Best hiking & trekking shoes for men according to redditors
We found 382 Reddit comments discussing the best hiking & trekking shoes for men. We ranked the 296 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 382 Reddit comments discussing the best hiking & trekking shoes for men. We ranked the 296 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot, Walnut, 11 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HFA7DYS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_R5B6AbTFCVXQD
I'd suggest looking at hiking boots. They're made for exactly the uses you've described, unlike the recommendations for workboots that have been offered so far. The Chippewas recommended don't have good arch support, and I just don't see them working well for what you've described. I'd check these out:
http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Moab-Ventilator-Walnut/dp/B000LOYWQI/
http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Moab-Waterproof-Hiking-Brown/dp/B004D3CFQW/
Patagonia makes some good ones too. I know these aren't that attractive, and aren't as fashionable as Chippewa, but they'll actually work.
Ok, I'll just say $1000 budget then.
Krytac Trident MK2 - $345
G&P Mid caps - $55
Speedloader - $5
7.4v 1200mAh 25-50C lipo - $7 each
Imax B6 charger - $30
Voltage checker - $3
Strike industries hand-stop kit - $12
Avengers 1x24 red dot - $50
That gets the gun stuff out of the way
Pyramex i-force goggles - $15
One Tigris mask - $12
Hat - $10
LBX Lock and Load chest rig - $120
LBX uniform - $170
Cyre Airflex Knee pads - $21.30
Mechanix M-pact gloves - $25
Merrel MOAB hiking shoes - $100
Total: $987 + shipping
This is basically my loadout. I use all of this stuff except those mid caps (Actually getting them soon) and that specific lipo and charger (I just use my brothers old crap since I'm so cheap).
Edit: Picture with all that crap on!, along with my LBX belt and Howard Leight Impact Sports.
Danner Mountain Light II is pretty much the definition of a good hiking boot that could pass for casual depending on the environment. Also look at the Merrell Men's Wilderness boot. It's a bit less able technially than the danner, but also a bit more casual wearing.
Depending on your boot size, the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX is a great value, at least in my opinion:
Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX
It's definitely my favorite boot I've ever owned.
The problem is they both are called the same thing but are very different. Technical hiking boots actually made for hiking are something different from the heritage hiking-style boots that are in this inspo album. Nobody on MFA is going to recommend completing your look with a pair of Salomon Quest boots.
Very happy with my Danner boots
Here they are! - It says they're mens, but just look up what her size would be in mens size.
I love my merrell hiking shoe. I haven't worn boots since I gave up my 90s Doc Martin alternative phase
Yup, these Keen's are my festy shoes.
Being waterproof is nice for when it rains and everything turns to mud and there is a decent amount of tread so you've got good grip when you're spun cookies and/or walking on wet grass.
The rubber part that comes over the toes is especially nice for kicking logs around the campfire when you can't find the pokey stick or to help to protect you when stumbling wooks step on your feet.
Take a look at the Salomon Ultra Mid 2 GTX. I bought a pair in the fall and used them mostly for winter hiking, but mixed in some light trail running in them without any issues. Super light and comfortable.
I own these gloves. They aren't the warmest, but the fingers make using touchscreen/buttons a breeze.
I also swear by Merrell footware. I specifically use boots like these and love them. On less cold/snowy days, their waterpoof moabs like these are the best shoes I've ever worn. I can stand for 12 hours on them and still feel comfortable. All links are referral links.
[merrel's, really any kind, but these are what I wear and I freakin love them. Uber comfy, and combined with compression socks my feet feel amazing even after a busy shift.] (https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Moab-Adventure-Hiking/dp/B01NAV5956/ref=pd_sim_309_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01ND4DEH1&pd_rd_r=6SDEE6FHCCQZWSS8D4WV&pd_rd_w=zlHdC&pd_rd_wg=uuZWz&refRID=6SDEE6FHCCQZWSS8D4WV&th=1&psc=1)
Not a trail runner, but check these out: https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Blaze-Sport-Hiking-Water/dp/B01HEAE716
"Merrell Men's All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe"
I like them a lot for hiking on mountainous trails with lots of water crossings.
I recommend the Merrell Moab Ventilator in all black. Especially if you have wide feet. Extremely comfy and never had an issue taking it to the club.
I just picked up some Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX boots [link](Salomon Men's X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Multifunctional Hiking Boot, Black/Black/Aluminum, 9.5 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KWKKJEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.iDIzbMDK3152) and I can confidently say these are probably BIFL haha. Literally just bought them but you can tell the make, quality, and comfort of these shoes is remarkable and built to last. Been wearing them nonstop for about a week.
I live in WA and my SO and I wear these boots for hiking year round. I've gone tromping through streams and such and have yet to get wet feet, and they're definitely not too hot for summertime either.
The ones you linked to look really hot to me. They're gore-tex, waterproof, right? So- probably not very breathable and slow to dry.
I prefer something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Moab-Ventilator-Hiking/dp/B00D7CHAEW
But you'll have the best luck if you go to the store, try some on, see what fits. Consider buying a size up so your toes don't crunch into the ends during descents.
Good news! Your boots are definitely legit. These were a limited collaboration between Timberland and Pendleton in 2015, they're called the Mt. Heston WP Hiker. The style number for your shoe is located right under the size, 8705B. Here's a current retailer listing
Now on to your questions.
Hopefully that helps!
Merrell Moabs.
I love these.
Light. Good ankle support.
(http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mountain-Light-II-Outdoor/dp/B002OSY04S/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8)
This is a highly recommended hiking boot. A few of the reviews on amazon say how these run wide, and that when normally they are 4E, a 2E with thick socks fits great. They are marked down to $232, and there is a 30% off code (GRNMON14 ) that you can use. Pretty good deal.
Another option I know of would be some hunting boots. Brands like Rocky, Wolverine, and Irish Setter all make multiple widths and have a range of price points. They are usually a higher boot, and insulated, which might be better for the snow too. Most sporting good stores (Dicks, Bass Pro Shop, Gander Mountain) carry a bunch of these.
This looks pretty nice (I filtered by 4E and this came up):
(http://www.shoebuy.com/rocky-9-cornstalker-600g-rkys087/715730/1472179)
Oh hi Techfoxninja,
I have a few things I'd recommend, I'm a hiker and jogger myself. My first two recommendations? Good shoes and good socks. I personally do most of my running on roads but for hiking I use Keens yes they seem pricey but I bought a pair used at an REI garage sale and they're still kicking, before that I had a pair last three years with no issues.
Smart wool makes awesome socks, I'd actually suggest going to real store and looking at them, hence the lack of a useful link. I have a pair of running socks by them that I swear by.
If you're doing day hikes it's always important to carry a small pack and plenty of water. The North Face Jester is both a good hiking bag and even a good school bag, and is another item that will last for a few good years.
If you get a decent bag, a Platypus will fit nicely into it, and you'll stay hydrated well into your walks.
It's been brought up before, but yes, headlamps are really important, I also have a Nebo light that works really well and can clip on to most bags.
Next? A good yet light jacket, for interment weather. North Face does OK, but Marmot, Columbia and Patagonia are good brands as well.
I don't know how big your gift card is, and you may be hesitant to blow it on one expensive item, but trust me, as I get older my camping/hiking supplies just grow, and a lot of this stuff has a longer life span than you'd expect.
Men's Terrex Swift R GTX
https://www.amazon.com/adidas-outdoor-Mens-Terrex-Swift/dp/B075MRKY2Q
This is the best shoe ever, and I have tried a ton
Danner Mountain Lite II
I see Danners on Amazon for 225ish all the time. Special sizes usually, but EE included. http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mountain-Light-II-Outdoor/dp/B002OSY04S
Danner Lights are higher and offer more ankle support, if you're into that
> I wear Keen shoes, specifically because they fit wide feet better.
Yes sir! Me too! And they last for a while and don't hurt my feet at all from the shape. When they do finally break down, they break down good. But up until that point, they are a tank of a shoe. I actively bike/hike in the foothills of Colorado in those shoes, plus I literally wear it for everything else too. I have taken these shoes into some really bad environments and these shoes don't fail me. For someone with problematic feet, I can't find a better shoe on the market.
I will be going on my third pair of these in the fall: https://www.amazon.com/KEEN-Targhee-Hiking-Gargoyle-Midnight/dp/B005D4U04Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CSA7YWPESHXM&keywords=keen+targhee+ii+mens&qid=1557687574&s=gateway&sprefix=keen+targhee%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1
And the only reason I am replacing them is because the were burned by accident and don't look as nice, but not because they are failing. As long as Keen keeps making these shoes, I will never buy another pair.
If I can get the shape, style, construction, reliability in a SPD pedal, I would virtually never take the shoes off but to sleep.
Keen's sandal hasn't gotten good reviews at all, and they might have even discontinued them: https://www.amazon.com/KEEN-Commuter-Cycling-Sandal-Gargoyle/product-reviews/B00RLY8Z6Y/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_hist_1?pageNumber=1&filterByStar=one_star
And the Keen Newports look like a similar shape and style of the soul: https://www.amazon.com/Keen-Mens-Newport-Sandal-Black/dp/B0006FSKF6/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Keen&qid=1557687868&s=gateway&sr=8-2
So I would probably just do the Newports in the Summer and the Targhee's the rest of the time, but I need to clip in at this point. What I need is for Keen to make the Newports in an SPD pedal, but I don't think they will do that just for me ;)
If it wasn't for knee problems and the need to clip in at this point, I would just keep using Keen shoes and find a good sandal and just keep riding on platform pedals which I like better anyway.
But it's all about the knees now :(
I hike the mountains in MT multiple times a month. Mostly day hikes but I also do 1-5 day trips whenever possible. I prefer the cold so my gear is oriented to that. I won’t give full descriptions but I’ll link you what I use very comfortably. You can check the items out up/downgrade as needed. At least you’ll have an idea of what can work.
Also, the bulk of my gear money is spent on comfort clothing, not the main items I list below. All wool. Head to toe. Can score nice wool at the good will/thrift store sometimes. Good luck!
Tent – 110.00 got mine on sale for 75.00 so look for deals
sleeping bag – ICW 84.95. I’m certain I paid less so shop around
backpack – Tenzig 2220. 149.95. Most comfortable pack I’ve owned. Currently year 2 of using it. I think I paid 200 so this might be a good deal
Boots – for day hike I use Field Blazer – 100ish bucks for above 0, and Woody Elite – 200ish bucks for below 0.
For multi day trips with no snow I use Ventilator – About 100ish bucks. They have low and mid. I own both but prefer the low.
My kit is always evolving but these are some things I always carry no matter what -
--My knife + ferrocerium rod. (I put hundreds of dollars into my knives - but you can carry a mora for 10.00)
--A lifestraw. (10 bucks?)
--My own medkit (pieced together based on needs over the years) (10-25ish bucks?)
--Extra socks. (Good wool socks - 6-15 bucks)
--Day hike - plastic military canteen. (buck or two at thrift) Multi day - Stainless steel cup/bottle system (40-80+ bucks, or can go aluminum for short term and half the price)
--Paracord + tarp. (15 bucks or less for both and in good weather + fire the tent isn't even necessary with these. If the bears are out I always use a tent though)
--Pocket fishing kit I made with extra fishing line. (5 bucks)
What's in my pocket - Bic lighter, phone, compass, chapstick, whistle, hand warmer packx3, instant coffee.
This is for me, solo hiking in the mountains. I often carry much more depending on what i'm out to do, but these are items that in my experience will never leave my pack. I also always carry my Alaskan.
[The Moab Ventilator from Merrell.] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LOYWQI/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1454007854&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=merrell+shoes+for+men)
Seriously comfortable, and they stand up well to dirt/mud. The low cut also makes them more stylish than most hiking shoes.
I totally recommend Merrell boots. I have a pair similar to these that I've had for about five years now. They have been through two archaeology field schools, over a hand full of geology field schools, and countless hikes. I'm on the west coast as well and have worn them through different weather conditions. They are still in amazing shape.
My brother loves his Oboz. https://www.amazon.com/Oboz-Sawtooth-Light-Hiking-Pewter/dp/B00GGI3U34/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1481662863&sr=1-2&nodeID=679255011&keywords=oboz+sawtooth+hiking+shoes
I love my Keens.
https://www.amazon.com/KEEN-Targhee-Hiking-Gargoyle-Midnight/dp/B005D4U04Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1481662714&sr=1-2&nodeID=679255011&keywords=keen+targhee+ii
I had a pair of Merrills and the waterproofing failed right away and they were really heavy.
These mid-ankle fellows here! After that year-and-a-half of heavy use, there's a (very) small hole on the side of the right boot, and I'm considering getting a higher cut Salomon to get better waterproofing (easy for water to slosh in at the ankle on my current pair).
> You will NOT find those being worn by racers
You'll also find racers wearing tight leather onesies...I'm not gonna hike in those. I love the subtle knock on "bad ass" image riders. Plenty of us ride for pleasure and don't race, which is why Engineer boots are popular among many motorcyclists - whatever their riding style. The will keep our feet and ankles protected in a slide.
> Ok, you want a citation from me, so where is yours?
I provided you with 2.
>why do service members carry so much gear, even special forces?
Yeah, military is a good example. I think they are going to be in a a lot worse terrain than I'll ever experience on an approach. I have the choice to stay out of the muddy ditch...they don't. I agree if you are going to see ground like those guys maybe rethink trail-runners. It looks like quite a few operators like mid-hikers like the Merrell Moab which looks more like a hybrid approach/hiking shoe.
Military also does a lot of dumb shit for....reasons. I know...I was in for 9 years. The issued boots were pretty mediocre and most of us favored the jungle boot which provided very little ankle support. Holy shit, if I could have worn approach shoes I would have for every patrol.
> Your body will adapt
Exactly. In my 2nd source you see that the ankle support can actually cause the body to adapt and rely on the artificial support weakening the ligaments in the ankle and making you more susceptible to ankle injuries. I'd also like to think about the extra 5 lbs of water/food/supplies I could carry shedding a pound off my foot.
EDIT: Here's an operator wearing a low top shoe
I plan on wearing them before going out, I do a lot of walking at school and also for my job so I was going to break them in doing that.
I'm mostly looking between these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HFA7DYS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HFKL27W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good idea or no?
This pair of Merrell shoes are what I purchased at the beginning of the summer and they have been great. I don't think they are "waterproof", but I've stepped in quite a few puddles and I have yet to feel water get through. The soles and toes are also extremely durable. The right toe on my old shoes wore out pretty quick once I started playing regularly - the right toe on my Merrells is barely fazed.
I have a pair of these and have been really happy with them. You could go more minimalist but I hike on very rocky terrain (just did a White Mountain Presidential traverse in them) and they are a good blend of tough, light, and comfy.
I've got these, and I can't recommend them enough. Had them for a couple months and they're super super comfortable, and have plenty of grip for whatever course. Another nice thing about them is that they're lighter than I expected, so they don't affect my play at all. Love these shoes.
If you like the look of these Merrell Moabs they are amazing. Incredibly durable. I can cover just about any terrain with these and some nicer flip-flops. I wear my pair quite a bit, and I'm still on my 2nd pair after 15 years.
I like my Merrell All Out Blazes, but those Keen sandals below look great too.
Edit, there's a version with thin mesh over the holes to keep debris out but would surely drain water well.
Any boots similar to these ? I like the way they look, but reviews have them lasting less than a week...
Good enough for meat eaters in afghanistan, good enough for me
http://amzn.com/B004D3AGTU
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LOYWQI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466952419&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=merrell&dpPl=1&dpID=41yCvShTHvL&ref=plSrch#
Most important for me is that they are waterproof, so I went with the Adidas Terrex Swift R GTX, https://www.amazon.com/adidas-outdoor-Mens-Terrex-Swift/dp/B075MRKY2Q
Definitely thought about those. Do you know anything about these Timberland's?
During the summers, I like the KEEN sandels. Pretty much all I wear. Winter, it's Merrell Moab's. When I mt. bike, I have found the Pearl Izumi's are pretty good. For work, Rockports are comfortable.
Get a pair of [Salomon Quests] (https://www.amazon.com/Salomon-Quest-4D-Asphalt-Titanium/dp/B00KWK2JSE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465676047&sr=8-1&keywords=salomon+quest). They are GoreTex so they are waterproof but the water can get out. They are really comfortable. They work well in the snow and the heat. I got mine for a trip to New Zealand, ended up wearing them in Indonesia and Australia. I also used them for snowshoeing all winter. They were a little warm in the hot climates but never too cold. I'd suggest trying some on.
Looking at buying hiking shoes that I might wear to work occasionally. My main belt is black. Should I get black hiking shoes or brown? Looking at these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAV5956/ref=twister_B01ND4DEH1?_encoding=UTF8&coliid=IHOZV5SPIW7D5&colid=UGGP6LI8Q61K&th=1&psc=1
Have you tried superfeet? They really help with arch support and I'd say a majority of thru hikers use them.
100 miles is kind of ridiculous... That's less than a week even at a slow pace. I've had luck with Merrill ventilators and got about 1500 miles per pair. They're stiffer and heavier than running shoes which may be a plus for you.
My feet sweat pretty bad, so I would take a couple breaks per day to air out my feet and shoes and change into dry socks. Foot powder also really helps, as does taping up hot spots before they becomes blisters.
I bought a pair of Merrell's about a year ago for around $80 that have held up well to a pretty solid beating (5-8 mile day hikes every 3 weeks or so). Comfortable, lightweight but with enough ankle support. $90 on amazon now, but one of those 20% off coupons might still work. Here's a link.
http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Moab-Ventilator-Multisport/dp/B00D7CHAEW
https://www.amazon.com/Quicksilk-Denoise-NY-Waterproof-Hiking/dp/B075XJC2D9
Here is the Amazon link
For me it depends on the trip/trail. If it's a day hike I wear a trail runner and if it's anything overnight or more I wear boots. Depending on how strenuous or damp my multi-day trips are, sometimes I will take flip-flops just to walk around camp.
Thorogood 6" Moc
Just as good as my redwing 875's but with slightly softer leather to make the break-in process much less painful, and they come with speed-laces. American made. They have steel toe and plain toe also, come with composite shanks.
Edit: Oh, and they're under $200.
Highly recommend.
Edit#2: Saw your post where you were looking for a non-boot. Keens are great all around hiking/durable shoe. Look into those.
I got these Danner Mountain 600s for my birthday. After I got them I decided I would destroy the finish very quickly, they are sued instead of smooth leather and they are just a little too "sporty" for me.
 
I am used to being able to abuse my Charcoal Iron Rangers and then easily clean/oil them and they look brand new. That being said...I need some brown boots, a not another pair of IRs. I will be using the credit from the Danner Boots that I'm returning ($140) and I'm willing to spend another $60-100 to get something better.
 
I'm thinking either Danner Bull Run Moc Toes , Thorogood Moc Toes, or stretching the budget and getting some Red Wing Moc Toes.
Is there a substantial drop in quality going from the $250 Red wings to the $175 Danner to the $160 Thorogoods? I will probably still wear my IRs more, but these will get a lot of use.
 
Any other suggestions in that range (on amazon ~$150-250)??
Thanks!
I walk 30+ miles a week, so maybe my experience will help a little.
Any walking shoe will eventually need to be replaced. 350-500 miles is typical for an athletic shoe, but if you only walk in them you should shoot for 500 miles. Now, the question is: what shoe will get you there? I've tried tons of different shoes and here's my honest opinion:
So what do I use? I'm really digging these Merrill Moab hiking shoes. After 100 miles they look almost new. Good stability, the padding around the ankle and in the footbed is still great and the soles show zero wear. They're Vibram soles, not sure what that means, I just know they're tough. Also, it's been about 90F outside this week and my feet were the only part that wasn't roasting.
So, while not quite BIFL, I think these would get you to the 500 mile mark.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LOYWQI/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apip_JLVtmjURsrQ4O
I have these
Love them. Almost zero break-in time needed!
I want go trekking in Nepal in March 2017, do I need waterproof boots? I already have those Boots but they're not waterproof.
And I'm not sure if I should go with a guide or if I should find other people to trek with.
The Salomon Quest 4D II GTX is an amazing boot. I've done Acadia, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Glacier, and countless state parks in these boots and they have held up impeccably after hundreds of miles of hiking. They're waterproof and nearly indestructible. They are about $230 at REI but can be found cheaper in certain sizes on Amazon and they come extremely well rated on Outdoor Gear Lab, winning the Editors' Choice. I love them and as soon as mine wear out (who knows when that will be) I will buy another pair without a second thought.
My go-to shoes have been the Merrell Moab Ventilator shoes. My last pair lasted 4 years of pretty heavy use. They are not waterproof though.
did you use that for hiking?
doesnt really look like a hardcore hiking boot to me...(edit.. looks more like a casual day boot like a timberlan)
i have a pair similiar to these https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Moab-Ventilator-Mid-Hiking/dp/B00D7CHBFU
very summer hiking geared, but i've used them in cold and snow and almost every type of climant and terrain
had them since 2012 and they are just starting to fall apart and rip open, not water resistant at all, but are still comfortable
one cart would be a little hard to do..but im bored atm so I guess I can link stuff from head to toe lol
Head: Dye Mask + Beanie
Neck: Neck wrap thing
Chest: SS Lv119 Overt + SS Micro Flight
Back: Flatpack or Minimap
Hands: Gloves
Belt: Ronin or HSGI Slim
Sidearm: G19
Primary: Mp5
Boots: Merrell
Regulator: Dual or nothing
Tanks: Slim yet plenty of air
also not even going off your 1k budget lol. pick and choose what you want but this is one of my setups. can always buy knockoff versions if you like it