Conquering mountains begins with a single step. However, the journey from the trailhead to the summit is fraught with dangers, so it’s best to take that very first step wearing a dependable pair of hiking boots.
The best hiking boots will let your feet stay comfortable and dry while providing maximum traction for all types of uneven terrain. Men’s hiking boots in particular need to offer better arch support as well as keep the interior breathable enough to reduce foot fatigue. With these in mind, we picked the top contenders to recommend to those eager to go on outdoor adventures.
Here are the best men’s hiking boots in 2022:
Comparison Chart
KEEN Men’s Durand Mid Waterproof Keen Hiking Boots
Highlights
- Premium nubuck leather and textile mesh
- Aggressive heel lock contour
- Metatomical Footbed design
- Fits as expected 82% of the time
- Available colors: Cascade Brown/Gargoyle, Magnet/Red Clay
Built using fine nubuck leather and durable rubber in Portland, Oregon, KEEN’s Durand boots lets you climb mountain ranges with surefooted confidence. These KEEN hiking boots have a fully waterproof mesh that keeps water out while letting air in. You can step into ankle-high puddles and not worry about wet socks when you’ve got these on.
The Durand hiking boot is built to cushion each step comfortably through a molded TPU layer in its midsole and a specially designed footbed that naturally hugs the contours of your feet. But what makes these men’s KEEN hiking boots great for the outdoors is the aggressively carved lugs on its outsole and heel lock that bite into the ground to provide full traction.
All of that means you can traverse difficult terrain for long hours without getting a single blister on your feet, making these premium KEEN hiking boots well worthy of inclusion in this list.
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
Highlights
- Made of 100% leather from LWG silver-rated tannery
- Waterproof and rust-proof
- EVA midsole and footbed for added comfort
- Fits as expected 87% of the time
- Available colors: Brown, Brown Nubuck, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Black, Wheat
Timberland has long made a name for themselves with their impressive collection of men’s hiking boots that don’t break the bank. The White Ledge boot is no different, well, other than being Timberland’s best-selling pair. Your feet will feel well-protected covered in its premium-grade leather, dual-density footbed, and recycled rubber outsole. Muddy and wet terrain won’t pose too much of a problem with its seam-sealed waterproof construction and rust-proof lace hardware.
Hordes of outdoors-loving individuals have worn these Timberland boots on their adventures and have loved every minute of it. And with their outstanding durability, you’ll quickly lose count of the trips you’ve made on them well before you wear them down. That definitely counts as a textbook definition of the best hiking boots.
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Highlights
- 100% suede leather and breathable mesh
- High-performance Vibram outsole
- Air-cushioned for reduced impact
- Fits as expected 86% of the time
- Available colors: Walnut, Dusty Olive, Brindle, Bracken, Charcoal, Beluga, Granite, Olive Blue, Earth
When Merrell set out to design and craft the Mother of All Boots, the outstanding Men’s Moab came out as a result. They sought to further improve their mid hiking boots and have released the Moab 2, incorporating a Vibram TC5 rubber outsole that contains little pockets of air to absorb the impact of every step, resulting in improved stability, reduced stress, and added comfort. That makes it highly suitable for long treks and challenging ascents under a variety of weather conditions.
Another top-notch feature of the Men’s Moab 2 is its contoured EVA footbed made from Merrell’s M Select FIT.ECO+, a recycled material that enhances the boot’s arch and heel support and wicks moisture away from your feet, an important consideration when you’re always on the move. You’ll also get amazing traction from the deep lugs on its underside, ensuring a much safer climb.
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
Highlights
- Full-grain leather and mesh tongue
- Techlite midsole and Omni-Grip outsole
- Fully waterproof
- Fits as expected 84% of the time
- Available colors: Dark Brown/Bright Copper, Silver Sage/Dark Banana, Mud/Sanguine, Collegiate Navy/Rusty, Cordovan/Squash, Black
Built to be lightweight while offering the full protection of heavier boots, Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus II brings breathability and comfort onto a watertight pair of leather activewear. Top-billing its new advanced features is the Techlite midsole that adds superior comfort and energy return that’s essential to long days out in the woods. It combines extremely well with its Omni-Grip rubber sole which, as its name implies, provides high levels of traction no matter where you step on.
Columbia only uses fine quality materials and craftsmanship when creating their best hiking boots, putting prevention and protection at the top of their priorities. The Newton Ridge Plus II uses a waterproof suede leather upper and breathable mesh tongue to keep your feet dry without bogging it down, so you can complete rigorous trails no sweat.
Ariat Men’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot
Highlights
- 100% full-grain oiled leather
- Gel-infused footbed
- Self-cleaning outsole
- Fits as expected 86% of the time
- Available colors: Distressed Brown, Copper
Ariat’s Terrain H2O is built for feet eager to cover a lot of ground. It features the brand’s signature ATS technology, which combines several layers to maximize foot comfort, shock absorption, and moisture-wicking capabilities. You get an oil-resistant and slip-resistant Duratread sole that also endures wear and tear quite easily, as well as a gel-based footbed that adds rebound and stability to your strides.
With a fully waterproof oiled leather upper and membrane lining, you’re guaranteed to get through water-slogged terrain handily, with all the comfort any casual sneaker can provide. Keep the elements out and your energy in with these amazing men’s hiking boots from Ariat.
Meet outdoor challenges with the best hiking boots
Any veteran climber or outdoorsman will tell you the huge difference a good hiking boot makes on any hiking trip. Do yourself a favor and only wear one of these top men’s hiking boots to fully enjoy the best that nature has to offer.