Looking pair of hiking shoes? This comprehensive buying guide to the 10 Best Mens Hiking Boots To Buy For The Outdoors is a must read for any hiker or person who loves the outdoors and is looking for affordable hiking boots and trekking shoes.
What to look for in a hiking shoe?
Choosing the right hiking boot is critical if you are going to enjoy your hike. The last thing you want to find yourself doing is stumbling along trails only to reach the end of them in excruciating pain because you weren’t wearing the right boots.
In order to ensure that your attention is focused on the trail, your surroundings, and the nature you’ve set out to enjoy, instead of on your feet, you need a hiking boot that fits well – room for your toes to move in the front and snug at the back. You want a boot that is comfortable, stable, warm, not too heavy, and water resistant.
Here are a few things to look for when picking the best hiking boots:
THE RIGHT STYLE
By ‘the right style’ we are not talking about the look of the boot and how stylish it is, but rather the type of boot. The style you choose will depend on the trail’s terrain and how heavy a load you’re going to be carrying. A weekend backpacker doesn’t necessarily need the off-trail boots, for example.
TRAIL HIKING BOOTS
If you’re hiking a comfortable trail with a light day pack, low-cut or mid-cut boots are the best choice. However, they’re usually made from a combination of fabric and leather or split-leather which means there are multiple seams and you’re going to need to ensure they have a waterproof liner if you need them to be waterproof.
Trail hiking boots have stiffer soles and better traction that hiking shoes but they may prove to be unstable if the load you’re carrying is too heavy, in which case you’ll need to rather look at rough-trail hiking boots.
ROUGH-TRAIL HIKING BOOTS
Ankle-high rough trail hiking boots are your best bet if you are hiking a more rugged terrain. Their half-length shanks and tapered plastic midsoles provide the firm support needed to protect your feet but enough flexibility in the sole for your foot to flex comfortably. They are also available in a fabric leather combination with some being porous to provide good ventilation is hot weather conditions.
OFF-TRAIL HIKING BOOTS
If you are venturing into off-trail terrain you are going to need a hiking boot with above-ankle support and rigid soles for stability. These boots should also be your boot of choice if you’re backpacking with a heavy pack. They protect your feet and are flexible enough for the short strides you’ll take under a heavy load or tackling rough terrain.
If you are hiking a long distance you should wear the boots in before embarking on your adventure to soften them up. These hiking-boots are usually fully waterproof and some have a lip on the sole for snowshoe bindings and crampons for hiking on glaciers.
MOUNTAINEERING HIKING BOOTS
Mountaineering boots rise well above the ankle, have excellent traction, few seams and are characterized by full-grain leather uppers. These are not boots you want for your average hiking trail but are essential if you’re planning to get to a mountain peak.
A GOOD FIT
If your hiking boots don’t fit properly you can be sure to end up with blisters, sprained arches, bone spurs and other horrible foot ailments. The type of socks you wear are vital and you should choose them before you buy your hiking boots.
Remember that the toe seams and thickness of your socks will either cause or relieve pressure on your foot. Don’t buy boots according to your shoe size but according to what feels best. Make sure the shape fits the shape of your foot, the toe isn’t too narrow, and there is enough padding.
10 Best Mens Hiking Boots
Here is a list of the best mens hiking boots you should buy for the outdoors:
1. Under Armour Men’s Speedfit 2.0 Hiking Boot
A slick lightweight boot that has ankle support reinforced with padding and reinforced foot protection, excellent arch support, and generally hug your feet comfortably.
The Under Armour Men’s Speedfit 2.0 Hiking Boot provides support in all the right places so is an excellent hiking boot if foot support is your main priority.
They are lightweight boots and have good airflow which is ideal for comfortable easy-going hiking in the summer.
Though they are not waterproof and not suitable for hiking in the rain, they offer great traction for challenging trails and have received excellent ratings from lots of hikers.
2.
These waterproof hiking boots are super-comfortably with excellent traction for rough trails or inclement weather.
They are well-made, lightweight, and easy to get on and off with their speed laces.
Whether you’re hiking over rough terrain, crossing rivers, or climbing over rocks, the Timberland Men’s Flume Waterproof Boot will help you keep your grip.
They are also very light weight for such a hard wearing boot which makes them suitable for a range of different hiking adventures.
They accommodate different terrains very well including water and mud due to the ‘TimberDry Eco-conscious Waterproof Membrane’ that they have.
They have a Compression-molded EVA foam midsoles which are stiff enough to protect your feet from discomfort on rocks and gravel but flexible enough to prevent your foot cramping up.
These hiking boots wear in quickly and last well. Definitely boots that you can walk a few thousand miles in.
The Merrell Mens Moab 2 8″ Tactical Waterproof are also lightweight hiking boots so you won’t be slowed down even if you’re hiking through a frozen rainforest or trekking over a craggy mountain slope.
These are great boots for winter. Not only are they waterproof, they’re insulated too. Even after a 3-hour hike through 4-inch snow your feet will be warm and comfy.
The fit is excellent and the grip provides enough traction to easily manage crossing icy patches and slippery boulders over a river.
6.
If you’re going to be hiking a long-distance the are a great pair of hiking boots.
They’re comfortable, break in easily, and are completely waterproof.
Many regular long-distance hikers have attested to their durability and comfort.
Hiking 20 miles in the pouring rain is nothing with these Danner boots.
They are so thoroughly waterproof that your feet will be the only part of your body that is dry.
7.
These hiking boots are excellent all-season boots. Not only are they rather stylish, they’re very comfortable and fully waterproof.
The can be worn straight out of the box without your feet being destroyed by blisters and are impervious to rain.
The Skechers Men’s Verdict Boot is so durable and comfortable that they aren’t just loved by hikers but are also popular workwear shoes amongst construction workers, welders, and park rangers.
They have speed lacing hardware, a smooth fabric lining, and a cushioned insole.
The quality of these hiking boots will not disappoint you.
8.
The Merrell Moab 2 Men’s Hiking Boots are sturdy hiking boots that are very well-constructed with a breathable mesh that allows moisture to escape out.
They fit well with enough space for your toes, a padded tongue, arch support, and a sole that is solid but not too heavy.
These are extremely waterproof and will keep your feet dry no matter how wet your boots get.
They are excellent value for money and fit like a glove and great not only some of the best mens hiking boots are also recommended for casual wear or work.
That’s why they have earned a solid 4.6/5 Amazon star rating and accumulated thousands of great reviews.
9.
Compared to other hiking boots these hiking boots are inexpensive.
The are very versatile and can be worn whether you’re walking your dog or climbing a steep, rocky mountain.
They wear well and are sturdy, comfortable, and warm. They’re also lightweight and waterproof which means that they are suitable for any season or trail.
Priced at about $45, this pair of men’s hiking boots is is an excellent buy if you’re a bit cash-strapped or need a versatile pair of hiking boots.
10.
These hiking boots will get you to wherever you’re going.
They are all-purpose hiking boots which are brilliant for on and off trail hiking no matter what the weather or the weight of your backpack.
These Timberland boots are known for their excellent traction and have saved many a hiker from slipping and falling. They are so comfortable that you may well find yourself wearing them around town too.
As you can see, you are really spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the best mens hiking boots. The activity you’re using them should be the first thing you should consider in order to narrow down your options, Then, the most important thing to consider after that is the fit. It cannot be stressed enough that hiking boots must be a good fit for YOUR foot. You cannot buy hiking boots on someone else’s recommendation because they may have a completely different foot shape.
Once you’ve chosen a pair you should wear them around the house for a bit (without removing the tags) to ensure that there are no pain hotspots which could lead to problems on your excursion. If the boot fits properly you’ll be ready to start hiking into the wild blue yonder.
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