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We hit the trails to test dozens of pairs of the best hiking boots for men.

Close-up of a person wearing Danner Mountain 600 hiking boots stands on a rock.

Credit:Travel + Leisure

The color options wont turn any heads, though the all-black version is likely the most stylish.

But you still get the out-of-the-box comfort for which the boot is famous.

Rubber lines the heel and toe cap for added protection, and the bellows tongue blocks out debris.

Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot

Credit: REI

The recycled laces were also easy to adjust for an optimal fit.

The outsole could benefit from more aggressive lugs.

And everything wiped clean post-hike, which affirms the boots durability.

The front of the Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Casey Ringhofer

Even after five months of regular wear, the waterproofing remained top-notch.

The price is a bit high, but not untypical for a high-quality pair of boots.

They provide out-of-the-box comfort, with a padded tongue that improves both the comfort and fit.

The bottom treads on the Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot

The tall heel can connect with the hem of pants in an odd and uncomfortable spot.

We were immediately impressed with the materials compared to other hiking boots that can feel hot and cumbersome.

The cushioning is exceptional almost bouncy which is especially wonderful for those with plantar fasciitis and high arches.

Person Standing on tree root wearing Merrell Moab 3 GTX Mid Hiking Boots

When it comes to durability, we’ve been seriously impressed with how well these boots have held up.

They are stiff right out of the box and do require a short break-in period.

These boots are very sturdy and rugged with thick laces and hooks that keep secure all day.

Person standing on a rock in a river wearing Merrell Moab 2 Mid GTX hiking boots

More color options wouldve also been nice.

We will continue to update this article as we test new pairs of hiking boots.

Simply put, weight matters, though modern manufacturing processes and higher-quality materials can help shave the ounces.

The front of a pair of Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots

If youre stuck between a handful of options, go with the lightest boot.

It can completely change your experience when you first start hiking.

If you anticipate really technical terrain, look for boots with outsoles that have aggressive lugs.

The front of the Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots

Most weather-resistant boots use a variety of different materials (cloths, mesh, etc.)

For casual hikes, shoes will likely suffice, but many dedicated hikers swear by hiking boots.

First and foremost, advises Buelow, its essential to have a comfortable pair of hiking shoes.

The bottom treads on the Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot

No matter what brand youre in, it can either make or break your time on the trail.

And part of that comfort comes with assuring that the boots fit your feet.

It should also fit snugly at the heel and not move around, advises Buelow.

Person Standing on tree root wearing Merrell Moab 3 GTX Mid Hiking Boots

Avoid any hints of a hot spot or pinching, which can lead to blisters.

If necessary, you may want to add a bit of soap to warm water for a deeper clean.

check that you allow your boots to thoroughly dry before storage to prevent mildew or smells.

Person standing on a rock in a river wearing Merrell Moab 2 Mid GTX hiking boots

The front of a pair of Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots

Credit: REI

A person wears a pair of Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots while standing on a rock

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

A person wears Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots on top of a white carpet

A person wears a pair of Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots while standing on a rock

A person wears Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots on top of a white carpet

Danner Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boot

Credit: Danner

A person wears Danner Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boots while standing on rocks

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Julia Sayers

The Danner Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boots are shown on a wood floor

A person wears Danner Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boots while standing on rocks

The Danner Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boots are shown on a wood floor

La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Credit: REI

A person sits from a ledge while wearing La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland

A person wears a pair of La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots while standing on a wooden bridge

the sole of the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boot is shown from above

A person sits from a ledge while wearing La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots

A person wears a pair of La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots while standing on a wooden bridge

the sole of the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boot is shown from above

Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot

Credit: Keen Footwear

A person walks outside in the woods while wearing Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Steven Schrimpf

A closeup of the laces on the Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot

A person stands in grass while wearing the Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots

A pair of Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots in a shoe box

The bottoms of the Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots

A person walks outside in the woods while wearing Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots

A closeup of the laces on the Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot

A person stands in grass while wearing the Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots

A pair of Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots in a shoe box

The bottoms of the Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots

Salewa Men’s Pedroc Pro Mid PTX

Credit: Amazon

A man wears Salewa Pedroc Pro Mid PTX Boots while standing on asphalt

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Kelsey Chapman

A pair of Salewa Pedroc Pro Mid PTX Boots sits on top of a shoe box next to a pair of new laces

A man wears Salewa Pedroc Pro Mid PTX Boots while standing on asphalt

A pair of Salewa Pedroc Pro Mid PTX Boots sits on top of a shoe box next to a pair of new laces

Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP Hiking Boot

Credit: Topo Athletic

A person with a dog wears a pair of Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 Hiking Boots

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Ashley Craiger

A pair of Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 Hiking Boots is shown from the back

A person wears a pair of Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 Hiking Boots

A person with a dog wears a pair of Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 Hiking Boots

A pair of Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 Hiking Boots is shown from the back

A person wears a pair of Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 Hiking Boots

KEEN Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

Credit: Amazon

A person walks through leaves while wearing the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person stands outside while wearing the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

A person wears the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

A side view of a person wearing the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

The treads on the bottom of the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

A side view of the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boot

The treads on the bottom of the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

An overhead view of a person wearing the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

A person walks through leaves while wearing the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

A person stands outside while wearing the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

A person wears the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

A side view of a person wearing the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

The treads on the bottom of the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

A side view of the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boot

The treads on the bottom of the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

An overhead view of a person wearing the Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar Boots

Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX Boot

Travel + Leisure

A person walks up sand while wearing the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Men’s Hiking Shoe

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Feet in La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots dangling over a creek

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