Best Hiking Boots for Men

Gore-Tex since 1979; quintessential styling with a durable sole. $380; danner.com

Dynamic, smart street style meets a space-age, durable exterior bonded to leather liners. $269; us.ecco.com

Comfortable from the first hike; classic styling. $220; vasque.com

• $180; Amazon.com and REI.com; find a dealer near you

Based in Bozeman, MT, Oboz’s love of the outdoors and desire to make the perfect hiking shoe shines through these boots. Made with an all-leather upper, these boots provide unwavering waterproofing and a comfortable, fits-like-a-glove feel right out of the box. The heel cup hugs the foot to prevent rubbing, and the toe box has plenty of room for toes to spread out. These boots also give back–Oboz plants a tree for every pair sold.

• $150; Inov-8.com and EMS.com

Sharp rocks and rough terrain will tear up your running shoes and leave you with aching feet. Get the same freedom without sacrificing protection or comfort with the new Roclite 315. Designed for trail running, the shoes have a flexible rockplate, a shock-absorbing midsole, and an outsole made with three different rubbers ensure you won’t slip or jab your arch on a root. Don’t let the sleek look fool you–these shoes perform just as well without the speed. Gaiter pockets and a Gore-Tex® upper keep unwanted debris and water out like a more traditional hiker.

• From $250; find a dealer near you

Finally, a hiking shoe that is truly made for you. The recently released Forge is meticulously crafted for unparalleled fit, but it doesn’t stop there. The basic shoe is ready to hit the trails straight out of the box, but a local retailer will thermo-mold the footbed, upper, and heel support to your foot for an unbeatable fit and feel. In less than 30 minutes you’ll have a durable hiking boot that was custom-made specifically for you.

• $165; REI.com, or Zappos.com

Take on tough technical descents and wet conditions with this best-selling hiking boot from Salomon. They’re great year-round, but the X Ultra 3 is a great spring companion. The outsole is designed for superior traction while the lightweight midsole controls motions and encourages an efficient stride. A Gore-Tex® lining and a moisture wicking interior keep your socks dry.

• $150; Keenfootwear.com and REI.com

The latest edition of the Targhee doesn’t disappoint. The oiled nubuck upper has a breathable waterproof membrane and mud shields to keep debris out. The clever heel lacing system keeps your foot locked in and eliminates sliding, while the anatomical footbed cradles your natural contours from the first step. An odor control treatment keeps boot stink away even after hiking for hours in 80 degrees.

• $199; REI.com, Zappos.com, or find a dealer near you

Much like a rock-climbing shoe or a pure alpine boot, the Alp Trainer has lacing all the way to the toe to help lock in fit and prevent blisters. The ankle cuffs add extra support without limiting flexion or painfully pressing on the achilles as you stride. You’ll never have to give up your favorite hiking boots–the grippy Vibram outsoles can be replaced when they wear down so you can keep on trekking.

• $160; Merrell.com, Amazon.com

Walk on air with these waterproof hiking boots that feel more like trainers than hefty boots. An air cushion in the heel absorbs shock while a lightweight flex plate protects the bottom of the foot and prevents unwanted twisting motions for added stability. Thoughtfully placed lugs give you added traction without weighing you down.

• $230; Vasque.com and REI.com

The recently-released Saga GTX makes challenging terrain feel like a walk in the park. While it’s ready to take on any adventure, this hiking boot really shines on slippery, rocky trails and long distance hikes or backpacking. The toe and heel have built-in ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry in hot or wet weather.

• From $235; Asolo.com and REI.com

Take advantage of long summer days with the breathable Falcon. The boots are designed to help you tackle any surface and offer lightweight support for double-digit distances. Self-cleaning Vibram soles shed dirt and debris on the move so you don’t have to worry about losing your grip or sticking to bluebird days. They are also one of the few hiking boots with modern features that can be resoled.

• $240; Lowaboots.com, REI.com, or Amazon.com

Hours of unrelenting rain are no match for the Renegade. Made with a leather upper and a GORE-TEX® liner, the boots withstand even the wettest weather. They provide ample support for lugging around a heavy pack and shine on every terrain you tread on. Handmade in Europe, this best-selling style is still lightweight and lean enough to take on short trips too. You’ll never want to hike without them.