If you like to spend the majority of your free time in the great outdoors scaling various hills or going on incredibly long treks, then you need to ensure you have some of the best hiking boots on your feet.
While men aren’t exactly left wanting when it comes to boot options that can all protect you from the elements – such as winter boots, duck boots and rain boots – only hiking boots will do if you’re going to be spending several hours on your feet.
Hiking boots can fall into a couple of categories: First, you have the traditional version that you’ll find at specialist outdoor gear stores that are made to accompany you on serious excursions up, down, and over a variety of terrains.
Then you also have designer hiking boots, produced by the likes of Danner, Moncler, and Hunter, that offer warmth and waterproofing, but in a far more stylish package.
While they’re more likely to be put through their paces scurrying around high-street shops than they are over mountain peaks, the stylish, designer option is the sort you’ll want to stock in your closet. But what should you be looking out for when searching for your own pair?
Hiking Boot Materials
A vast majority of hiking boots – or at least, the ones you’re going to want – should be made from premium materials such as leather or suede. Since they’re most likely going to be subject to a bit of rain or an occasional bout of snow at worst, these materials will be more than capable of holding their own.
You will, however, want to make sure they have a rubber sole, ideally a Vibram-branded one for ultimate quality. A chunky rubber sole will help keep you planted on the ground during inclement weather, and will go some way to helping you wade over rocks and snow should you ever decide to give them a thorough workout.
Hiking Boot Features
One of the clear signs that you’re in possession of a pair of hiking boots lies with the laces. Most hiking boots will rock either D-rings, eyelets or lace hooks to make tieing and untieing your laces easy, while also helping to make sure they remain securely fastened.
Given the conditions your hiking boots are likely to endure, you’re going to want to make sure they’re waterproof too. While the likes of premium leathers and suedes can help combat rain showers – with regular maintenance – other technologies such as Gore-Tex should also be welcomed.
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With this knowledge in mind, let us reveal to you some of the very best hiking boots for men available right now.
Hush Puppies x Michelin
1/22
Price: From $229
Sizes: 6-13
Material: Suede, Mesh, and Michelin-grade rubber
In a crossover that few saw coming but many — us here at DMARGE included — are very happy about, longtime kings of the footwear world Hush Puppies have collaborated with tyre manufacturer Michelin on a new range of outdoor shoes and hiking boots.
Constructed with sustainability in mind, these boots feature a midsole made from eco-friendly sugarcane, while the grippy outsole is crafted from recycled materials provided by Michelin, offering both flexibility and superior traction. A combination of soft, water-resistant suede leather uppers and breathable mesh ensures both durability and comfort, while a moisture-wicking lining enhances overall breathability and keeps the feet dry.
On top of all of this, the shoes look damned good. Available in brown and green variations, the black is by far and away our favourite: the gracefully intertwined textures give the shoes a strong silhouette, while the silvery pickups — including the metallic ‘Water Resistant’ badge — add a touch of bling, making them equally at home in the streets or on the slopes.
Danner
2/22
Price: From $130
Sizes: 3-16
Material: Full-grain leather
Founded in 1932 in Portland, Oregon, Danner has always been at one with nature and the great outdoors. With a wealth of serious hikes on its doorsteps, Danner knows all too well about the type of hiking boots you need to accomplish some serious excursions.
Danner only uses premium leather for their large range of hiking boots, and most feature a Vibram sole for ultimate grip and Gore-Tex lining to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Columbia
3/22
Price: From $100
Sizes: 7-17
Material: Coated leather
Outdoor specialist Columbia is a brand that sticks closer to traditional outdoor aesthetics, as opposed to venturing into designer-style territory. However, that doesn’t mean Columbia’s hiking boots should be consigned to the reject pile, oh no.
Being an outdoor specialist, Columbia’s hiking boots are built to perform and last. Waterproof yet breathable, and featuring full-grain leather uppers, Vibram outsoles, and cushioned midsoles, Columbia’s hiking boots will keep you protected and comfortable.
Sorel
4/22
Price: From $170
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Waterproof textile
Founded in 1962 and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality ever since, Sorel is a brand that aims to blur the boundaries between performance and stylish footwear.
With seam-sealed waterproof technology, microfleece linings, and rubber soles for traction, Sorel’s hiking boots will keep you protected whilst hiking tough terrains. Plus, these boots are rather good-looking, so they’re suitable for casual wear too.
Wolverine
5/22
Price: From $100
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Premium full-grain leather
Wolverine has a strong footing in the work boot industry, offering guys plenty of choices when it comes to steel-toed options for use on various work sites. That expertise has been carried across into a carefully considered collection of hiking boots.
Wolverine has a huge range of hiking boots that are all made with premium materials and have a myriad of technologies, such as insulated, waterproof, and rubber high-grip soles.
Keen
6/22
Price: From $145
Sizes: 7-15
Material: KEEN.DRY waterproof leather
Founded in 2003, Keen is known for producing shoes and boots that make good use of rubber, known for its generous grip. While it initially began life making shoes suited to going in the water, such as the Newport Sandal, the brand eventually diversified into other footwear areas, including boots.
Keen’s hiking boots are super lightweight yet durable and ready for adventure. Your feet will be given plenty of support and come with a whole host of high-tech features to get you through even the toughest of hikes.
Moncler
7/22
Price: From $755
Sizes: 39-46
Material: Leather
No list of best hiking boots for men would be complete without a mention of Moncler. The Italian luxury fashion brand isn’t all style and no substance, however, as it has consistently proven to be adept at protecting avid skiers and hikers from the elements.
Easily the best-looking pair on this list (in our opinion) the Moncler Peak boots sit at the perfect ankle height and are made in Italy from premium leather. A padded collar provides extra support to the ankle and you can let everyone else know you’re better than them by way of Moncler’s iconic red, white and blue branding.
On Running
8/22
Price: From $220
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Recycled polyester
Swiss company On Running is one best-associated with running and providing keen runners with super-lightweight shoes that feel as though you running on clouds. But that same lightweight technology and high-traction outsoles have been applied to their hiking boots, too.
On Running has a small but decent range of hiking boots and shoes that are perfect for speed hiking. This is because On Running’s hiking boots are 35% lighter than other brands’ pairs. All of On Running’s hiking boots and shoes feature impressive technologies such as Missiongrip rubber for enhanced traction and a FlexLock lacing system that allows you to tighten them with one pull.
Under Armour
9/22
Price: From $134
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Textile, Vibram
US sportswear manufacturer Under Armour has found success in multiple sporting disciplines, from football to golf to basketball and even hiking.
Under Armour’s hiking boots are all lightweight and incredibly tough. Under Armour’s own Storm waterproof membrane banishes water away, and they’ll hold up against abrasions from rocks thanks to a PU film. Comfortable enough for easy all-day wear, you can be sure to get a quality pair of hiking boots from Under Armour.
Merrell
10/22
Price: From $120
Sizes: 7-16
Material: Pig suede leather, breathable mesh
American shoemaker Merrell was quite literally founded as a company specialising in hiking boots. While the brand has expanded into other areas since its founding in 1981, hiking is still very much at its core.
Merrell has a huge range of hiking boots that all come with impressive technologies and features. Some of these include waterproof uppers, insulated lining, ventilation, and traction grip soles. Plus, Merrell only uses premium materials like Gore-Tex, Vibram, and Thinsulate, to make its hiking boots.
La Sportiva
11/22
Price: From $189
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Gore-Tex Surround®
Outdoor footwear specialist La Sportiva was founded in the 1920s and was even the manufacturer of choice for the Italian Army during WWII. Since then, it has consistently produced footwear that performs to the highest possible level, even being the shoe responsible for helping Tommy Caldwell free climb the Dawn Wall.
While you probably won’t be scaling mountains of a similar vein, these Pyramid GTX hiking boots will still see you over some difficult hikes. Benefitting from Gore-Tex Surround technology for complete breathability all the way round, these hiking boots remain lightweight yet tough, and will comfortably see you through wind, water, and snow.
Salomon
12/22
Price: From $150
Sizes: 7-14
Material: X-Ultra Pioneer mid CLIMASALOMON™ waterproof
French brand Salomon has always been associated with winter, being a prominent producer of outdoor sports equipment and clothing, in particular, skiing, trail running, and hiking.
Salomon has a huge range of hiking boots that cover all terrain types, experience levels, and distances. Lightweight, waterproof, and sturdy, Salomon’s hiking boots will keep you comfortable while you hike.
Forsake
13/22
Price: From $175
Sizes: 8-14
Material: Full-grain leather, mesh
Forsake was born in 2012 when two friends decided to ditch the East Coast of America in pursuit of a life on the snow and realised they needed footwear that could transition between work and play, and yet still be able to stand up against harsh outdoor conditions.
Forsake’s range of hiking boots have a rather modern design but will still keep you protected. With D-ring eyelets and speed hooks for comfort, waterproof yet breathable membranes to keep your feet dry, and outsoles that are designed to traverse tricky terrain, Forsake’s hiking boots are pretty darn good.
Timberland
14/22
Price: From $85
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Better leather, recycled rubber
A brand synonymous with heavy-duty boots is Timberland. The American company is obviously best-known for its range of iconic desert boots, but naturally, you can’t always rely on a single product, and so Timberland has expanded into other areas.
Their range of hiking boots all feature waterproof membranes to repel water and EVA-blend foam cushioning for shock absorption and energy return. Available in multiple colour options and styles, you’re sure to find the perfect hiking boots for you from Timberland.
The North Face
15/22
Price: From $155
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Breathable-waterproof FUTURELIGHT™ membrane
Founded in California and taking much inspiration from the Half Dome mountain in Yosemite National Park, The North Face has always been a brand dedicated to those seeking adrenaline and adventure. And of course, you’re going to need the right gear to accompany you on such trips, which is where the company’s range of footwear (and clothing, naturally) comes in handy.
No matter what type of hiker you are, The North Face has hiking boots suitable for everything from day hikes to serious backcountry camping trips. With breathability, waterproof construction, and ultra-comfortable and supportive insoles, The North Face knows how to make a high-quality hiking boot.
Vivobarefoot
16/22
Price: From $240
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Naturally scarred leather
Vivobarefoot was founded based on research that barefoot running and walking could actually provide greater benefits (or at least, not incur as many negatives) as wearing shoes. Their ingenious design means they offer one of the closest experiences to walking barefoot, without actually taking shoes off (handy, to protect your feet from cuts and bruises).
The brand’s Tracker II FG hiking boots has everything you could want from a hiking boot: a waterproof lining with added thermal protection, a lightweight build, and a firm ground sole to help see you across the toughest of terrains.
New Balance
17/22
Price: From $160
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Leather, GORE-TEX® waterproof fabric
US sportswear New Balance knows all about what it takes to keep your feet stable and secure. Starting life producing insoles for those with less-than-ideal arches in their feet, before eventually making their own shoes incorporating similar technology, the company has gone from strength to strength, finding fans in all areas of sport and lifestyle.
The company is hoping to add hiking fans to that list too with their 1400 hiking boots. Rocking an internal waterproof liner and fully sealed seams and a waterproof leather upper, you can forget about any water getting inside. They’re available in various widths too, for those with wide feet or narrow feet looking for a pair of hiking boots.
Inov-8
18/22
Price: From $235
Sizes: 39-50
Material: Schoeller® ceramic-coated
British outdoor specialist Inov-8 was founded to develop exceptional footwear for trail running, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. Chief among its factors for success is the incredible amount of grip afforded to its footwear, the result of innovative materials and production processes.
Inov-8’s hiking boots boast the strength, protection and durability of boots, the lightweight agility of trail running shoes, and outsoles that have been designed to give you the ultimate grip over unpredictable terrain.
ECCO
19/22
Price: From $200
Sizes: 6-13.5
Material: ECCO DriTan™ leather
Danish footwear brand ECCO has been making comfortable, functional shoes since 1963. Constantly on the hunt for new and innovative footwear technologies and materials, ECCO’s dominant mission is to provide its customers with nothing but the very best product.
The Track 25 GTX hiking boot take on a timeless design, i.e. chunky. Made from premium full-grain leather and fitted with a fully waterproof Gore-Tex lining, you can be assured of dry feet even in severe downpours. Incredibly comfortable right out of the box, and with a couple of sets of speeds hooks, they’re a pair of hiking boots you’re not going to want to take off.
SCARPA
20/22
Price: From $199
Sizes: 3-15
Material: Synthetic leather, polyester mesh
Founded in Northern Italy in 1938 and with its HQ and manufacturing plant still in the same region today, SCARPA made it its mission to bring together the very best shoemakers in the area to create one mega-company that would become a global powerhouse in shoe production. Over the years, SCARPA adapted to customer needs, developing new footwear to assist with various activities, such as hiking.
SCARPA has a huge range of hiking boots that are high-quality and high-performing. Whether you’re after hiking boots for a relaxed hike or a full-on tumultuous terrain, SCARPA will have the perfect hiking boots for you.
Adidas
21/22
Price: From $100
Sizes: 4-15
Material: Recycled materials, Continental™ rubber
German sportswear giant Adidas isn’t just for those looking to get into road running, the gym or soccer, but rather, practically any sporting discipline you can think of. With some serious knowledge in its arsenal regarding how to help you perform at your best, it’s a brand you can trust to accompany you on a hike.
Adidas’ Terrex Skychaser hiking boots are seriously good looking, in our opinion, channelling the design of a pair of sneakers into a fully functioning hiking boot. Offering complete waterproofing thanks to a Gore-Tex lining and serious levels of grip afforded by the Continental Rubber outsole (the same Continental that makes car tyres), they’re a go-anywhere, do-anything hiking boot.
Diemme
22/22
Price: From $452
Sizes: 39-47
Material: Italian-crafted canvas
High-end shoe and boot manufacturer Diemme was founded in 1992 and continues to make boots of an exceedingly high-quality today. Every pair is handcrafted by family-owned Italian workshops, with many of its pairs targeted at serious outdoor use.
Diemme’s Roccia Vet hiking boots are made from a hardwearing canvas with suede applied to the tongue and collar, which also receive extra padding. Incredibly good looking and equally functional, they may cost a little more than some others, but these stylish hiking boots are oh so worth it.
