10 Best Hiking Shoes Men 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for hikers looking for reliable support and comfort on the trail. It features a waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry while allowing moisture to escape, which helps prevent sweating inside the boot. The upper combines durable pigskin leather with breathable mesh, providing a good balance between protection and ventilation. The shoe includes a protective toe cap to guard against rocks and debris, and a bellows tongue design helps keep dirt out.

Comfort-wise, the boot offers a contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning and an EVA foam midsole that adds stability without feeling heavy. The lightweight design (around 11.7 ounces) means it won’t slow you down, and Merrell’s Air Cushion in the heel helps absorb shock for extra comfort on rough terrain. The Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole delivers solid traction, which is important for maintaining grip on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Ankle support is moderate, thanks to the mid-height shaft that provides some protection without restricting movement too much. This makes the boot versatile for various hiking conditions but may not be ideal if you need maximum ankle stabilization for very challenging trails. One minor downside is that the shaft circumference is quite narrow (4 inches), which might feel tight for people with wider ankles. Also, while the boot offers good waterproofing, it might take a little time to break in fully due to the sturdy materials. The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is well suited for casual to moderate hikers who want a durable, comfortable, and fairly lightweight boot with dependable waterproofing and traction. It may be less suitable if you require extra-wide fit or maximum ankle support for very rugged hikes.

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is a solid choice for casual to moderate hiking, thanks to its blend of comfort, durability, and reliable traction. Its upper combines pig suede leather with breathable mesh, which helps keep your feet ventilated and protected. The shoe includes a bellows tongue designed to keep out dirt and debris, a handy feature for trails.

Comfort-wise, the removable Kinetic Fit ADVANCED footbed with extra heel cushioning supports your feet well during longer walks. The midsole uses a Super Rebound Compound to absorb shocks and ease movement, making steps feel smoother. The Vibram TC5+ outsole stands out by offering excellent grip on various surfaces, which is important for stability on uneven ground.

While the shoe is durable, it isn’t fully waterproof, so it might not be the best option for very wet conditions. The weight is moderate at about 3.5 pounds per pair, which could feel a bit heavy for ultralight hikers but is reasonable for most. Ankle support is limited since these are low-cut shoes, so if you need more protection around the ankle, a different style might be better. This shoe suits hikers looking for comfort, good traction, and breathability on well-maintained trails or day hikes rather than rugged, wet, or highly technical terrains.

The Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe is a solid choice for men needing a reliable hiking shoe that balances comfort, protection, and durability. Made from premium full-grain waterproof leather with sealed seams, it keeps your feet dry in wet conditions, which is a key plus for hiking in unpredictable weather. The mid-height shaft (about 4.75 inches) offers decent ankle support, helping to prevent twists on uneven terrain without feeling too restrictive.

The rubber sole provides good traction, important for stability on trails, although it may not be as aggressive as specialized heavy-duty hiking boots designed for very rough or technical hikes. These shoes include rustproof speed lace hardware with hooks at the top, allowing for secure and adjustable fit, contributing to comfort during long walks. While they offer waterproofing and reasonable ankle support, they might not be the best option for extremely rugged or all-day backpacking trips where heavier, more reinforced boots are preferred.

These shoes are also versatile enough for casual wear outside hiking, making them practical for those who want footwear that works both on and off the trail.