The Best Men’s Hiking Shoes For 2020

The proper footwear can make or break any athletic activity. Without adequate support, comfort and durability, even a walk in the park can cause irreparable damage to one’s feet and the next thing you know you’re heading to a podiatrist.

Both casual and serious hikers are particularly concerned about their feet and will go to great lengths to find the perfect hiking shoe for their treks up some of nature’s most majestic mountains.

Here are some of the best hiking shoes for men in 2020.

Salomon Men’s Hiking Shoes X ULTRA 3 GTX

With dependable traction and reliable stability, the Salomon Men’s Hiking Shoes X Ultra 3 GTX is an ideal shoe for both novice and advanced hikers who want to experience foothold, stability, comfortable cushioning and a dependable grip. A reinforced top arm of Salomon’s Sensifit system holds your foot comfortably in place, especially moving downhill. As for the shoe’s chassis, it’s surrounded by foam cushioning for comfort and connects directly to the sole to stabilize your heel, while two different types of rubber result in a better grip for those steep climbs. A patterned area on the heel grabs terrain more aggressively, giving you more control, especially on descents.

The North Face Truxel Mid Trail Hiking Shoes

At 10.4 ounces, these lightweight, durable hiking shoes from The North Face are very comfortable and thus ideally suited for those long hikes. (And supercool design makes these shoes a great choice for hikers who like to trek in style.) Features include engineered-knit upper with collar detail, heat-pressed molded features, an integrated lacing system and external TPU heel counter.

Columbia Redmond Low Hiking Shoe

It’s hard to beat the value that hikers can get from this affordable and versatile shoe from Columbia. Whether you are scrambling up rocks or taking a leisurely hike, these durable hikers offer an extra-supportive midsole and excellent traction for all kinds of terrain. This popular hiking shoe features suede leather, mesh and webbing and a Techlite midsole for comfort, superior cushioning and high energy return. Even on hot surfaces these shoes keep your feet cool and are great for both hiking and daily use.

La Sportiva Spire GTX

The La Sportiva Men’s Spire GTX Hiking Shoe is waterproof and ideal for day hiking or backpacking with lighter loads. The abrasion-resistant mesh on the upper protects against trail debris and the Gore-Tex Surround waterproof, breathable membrane prevents feet from getting soaked. A Vibram XS Trek outsole grabs the earth as you tackle miles of changing terrain. It’s an ideal shoe for day trips in variable to rugged terrain. You could accomplish most ascents with the maximum grip this shoe offers and be comfortable the entire time. Basically, the La Sportiva Spire GTX is a hiking shoe built with the comfort of a running shoe.

HOKA ONE ONE Sky Toa

Has the speed hiker become today’s norm? The “lightest in class” HOKA ONE ONE utilizes trail-running expertise and innovations for adventures across any terrain. Everything about the Toa has been evaluated from a functional and weight-saving perspective, which makes them an excellent choice for long-distance hikers looking for something lightweight to increase mobility. From the durable and breathable synthetic upper to the rubberized foam midsole and the Vibram Megagrip outsole lugs, all elements are technically solid and efficiently lightweight. And the cushioned running-shoe feel is further enhanced by an eVent waterproof bootie to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX Shoes

Built for speed and play on trails, this low-cut hiker with speed lacing supports your feet even when on uneven ground, while a Continental Rubber outsole sticks to wet and dry terrain. Lightweight and built for the long haul, one of the nice features is that the upper doesn’t absorb water. Speed lacing construction means these won’t slow you down on the trail and it also offers a snug fit. And a lace bungee stows laces to help avoid annoying tangling.

Merrell Moab FST 2

One reason serious hikers depend on this highly rated shoe is the air cushion in the heel that absorbs shock and adds stability. That’s not always a feature you’ll find in even the most expensive hiking shoes. Also, a kinetic fit base insole is contoured like your foot and provides flexible, intuitive support for connected and protected movement throughout the duration of your hike. Rubber outsoles with toothy 5mm lugs also help you conquer tricky terrain.

Altra Men’s Lone Peak 4

Supportive and lightweight, these shoes feature a toe shield that is thin and flexible yet offers excellent protection. Several important refinements from Altra’s original trail shoe include a new upper that incorporates the same integrated tongue as the previous version but now with static webbing for better cinching ability. A hook-and-loop tab allows strapless gaiter attachment that prevents debris from building up beneath the shoe.