Best Hiking Boots for Men: 10 Top Picks, Sizing Notes and Who Should Skip Each

The 10 Best Hiking Boots for Men at a Glance

Ten men’s boots, chosen because independent outlets rank them. Tap a photo or the button to see the boot on Amazon. For the unisex view, see our best hiking boots 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.

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

Who should skip each boot

Best All-Round Men’s Hiking Boots

Boots that suit most men: day hikes, weekend trips and mixed trails.

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX (men’s)

Best for: day hiking and light backpacking when you want low weight and grip

CleverHiker names it Best Hiking Boots Overall at 1 lb 15 oz, citing minimal break-in, excellent traction and stability. Treeline Review calls it best lightweight at 1 lb 14.4 oz with solid lateral stability. OutdoorGearLab gives it a Top Pick as “Perfect for Lightweight Hiking”, measuring 2.4 lbs per size 14 pair. GearJunkie names it Best Lightweight at 1 lb 15 oz and says the new version is more supportive and durable than before. RunRepeat names it best for stability at 15.4 oz per boot.

What this means for you: if you want one boot for most trail days that does not feel like a boot, this is it. Keep it for light loads.

Fit and sizing: CleverHiker says the forefoot runs narrow and sizing runs a little small. Treeline Review says it fits true to size. Wide sizes are offered per CleverHiker and OutdoorGearLab.

Men’s and women’s versions: Men’s version at 1 lb 15 oz (CleverHiker, REI, GearJunkie). Women’s weights are lower. See our best hiking boots for women guide.

Watch for: GearJunkie says it is too pliable for steep side-hilling or step-kicking, CleverHiker lists less ankle support and a flimsy insert, and NBC Select finds it too warm above 65 degrees. On durability the sources split: CleverHiker lists less durable, GearJunkie says the new version is more durable than the last.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads, want maximum ankle support or hike in warm weather.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (men’s)

Best for: first-time hikers and anyone who wants an affordable, no-break-in boot

CleverHiker picks it as Best Budget at 2 lb 4 oz, and GearJunkie names it Best Budget at 2 lb 2.9 oz, noting it is a traditional leather boot and that Merrell sells a Gore-Tex version for about $20 more. Treeline Review names it best affordable at 2 lb 2.9 oz. Trail and Kale calls it the best first boot at 17.8 oz in a US 9. OutdoorGearLab names it Best Buy and says the fit is spot-on. RunRepeat names the Gore-Tex version best overall.

What this means for you: the safe first boot for maintained trails.

Fit and sizing: Standard or wide options per GearJunkie and OutdoorGearLab. CleverHiker says it runs wide.

Men’s and women’s versions: Men’s version. A women’s version is lighter at 1 lb 11.1 oz per CleverHiker.

Watch for: GearJunkie says it is too bulky for technical terrain and the wide fit does not work for narrow feet. OutdoorGearLab says off-trail traction lacks bite, and RunRepeat says it runs hot above 70 degrees and its mesh panels tear easily.

Skip it if: you plan technical or muddy terrain, or hike in heat.

KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof (men’s)

Best for: men with wide feet who want a roomy toe box and good value

CleverHiker names it Best Wide-Fit at 2 lb 9 oz, and Treeline Review names it best for wide feet at 2 lb 8.6 oz. GearJunkie lists 2 lb 8.2 oz with a roomy forefoot, supportive without feeling clunky and good value. Tom’s Guide calls it its best all-around hiking boot, and Trail and Kale names it best value. NBC Select lists 20.3 oz for the men’s boot.

What this means for you: a roomy everyday boot for wide feet and a modest budget.

Fit and sizing: GearJunkie says it runs significantly large. Medium and wide per Treeline Review.

Men’s and women’s versions: Men’s version. Women’s weights are lower, with CleverHiker listing 2 lb 1.2 oz.

Watch for: GearJunkie says it runs significantly large, is not suitable for narrow feet and that its waterproofing is not as effective as other options. CleverHiker lists less ankle support and weaker steep traction, and OutdoorGearLab lists average traction.

Skip it if: you have narrow feet or hike steep, rugged off-trail terrain.

SCARPA Moraine Mid WP (men’s)

Best for: a supportive, comfortable leather boot with traction for scrambling

GearJunkie lists it among its other notable boots at 2 lbs 9.2 oz, with a standard to narrow, more technical fit and out-of-the-box comfort. It is stable and supportive with grippy traction for scrambling and a built-in RECCO reflector.

What this means for you: a traditional leather option, though with one source only.

Fit and sizing: Standard to narrow per GearJunkie.

Watch for: GearJunkie says it is not particularly lightweight if you want to move fast and the midsole EVA foam gouges somewhat easily.

Skip it if: you want to move fast and light.

Also worth knowing: HOKA Kaha 3 GTX

We have not matched a men’s listing for the Kaha 3 on Amazon, so it has no buy button here. OutdoorGearLab names it Best Overall at 3.0 lbs per size 14 pair, Trail and Kale names it best overall at 19.1 oz in a US 9, and RunRepeat names it best for shock absorption. OutdoorGearLab says it is bulky off-trail and requires some breaking in, and RunRepeat lists poor breathability. See the Kaha 3 in our best hiking boots for women guide.

Best Men’s Hiking Boots for Rugged Terrain and Backpacking

Stiffer, more protective boots for heavy packs and rough ground.

Salomon Quest 5 GTX (men’s)

Best for: heavy loads, backpacking and rugged terrain

GearJunkie names it Best Overall at 2 lb 10 oz, calling it highly supportive yet relatively light, durable and off-trail capable. Treeline Review names it best overall at 2 lb 9.3 oz, stable without feeling stiff. Men’s Journal names it best for backpacking, crediting the 4D Advanced Chassis. OutdoorGearLab gives it Best Ankle Support at 3.15 lbs per size 14 pair. RunRepeat names it best for backpacking at 20.7 oz per boot, with fantastic stability for technical terrain.

What this means for you: the backpacking boot of the set. For easy day hikes it is more than you need.

Fit and sizing: GearJunkie says sizing runs slightly large, often needing a half size down. Treeline Review says it fits true to size with a narrow toe box. OutdoorGearLab lists regular width only.

Men’s and women’s versions: Men’s model. Separate women’s model, the Quest Echo, covered in our best hiking boots for women guide.

Watch for: GearJunkie says it is hot in warm weather and heavier than lightweight day hikers, RunRepeat lists poor breathability, and OutdoorGearLab calls it overkill for casual hiking and not as agile.

Skip it if: you do casual day hikes, hike in summer heat or have wide feet.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid (men’s)

Best for: rugged terrain, long days under load and a leather boot that lasts

REI gives the Renegade line its Editors’ Choice Award and lists 2 lb 9.6 oz for men’s. CleverHiker names it best for support, durability and comfort at 2 lb 10 oz, with excellent ankle support and outstanding traction. Treeline Review names it best leather, with three widths. OutdoorGearLab lists supportive, easy-to-lace and great leather durability.

What this means for you: choose it for load-carrying and longevity.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review lists narrow, medium and wide, and CleverHiker lists wide and narrow. OutdoorGearLab says it fits slightly short.

Men’s and women’s versions: Men’s version. Women’s uses a women’s-specific last per REI. See our best hiking boots for women guide.

Watch for: CleverHiker says it runs hot above 75 degrees with a medium break-in and a high price. Treeline Review lists a narrow toe box, and OutdoorGearLab says it fits slightly short and could use more cushion.

Skip it if: you hike in heat, stick to easy trails or have a wide forefoot.

Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY (men’s)

Best for: a traditional, sturdy leather boot that takes a beating

REI recommends it for long miles on technical terrain in cooler temperatures and lists 2 lb 6 oz for men’s, praising comfort for wide feet. Treeline Review lists 2 lb 6 oz, calling it a traditional sturdy boot with out-of-the-box comfort, a generous toe box and a heel cup that keeps your foot in place.

What this means for you: a protective boot for rough trails with room for the toes.

Fit and sizing: Regular and wide per Treeline Review.

Men’s and women’s versions: Men’s version. The women’s version is 2 lb 0.4 oz per REI.

Watch for: Treeline Review lists it as slightly heavier than other models. REI notes the 4 mm lugs shed mud less easily than wider-spaced lugs and that thick socks can eat up toe space.

Skip it if: you want a light boot.

Best Lightweight Men’s Hiking Boots

Lighter boots for speed and technical terrain.

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX (men’s)

Best for: fast hiking, scrambling and technical ground in a light boot

Treeline Review lists 1 lb 14.2 oz, calling it lightweight and agile but closer to a trail runner, and says male testers slightly preferred the Quest 5 for support. Men’s Journal names it Best Overall, praising an unusually precise feel. OutdoorGearLab calls it the most confidence-inspiring lightweight hiker, measuring 2.34 lbs per size 14 pair. Trail and Kale names it best for technical terrain at 14.4 oz per US 9.

What this means for you: precise and light, but get the sizing right.

Fit and sizing: Medium only per Treeline Review and OutdoorGearLab. Men’s Journal says it is not a true wide-foot option.

Men’s and women’s versions: Men’s version at about 1 lb 14 oz. The women’s boot is about 1 lb 9 oz.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says it runs about half a size small and has no wide sizing, and Trail and Kale says to size up half a size. Men’s Journal notes European sizing, so try a few sizes.

Skip it if: you want plush cushioning, wide sizing or strong ankle support.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX (men’s)

Best for: light, fast hiking and lightweight backpacking

REI gives it an Editors’ Choice Award and lists 1 lb 12.2 oz for men’s, praising durable nylon and TPU uppers and Vibram TC5+ lugs. RunRepeat names it Best Lightweight at 14.1 oz, praising stability for its build and fantastic durability. OutdoorGearLab lists excellent traction and wide size options.

What this means for you: a lighter GORE-TEX alternative to the Moab 3.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab says it fits long with wide sizes. RunRepeat says the build is narrow with a wide width available.

Men’s and women’s versions: Men’s version at 1 lb 12.2 oz (REI). The women’s boot is 1 lb 8.7 oz.

Watch for: the sources disagree on durability. RunRepeat says fantastic durability while OutdoorGearLab says its lightweight materials are less durable. RunRepeat also lists a flat ride, a frail inner mesh, poor breathability and slow drying, REI notes big toe bruising on descents, and OutdoorGearLab says it fits long.

Skip it if: you hike in hot weather or want maximum durability.

SCARPA Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX (men’s)

Best for: narrow feet and light, nimble hiking with solid protection

GearJunkie names it the Best Hiking Boot for Narrow Feet at 2 lbs, calling it lightweight and nimble, comfortable, supportive for a sneaker-like boot and protective on rocky terrain. It suits anyone who wants a supportive, breathable warm-weather boot.

What this means for you: a good fit for narrow feet. Only GearJunkie covers it among the men’s outlets we read, so it has less cross-checking.

Fit and sizing: GearJunkie says narrow, and recommends sizing up a half size, especially for a wide foot.

Watch for: GearJunkie lists it as pricey, with less arch support than traditional hikers.

Skip it if: you want strong arch support or have wide feet.

Men’s Hiking Boot Sizing and Width Compared

The sources disagree about sizing more than about anything else in this category, so use this table before you order.

Our size guides for Salomon, Merrell, KEEN, LOWA and HOKA cover the brand differences.

Our Men’s Hiking Boot Evaluation Framework

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

1. Source agreement. How many outlets recommend it?
2. Fit suitability. Width and sizing.
3. Terrain suitability. Day hikes, rugged ground or heavy loads.
4. Comfort and support. Cushioning and ankle support.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints more than one outlet raises.

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

How to Choose Men’s Hiking Boots

• Match the boot to the terrain. REI sorts boots into light, moderate and rugged terrain. See our best hiking boots guide for the full comparison.
• Weight versus support. Light boots near 1.5 to 2 lb a pair trade away ankle support. The Quest 5 and Renegade weigh about 2.5 lb or more.
• Waterproof runs warmer. Several sources flag heat in the Quest 5, Renegade and X Ultra 5.
• Know your width. Targhee IV and Bridger are roomy, Rush 2 Pro and Ultra Raptor 3 are narrow.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Quest 5 sizing. GearJunkie says slightly large and a half size down. Treeline Review says true to size.

X Ultra 5 sizing and durability. CleverHiker says runs a little small and lists less durability. Treeline Review says true to size. GearJunkie says the new version is more supportive and durable.

Moab Speed 2 durability. RunRepeat says fantastic. OutdoorGearLab says less durable.

Ultra Raptor 3 sizing. OutdoorGearLab and Trail and Kale say size up half a size. Men’s Journal says to try several sizes because of European sizing.

Questions About Men’s Hiking Boots, Answered

“What is the best men’s hiking boot overall?”

CleverHiker names the Salomon X Ultra 5, GearJunkie and Treeline Review name the Salomon Quest 5, and OutdoorGearLab names the HOKA Kaha 3.

“What is the best budget men’s hiking boot?”

The Merrell Moab 3, named by CleverHiker, GearJunkie and Treeline Review.

“Which boot is best for wide feet?”

The KEEN Targhee IV, named by CleverHiker and Treeline Review.

“Which boot is best for heavy loads?”

The Salomon Quest 5, named best for backpacking by Men’s Journal and RunRepeat.

“How do I care for them?”

See our hiking boot cleaning guide.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Ignoring sizing. Sources report different results for the same boot.
• Buying heavy boots for easy hikes. OutdoorGearLab calls the Quest 5 overkill for casual hiking.
• Choosing waterproof for hot trips. GearJunkie flags heat in the Quest 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best men’s hiking boot overall?

The Salomon X Ultra 5 appears most often. The Quest 5 is named best overall by GearJunkie and Treeline Review.

What is the best budget men’s hiking boot?

The Merrell Moab 3.

Which boots suit wide feet?

The KEEN Targhee IV.

Which boots suit narrow feet?

The SCARPA Rush 2 Pro, per GearJunkie.

Which boots are best for backpacking?

The Salomon Quest 5 and LOWA Renegade EVO.

Are waterproof boots always better?

No. Sources flag heat in several waterproof boots.

Do these come in women’s versions?

Most do. See our best hiking boots for women guide.

How do I clean hiking boots?

Follow our hiking boot cleaning guide.

The Short Version

Start with your foot width and the load you carry. Light hikers can look at the Salomon X Ultra 5, budget buyers at the Merrell Moab 3, wide feet at the KEEN Targhee IV, and heavy loads at the Salomon Quest 5.

Keep Reading

Sources

• REI: The best hiking boots
• CleverHiker: Best hiking boots for men
• Treeline Review: Best hiking boots
• Men’s Journal: Best hiking boots
• Trail and Kale: Best hiking boots buyer’s guide
• NBC Select: Best hiking shoes and boots
• Tom’s Guide: Best hiking boots
• OutdoorGearLab: Best hiking boots for men
• GearJunkie: Best hiking boots
• RunRepeat: Best hiking boots