The Best Men’s Hiking Boots
Every journey feels easier when you have a comfortable pair of shoes to depend on underfoot. But when adventure calls and you set off into the great outdoors, you'll want to be extra sure that you can rely on the boots that carry you. Today's hiking boots bring the best in ergonomic design and smart materials to help you make the most of the great outdoors. With their fine waterproofing, traction, and sole geometry, you might find yourself wearing these boots for more than just your weekend hikes. As we searched far and wide for the best hiking boots, we had three questions in mind: Are they really as waterproof as they claim? Does the traction underfoot provide stable grip across a variety of terrains? Is there sufficient thermal padding to keep your feet warm when temperatures drop? The Upsolo boots are a great choice for colder climes, with a fuzzy lining that will keep your feet toasty. And though they will keep your feet dry in a rain shower, if you're looking for the best waterproofing you can get, be sure to check out Nortiv's combat boots. Keep reading to learn more about the rest of our top picks.
Upsolo Winter Trekking Boots
If you’re planning a season of chilly strolls, you’ll want to be sure you can keep your feet warm and dry every step of the way. These ankle-high boots will keep your feet snug and cozy within a toasty synthetic full-fur inner lining. The waterproof outer keeps you safe from puddles or unexpected downpours. All the while, the shoes provide flexible and breathable comfort during wear. All in all, this handsome pair brings everything we would expect from a great pair of hiking boots at a bargain price.
Pros:
- These boots come with an anti-slip sole made of high-traction rubber for a secure grip. This helps keep you from slipping even in inclement weather.
- An elastic upper makes it easy to slip these boots on and off.
- The thermal resistance of these boots is truly impressive.
Cons:
- These insoles aren’t the most comfortable, so you may want to factor in the cost of replacement insoles down the line.
Nortiv 8 Ankle-High Waterproof Hiking Boots
Step forth
When hiking in uncharted territory, you’ll want to keep your feet under wraps, but you don’t want to compromise too much on maneuverability in the process. This protective pair will leave you with a spring in your step thanks to the shock-absorbent insoles and lightweight EVA midsoles designed for maximum mobility and comfort on any terrain. You won’t have to worry about wet toes either, because these boast impressive water resistance.
Pros:
- The insoles are removable for easy cleaning after a long day of hiking. This also means they can be easily replaced after heavy wear.
- We like that the comfortable padding on the tongue and collar protects your ankles from rubbing.
- These durable shoelaces are built to last. Their tensile strength is capable of withstanding forces of up to 650N.
Cons:
- The choice of only three color options might leave you disappointed if you’re searching for a specific hue.
Nortiv 8 Tactical Combat Boots
Many military personnel are required to perform their duties outdoors day after day, so it’s no surprise that the tactical gear they wear is so expertly designed. Thanks to that, this type of gear tends to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. These combat boots take their cue from military design to provide a solid and dependable hiking solution. With a waterproof lining concealed beneath a water-repellent outer, few comparable boots will keep you this dry during a storm. Deep ridges on these rubber soles ensure a firm foothold over dirt, rocks, gravel, ice, and snow, so you won’t be limited when choosing your line of attack.
Pros:
- Carefully engineered contours on these soles provide ample arch support, keeping your feet fresh and mobile after even the longest hikes.
- The cushioning in the midsole offers an energized bounce, no matter if you’re casually strolling or walking at a brisk pace.
- We love the clean aesthetic of this monochrome design, with a few bold color options to choose from.
Cons:
- This resilient waterproofing has a downside: if these boots do end up wet, they can take much longer than an average pair to dry.
Columbia Bugaboot III Snowboot
Snow problem
If you’re up against the harshest cold or wettest conditions, you might have your sights set on an option that provides extra protection and insulation. The Bugaboot III is a dependable option for warmth and waterproofing in snowy conditions, so you know this design means business. Their leather upper uses a seam-sealed construction constructed in an injection-molded shell to keep moisture out. Whether or not you’ll encounter a snowstorm, these boots are a seriously resilient option.
Pros:
- Thick 200g insulation lining runs from toe to collar, so your feet are sure to stay warm, even when there’s a lot of snow on the ground.
- The omni-grip traction offers a powerful grip on even the iciest terrain, but it’s also designed to be indoor-friendly.
Cons:
- These tight-fitting boots can run a little small, particularly when paired with a thick pair of insulating socks.
Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Boots
Tread gently
Practical footwear doesn’t have to be all about waterproofing and grip. Sometimes a soft embrace is all we need to carry us along the next leg of our journey. With that in mind, Merrell’s Moab boots provide comfort in spades. Your feet are sure to appreciate the shock-absorbent air cushioning beneath each heel, as this lends a soft bounce to each step. The EVA-contoured footbed and zonal arch and heel support work to keep your feet feeling their best, even on the longest of journeys.
Pros:
- A flexible tongue makes it easy to get these boots on. And thanks to its closed-cell lining, moisture won’t seep in unexpectedly.
- We love that the rubber-tipped toes will protect you from stubs when navigating rocky terrain.
Cons:
- The tread on these boots can be a little slippery on smooth, urban surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I spray my boots with a waterproofing agent even if they claim to be water-resistant?
Wet feet on a hike are no fun, so it’s worth ensuring that your footwear is up to the challenge of rain or deep puddles before you head out on a serious expedition. Waterproofing materials on hiking boots can vary, and some options won’t withstand the harshest weather conditions. Even the best waterproof boots can become permeable with age. For fail-safe results, we suggest doubling up on a waterproof option with a silicon-based waterproofing spray.
Can I replace the insoles of my hiking boots with more supportive insoles?
Most of the hiking boots we found have removable insoles, meaning you can easily switch the originals if you have a pair of trusty favorites that you’d prefer.
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