No matter the season, intrepid adventurers across the country are getting out and enjoying the peaks, passes and trails that our public lands have to offer. Some hikers are going to prefer a robust and supportive boot for long distances and heavy packs. Many, however, are discovering that a pair of hiking shoes, lower cut but still durable and effective at pounding out the miles on the trail, are more comfortable, lighter weight and allow for a higher level of enjoyment. Our review team looked at over 50 of the top hiking shoe models available and selected 15 of them to assess side-by-side over a lengthy testing period in which we hiked on and off the trail, sloshed through muck and snow, and immersed them in water to test their merits. We scored them individually and then ranked them on performance so that you can choose the best pair of shoes for your hiking adventures.
Best Hiking Shoes For Men of 2018
Analysis and Award Winners
With summer just around the corner, it is time to start thinking of all the exciting adventures you have planned or have yet to plan. Are you going out on a backpacking trip, day hiking around your area's popular trail systems or just looking for a more comfortable alternative to a clunky hiking boot? We updated our popular hiking shoe review and included several new and interesting models that will take pounds off of your feet so you can get out there and have fun on the trails. New and notable models this season include the La Sportiva Spire GTX, the ultralight Salomon OUTpath GTX and the Oboz Sawtooth Low, a great choice for warm weather hikes. Read on to find out what pair of shoes is going to improve your hiking season!
Best Do-It-All Model
The North Face Ultra 110 GTX
Weight: 2 pounds | Waterproof Lining: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Range
For four year in a row, the Ultra 110 GTX has dominated the world of men's hiking shoes. This hiking shoe is capable and willing to put down long miles on all trail conditions, and despite its light weight is a top performer in stability and support. The North Face's proprietary outsole digs into terrain of all sorts, gobbling up the rough stuff without flinching. They're comfortable, too, keeping our feet fresh mile after mile, even when picking up the pace to jog a few of miles.
While the Gore-Tex lining keeps water out of the inside of the shoe, the mesh upper does tend to absorb water and hold it in, making it heavier and less breathable in damp conditions. So, if you tend to hike in wet weather often, you may want to consider a pair with a higher Water Resistance rating. They also scored only average for Durability, which was par for the course when it comes to hiking shoes vs a full-leather boot. If you're looking for something for overall performance though, and like the option of switching between hiking and trail running with the same pair, then these are the shoes for you.
Read review: The North Face Ultra 110 GTX
Best Bang for the Buck
Vasque Juxt
Weight: 2 pounds | Waterproof Lining: None, no gusseted tongue
We've given our Best Buy Award goes to the Vasque Juxt for reliable performance at a moderate price. The full-leather upper is comfortable and lightweight, and the outsoles handle flat and rough terrain equally well. Its traction on solid ground and loose gravel is exemplary too, and at $110 the price is just right. We also appreciated the casual styling and didn't feel out of place wearing this around town as well.
We did have some durability concerns with this pair, as there is only single stitching connecting the various strips of material on the upper, and the soft rubber soles (which gave us such great traction) wore out a little faster than we would have liked. Another thing to consider is its water resistance or lack thereof. One reason for this shoe's low price-point is the lack of a waterproof membrane as found on most of the other shoes in our review. If you live in an arid, dry climate, then you will no doubt appreciate the increased breathability, though those who live in a wetter climate like the Northwest or the Northeast would do well to consider a shoe with a lining.
Read review: Vasque Juxt
Top Pick for Aggressive Hiking
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX
Weight: 1.95 pounds | Waterproof Lining: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane
The Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX didn't take long to impress us from the bottom up. The stiffer-than-most outsole with aggressive lugs gave us excellent purchase on nearly any surface, sloppy or dry, and we expect the rubber to hold up much longer than the softer soles of most other contenders. Weighing 1 lbs 15.2 oz and sporting a more narrow feel and fit than the Editors' Choice winner from The North Face, this model is ready to scurry downhill trails or speed through the flats. Your hikes might turn into runs with these shoes.
Some might not like the diversion from traditional laces, but we enjoyed the convenience of the Quicklace system. Its durability, though, is an issue, as has potential to rub a hole in the upper after extensive, long-term use. This model lacks a little in overall support, so if you're hiking with a decent sized pack, TNF Ultra 110 is a better option. If you're looking for a little more ankle support, check out the $165 Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX for the same great performance with more ankle protection. Otherwise, if you're looking to move fast and light on the trail, this is your shoe.
Read review: Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX
Top Pick for Comfort
HOKA ONE ONE Tor Summit WP
Weight: 2.1 pounds | Waterproof Lining: eVent Waterproof Membrane with Full Bootie Construction
Lace up the HOKA ONE ONE Tor Summit WP and kiss tired and sore feet goodbye. This uber-comfy model has the thickest and cushiest soles by far. It's also one of the stiffest in the midfoot and provides excellent torsional stability. This combination of comfort and support makes it a great choice for most day hiking ventures and short backpacking trips. It's lightweight, barely tipping our scales past two pounds, and its eVent membrane is waterproof and breathable.
The feature we liked least about the Tor Summit was its traction. The Vibram MegaGrip Hi-Traction outsole had plenty of multi-directional lugs, with harder rubber on the outside and softer lugs in the inside. However, the thick midsole impeded our ability to feel the surface underneath us to know when and where to exert pressure. If you're only hiking on easy to moderate trails (which most trails are), these shoes are adequate, but for steeper terrain and scrambling, these left us a little uncertain underfoot. Other than that, they are friendly on the feet, and anyone who spends most days on their feet or who wants to lower the impact on their knees and back will enjoy wearing this pair. For increased ankle protection, check out our review of the mid-cut boot version of this shoe, the Hoka One One Tor Summit Mid WP.
Read review: HOKA ONE ONE Tor Summit WP
Top Pick for Lightweight Hiking
La Sportiva Spire GTX
Weight: 2.06 pounds | Waterproof Lining: Gore-Tex Surround
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a new model for this season and has garnered a lot of positive feedback from our reviewers. This hiking shoe is built much like a comfortable trail runner and can dispatch backcountry miles with ease thanks to its supportive chassis. This shoe is made up of new and advanced materials that not only shed weight but perform exceptionally well, providing great water resistance as well as stability on rough and uneven trails. This shoe is destined to be a favorite amongst the lightweight hiking community, and we recommend it as a Top Pick if you are venturing out on a long-distance fastpacking trip where weight is important to you, but you won't compromise on performance.
Read review: La Sportiva Spire GTX
Great for Long Distance Support
Keen Targhee II
Weight: 2.4 pounds | Waterproof Lining: KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane
Formerly a Best Buy Award winner, the Targhee II was knocked from its pedestal this year by the Juxt. It remains a great shoe with a strong group of devotees in the hiking world. When it comes to supporting from low-cut shoes, these shoes are unmatched. It's not uncommon to see thru-hikers heading out for weeks or months on end in these Keen's, as it is supremely stable even under medium to heavy loads.
While we love it when hiking with a sizeable pack, it's not our first choice for fast and light day hikes. That's because it's the heaviest model in our review, likely due to the rubber toe cap. It also leaked during our water resistance tests, making us less confident when encountering storms and creek crossings. If your style of hiking has you powering through miles for days with a significant pack, though, this model receives our top recommendation. If you prefer a mid-cut boot, the Keen Targhee II Mid took home the Best Buy Award in our hiking boots review.
Read review: Keen Targhee II
Analysis and Test Results
During a three month test period, as well as an additional two months spent testing updates and new models, we hiked dozens of miles in each one of these hiking shoes in a wide range of conditions. From easy trails to rugged terrain, our reviewers analyzed these shoes according to a set of review metrics to see how they compared to each other. Our reviewer's personal experiences were weighed against other available reviews, and we also developed and implemented tests to determine the ranking for attributes like traction and water resistance. Only after we tabulated all of the scores did we begin to award models, ensuring that our award winners are merit-based and as a result of strong real-world performance.
Value
Many purchasing decisions require us to prioritize one consideration over another. For example, with hiking shoes, you might prefer something that is lightweight, but chances are it won't be as supportive as a result. If you're wondering about the tradeoff between the price and our estimate of the value of the product, check out the table below. Models that are to the right and on the low side of the graph are those with the best value relative to their price, such as our Best Buy winner, the Vasque Juxt, along with the Oboz Sawtooth Low.
Comfort
Comfort is king in the world of hiking shoes. Whether you're spending hours or weeks on the trail, nothing is more important for enjoying your on-foot adventures than happy feet. Uncomfortable boots and shoes have been the downfall of many hiking trips, and hot spots, sweaty feet, and models with no cushioning are a fast track to misery. Many different things can affect your comfort level: the amount of padding in the upper and the midsole, how well the shoe fits your foot when correctly sized, and how the lacing system adjusts the fit. Other factors include foot protection across rough terrain, breathability, and shock absorption. Here's our estimation of each model's comfort level.
When testing for this metric we took extensive notes on the comfort-affecting features of each shoe. We considered the padding in the upper and the tongue, checked the feeling when laced and standing, and how long the break-in period was if any. We walked on flat and rough trails in each to see how well they handled each, noting any soreness or tiredness our feet developed. The roominess of the toe boxes, arch support, rockered soles, and overall protection were all scrutinized as well.
The way shoelaces are secured can affect your comfort, so we considered the ease or difficulty of fine-tuning the fit. We enjoyed the ease and high functionality of speed lacing systems that require no knot-tying, as found on the Salomon, Adidas, and La Sportiva models. To test shock absorption in each model, we jumped down off a boulder onto a flat rock landing and noted how much impact was felt in our feet and knees.
Finally, we looked at how well each model breathes. Dry feet are comfortable feet, and a good design keeps feet dry when splashing through puddles and breathes well on warmer days. We took each model to the local gym to walk on a treadmill at the same speed (3 mph), same incline (moderate), and for the same distance (1 mile) in the same socks (no fear, we cleaned them between trials). Afterward, we noted how hot our feet were, then removed the shoes to check for sock dampness and sweat accumulation on our feet. The three products without a waterproof membrane, the Vasque Juxt, Oboz Sawtooth Low and Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator, turned out to breathe the best. Of the shoes with waterproof membranes, the La Sportiva Spire GTX breathes the most. Some users will need to choose a shoe with a waterproof lining based on where they go hiking (wet environments), but if you live in an arid climate then consider choosing one of these shoes without a liner so that your feet will breathe better and not get as sweaty and damp.
Overall, the Hoka One One Tor Summit ticked the most boxes in the comfort department, easily earning our Top Pick for Comfort award. The extra thick midsole absorbs impact on uneven surfaces without batting a lace eyelet. They kept our feet comfortable and fresh, even under the weight of a medium pack over several miles and on long descents. We've been loving the Hoka One One brand in our trail shoes and road-runners, and it turns out that their oversized midsole design translates to comfort while hiking as well. If your joints are starting to deteriorate from years of hiking, or you want to prevent that wear in the first place, you should check the Tor Summits out.
Weight
Light is right for footwear. One of the benefits of a hiking shoe over a full boot is the ounces, if not pounds, that it sheds from every step, while still providing a bit more stability and durability over a trail runner. To accurately compare the different models, we weigh each one ourselves, all size 11.5, on a digital scale straight out of the box.
The different pairs ranged between 1.7 and 2.34 pounds. That half a pound difference might not seem like much on paper, but we could definitely notice it underfoot. The Salomon OUTpath GTX was the lightest pair that we tested, though it's worth noting that it wasn't as comfortable nor as stable as other pairs. The Columbia Redmond Waterproof was also light (1.9 pounds), but scored even lower for stability and comfort — noticing a trend here? On the opposite end, the Keen Targhee II was the heaviest pair that we tested, but also the most stable.
While weight is an important trait, you do not always have to choose between weight and performance; The North Face Ultra 109 GTX model, our Editors' Choice winner, weighed just shy of 2 pounds but was among the more comfortable and stable options. Similarly, our Top Pick for Lightweight Hiking, the La Sportiva Spire GTX weighed 2.06 pounds. Our Best Buy winner, the Vasque Juxt weighed just over 2 pounds and was equally nice underfoot.
Traction
When hiking, confidence that our foot will stay put with every step is valuable. Traction relies on the design and material composition of the outsole. Vibram soles are popular, and their carbon rubber soles covered the bottoms of four of the contenders in this review. We were surprised, however, that several manufacturers are turning to proprietary outsoles for their hiking shoes, some of which provided the best traction overall. Regardless of who made the outsole, each hiker in this review has a unique sole shape and tread pattern of lugs. This reflects the obvious fact that there is no single answer for great traction on every possible surface. While all models proved capable walking across smooth, dry dirt trails, the differences shone through in trickier terrain. From thick mud to slushy snow, to rock slabs to loose sand and gravel, we tested these shoes over surfaces encountered when hiking.
Each model was tested side-by-side on five separate surface types to come up with the shoes' overall traction score. We often wore different shoes on each foot when trekking through the test areas to have direct comparisons in their purchase ability. First, we walked up and down dry granite slabs. Most models performed well in these scenarios, while the Targhee II, Spire GTX, and Agent GV stuck best to the steepest slopes. All three pairs have lugs that allow for lots of surface area contact. In our wet rock test, we walked back and forth across the same wet rocks in mountain brooks and streams. The Wet Traction Contagrip sole found on the Salomon OUTpath GTX gave us the most confidence when crossing wet granite.
We also hustled up slopes of loose sediment in our traction tests, in which the more aggressive tread of the Salomon and The North Face models dug in better than the rest. On the eastern side of the Sierras in Spring, we found a trail covered in mud from the thawing snow. Again, the deep and multi-directional lugs of the Salomon X Ultra cut through the mud most efficiently, finding undercover rocks or more stable soil to gain purchase. We also preferred the shoes with heel brakes when descending loose and sloppy terrain, keeping us from sliding out much better than the outsoles without it.
Finally, we walked up and down some gentle snow-covered slopes warmed into a slushy state by the midday sun. The Salomon and North Face models kicked in steps in the snow the best going up. Coming down, we again fell for outsoles with heel brakes which tended to catch a sliding foot. The La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX also did well in the snow. On top of our specially designed tests, we also factored our experiences on and off the trail while hiking into the traction score.
Support
How much support a shoe provides is based on several factors, including the thickness and materials of the midsole, thickness of the outsole, the shape of the last, and, to a lesser extent, the insole. An ideal hiking shoe is stiff from heel to midfoot but flexible up front. Most models reviewed included a shank between the midsole and outsole, which increases stiffness and protects you over rough terrain. Stability is also affected by the forefoot width and the height of the ankle collar.
To investigate stiffness underfoot, we tested the lateral torsion of each model. Solid torsional support reduces the risk of injury in uneven terrain and when carrying a load. Holding the front of the shoe in one hand and the heel in the other, we twisted the shoe, similar to wringing out a towel. The more resistant a shoe was to twisting indicated greater rigidity in the sole. This rigidity improves a shoe's support when moving through talus and rough terrain, or scrambling and hopping boulders. The Keen Targhee II and HOKA ONE ONE Tor Summit are the stiffest in a group of contenders that varies widely in this aspect. The Columbia Redmond and La Sportiva models are much less rigid and therefore less supportive. We were pleased that all products reviewed flexed sufficiently in the forefoot.
We also measured the forefoot at its widest point on each product. Wide bases provide a stable foundation for powering through each step. The HOKA ONE ONE, Merrell, and The North Face models tied for the widest forefoot at 4.75 inches. We also measured the height of the ankle collar (from the footbed to the highest ankle point) to check ankle stability. While ankle protection is more of a thing with hiking boots, we still appreciate a pair of hiking shoes that offers more stability than a typical trail runner. The La Sportiva model crept up our ankles the highest at 4.125 inches.
Lastly, we also considered the quality of the insole. It appears that some manufacturers view the insole as just an opportunity to add cushioning and improve the fit of the footbed. We appreciated manufacturers that took the insole as an opportunity to add support to the heel and arch. The stiffest insole award goes to the Keen's, while the Salomon, Vasque, and Merrell products also beefed up their insoles by adding a second, more dense layer of foam to the back half of the foot. This extra support did not take away from comfort in the footbed in any case. While many hikers see buying third-party insoles as automatic, hiking shoes are not cheap, and we like insoles that aren't too.
Overall, the Keen Targhee II proved the most supportive of the bunch. It has great torsional stability while maintaining a flexible forefoot, the forefoot is wide, and it comes already with a supportive insole. This was our first choice of all the pairs that we tested to use when hiking with more than just a daypack. Following close behind were the North Face and HOKA ONE ONE models, which have thick, supportive midsoles. The Redmond scored the lowest in this category. We were able to wring the shoe in our torsional stability test more than any other pair. It has thin midsoles, a below-average ankle collar height, and a narrower forefoot width, which when combined all together, resulted in sub-par stability. The La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX also lacked midsole support in the arch and was too flexible in the midfoot.
Versatility
How many things can one pair do? Several considerations went into our Versatility scores. Some of these shoes are comfortable on flat trails and rough terrain, and some handle moderate loads without wincing. We value a shoe that is comfortable for short day hikes and also supportive enough for light backpacking trips.
Do you want one do-it-all shoe or a quiver of options for different adventures? If you are new to hiking, it's likely that a versatile, do-everything shoe fits your needs. But, if you have specific priorities and a bigger budget, two or more pairs of specialized shoes could give you focused performance. Keep in mind that a shoe designed for hiking is only part of your adventure footwear quiver, which might already include boots, trail running shoes, approach shoes, etc.
At a bare minimum, a product in this category must handle several miles with a light daypack stuffed with a water bottle, snacks, an extra layer, and a camera. All models passed this low standard. During testing, we also packed a midsize pack with 15-20 pounds and hit the trails in the contenders. After a few miles, the added weight of a pack separated the rest of the "pack." Our favorites for moderate backpacking trips are the Keen Targhee II and The North Face models, which have great ankle and foot support.
Out on the trail, we ran a few miles with a light pack in each pair. Fastpacking adventures are fun and growing in popularity, and we wanted to know which models were up to the task. This trend is reflected in the market, as many hikers available look like beefed up trail runners. Several shoes in this review felt natural at a running gait, but none combined nimble running ability with powerful support better than the Salomon X Ultra. We also appreciate hiking shoes that don't scream "I went hiking today!" when worn casually. The Asolo Agent GV and Vasque Juxt did the best job blending in around town. Hiking shoes usually don't come in a plethora of color options, but most models in this review have a few different colors to choose from.
Water Resistance
It's no secret dry feet provide more comfort and warmth than wet ones. Moisture and water in the footbed also increase the likelihood of blisters. The trade-off for solid waterproofing is lower breathability, warmer feet, and a higher price tag. Most of the shoes we reviewed had a waterproof liner, except for theVasque Juxt and Merrell Moab 2 Ventilators. Many of the models that we tested come in both standard and "waterproof" options. (Usually a designation in the name like "GTX" for Gore-Tex or "dry" give it away.) Popular liners include options from Gore-Tex or eVent, while some manufacturers, like Keen and Columbia, use a proprietary membrane. We chose to test the waterproof versions as much as possible because the average hiker encounters wet conditions often, from water crossings to muck and slush to precipitation and more. Unless you're only hiking in Death Valley - and hey, even they get rain sometimes - it usually makes sense to have a pair with a waterproof liner.
To score the contenders in this metric, we considered their flood heights, how readily the upper absorbs water, and performance in our waterproof challenge. After a couple of months of hiking, we headed to a small mountain stream in the Eastern Sierras. Checking for leaks, we splashed around in water deep enough to cover the forefoot. We walked around and flexed the forefoot in order see if the added stress induced leakage. After five minutes, we removed the shoes to see if any water made it inside.
The Salomon X Ultra 3 emerged from the water on top of all other models. It has the tallest flood height (4.75 in.), kept our feet dry through the waterproof test, and resisted absorbing water into its leather and synthetic upper.
Similar water resistance effectiveness came from the La Sportiva, Adidas, and The North Face models, passing the waterproof test but having lower flood heights. Any water these models did soak up dried quickly.
A few seconds after stepping into the water in the Juxt and the Oboz Sawtooth, our feet were soaked. Not having a waterproof membrane, this was expected, and we only put them through this liquid suffering for equality's sake. Two shoes with waterproof membranes, however, did leak — both the Keen Targhee II and the Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof. Our feet remained dry for a few minutes in both, but they couldn't survive the full five minutes underwater. The Keen leaked more than the Merrell, while the Merrell absorbed more liquid into its mesh-heavy upper. Water resistance declines with use and time, but we expected more from these two models after 15-20 miles on each pair.
All of these shoes benefit from a leather or fabric conditioner applied to the upper. Nikwax has a range of products that are great for treating the mixed material uppers of these shoes. A leather or fabric treatment keeps water from soaking the shoe's upper materials. Even when water is stopped by the waterproof liner, it makes your shoe heavy and hinders breathability. The La Sportiva, Salomon, Adidas, and Asolo products soaked up the least water and dried faster than the others.
Durability
The are many trade-offs when designing hiking footwear, and the cost for a more durable shoe is commonly more weight. When a manufacturer focused making lightweight shoes, durability is less of a focus. Full leather uppers tend to be more durable than synthetics, but also weigh more. Rubber-covered toe boxes also increase durability in that high-wear area, yet again add to the shoe's weight. Durable, dense rubber soles are also heavier than softer rubber. Your hiking shoes take more punishment than any other kind of hiking gear you wear, making craftsmanship, materials, and design an important part of choosing a pair that ages well.
While we didn't test the entire lifespan of each product, we put a minimum of 15 to 20 miles on each shoe and checked them at the end of the testing period for any signs of weakness or wear. We looked at protection in high wear areas, rubber density of the sole, materials and construction of the upper, quality of stitching, and other unique characteristics of each shoe. We also read online reviews and talked to fellow hikers on the trails about their shoe experiences ("Hey, how do you like your Merrells?").
The Asolo Agent GV proved to be the most durable shoe in our review. It features excellent toe protection, a durable suede leather upper, a stiff polyurethane insert (which packs out slower than a typical EVA midsole), and overall quality construction from sole to stitches. It barely showed any signs of the abuse we put it through even after three months. On the other side of the spectrum are the Redmond and Synthesis Mid GTX. Both shoes exhibited poor durability, with ripping mesh and toe cap peeling, respectively, after a few months of use. Both shoes have poor toe protection, an area of high wear, and lack dense rubber outsoles to withstand rough trails.
Cleaning and treating your footwear increases its life expectancy. Mud and sand left on the upper create premature wear. Warm water and a soft brush are your best tactic for cleaning. Nikwax offers a line of leather and fabric conditioners, including products for suede leather and synthetic fabrics. Common wear areas, like the flex points on the forefoot and seams that are prone to scuffing, can be reinforced. Applying Gear Aid Seam Grip or a similar sealer keeps out dirt and sand, prolonged use, and has the added benefit of keeping water out.
Conclusion
Hiking footwear now encompasses a wide spectrum, from minimalist models to heavyweight boots, there exists a shoe to fit almost every need (and hopefully every foot!). Hiking shoes are an attractive alternative for those who hike short distances, carry relatively lightweight in their packs, or simply are seeking to move away from the high-top hiking boot models that do not allow for as much comfort or range of movement. We hiked many miles in these shoes to discover which ones worked best so that you can read our detailed reviews and choose an appropriate hiking shoe for your favorite trails. Be sure to read our Buying Advice article as well, which details fitting and sizing advice.
Still not sure? Take a look at our buying advice article for more info.