Protecting your feet is probably the most important thing if you’re planning on spending the day out, either on a hike, running on your favorite forest trail.
Sure, your trainers might be enough for a brisk walk, but if you’re into more intense physical activities like serious hiking, you are going to need a good pair of hiking shoes.
Now comes the hard part: you’ve decided you need hiking shoes, but can’t make a choice between so many of them.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered; here’s a list of 8 best hiking shoes that definitely won’t let you down.
Merrell Men's Moab Waterproof Hiking Shoe
With this great new model – the Moab 2, Merrell promises their customers super comfort and durability.
These Moab Merrell’s men hiking shoes are ideal if you’re a hier that enjoys an easy and moderate day hike – if you’re in this category these shoes will provide you with utmost comfort and support.
These shoes have a lot of great features which is why so many hikers love them.
One of those features is the Dura leather and nylon mesh upper that is flexible, breathable and supportive for your foot.
They also keep the derbis away due to their bellowed, padded tongues, and their Eva heel and mid-sale pods absorb shock and cushion the feet which is why they’re so comfy.
Pros
- Relatively light
- Good WPB membrane sock
- Durable
- Natural colors
- Vibram brand sole
- No break-in required
Cons
- Small webbing eyelets
KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe
The Targhee II men’s Hiking Shoes are very popular on Amazon.
If you buy these, you’ll get an exceptional design and shape that offers you an all-around performance.
The great thing about them is that they come in a five-color combination that is the craven/ tortoiseshell, chestnut/ Bossa nova, black olive/ yellow, magnet/ true blue and lastly the shitake/ brindle color.
As for their features, they’re impressive: they offer excellent traction and stability, excellent padding, a high protective sole and toe guard and a wide comfortable foot box.
You can move anywhere from beaches, mountain trails or even streets, these hiking shoes won’t let you down.
They’re an econominc choice, costing from $94.0 to $156.95.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Light on your feet
- Toe box protection
- Minimal break-in period
- Perfect for everyday use
- Good day hike boots
Cons
- Lace eyelets made of woven fabric
- Not suitable for longer hiking
Salomon Men's X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Multifunctional Hiking Boot
The Salomon Men’s X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Multifunctional Hiking Boot is the brand for you, if you are looking for is a stability and structure of a hiking boot.
They come with some impressive features: leather/ guessed tongue that eliminates debris, lacing up with speed hook hardware featuring a breathable mesh panel, a sensifit that cradles the foot and a sleek design that gives your feet a secure and snug fit.
When it comes to feet protection, support, traction and comfort fit, they’ve proven to be superb.
The best part about these shoes is that they command a great mix of support and flexibility, while offering an incredible fit for narrow, wide and normal feet.
Pros
- Light on your feet
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Grip your feet
- Economic
- Waterproof & breathable
- Versatile
Cons
- Not as breathable in warm conditions
Adidas outdoor Men's Terrex Swift R GTX
These shoes come from Adidas – need we say anything more?
Since this company is one of the top sportswear manufacturers in the world, don’t expect anything less from Adidas Terex hiking shoes.
If you buy these, you’ll get a whole bunch of waterproof, comfort, traction, no tie laces, reflectors, and lightweight features.
Due to the unbelievable comfort they provide, they are among the most favorite pairs of boots out there.
One of the best things about them is that they are not only designed for hiking, but can be used on running trails too.
Pros
- Traxion outsole
- Midsole protection
- Durable materials
- Supportive and snug
Cons
- Limited in sizes
- Overheat
- Harsh midsole that can bother you if you wear them for too long
Salomon Men's Xa Pro 3D
What you see before you is easily one of the best-selling products from the Salomon line of hiking shoes.
Not only that, these shoes are among the top brands in the world when it comes to running or hiking.
They were made according to the latest technologies of exceptional designs specifications.
These boots will serve you well in all weather conditions, they are light on your feet, and have a dependable waterproof design as well as an mpressive lacing design.
However, keep in mind that they are really expansive and there have been complaints about minimal shock absorption at the heel region, so think about that if you’re going hiking on rough terrains.
Pros
- Ankle support
- Light on your feet
- Grip your feet
- Great colors
- Very omfortable
- Amating shoe lace system
Cons
- Rocks can get in
- Minimal shock absorption
Altra Men's Lone Peak 3 Running Shoe
These shoes were initially intended for trail running but they’re also beloved among hiking passionates as a lighter alternative to the usually heavier standard hiking shoes.
What gives them a special place in the hearts of hikers is their heavy lugged sole which is what gives them a tractions edge over the standard versions.
They are uniquely foot shaped and you’ll also get a wide toe box design: this means you’ll be more comfortable while out on a long hiking adventure.
Their main flaw is their lacing system that tightens in front of the foot right over the metatarsals that often cause some discomfort.
Given their overbuilt and restrictive upper part, these shoes also have some breathability issues.
Pros
- Wide toe box
- Well-padded and comfortable
- Mid version available for ankle support
- NeoShell coating for water protection
Cons
- Breathability issues
- Flawed lacing system
The North Face Ultra 109 Gore-TEX Hiking Shoe
If you need a durable pair of boots that will serve you for years to come, then this is a perfect hiking shoe for you.
The North Face Ultra 109 Gore-TEX Hiking Shoe is very popular among many customers, and it’s no wonder: they offer a unique balance between their design, performance and functionality.
Their main advantages are, among others: a lace and fasten up lacing system for a better fit, a breathable membrane on its upper part for adequate ventilation, and padding that boosts its comfort.
Don’t forget they’re waterproof and can endure strong weather conditions.
They haven’t proven to be very good at surface traction so avoid using them on rough terrains.
Pros
- Goretex works well
- Thick and solid soles
- Comfortable
- Good for running
Cons
- Slightly heavy on feet
Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe
This one is the perfect product for anyone who’s looking for a truly superior experience in hiking shoes.
The Vasque mantra 2.0 feature a great design including nubuck and meshes for the upper part, Gore-TEX lined interior and ultimate protection against water.
They’re also very durabile and breathable.
What’s great about them is that they have a padded collar and tongue for more comfort and Perpetuum that enables a steady structure for long adventures.
These are also an ideal transition option if you’re a little nervous about making the transition from boots to shoes.
Not to mention they’re great for hiking during winter, because of their Gore-Tex lining, leather upper and rubber soles.
Pros
- Gore-Tex lining
- Great for winter
- Excellent ankle support
- Robust and durable
Cons
- Heavy on your feet
Conclusion
There are many aspects and factors you should think about when choosing the right hiking boots: their size, toe box, comfort, shock absorption, shape, etc.
You don’t want to go hiking and then discover that you’re not comfortable in your hiking shoes mid-way: that would completely ruin your day or the entire trip.
So, when choosing good hiking shoes, be very thorough.
We certainly hope we helped with this list of best hiking shoes that are popular on Amazon but one thing is for sure: you won’t make a mistake in buying any of these pairs.
Best Overall Choice
Merrell Men's Moab Waterproof Hiking Shoe
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