Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2024, Tested for Comfort | CleverHiker (2024)

Last Updated:May 22, 2024

By Ian Krammer

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Men’s Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

Best Hiking Boots Overall

Price:$175

Weight (Pair):1 lb. 14.4 oz.

Upper Material:Poly-coated leather

Sizing:Wide available

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When it comes to comfort and low weight, look no further than the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX boots. Although most hiking boots require at least a short break-in period, the X Ultra 4s require barely any – they’re so comfortable you can take them on a big hike fresh out of the box. These award winners are also a great choice for most foot shapes and sizes since they offer widths in narrow and wide.

These are some of the lightest boots on our list at a mere 15.2 ounces per boot. That means the X Ultras feel nimble and flexible like high-top trail runners, but still offer stability and durability to traverse rough terrain with ease like much burlier boots. The X Ultras are great for backpackers who carry loads up to 35 pounds and want a waterproof mid-height boot but still want to feel nimble and agile on the move. They are the middle ground between a protective hiking boot and a cushioned over-ankle hiking shoe, offering just enough of both for fast movement on packed trails.

But, you’ll trade considerably lighter weight for less support and durability overall – especially versus heavier, more robust boots on this list. The poly-coated leather uppers won’t last as long as an all-leather boot. The flexible collar allows more movement at the ankle, but they wear faster. And, the insert that comes with the boot is thinner so we recommend swapping in your own for better support.

The average fit, combined with a geometric lug pattern and excellent comfort, makes these boots feel secure, grippy, and stable from the moment you put them on. If you’re looking for a very lightweight hiking boot that can handle multi-day treks in almost any conditions, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX will keep you comfy and dry.

Men’s Merrell Moab 3 WP

Best Budget Hiking Boots

Price:$150

Weight (Pair):2 lb. 4 oz.

Upper Material:Leather/mesh

Sizing:Wide available

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The Merrell Moab 3 WP offers the best bang for your buck on this list. At only $150, these boots offer great value, which is why the Moabs have been at the top of our Best Hiking Boots lists (Men and Women) for years. The CleverHiker team has taken Moabs on hundreds of adventures to keep our feet dry and comfy – from wet day hikes with kids in the Washington Cascades and New Hampshire’s White Mountains to frigid trails in the Colorado Rockies, and massive mid-February blizzards in the city.

The Moab 3s are trusted, ultra-popular, waterproof hiking boots that hit the sweet spot for weight, durability, and superior comfort. We’ve found the beefy midsole, wide toe box, and long, grippy laces make these boots feel very adjustable and comfy on almost any terrain. The lug pattern is aggressive and knobby, so you’ll feel stable whether you’re on a groomed, flat forest path, climbing a steep trail, or scrambling to a summit.

The Moab 3s are a bit bulky, so a lighter weight option will serve you better for long days (over 15 miles) with a lot of elevation gain. And, the insole is on the thinner side so we’ve found adding aftermarket inserts helps with arch support.

All things considered, Merrell is at the top of its game with these boots. They have good breathability to prevent sweat buildup and offer strong durability – including a reinforced heel and toe cap. When it comes to reliable and high-quality footwear that is affordable and ready for adventure, take a closer look at the Moab 3s.

Men’s La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX

Best Synthetic Hiking Boots

Price:$200

Weight (Pair):2 lb. 1 oz.

Upper Material:Poly & plastic

Sizing:Wide available

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The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX feel stable, comfortable, and agile, making them our top recommendation for a fully synthetic boot. They are born from La Sportiva’s iconic trail runner, the Ultra Raptor II and it shows. At barely over a pound per boot, the Raptor IIs are flexible and light for fast movement like a trail shoe, but offer impressive waterproofing and ankle protection like a much heavier leather boot. The Ultra Raptors have a grippy lug pattern with outstanding traction on everything from wet logs to sandy slopes and offer plenty of support on steep descents.

However, the Raptor IIs, like much of La Sportiva’s footwear, tend to run a bit narrow, so we recommend sizing up if you have wider feet. And, research shows that shoes made with synthetic materials wear out faster than leather or hybrid options. These are sturdy, well-built boots, but they may not last quite as long as the leather options on this list.

If you crave technical precision and great support on rough terrain, or you’re just looking for a lightweight, versatile boot for most hiking conditions, the Raptor II boots are ready for adventure. They offer top-notch grip, great waterproofing, and a cushy feel whether you’re carrying a heavy backpack on smooth dirt trails or tackling rough and rocky terrain off the beaten path.

Men’s Lowa Renegade GTX

Best Hiking Boots for Support, Durability & Comfort

Price:$255

Weight (Pair):2 lb. 0.4 oz.

Upper Material:Nubuck leather

Sizing:Wide & narrow available

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The Lowa Renegade GTX is a classic leather hiking boot that offers stellar durability, outstanding foot protection, and excellent traction. If your hikes flip-flop between established, well-packed trails and challenging off-trail adventures, the Renegade is the boot you’ve been looking for.

These boots offer a thick but flexible sole with a robust lug pattern that lends outstanding stability to get where you’re going without foot fatigue. Plus, the Renegade’s sleek profile, metal grommets, and variety of earth-tone colorways make for a stylish boot. Whether you’re walking the dog through the neighborhood in freezing winter temperatures or hiking in spring rain, the Gore-Tex liner and Nubuck Leather upper create a waterproof boot that extends well over the ankle with an angled collar.

There’s a lot to like about the Renegades, but be ready to shell out for them. They are one of the most expensive boots on this list. That said, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more durable pair almost anywhere – these boots are built to last. That means you won’t have to replace your footwear as often as synthetic or lesser-made boots.

This model is also in the bottom half of the pack for weight, making it heavier than previous iterations. Despite their average weight, the Renegades are comfortable and easy to love. Unlike many hiking boots in this price range, the Renegades almost entirely avoid the pitfalls of traditional leather hiking boots of being stiff, cumbersome, and heavy. Even though they have a medium break-in period, once they’ve softened, they could easily become your all-time favorite boots.

When it comes to unparalleled ankle support and best-in-class stability, the Lowa Renegades outperform the competition. Thanks to a super-structured upper and outsole, the Renegades are built for hikers who are ready for off-trail adventures in a durable, stable, comfortable package.

Men’s HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX

Versatile & Lightweight Hiking Boots

Price:$195

Weight (Pair):2 lb.

Upper Material:Nubuck leather

Sizing:Regular width

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The HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX offers outstanding comfort and support for day hikes and multi-night backpacking adventures. With a narrow midsole and a responsive, rockered outsole, the Anacapas feel remarkably balanced, stable, and responsive. The lug pattern is robust, delivering excellent traction and a sticky grip. Because of a wider forefoot, your toes will enjoy more wiggle room, and they’ll stay dry due to the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane.

The most unusual feature of the Anacapas is the large, protruding swallowtail heel. Though it provides terrific cushioning for your heel strike, it can take a while to get used to. Additionally, these are not boots for hikers headed off-trail or above treeline. The outsole is cushy but bulky, making it perfect for most conditions on trail, but you’ll have less sensitivity in more technical terrain versus a boot with a narrower toe box and compact outsoles. That means this pair won’t give you as much ground feel as you navigate obstacles on your route.

The Anacapas are also more prone to damage than heavier boots with more durable rubber outsoles. However, this isn’t a dealbreaker, since these boots are stellar for navigating the roots and rocks of the average hard-packed hiking trail, and the cushioning means your feet will stay comfy and cozy.

We appreciate the Anacapas for their extra touches like a large cuff loop for easy on and off, nubuck leather panels for extra durability, and an upper design that makes the Anacapas look as stylish as they are supportive. At just a nudge over 1 pound for each boot, this is some of the lightest footwear on our list. The Anacapas are a must-have for those who value both comfort and style during extended backpacking trips.

Men’s KEEN Targhee IV WP

Best wide-fit hiking boots

Price:$165

Weight (Pair):2 lb. 8.6 oz.

Upper Material:Nubuck leather

Sizing:Wide available

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If you’re looking for roomy boots, the KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP is your glass slipper. They offer a ton of room in the toe box so your feet can stretch out, and they come in wide sizes to accommodate an array of foot shapes. Between their comfort, wide fit, and classic profile, these boots are super popular. We liked them so much that the low-cut version of the Targhee 4 lands on our guide to the Best Hiking Shoes for Men as well.

The Targhee IV has an unusual, supportive design feature: a nylon strap that wraps from the sides of the boots around the back of the heel, which makes the fit feel snug and locked in, perfect for traversing rocky trails and tackling steep descents. With a flexible leather upper and a slightly more flexible sole than other similar boots on this list, these KEENs are comfy out of the box and have a short break-in period.

The uppers of the Targhee IV are softer than other leather boots on this list, which means they are immediately comfortable, but they’re a bit less protective for your ankles. Also, the grip pattern on the Targhee IV is wide and simple with shallower lugs. The outsole wears out slightly faster than average but this model still offers excellent traction on most surfaces.

They walk a fine line between support and flexibility. When it comes to a wide-fitting, super comfortable, and affordable mid-range hiking boot, the KEEN Targhee IV earns its place.

Men’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX

Best Balance of Weight, Durability & Support

Price:$230

Weight (Pair):2 lb. 14 oz.

Upper Material:Leather/mesh

Sizing:Regular width

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The Salomon Quest 4 GTX offers seriously burly ankle support, which translates to unrivaled stability on almost any terrain. A mix of leather and mesh textiles combined with a Gore-Tex liner will keep your feet reliably dry through water crossings and well-protected on rocky trails. The Quest 4’s aggressive lug design offers great traction, and the boots are ergonomic and comfortable out of the box. They have a medium break-in period, so we highly recommend wearing them around town before any long days on the trail.

The CleverHiker team really likes these boots, and they’ve ranked highly on our list for years. However, we found the biggest issue with this current iteration is durability: the uppers tend to separate from the rubber outsoles faster than prior versions. Though this isn’t a dealbreaker for us, it knocks this model out of the top five.

The Quest 4 GTX is also one of the heaviest boots we tested – but if you carry 40 or more pounds in your backpack, they may be the perfect fit for you. Since this model offers so much stability and support, they’re ideally suited for carrying a bigger load in your backpack, especially versus lightweight options. Despite the weight penalty, these boots feel considerably more agile and lightweight than boots in a similar weight category.

The Quests are spendy, but for us, they’re worth the price tag. These are super comfortable, supportive, and easy-to-love hiking boots that will help you crush hundreds of miles of trail, from high desert to above treeline.

Men’s Vivobarefoot Tracker 2 FG

Best Zero-Drop Hiking Boots

Price:$240

Weight (Pair):2 lb. 8 oz.

Upper Material:Nubuck leather

Sizing:Regular width

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If you want the protection and waterproofing of a boot but don’t need the burly support, the Vivobarefoot Tracker 2 FG is the pair for you. These are zero-drop, foot-shaped boots for day hikes and quick jaunts. They offer an ultra-thin 2.5 mm tread depth, so you’ll feel the contours of roots and rocks on the trail much more than a traditional boot with a stiff sole.

That said, the Tracker 2s still offer good traction on most surfaces, a snug fit, and stylish versatility for strolling in the suburbs or wandering in the wild. Their flexible, sticky rubber outsole and sturdy leather uppers offer great protection while allowing your foot to spread and flex naturally.

Where the Tracker 2s stand out for comfort and stability, they fall a bit short for durability and waterproofness. Because the Trackers’ outsoles are glued – not sewn, like other Vivobarefoot footwear – the rubber outsoles can separate from the leather uppers. And, the leather uppers, when subjected to consistently wet conditions, can leach water.

That said, the flexibility, outstanding comfort, and low weight of the Tracker 2s are well worth this tradeoff. With care and regular use, they can last for hundreds of miles. In general, zero-drop boots offer a lower level of support than the beefier boots on our list. But for fast and light adventures that call for more protection than a zero-drop trail runner can provide, these boots are a perfect fit.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP

Less Expensive Hiking Boots for Occasional Hikes & Beginners

Price:$100

Weight (Pair):1 lb. 15.8 oz.

Upper Material:Poly-coated leather & suede

Sizing:Wide available

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If you’re on a tight budget but itching to hit the trail, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 are the most budget-friendly hiking boots on our list. At only $100, this pair is durable, stable, and offers burly traction. It shines for its classic hiking boot profile featuring a stable, structured outsole and a leather and suede upper. These boots also come in tons of different colors and sizes, ranging from 7 to 17, as well as wide sizing options, so chances are there’s a Newton Ridge design that fits your foot.

On the downside, the Newton Ridge Plus 2s are slower to break in and feel somewhat stiff out of the box and don’t offer quite as much cushioning at the heel or midfoot as others on this list. We also found this pair is not 100% waterproof, so step carefully across those creek crossings.

That said, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP is a less expensive option that doesn’t compromise on style or accessibility. Whether you’re taking the first few steps into the world of hiking, you need a durable boot for a few backcountry trips a year or want a stylish and simple hiking boot to add to your rotation, these are incredibly popular and affordable boots. Although they aren’t ideal for really long hikes, they are a cost-effective way to get into day hiking or short backpacking trips.

Timberland Mt. Maddsen WP

Durable & Supportive Leather Hiking Boots

Price:$120

Weight (Pair):3 lb.

Upper Material:Full grain leather

Sizing:Regular width

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The Timberland Mt. Maddsen is the definition of a classic, all-leather hiking boot: it’s sturdy, waterproof footwear designed for romping in shoulder seasons and mucky trail conditions. With a gusseted tongue, burly outsole traction, and rugged ankle protection, the Mt. Maddsens feel hefty and strong

It makes sense why they’re so popular with day hikers and weekend warriors: they have an outstanding price point. At just over $100, these boots are easy on your wallet and can handle yard work, short-range hikes, and all sorts of landscapes.

The leather upper takes multiple wears to begin softening, so patience pays off in the end. We found that breaking them in thoroughly before any big hikes – around 20-30 total miles – was crucial to avoid hotspots and pain. The narrow toe box and slow softening of the leather caused us some irritation and a few hotspots. And, in general, leather boots tend to run hot, so these are not our first choice for summer hiking.

Though the Mt. Maddsen boots aren’t our top recommendation, they still deserve a spotlight. The friendly price point is ideal for getting you out on the trail. They perform well, come in a lot of different sizes, and are a solid choice if you need to save some bucks.