10 Best Mens Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

The NORTIV 8 Men's Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots are designed primarily for outdoor enthusiasts who want reliable and comfortable footwear for various activities like hiking, camping, and trekking. These boots offer a good ankle height of 6 inches, which provides decent ankle support suitable for moderate trails. They are lightweight thanks to EVA midsoles that boost flexibility and reduce foot fatigue, making them comfortable for long days on the trail. The removable cushioned insoles add extra shock absorption, enhancing all-day comfort. The combination of fabric and synthetic materials helps keep the boots breathable yet sturdy.

Waterproofing is a key feature here, helping to keep your feet dry in wet conditions, which is essential for outdoor adventures. The rubber sole is designed with strong traction that grips well on wet or slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. These boots are versatile for many outdoor uses, with ankle support and sole design better suited for moderate rather than highly technical or rugged terrain.

If you are looking for heavy-duty mountaineering boots, you might want something with more rigid support. For everyday hiking and outdoor activities, these boots provide a good balance of comfort, protection, and durability.

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is designed for hikers who want a reliable, comfortable shoe with solid protection in wet conditions. It features a waterproof membrane that keeps water out while allowing sweat to escape, helping keep your feet dry on damp trails. The upper combines durable pigskin leather with breathable mesh, balanced for toughness and ventilation. Comfort is a strong point here, thanks to the Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable insole with good heel cushioning, and a lightweight EVA foam midsole that adds stability without feeling heavy.

The ankle-high design offers decent support, which helps with uneven terrain, and the protective toe cap adds extra safety from rocks or roots. Traction comes from the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole, known for reliable grip on various surfaces. One thing to note is the weight; at nearly 12 ounces, it's not the lightest boot, so if you prefer ultra-light hiking shoes, this might feel a bit bulky. The boot also includes features like a bellows tongue to keep debris out and recycled materials that add an eco-friendly touch.

This boot is well suited for casual to moderate hikers looking for comfort, waterproofing, and solid traction with some ankle support, but those seeking a very lightweight or highly technical hiking boot might want to explore other options.

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is designed with durability and comfort in mind, featuring a pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper that balances protection with ventilation. Its use of recycled materials, like laces and mesh lining, adds an eco-friendly touch. Comfort is enhanced through a removable, contoured footbed with reinforced heel cushioning and a molded nylon arch shank, making it suitable for medium support needs.

The Air Cushion in the heel helps absorb shocks and improve stability on uneven terrain. Traction is strong thanks to the Vibram TC5+ outsole, known for reliable grip across various outdoor surfaces. While the shoe offers protective rubber caps at the heel and toe, it is not explicitly waterproof, which means it may not be ideal for very wet conditions. The weight is moderate at around 3.5 pounds per pair, which is reasonable for hiking shoes and should not cause fatigue on longer walks.

Ankle support is limited since it is a low-cut shoe, so it suits hikers looking for flexibility rather than rigid ankle protection. The Moab 3 serves as a solid choice for those seeking a comfortable, well-ventilated daily hiking shoe with good traction and moderate support, especially in dry to mildly damp environments.