Men’s Hiking Shoes: 8 Low-Cut Picks, Fit Notes and Who Should Skip Each

The 8 Best Hiking Shoes for Men at a Glance

Eight men’s hiking shoes that independent outlets name, plus the Salomon X Ultra 5 that tops all three. Tap a photo or the button to see the shoe on Amazon. For higher-cut options, see our best hiking boots for men guide.

Price category reflects current US listings: budget is roughly under $150, mid-range roughly $150 to $200, premium above $200. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.

The Pick Every Outlet Agrees On

CleverHiker names the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Best Hiking Shoes Overall at 1 lb 11 oz, Switchback Travel names the X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Best Overall at 1 lb 10 oz, and Treeline Review names the X Ultra 5 GTX Low Best Overall at 1 lb 10.8 oz. CleverHiker praises stable footing, traction and a fast Quicklace system but calls the fit high-volume and says it runs warm, while Switchback Travel says the forefoot still feels narrow and the cinch laces are hard to dial in. Treeline Review says roomy toe box and true to size, so the sources disagree on fit. We have not matched the low-cut version to a current US Amazon listing, so there is no buy button.

General advice from us: try it on, because the three outlets describe the fit differently.

Hiking Shoes, Trail Runners or Boots?

CleverHiker separates hiking shoes, trail runners and boots like this.

For more support, read our hiking boots with ankle support guide, and for wet trips see best waterproof hiking boots.

Which Shoe for Which Hiker (and Who Should Skip Each)

Who should skip each shoe

Best Cushioned and Roomy Hiking Shoes

Cushioned and roomy shoes for long days.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX (Men’s)

Best for: cushioned waterproof comfort

Treeline Review names it Most Comfortable at 1 lb 14.7 oz, praising cushioning, support and breathability. CleverHiker calls it Grippy and Comfy Waterproof Hiking Shoes at 1 lb 14.6 oz, citing a comfortable midsole, strong traction and secure laces.

What this means for you: two outlets agree it is a comfortable waterproof pick.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review says true to size but slightly narrow, so size up for wide feet.

Watch for: Treeline Review lists the price and bulk that takes getting used to. CleverHiker says it is heavy compared with trail runners, the extended heel takes adjustment and the cost is significant for occasional hikers.

Skip it if: you hike occasionally or want a light shoe.

Altra Lone Peak 9 (Men’s)

Best for: roomy zero-drop comfort

CleverHiker names it Best Zero Drop Shoes for Thru-Hiking at 1 lb 6.4 oz, praising a roomy toe box, light weight, a rock plate and no break-in. Switchback Travel names it for Hard-to-Please Feet at 1 lb 6.3 oz, saying the roomy fit suits wide feet.

What this means for you: a forgiving shoe for wide or sensitive feet.

Fit and sizing: Switchback Travel says roomy, suited to wide feet.

Men’s and women’s versions: Waterproof versions are also sold.

Watch for: Switchback Travel says it is flat, under-cushioned and has little arch support, and that the outsole wears faster. CleverHiker flags traction as its clearest caution and says it is not weather resistant.

Skip it if: you need arch support, rain protection or wet-rock grip.

KEEN Hightrail Low Waterproof (Men’s)

Best for: cushion and stability on established trails

Switchback Travel names it for Established Trails at 1 lb 11.9 oz, citing good cushion and stability, a slight rocker and a supportive arch.

What this means for you: a comfortable, versatile shoe for easy trails. Only Switchback Travel among our sources covers it.

Fit and sizing: Switchback Travel notes the stiff collar needs a break-in.

Watch for: Switchback Travel says protection is limited with no sturdy toe bumper, it is heavy, not for fast hiking, and the stiff collar takes time to break in.

Skip it if: you hike rocky ground or want a fast shoe.

Best Waterproof and Supportive Hiking Shoes

Shoes with a waterproof membrane, plus the stiff boot-like option.

Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX (Men’s)

Best for: wet-weather grip in a light shoe

Treeline Review names the Katabatic LT Low GTX Best Waterproof at 1 lb 7.6 oz, praising excellent wet-weather performance, grip on slick surfaces and a supportive, stable feel.

What this means for you: a light wet-weather option. Only Treeline Review among our sources covers it.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review says snug, with a wide version available.

Watch for: Treeline Review calls it form-fitting.

Skip it if: you want a roomy fit and cannot get the wide size.

La Sportiva Spire GTX (Men’s)

Best for: boot-like support in a low shoe

Switchback Travel names it Best Supportive for Backpacking at 1 lb 15 oz, calling it sturdy and stiff with excellent grip and good ankle support. CleverHiker names it the Best Shoe-Boot Hybrid, praising long-term durability and stability. Treeline Review names the Spire Low GTX Best for Technical Terrain.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is the most boot-like low shoe, with a sizing disagreement to note below.

Fit and sizing: Sources disagree: Switchback Travel says it runs large and suggests sizing down at least half a size, while CleverHiker and Treeline Review say it runs narrow.

Watch for: CleverHiker says it is heavy, stiff and needs break-in. Switchback Travel says it is heavy for a low-top and pricey.

Skip it if: you want a light, flexible shoe.

Danner Trail 2650 (Men’s)

Best for: trail-to-town style with a grippy sole

Treeline Review names the Trail 2650 GTX Best Lightweight at 1 lb 11 oz, praising durable uppers, drainage holes, grip and stability. Switchback Travel lists it for Trail to Town at 1 lb 8 oz, comfortable from the start with a grippy Vibram outsole.

What this means for you: a stylish light shoe.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review says roomy and slipper-like with a secure midfoot.

Watch for: Treeline Review says the footbed and midsole lost cushioning after roughly 400 to 500 miles and its review text says it is not fully waterproof. Switchback Travel notes a low collar and less stability on tricky terrain or heavy loads.

Skip it if: you want waterproofing or carry heavy loads.

Best Budget and Beginner Hiking Shoes

Lower-cost shoes for easy and moderate trails.

Merrell Moab 3 (Men’s)

Best for: low-cost comfort and durability

CleverHiker names it Best Budget Hiking Shoes at 1 lb 9 oz, citing value, comfort, little break-in and durability. Treeline Review names the GORE-TEX version Best Budget, and Switchback Travel lists it as Budget Leather.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is a dependable low-cost choice.

Fit and sizing: Switchback Travel calls the fit well-padded and comfortable.

Men’s and women’s versions: A waterproof version is also sold.

Watch for: CleverHiker says it is heavier and less flexible than trail runners and the standard version is not waterproof. Switchback Travel notes weak traction on rock and mud and limited ankle support off-camber.

Skip it if: you want a light, fast shoe.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX (Men’s)

Best for: light and comfortable on easy trails

Switchback Travel names the Moab Speed 2 Runner-Up at a Great Price at 1 lb 8.7 oz, praising a firm midsole, reinforced caps and a Vibram outsole. Treeline Review names the GORE-TEX version Best for Beginners at 1 lb 8.6 oz, comfortable right away and reliable in rain.

What this means for you: a comfortable first hiking shoe.

Fit and sizing: Switchback Travel says roomy toe box and a somewhat loose heel.

Watch for: Switchback Travel says it is less secure on technical terrain and imprecise with heavy loads. Treeline Review says toe and side protection is lighter and the lugs grip loose gravel and mud less well.

Skip it if: you hike technical terrain or carry heavy loads.

Also named

CleverHiker names the Saucony Peregrine 16 as its lightweight pick, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor III for technical terrain and the HOKA Speedgoat 7 for a balance of comfort and traction. Switchback Travel names the Nortiv 8 Armadillo Fieldlite Best Budget and the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 Best Technical. Treeline Review names the HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX Best for Plantar Fasciitis and the On Cloudhorizon 2 Best Cushioning. We have not matched these to current US Amazon listings, so there are no buy buttons.

Our Hiking Shoe Evaluation Framework

We score each shoe on five questions using only what the named outlets published.

1. Source agreement. How many outlets name it?
2. Comfort and fit. Reported fit and break-in.
3. Traction and protection. Grip and underfoot protection.
4. Weather. Waterproof or breathable.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints the outlets raise.

Source agreement counts outlets that name the shoe in a ranking. The rest summarizes what those outlets wrote.

How to Choose Men’s Hiking Shoes

• Pick the construction first. CleverHiker says hiking-shoe construction suits rough terrain, while trail-runner construction suits low weight.
• Decide waterproof or not. Waterproof membranes trade breathability for protection. See best waterproof hiking boots.
• Match fit to foot shape. The Lone Peak is roomy, while the La Sportiva shoes run narrow per CleverHiker and Treeline Review.
• Think about load. Several outlets say light shoes offer limited support for heavy packs. See our best hiking boots guide.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Spire sizing. Switchback Travel says it runs large and to size down, while CleverHiker and Treeline Review say it runs narrow.

X Ultra 5 fit. CleverHiker calls it high-volume, Switchback Travel says the forefoot feels narrow, and Treeline Review says roomy and true to size.

Danner Trail 2650 waterproofing. Treeline Review lists GORE-TEX in its table but says in its text that it is not fully waterproof.

Questions About Men’s Hiking Shoes, Answered

“What is the best hiking shoe for men?”

All three outlets name the Salomon X Ultra 5 best overall.

“Are hiking shoes as good as boots?”

CleverHiker says hiking shoes suit rough terrain and boots add ankle support and cushioning for tough trails.

“What is the cheapest option?”

Three outlets name the Merrell Moab 3 as the budget pick.

“Which hiking shoe suits wide feet?”

Switchback Travel notes the Altra Lone Peak 9 is roomy and suited to wide feet.

“Which is the most supportive low shoe?”

Switchback Travel names the La Sportiva Spire GTX Best Supportive for Backpacking.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Trusting one fit report. The sources disagree on fit for the X Ultra 5 and Spire.
• Buying waterproof for hot trails. Membranes trade off breathability.
• Skipping the transition. Zero-drop shoes need a gradual adjustment per CleverHiker.
• Carrying heavy loads in light shoes. Several outlets say they offer limited support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hiking shoe for men?

CleverHiker, Switchback Travel and Treeline Review all name the Salomon X Ultra 5.

What is the best budget hiking shoe?

The Merrell Moab 3, per three outlets.

Which men’s hiking shoe is most comfortable?

Treeline Review names the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low Most Comfortable.

Which suits wide feet?

The Altra Lone Peak 9, per Switchback Travel.

Are hiking shoes enough for heavy loads?

Several outlets say light shoes offer limited support for heavy packs.

Which low shoe is most supportive?

Switchback Travel names the La Sportiva Spire GTX.

What about ankle support?

See our hiking boots with ankle support guide.

Are these available for women?

Most are. See our best hiking shoes for women guide.

The Short Version

Start with the Salomon X Ultra 5 if it fits you. For budget choose the Merrell Moab 3, for comfort the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low, for wide feet the Altra Lone Peak 9 and for stiff support the La Sportiva Spire GTX.

Keep Reading

Sources

• CleverHiker: Best hiking shoes for men
• Switchback Travel: Best hiking shoes
• Treeline Review: Best hiking shoes