Hiking boots are an essential part of the hiking experience but which ones should you buy? They are key to your comfort and ability on your trek. People often look for hiking boots that are waterproof but a light feel is another popular request. Whether you’re going long trail hiking or for a more leisurely ramble, we have the perfect men’s all-terrain hiking boots for each occasion and location.
Our top five sets of hiking boots are listed below to make your journey through both the boot world and the real world easier. You only have to scroll down to find your perfect boot match. We have lightweight options for fast packing and day trips; middle-weight boots that work for most occasions; and heavyweights for more hardcore trips and rugged terrain. Mountain, forest, or dry, desert-like terrains? Your choice – we’ll help provide you with the top five hiking boots for your weekend trips.
Note: All prices listed are at the time of writing and are subject to change by the manufacturer.
Confused about what having a good hiking boot means? Check out our hiking boot 101!
5. Salomon Quest 4 GX
First on our list of the best men’s all-terrain hiking boots is the Salomon Quest 4 GX. If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty boot then this one is for you. But don’t worry, you won’t have to comprise on your comfort during your serious day or backpacking and hiking around. They are designed for long trips and harsh conditions. These boots are designed for grip and support to keep your strides long, comfortable, and stable.
However, if you are just looking for a pair of boots for casual hiking or speed, these may not be the ones for you as they have extra protection and might slow you if you’re planning on speeding down the trails. They are waterproof and well-reviewed however they are a bit more pricey than some of the other options.
Price: Approx $230
Best Use: Hiking, backpacking
Footwear Height: Mid-calf
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Type of Waterproofing: GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane
Upper: Leather/textile
Lining: Textile
Midsole: EVA foam
Outsole: Contagrip TD rubber
Weight (Pair): 2 lbs. 14.4 oz.
4. Timberland White Ledge Mid
These boots are lightweight and cushioned assuring that your climbs are easier and descents quicker. They’re waterproof and their design makes them an easy pick for any trek – any terrain. These boots are great for those who enjoy both nature and the comforts of life – with soft ‘mattress’ like soles it makes an enjoyable walk just that much more enjoyable. They’re light and extremely comfortable, perfect for day hikes and maybe at a push – a few days backpacking with your family.
Timberlands are an affordable option for new and experienced hikers alike. They have stood for quality and performance for generations. Not to mention that they have a solid commitment to the environment and sustainability.
These boots are amazingly comfortable out of the box with minimal breaking-in needed. There is enough room for thicker socks making them great for cold-weather hiking as well. You certainly will not need to look any further for trail-ready performance and style.
Price: Approx $110 (often sales down to $70!)
Best Use: Hiking
Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Type of Waterproofing: Waterproof leather
Upper: Full-grain leather
Midsole: EVA
Weight (Pair): 2 lbs.
Sustainability: Contains leather from a tannery rated by the Leather Working Group (LWG)
Consider taking these on a long trail hike or backpacking trip in Alaska on one of these great Alaska trails.
3. Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP
At over $100 cheaper than the first pair of boots these ones are an absolute bargain. Aside from great price the quality of the Merrell Moad 2 garners it a spot on the best men’s all-terrain hiking boots list.
These are midweight, waterproof boots guaranteed to bring you comfort wherever you go. These should be a go-to pair for hikers who enjoy maintained trails and short hiking trips (a day or so). People love this boot because it’s not only light and comfortable but come at an excellent and affordable price. They’re not quite as durable as some of the pricier models but are well worth the money.
These are the pair of boots for the family man, any dad who likes hiking whether it’s with the wife, family, or by themselves. These are the ones to buy as they mix quality with comfort and price.
Price: Approx $110
Best Use: Hiking
Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Type of Waterproofing: Waterproof breathable membrane
Upper: Suede leather/mesh
Lining: Mesh
Midsole: EVA
Support: Nylon arch shank
Outsole: Vibram TC5+ rubber
Weight (Pair): 2 lbs. 4 oz.
2. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Almost to the end of our best men’s all-terrain hiking boots list. However, before we end we can leave out the Lowa Renegade GTX boots. These boots are a bit more expensive than some of the other options but offer an abundance of comfort at a low weight.
Aside from the price, they are well-suited for day trips and short backpacking trips. They provide enough support for the majority of hikers. If you’re more serious about you’re hiking then you may want to have a look at a more durable and supportive option. One of Lowa’s winning qualities is its incredibly low weight meaning it’s great for backpacking. It also has a low break-in time meaning you can spend less time toughing through the early pain and more time enjoying your hikes. You won’t have to pack extra moleskin with these.
This boot has won multiple awards including the 2014 OutdoorGearLab Editors’ Award and in 2018 was featured in the Editors’ Choice 25th Anniversary Hall of Fame by Backpacker magazine. Continued high quality and comfort make this a no-brainer choice. Although these are ideal and more suited to shorter hikes, many hikers have worn them for longer expeditions and have given them shining reviews of recommendation.
Price: Approx $245
Best Use: Hiking
Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Upper: Nubuck leather/Cordura nylon
Lining: Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane/polyester
Midsole: Polyurethane
Support: Nylon shank
Outsole: Vibram rubber
Weight (Pair): 2 lbs. 7 oz.
Now that your feet are covered, learn some other great backpacking items to bring with you!
1. Keen Targhee III Mid WP
Last but certainly not least on our men’s all-terrain boots list are the Keen Targhee III boots. These boots are certainly not new to the playing field with their rugged look for everyday use. This is another lightweight pair and a reasonably affordable option at that. They are a very popular choice of boot for day hiking and backpacking and they’ve certainly made themselves known as they have been around since the autumn of 2017.
For their price, these boots are great value. However, there are some that can provide greater stability and ankle support for a greater price. Although for one-day hikes or weekend backpacking they have sufficient assets including endless comfortability.
I personally love the Keen brand. Of all of the hiking boots and sandals that I purchase I lean toward Keen. This is because the quality is stellar and they really hold up to demanding hiking and the elements. Among traditional hiking boots, this is one of the most popular with its straight out-of-the-box comfortability and great support so if you prefer traditional hiking boots over the more modern ones then this is definitely the one for you as it’s one of the best.
Price: Approx $175
Best Use: Hiking
Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Type of Waterproofing: KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane
Upper: Oiled nubuck leather
Lining: Mesh
Midsole: Dual-density EVA
Support: ESS shank
Outsole: Rubber
Weight (Pair): 2 lbs. 2.8 oz.
Sustainability: Contains leather from a tannery rated by the Leather Working Group (LWG)
Final Best Men’s All-Terrain Hiking Boots Thoughts
In this list of the top 5 hiking boots, there’s a selection of heavy-weight, mid-weight, and light-weight boots. The lightweight boots are great for one-day trips or backpacking for a few days, they’re light and comfortable perfect for if you’re hiking with your family. Mid-weight is good for slightly longer hikes. The heavy-weight boots are durable and long-lasting, perfect for long hikes, these will often be more expensive due to the extra protection, grip, and stability they provide. These are the top five men’s all-terrain hiking boots we have collected for you to choose the right one for you and even your family if you want a hike together.
Whether you are heading out on a short hike or into the backcountry these boots will give you the support you need. Really a great day can be ruined by uncomfortable boots. However, you can avoid the pain by purchasing a solid boot for your foundation.
What do you think? Would these five best men’s all-terrain hiking boots make your top list? We would like to hear about your favorites in the comments, on our Facebook, or on Reddit!
