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Hit the trails with these tested and approved hiking shoes for men.
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Weve put a number of mens hiking shoes to the test during real-world outdoor adventures across multiple seasons.
Hokas thick midsole and heel may not be every hikers style preference.
They handled great on loose gravel and smooth surfaces and while going uphill and downhill.
Credit: Dick’s Sporting Goods
We noted that the Gore-tex lived up to the waterproof claims as well.
After standing in water for 20 minutes, our socks and the inside of the shoe were still dry.
The thick, durable shoe material isnt the most breathable.
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Dylan Thompson
The Danner Panorama Low Hiking Shoes felt comfortable right out of the box.
We didnt need any break-in period to start traversing tough terrain.
We didnt feel any pinching in the toes over the course of testing, even on declines.
The upper suede material effectively repelled water and it felt thick and protective.
The sturdier soles require some time to break in for optimal comfort.
We found they handled great across all types of surfaces and terrain, especially gravel.
Despite their light weight, they still feel as sturdy as a heavy-duty pair of hiking boots.
The waterproof design makes them a versatile option for use in different seasons and climates, too.
We would like to see a few more colorways to choose from.
The Oboz Katabatic Wind Low Hiking Shoes gave us lasting comfort and plenty of spring in our step.
We experienced no discomfort, rubbing, or chafing during our test hikes.
They fit true to size and felt sturdy despite their lower profile.
Even while wearing during 90-degree heat, our feet never felt hot, thanks to the breathable mesh uppers.
After our many hikes, the shoes have no signs of rips, tears, or fraying.
The rigid soles took multiple wears to break in.
However, we didnt experience any pinching or chafing while breaking them in.
The materials felt very high quality, and there wasnt any noticeable wear or tear after multiple hikes.
The rubber outsole is both durable and grippy.
The shoes arent available in a wider size.
We felt sure-footed with these waterproof hiking shoes while climbing up and down rocks and fording waterways.
We noticed the grippy tread on the shoe right away, as well as the lighter weight.
Still, they offer solid toe protection for rocky terrain and excellent stability for a lower profile hiking shoe.
Known for their running andtennis shoes, Asics delivers a performance-oriented hiking shoe with the Gel-venture 8.
They were comfortable from the get-go, providing great support and cushioning from the trail to paved surfaces.
We found that the shoes offered great stability, even on uneven terrain.
We havent noticed much wear and tear from our off-road adventures so far.
These shoes run about a half-size small, so we recommend sizing up if youre in between sizes.
Shedding unnecessary weight on the trail is music to the ears of seasoned hikers and trail runners.
The shoes are exceptionally breathable, and they kept our feet from getting too hot or sweaty during testing.
The soles provided excellent traction and the built-in collar kept out rocks and debris.
This included evaluating features like breathability, arch support, traction, and water-repelling capabilities.
Hiking footwear with thinner fabrics and mesh components tend to offer greater air flow and breathability.
However, breathability comes at the cost of waterproofing, and vice versa.
Iflooking for waterproof hiking shoes, prioritize designs that have a mesh tongue or upper to ensure greater breathability.
Many of the best hiking shoes on this list feature a Gore-tex liner for waterproof protection.
Alternatively, shoes may be treated with adurable water-repellent (DWR) coatingthat needs to be reapplied over time.
As mentioned above, waterproof hiking shoes have reduced breathability.
Waterproofing also adds weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arch support is important for preventing sore feet and strain on joints.
If the included insoles dont offer optimal arch support, consider swapping them out for moresupportive inserts.
Your hiking shoes should fit snugly and feel supportive without being too tight.
Its also important that the heel feels secure and in place while walking around.
The best materials depend in part on your preferences: durable vs. lightweight, waterproof vs. breathable, etc.
Leather is a durable hiking shoe material, but it takes more time to break in.
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