10 Best Men Hiking Shoe 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe in Black Night, size 10, offers a blend of leather, mesh, and nylon materials, providing a good balance of durability and breathability. The shoe's rubber sole and Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole are designed to provide excellent traction, making this shoe suitable for various terrains.

The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel and the lightweight EVA foam midsole contribute to a comfortable and stable hiking experience by absorbing shock and providing support. The inclusion of a removable contoured insole and a molded nylon arch shank suggests that it offers decent support and stability for medium hikes. The shoe also features a pigskin leather and mesh upper with 100% recycled laces and webbing, which is a plus for eco-conscious consumers.

The Bellows tongue helps keep debris out, and the protective toe cap adds an extra layer of safety. This shoe appears to be a solid choice for day hikes or medium-intensity trails, especially for users who prioritize comfort, stability, and eco-friendly materials.

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for hikers looking for a reliable, comfortable boot that can handle wet conditions. It features a waterproof membrane that keeps water out while allowing sweat to escape, making it great for damp trails. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh offers durability and breathability, and the boot includes a protective toe cap to shield feet from rocks or roots. Comfort is enhanced with a removable insole that provides medium support and reinforced heel cushioning, plus a shock-absorbing air cushion in the heel adds extra stability on uneven terrain.

The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole delivers good traction, which helps prevent slipping on various surfaces. Being a mid-height boot, it offers some ankle support without feeling too bulky. However, it weighs about 11.7 ounces, which is moderate—not the lightest option for those wanting very lightweight shoes for long hikes. While it provides decent arch support and stability, it may not be enough for hikers needing extra strong ankle protection or those tackling very rugged trails. The use of recycled materials like laces and mesh lining is a nice eco-friendly touch.

This boot is well-suited for casual to moderate hikers who want a dependable, waterproof shoe with good comfort and grip, but serious backpackers or those on very challenging terrain might look for something more specialized.

The Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof hiking shoe is a solid choice for casual to moderate hiking adventures. Its waterproof suede and leather construction offers good protection against wet conditions, which is great if you often hike in rainy or muddy environments. The lace-up design allows you to adjust the fit securely, helping with comfort during longer walks. Columbia’s lightweight midsole adds cushioning and energy return, making the shoe comfortable for extended use without feeling heavy.

The outsole uses the Omni-Grip technology, designed to provide reliable traction on a variety of terrains including snow and ice, which enhances stability and safety. This makes the shoe a versatile option for different weather and surface conditions. On the downside, the boot’s leather and suede materials, while durable, might take longer to dry if soaked, and the overall weight is a bit higher than some specialized trail runners, which might impact speed for those who prefer ultralight footwear.

Support is decent for moderate trails but may not be enough for very rugged or technical hikes requiring more ankle protection. For those seeking a durable, waterproof hiking shoe with good grip and comfort for everyday hiking or light backpacking, this model fits well. However, if you need something very lightweight or highly specialized for extreme terrains, you might want to explore other options.