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If you’re itching to get out into the Great Outdoors™, the best hiking shoes for men will be your best trail companions. Whether your idea of getting some fresh air means a brisk stroll through the park or traversing up the side of a mountain, you’ve got to dress the part—and that means wearing shoes that’ll get you comfortably and confidently to the end of the trail on your own two feet, no emergency stretchers necessary.
The best hiking shoes for men need to deliver on performance, of course: we’re talking outsoles with excellent grip, insoles with plenty of support, and outer shells engineered for water protection and breathability. But they also need to look good—with the gorpcore aesthetic still thriving in 2021, you should both want and be able to rock your hikers off the trail. The 17 hiking boots and shoes we’ve rounded up here hit all those marks and then some. So what are you waiting for? Pick your poison, lace ’em up tight, and then get on out there.
Over the past few years, French mountaineering outfitter Salomon has crossed over from the Alps into the fashion world. While the brand’s sleek trail runners have been the shoe du jour for all the stylish people you know—and even landed our Sneaker of the Year honors back in 2019—their flagship hiking boot deserves equal praise. The outsoles feature a variety of rubber lugs for excellent traction for any kind of terrain, the upper chassis provides maximum stability, and the pillowy soft foam insoles cradle your feet with a snug-but-comfortable fit. They’re gorp-y and modern without looking too Spy Kids futuristic, striking the perfect balance of aesthetics and function that’s ideal for any outfit.
All the tech’d-out trappings of an advanced hiking shoe—Vibram soles! Light, breathable uppers!—in a streamlined, minimalist package. If you’re looking for something clean and subtle that won’t look out of place at your local coffee shop, these are the joints for you.
Considered by many hikers to be the best of the best, the Moab 2 Mid is built to handle the roughest of terrains. Unparalleled grip, a waterproof yet breathable upper, and stellar ankle support make it a consistent best seller among novice and advanced hikers alike. The mix of synthetic materials and natural leather land the Moab smack in between the rugged heritage of an old-school alpine boot and the advanced modernism of a do-it-all trail shoe. That is to say: its looks are lovably granola.
Season Three’s flagship hiking boots are a near-perfect hybrid of old and new. They’re made in an age-old shoemaking factory in the Italian mountains from full-grain suede and leather, which means they’ll last roughly forever and keep looking better and better in the process. But they’re also as comfortable as your cushiest sneakers—no break-in required!—and are fitted with a merino wool lining for optimal temperature regulation and an ultralight Vibram Morflex sole that won’t weigh you down. They won’t handle long-distance backpacking trips or hardcore treks the way some of the other models on this list might, but they’re ideal for day hikes and city wear and will look absolutely stellar with a crisp tee and some heavyweight denim.
If most hiking boots feel like wearing a Monster Truck, Chaco’s Z1 is a more like a dirt bike. Don’t get it twisted: these aren’t just some dinky little sandals. The synthetic footbed and cushioned midsole are as supportive and grippy as just about any other shoe on this list, and the lightweight straps adjust quickly and securely to your foot. Sure, they’re probably not the right choice for your most rugged expeditions, but they’ll do great on a light jaunt through the woods with the occasional shallow body of water along your path. And believe us when we say they look absolutely sick with a great pair of socks.
