and stability without feeling too bulky, though the shaft height is only about 1 inch, so it’s more for light to moderate hiking rather than very rough terrain. The OMNI-GRIP outsole provides dependable traction on different surfaces like rock, dirt, and gravel, both wet and dry, making it versatile for most trail conditions. Weighing in as a mid-weight boot, it strikes a balance between durability and comfort but might feel a bit heavy if you prefer ultra-light footwear.

Columbia’s craftsmanship and quality materials suggest these boots will last through many seasons with proper care. If you plan on tackling very demanding hikes or need high ankle support, you might want to consider boots with a taller shaft and more rugged construction. These boots are well suited for casual hikers or those needing waterproof, comfortable boots for everyday trail use.