Looking for some new hiking boots?
Well, men, you're in luck because we’ve tested, and reviewed, the latest and greatest hiking boots on the market.
Plus, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about selecting the right fit, with the right traction, and fabrics for your adventure.
Read on to discover the best hiking boots for men in 2020.
- Updated 2/9/2020
Best Men's Hiking Boots for 2020 - Quick Picks
If you're in a hurry, here are our favorites in this review:
- Merrell Men's Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot - Editor's Choice for 2020
- Vasque Men's Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot - Best Value for the Money
- Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot - Best Entry-Level Hiking Boots
- Asolo Men's Fugitive GTX Hiking Boot - Best Beginner Hiking Boots
- KEEN Men's Durand Mid WP Hiking Boot - Professional's Choice
- Danner Men’s Mountain Light II Hiking Boot - Stylish Yet Affordable Boots
Choosing the Right Boot
When it comes to fabrics there are two main types that comprise the best men's backpacking boots. First is fully synthetic boots which are light, breathable, and notably easier to break in, but sometimes wear out quicker, especially when it comes to the outsoles. Then there are leather boots, which sometimes require a more hellish break in process but are reversely more weather and wear resistant.
Some boots have a classic, no frills design that fends off sticky dirt and debris that can collect in those kinks and corners. Then other are decked out in extra strips of rubber on the outsole make boots more grippy for uneven terrain such as loose dirt and slick limestone.
Finally, when you are hunting for the best trekking men’s boots, pay attention to the ankle shaft (the stiff boot fabric that wraps around your ankle) as certain boots forgo foot flexibility and mobility for the sake of sturdiness.
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Men's Hiking Boots Comparison Guide (For 2020)
- 2 Fit
- 3 Traction
- 4 Taking Care of Your Boots
- 5 Tricks and Tips of Boot Care
- 6 1) Vasque Men's Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot - Best value for the money in 2020
- 7 2) Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX - Best entry-level hiking boots
- 8 3) Asolo Men's Fugitive GTX - Best beginner hiking boots
- 9 4) KEEN Men's Durand Mid WP - Professional's choice hiking boots
- 10 5) Merrell Men's Moab Mid Waterproof - Editor's choice hiking boots for 2020
- 11 6) Danner Men’s Mountain Light II - Stylish yet affordable hiking boots
- 12 Best Hiking Boots For Men in 2020 WINNER
Best Men's Hiking Boots Comparison Guide (For 2020)
Brand/Model |
Material |
Our Rating |
Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
(Best Value for the Money) |
Leather |
||
|
(Best Entry-Level Hiking Boots) |
Leather and Textile |
||
|
(Best Beginner Hiking Boots) |
Leather |
||
|
(Professional's Choice) |
Leather |
||
|
(Editor's Choice For 2020) |
Leather and Textile |
||
|
(Stylish Yet Affordable Boots) |
Leather |
Fit
When it comes to the greatest hiking boots for men, fit is the feature that reigns supreme. Hiking boots should fit snug everywhere and have ample room for you to wiggle your toes. You should also be able to slip your index finger between your heel and the back of the boot, when you slid foot toward the end of the toe box.
Even though the majority of boots require a rigorous break in process, the boots will only stretch out a tad as you beat them up via high adventure. Also make sure that these boots are snug, not tight. If you can, try them on at the end of the day (because all feet swell throughout the day) and with the socks you plan to wear.
If you are still unsure about whether the boots truly accommodate your feet do this little test: lace up the boots and lightly (emphasis on lightly!) kick the ground, toes first. If the boot fits, your toes shouldn’t stub the end of the toe box.
Also when you first lace up, make sure to stand up, do some jumping jacks, do some Yoga stretches, pull a Tom Cruise and jump up onto your couch. Throughout all these antics there shouldn’t be any unwanted heel lift.
Also pay mind to the width of the shoe, since men’s feet are typically on the wider side, you’ll want to avoid narrow shoes that'll constrict your feet.
If you have wider feet than most, check out our review on wide hiking boots: Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet: Men and Women’s Top Choices
Traction
No matter what kind of trailblazing you have planned, the highest-rated walking boots for men have outsoles are made with a formidable traction pattern (sticky rubber outsoles with deep grooves and bumps for traction) which will allow you to easily ascend slick trails and scamper up endless boulders.
Additionally, a sizable heel break will also reduce the chance of sliding and loosing your footing during steep treks.
Taking Care of Your Boots
Let’s be honest— these top-rated hiking boots for men cost a pretty penny. But the reality is that they’re an investment in a tool you are going to use every time you set out trailblazing.
Just like any other expensive tool or toy you’re going to want to take care of them so you get your money’s worth out of em’.
Tricks and Tips of Boot Care
If you haven’t had much experience tending to hiking boots (I mean who does besides chipper REI employees and mountain guides?). Fear not, we have the answers.
This video recounts every tip, trick and measure you can take to keep those new fancy hiking boots of yours in tip top shape:
In the video the demonstrator shows you this process-- remove the inner soles and laces, brush off clumps of dirt, scrub the boots everywhere with leather cleaner (especially the seams).
Then rinse and dry, stuff them with newspaper so they don't deflate like an old balloon. If you do that after major treks your boots may last years instead of mere months.
With all that said we think you’re ready for the boot reviews. Get ready to see the very best hiking boots for men in 2020!
1) Vasque Men's Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot - Best value for the money in 2020
The Men's Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot is one of Vasque’s best models to date, and offers a fantastic intersection between performance, breathability and comfort.
Abrasion-resistant air mesh panels release that good ol’ foot sweat and so your feet don’t end up boiling, even on a steamy summer day.
Even though this is a breezy Nubuck leather boot the GORE-TEX with Extended Comfort Technology offers ample water protection so you won’t mind when an uncanny summer rainstorm hits. Then the Dual Density EVA footbed make it feel like you are walking on pillows, even though you are tromping over prickly, dry dirt.
The reflective piping makes it easy to pluck your boots out of that pile of gear when you take a midnight pee break. Also, the molded rubber toe cap makes this boot pretty darn stub proof.
The shaft measures approximately 6" from arch, the platform measures approximately 0.75" and its heel measures approximately 1.25”. Pair all that with its Vibram Contact outsole with XSTrek Compound and you have yourself extremely grippy shoe, perfect for edging along cliffs and hopping across boulders.
Thermoplastic urethane plate to help stabilize and support your feet and gusseted, padded tongue to keep trail debris out.
Pro's
- Airmesh panels release the build-up of excess heat
- EVA footbed and midsole attenuates shock and provides support and Nubeck Leather adapt to fit your unique foot
- Molded toe bumper protects your toes from stubbed toes and crunched feet
- Vibram Contact is a Vasque exclusive and assures ample traction
Con's
- These boots specifically for the wide fit, men with narrow feet will want to steer clear
- Some reports the durability on the heel is poor. Thus the outsoles and heels get worn down fairly quick compared to other boots
2) Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX - Best entry-level hiking boots
The Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot is a waterproof Gore-tex boot that has some world class stability and grip that has the benefits of trail running shoe technology but the sturdiness of hardcore trekking boots.
It has an ergonomic tongue for enhanced comfort and new tie system that keep laces tight and secured. The Contagrip rubber outsoles keep you upright while skipping across rocky surfaces, both wet and dry.
Thermoplastic urethane midsole supports help control flex, reduce ankle strain, along with a removable OrthoLite footbed that absorb shock , all of which enhances stability to protect feet from tumbles and twists while on the trail.
So yes, this boot has some truly noteworthy grippy and supportive. The shaft measures approximately 6" from arch combat weak, roll prone ankles and the protective rubber toe cap keep those fragile toes safe from unexpected accidents.
Then padded, gusseted tongues have a contoured instep fit; tongue folds lie flat and smooth to relieve lace pressure while keeping all debris out.
Seam-sealed Gore-Tex membranes offer comprehensive protection from water and allow moisture to escape to help keep feet cool, dry and happy.
Pro's
- The updated Salomon Contagrip outsole makes this one of the grippier boots on the market and perfect for risk takers
- This boot runs true to size
- Salomon 4D Chassis for stability/protection and molded EVA Ortholite removable footbed makes this a boot both comfy and supportive, and perfect for rock jumping and those day-spanning treks
- The removable OrthoLite® footbeds absorb shock but also has antimicrobial treatment deters odors for those of us who are cursed with especially stinky feet
Con's
- The hefty 6” arch might be overkill for trail runners, men who enjoy more flexibility in their shoes, or people with iron ankles that don’t need much support (aka teenagers)
3) Asolo Men's Fugitive GTX - Best beginner hiking boots
The Asolo Men's Fugitive GTX Hiking Boot is a hell of a boot. The shoe is constructed with water-resistant split-grain leather, GORE-TEX liners and Cordura nylon uppers are lightweight, breathable and durable, which make these boots a superb choice to for rain, sleet or sun.
Reinforced rubber heels and toe boxes provide ample protection against bumps and bruises. The Synchro bi-density rubber bottom outsole paired with the DuoAsoflex midsoles mix a shock-absorbing soft layer with a stiffer shank for torsion control to you can walk, climb and hop in good conscious that your feet won’t get all jacked up from minor slips.
Boots are resole-able, so if that bottom rubber on your boots start to wear or detach from heavy use, you can easily slap a brand new sole on. Then the secure lacing system greatly diminished heal lift and saves you the headache of constantly readjusting your laces.
Also they are a bit low profile with less bells and whistles that typically come with hefty hiking boots. So you can definitely wear them to the grocery store or work without people thinking you came straight off the PCT.
Pro's
- The Syncrho outsole, and DuoAsoflex midsoles make these an extremely grippy yet comfy shoes that’ll keep your feet raring to go even after multiple days of hiking
- The ultra-secure lacing system keep those pesky laces kaput so you don’t have to fiddle with them every mile
- These boots are lighter than their backpacking counterparts (size 8.5 only weighs 3 lbs) making them sporty and far less clunky
Con's
- Since these boots are resole-able, there are obviously some trouble with the rubber outsoles getting whittled down by trail blazing. So if you adventure often, you might want to choose something with a sturdier bottom
- Additionally, there have been reports that the bonding between the sole and the boot is a bit subpar
4) KEEN Men's Durand Mid WP - Professional's choice hiking boots
The Keen Men's Durand Mid WP Hiking Boot is a mesh trekking shoe with leather overlays, that features a waterproof membrane lining and hydrophobic mesh lining to keep those feet bone dry.
This is a heavy hitter when it comes to smart orthopedic support—the shaft measures approximately 6" from arch with is paired with a TPU stability shank, metatomical dual density EVA footbed ,and an integrated PU heel cushion.
The contoured heel lock, dual compound rubber outsole, make these a dependable boot for slippery and steep trails alike. Removable metatomical dual-density EVA footbed so you can do a little customization if the insole isn’t up to snuff.
Additionally, the PU resists breakdown and compression, which preserves the boots shock absorbing qualities whether it is your first trek or your hundredth.
Pro's
- Keen’s dry lining and breathable membrane will keep the rain out and release sweat, keeping you happy for those long haul hikes
- Dual compound rubber outsole, the sizable heel lock, and 6” arch keeps your feet planted to ground like nothing else
- Waterproof nubuck leather & breathable mesh upper keep water and debris from falling into your boot, so you don’t have to fish pebbles or air out your socks out during the middle of your trek
Con's
- The particular boot runs a 1/2 size small, so we would recommend ordering a boot that is a little larger than your usual foot size
- Unfortunately this boot isn’t compatible with aftermarket insoles or orthotics, so customization isn’t an option
5) Merrell Men's Moab Mid Waterproof - Editor's choice hiking boots for 2020
The Merrell Men's Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a sturdy trekking shoes that features a M Select DRY outer fabric that is designed to keep water out.
Then the Ventilator has more mesh area and is more breathable and designed to let water out (sweat).
M Select FRESH prevents odor so your feet don’t smell rank after your highflying adventure. Then the ortholite anatomical footbed and air cushion heel absorbs shock and adds stability so every step on the trail is a sure one.
The ghillie lacing with speed-lace hardware at top makes it easy to throw on your boots a hit the trail and its bellows bellows tongue to keep debris out. The vibram multi-sport plus sole and molded nylon arch shank offers much needed braking power at the heel while on more treacherous terrain.
Lastly, the aegis antimicrobial solution applied to the fabric helps fight ruminating scents and bacteria that accumulates in your boots while on a sweaty, challenging adventure and walks through suspicious looking mud puddles.
Pro's
- The boots leather and mesh upper provides ankle support Bellow tongue keeps rocks, teeny sticks and all other annoying debris out of your boot
- An antimicrobial solution Ortholite anatomical footbed keep your feet comfy and bacteria free, which is especially good for those who are weird microbe magnets
- The Merrell air cushion throughout heel absorbs shock and adds stability for those who are rough on their feet and planning on leaping across a few boulders
Con's
- These boots are on the heavier side, so if you are adventuring in the desert or long treks in consistently warm temperatures, a lighter hiking boot might be a better option
6) Danner Men’s Mountain Light II - Stylish yet affordable hiking boots
The Danner Men’s Mountain Light II Hiking Boot is a full grain, one piece leather boot that is 100% waterproof but also integrates a breathable GORE-TEX membrane liner with a polyurethane Airthotic molded PU instep that cradles your foot in supportive comfort, especially during the try break in process.
The Vibram Kletterlift techy outsole is a offers marvelous traction and well as absorbing shocks that’ll keep your feet suctioned to the trail no matter how slippery or steep it is.
The shaft measures at approximately 5.5" from arch providing stellar ankle support and the stitch down construction lends hikers underfoot stability.
Additionally, these classically designed boots are USA-made and are truly some of the sleekest, most stylish boots available, that’ll are perfect to wear from the trail to the tavern.
Pro's
- Despite the sturdy construction these boots are surprisingly lightweight
- The full grain leather and water tight construction make these boots have got your covered in the rain since they are totally impermeable to even torrential downpour
- The throwback, and let’s be honest, handsome— full leather boot can be worn anywhere
- Hefty 5.5” ankle support and Airthotic molded PU instep instep will support your feet on every single step on the trail
Con's
- These quality, hard leather boots are hellish to break in, but of course once you put in the time you’ll probably be able to hand down these classic to your grandchildren
- There bulkiness and wrinkles inside the shoe is inherent might bother some people’s feet, so really test these leather babies out before you set out on a 5 day backpacking trip
Best Hiking Boots For Men in 2020 WINNER
The best hiking boot for men is…the Merrell Men's Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot!
Updated 2/9/2020 - The competition was tough but this pair of hiking boots are a step ahead of the rest with their antimicrobial Ortholite anatomical footbed that fights foot bacteria and wonky microbes picked up from the trail.
Then the air cushion throughout the heel adds marvelous stability and support, the leather and mesh upper helps keep sticks and stones out of your shoe and on the trail where they belong.
Its ghillie lacing with speed-lace hardware makes it easy to slip in and out of your boots and reversely keep everything tied and stayed put when you’re adventuring in the wild.
Truly, their only bonafide fault is that they’re a little too tough and on the heavier side.
That concludes our in depth review of the best hiking boots for men in 2020. Did we not review your favorite pair of boots? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below!