Finding the best hiking boot for your next outdoor or urban adventure requires some research. You have to consider if they’re waterproof, durable, stylish and above all, comfortable. Here’s a look at some of our favorite men’s hiking boot for 2019.
Adidas Terrex Frozetrack Mid CW CP
These 18.3 oz. hiking boots keep feet warm and dry. A mid-height cuff and adidas Climaproof waterproof build lock-out moisture, while Primaloft insulation throughout traps body heat for warmth. A Stealth sticky rubber outsole helps provide secure footing on slippery or ice ground. $165 adidasoutdoors.com
AKU Hiking Boots: Alterra GTX
Prepare to lace up your go-to hiking boots. These over-the-ankle hikers feature AKU’s Elica Fit technology to allow your feet to move through their natural range of motion, providing enhanced comfort and reduced fatigue and foot strain. They come with two sets of laces—red and gray—to match your mood or occasion. GORE-TEX waterproof breathable membranes let feet breathe while protecting them from wet weather. Need more convincing? They’re also the best reviewed hiking boots on REI.com. $259 rei.com
For those who want a pair of hiking boots that don’t really look like hiking boots. These athletic-inspired mid-height hikers feature protection, stability, and ultra-lightweight construction. And as the GORE-TEX name implies, they’re waterproof and breathable. They also feature a protective rubber toe cap, antimicrobial agents to reduce your stinky foot odor, 3mm lugs for traction, and weigh a mere 1 lbs-15 oz. Choose from three color choices such as Dusty Olive, Black and our favorite, Castlerock (pictured above). $180.00 merrell.com
Keen Hiking Boots: Men’s Axis Evo Mid
These look like hiking boots from the future. With a contoured fit for better agility and an EVOFIT engineered knit upper, these progressive hiking boots soar through every landscape with an aggressive outsole and a lightweight, breathable design. They feature 4mm multi-directional lugs for great traction, a stretch collar sleeve to keep debris out while off-roading and something called Cleansport NXT to keep the stank out. Price: $160 keenfootwear.com
Garment Hiking Boots: Men’s Pordoi GTX
If a more classic style is what you’re looking for, then look no more. They’re designed with excellent grip on wet or dry terrain, thanks to the Vibram outsole with Megagrip compound. A dual density microporous adds the needed comfort and stability to make this boot a versatile option. They even feature a concave heel face to help when you need to apply the brakes during a quick descent. In other words, they may save you from wiping out on a steep downhill. $200 garmontnorthamerica.com
Danner Hiking Boots: Explorer 650
We love everything about this style brown/green hiking boot. The Explorer 650 combines Danner heritage (they’ve been around since 1932) with the latest performance features. The result is a lightweight, agile hiker. The Vibram SPE midsole provides a durable, cushioning platform and the Vibram Megagrip outsole technology offers best-in-class traction for multiple types of terrain. Plus, it offers a waterproof lining and weighs in at only 33 oz. per pair. And yes, they’re as comfortable as they look. $190 danner.com
Vasque Hiking Boots: Saga LTR GTX
These boots look unstoppable. Built for rugged, rocky terrain and backcountry treks, they offer lace-up premium trail performance, without the weight and bulk of traditional leather hikers. Fusing leather durability with the waterproof breathability of GORE-TEX, the Saga Leather GTX delivers the freedom to travel in comfort. The only drawback? At $240, they’re the expensive. But know, they may be the last pair you’ll ever need. $240 vasque.com
Salomon Hiking Boots: Quest Prime GTX
Visually, this is a hybrid that’s part mountain man, part athlete. At only 570g, these sturdy hiking boots are one of the lightest in the backpacking category. A rubber toe cap protects your feet from all kinds of toe-crushing hazards. A GORE-TEX membrane ensures breathable weather protection. Plus, it has great cushioning for comfortable all-day hiking. Your feet will thank you. $190 salomon.com
Timberland Hiking Boot: Shell-toe Waterproof Euro Hiker
If you’re looking for some serious waterproof hiking boots, here you go. A direct-inject TPU (thermos-plastic urethane) shell toe provides protection from the elements, along with full-grain waterproof leather. We love the smooth, integrated styling of the leather with the rubber-ish outer shell. Plus, it’s Timberland, so you know they’ll be in style for decades to come. $160 timberland.com
Columbia Hiking Boot: Terrebonne II Sport Mid Omni-Tech
If a traditional hiking boot and a pair basketball shoes hooked up, this would surely be the result. These are a versatile multi-sport boot built to perform and protect in variable conditions. And man, do they look great. We prefer the black and white color combo (shown above) with a splash of red at the ankle line. And, of course, these are waterproof, breathable and lightweight (weighing 15.5 oz). $110 columbia.com
Nike Boots: SFB Gen 2 8” GORE-TEX
Ok, hear us out. We know these aren’t traditional hiking boots. The Nike SFB Gen 2 8″ GORE-TEX Outdoor Boots that provide comfort and protection while allowing you to move freely in the roughest of terrain. The boot is made of nylon canvas and synthetic leather trim that provides a durable yet breathable feel. And yes, they’re comfortable: a foam midsole inside the boot provides lightweight cushioning. An internal rock shield helps reduce pressure and protect against punctures while still maintaining flexibility. The bottom of the boot is completely rubber with an aggressive pattern for solid traction on a variety of rugged surfaces. $185 nike.com
Sorry, these aren’t coming until sometime next month, but we’re love what we see. According to Vasque, the updated St Elias Full-Grain GORE-TEX has premium materials that blend to deliver long-distance durability and comfort. Straight out of the box and onto the trail, the midsole and sole system provide athletic flexibility and comfort with first wear, no break-in needed. Designed to stand up to the rigors of backpacking, a premium leather upper and GORE-TEX membrane ensure rugged durability and peace of mind in wet conditions.
Filson and Danner, two outdoor brands deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest, have re-introduced their popular collaboration for 2018. Equally at home crossing estuaries or urban streets, the utilitarian design of the Filson x Danner Grouse boot incorporates the most iconic materials from each brand. Completely waterproof and built with Danner’s premium, full-grain leather, the boot also features the Portland-based brand’s classic stitchdown construction for added stability. Filson’s signature and highly durable waxed Tin Cloth completes the side panels, and both Danner and Filson logos are found on the tongue. Other features include a GORE-TEX lining and Vibram Sierra outsole, which is common among Danner military boots.