A good pair of hiking boots can be the difference between fulfilling your rugged mountain man destiny and being found whimpering with broken ankles on a path by a troop of Girl Scouts. What I’m saying here, dear bros, is that you need some kick-ass hiking kicks. And it’s your lucky day, because we’ve got you covered. Just pick out the pair below that best suits your needs, and we’ll get you right. Because if you’re gonna get into that hiking game, you absolutely need one of these, the 15 best men’s hiking boots that money can buy.
Merrell Men’s Moab Waterproof Boot
This mid-cut waterproof boot is perfect for a day hike. Their leather exterior allows them to hold up in tough conditions, and their interior insulates you from both cold and heat, which helps keep your feet both comfortable and dry, which in turns will keep those blisters from forming.
Price: $85.76 – $159.16
Buy Here
Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot
Timberland is always a name to pay attention to in the boot game, and this is their best offering when it comes to hiking boots. The higher cut allows for more ankle support, which in turn should keep you on the trail longer. Just lace ‘em up tight, and you should be good to go.
Price: $84.91 – $159.00
Buy Here
adidas Outdoor Men’s AX2 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
These hiking boots by adidas have a little sportier look than your normal boot. But they’re not just for show, as their GORE-TEX lining means you can wear them in pretty much all conditions, and the molded sock-liner should help you get the perfect fit.
Price: $80.98 – $153.99
Buy Here
Vasque Men’s Talus Ultradry Hiking Boot
One thing I look carefully at when putting something like this together is user reviews and comments. I want to make sure what people say fits the high ratings, and for this boot by Vasque, they more than hold up, with comments expressing their durability and comfort, and one that simply says “These are the boots. GUYS. THESE. BOOTS. These are the boots you are looking for.” So… yeah. These are the boots.
Price: $$123.74 – $164.99
Buy Here
Hi-Tec Men’s Trail OX Chukka I Waterproof Hiking Boot
The big selling point for these Chukkas is the price. Starting at only $41, it’s virtually impossible to find a quality boot that cheap. But these are actually well-made, a lighter-weight boot that you can wear all day on the trail and in the streets. The reviews are almost universally positive, and… hey, $42, bros.
Price: $42.05 – $92.41
Buy Here
KEEN Men’s Durand Mid WP Hiking Boot
This boot by KEEN has a wide toe, which is especially helpful for those of you with monster feet. The only thing you need to watch out for is the sizing. KEEN suggests ordering a ½ size bigger than you normally wear.
Price: $129.98 – $180.00
Buy Here
Lowa Men’s Zephyr Mid TF Hiking Boot
Lowa’s “Cross” sole provides extra traction in all conditions. German made, they provide a military style look, and hold up nicely according to reviews.
Price: $166.72 – $185.00
Buy Here
Salomon Men’s X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Multifunctional Hiking Boot
One thing I found in putting this all together is that Salomon makes good hiking boots, and this is one of their best pairs. The GORE-TEX lining means your feet will be staying dry, and it comes with a tongue specially designed to keep debris from getting into your boots. They also have a unique look, almost like someone decided to design a hybrid hiking boot/basketball shoe. Weird? Maybe. But also genius.
Price: $90.38 – $239.34
Buy Here
Ahnu Men’s Coburn Hiking Boot
Now these… these are a man’s hiking boots. With a high-cut ankle for support and an almost two inch thick heel, you can wear these badass boots for as long as you need. Your willpower will give out before these boots do.
Price: $83.46 – $194.95
Buy Here
Ariat Men’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot
These leather imports are built for stability, which is key when you’re scrambling around on rocks. As a bonus, judging by some of the comments, they also double as a nice riding shoe for those of you who are into the horse game. Hike all day and then ride home like a goddamn cowboy.
Price: $90.66 – $131.20
Buy Here
Oboz Men’s Bridger BDRY Hiking Boot
Oboz is a company owned and operated by fellow hikers, so this is a boot designed by people who know exactly what makes for a good hiking boot. That means something, you know? As a bonus, if you buy a pair, Oboz will plant a tree. Because future generations are gonna need a place to hike too.
Price: $153.85 – $171.78
Buy Here
Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Some boots meet you halfway, almost like they’re embarrassed to be hiking boots. Not these boots from Scarpa, which aren’t afraid to be a goddamn hiking boot. They’re big, they’re heavy, and they’ll let you hike pretty much wherever your legs can take you. They’re a bit more expensive, yes, but that’s because these are serious boots for serious hikers.
Price: $267.05 – $330.00
Buy Here
Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boots
These boots have a unique 4D chassis (basically everything your foot rides on while walking) which means that it has four separate layers, all built with stability and protection in mind. Combine that with Salomon’s special grip technology and the GORE-TEX lining, and you’ve got a special boot.
Price: $129.95 – $392.64
Buy Here
Merrell Men’s Pulsate Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Here’s what you need to know about these Merrell boots: they are the only regular hiking boot on this list to have a perfect 5/5 rating on Amazon. That’s right, every single person who has reviewed these boots has given them a perfect score. From day hikers to one dude who’s a surveyor in the Colorado Rockies, they all rave about this boot.
Price: $140
Buy Here
La Sportiva Men’s Nepal EVO GTX Boot
Look, there’s a reason I specified “regular hiking boot” in that writeup on those Merrell boots. These boots by Sportiva also have a perfect score on Amazon, but they are far from a “regular” hiking boot. No, these are some honest to god mountain climbing boots. This is the boot you wear if you’re planning on hiking in, say, the Himalayas. They are expensive, and you’re not going to wear them in the streets, but you will be able to out-hike just about anyone on the planet in these, and really, isn’t that what it’s all about? Shame your friends with these boots and then laugh at them from the top of a mountain while they freeze to death halfway up. That’s the American way.
Price: $510
Buy Here