When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, whether you’re tackling rugged mountain paths, forest trails, or coastal walks, a quality pair of hiking shoes can make all the difference. Unlike hiking boots, which offer high ankle support, hiking shoes for men are lighter, more flexible, and perfect for day hikes, mixed terrain, and faster movement on the trail.
In this guide, we explore the best hiking shoes for men available right now—covering comfort, grip, support, and value to help you find the right pair for your adventures.
What to Look For in Men’s Hiking Shoes
Before you hit the trails, it’s important to know the key features that define a good hiking shoe:
- Traction: A grippy outsole (usually rubber with lug patterns) ensures safety on loose gravel, wet rocks, and muddy trails.
- Support and Cushioning: Look for EVA midsoles and heel cups to reduce fatigue and absorb impact.
- Breathability or Waterproofing: Depending on where you hike, you may want mesh uppers for airflow or Gore-Tex lining for waterproof protection.
- Durability: Reinforced toe caps, abrasion-resistant uppers, and stitched construction help your shoes last longer.
- Fit: A snug but not tight fit, with enough toe room and arch support, is essential. Many shoes now come in wide or extra-wide fittings.
Top 7 Hiking Shoes for Men in 2025
1. Merrell Moab 3
One of the best-selling hiking shoes worldwide, the Moab 3 is a reliable choice for day hikes, offering comfort straight out of the box.
- Best for: Versatile hikes, everyday trail use
- Features: Vibram outsole, supportive footbed, available in waterproof (Gore-Tex) and non-waterproof versions
- Pros: Great arch support, breathable, durable
- Price: ~£100 / $130
2. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Engineered for speed and agility, the X Ultra 4 GTX is perfect for technical terrain and variable conditions.
- Best for: Fast hikes, mixed or mountainous terrain
- Features: Gore-Tex waterproofing, Contagrip outsole, Advanced Chassis for stability
- Pros: Lightweight but rugged, excellent grip, sleek design
- Price: ~£130 / $150
3. FitVille Men’s Stride Core Hiking Shoes
Ideal for men with wide or swollen feet, FitVille’s hiking shoe offers generous width (up to 6E), arch support, and shock absorption.
- Best for: Hikers needing extra width or comfort
- Features: Dual-density EVA midsole, wide toe box, slip-resistant rubber sole
- Pros: Roomy, supportive, fatigue-free walking for hours
- Price: ~£70 / $90
- Where to buy: FitVille UK / US websites
4. KEEN Targhee III Low Waterproof
A sturdy and supportive hiking shoe, the Targhee III is popular for its roomy fit and all-weather performance.
- Best for: Wet and muddy trails, wider feet
- Features: KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, toe protection, all-terrain outsole
- Pros: Durable, supportive, slightly wider fit
- Price: ~£120 / $140
5. Columbia Crestwood Waterproof
For budget-conscious hikers who don’t want to sacrifice quality, the Crestwood is a solid entry-level trail shoe.
- Best for: Casual hikers, beginners
- Features: Waterproof suede and mesh, Techlite lightweight midsole
- Pros: Affordable, decent cushioning, waterproof
- Price: ~£70 / $80
6. La Sportiva Spire GTX
If you’re tackling tougher trails or multi-day hikes, the Spire GTX offers technical performance with a low-cut design.
- Best for: Challenging terrain, high-performance hiking
- Features: Gore-Tex Surround, Vibram outsole, robust structure
- Pros: Excellent breathability and waterproofing, great for alpine trails
- Price: ~£170 / $190
7. Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX
Combining sporty design with serious trail capabilities, the Swift R3 is a great option for fast-paced hiking.
- Best for: Trail runners, light pack hiking
- Features: Gore-Tex waterproofing, Continental rubber outsole
- Pros: Excellent grip, lightweight and athletic feel
- Price: ~£120 / $140
Tips for Choosing the Right Hiking Shoes
- Try them on with hiking socks: Always test your shoes with the socks you’ll actually wear on the trail.
- Break them in: Even lightweight hiking shoes need a few shorter walks before a big hike.
- Replace regularly: Hiking shoes typically last 500–800 miles depending on terrain.
- Check return policies: If ordering online, make sure there’s a free return option in case the fit isn’t right.
Bonus: Best Wide-Fitting Hiking Shoes for Men
If you have wide or swollen feet, finding a hiking shoe that offers comfort without tightness is crucial. Some top brands that offer wide or extra-wide sizing include:
- FitVille (up to 6E widths)
- Merrell (select styles available in wide)
- KEEN (naturally wider toe box)
- New Balance Trail Shoes
- Orthofeet (mostly sold online)
Final Thoughts
A good pair of hiking shoes is an investment in comfort, safety, and your overall hiking experience. Whether you’re navigating rocky paths in the Lake District or exploring forest trails in Wales, the right footwear makes all the difference.
From budget-friendly options like the Columbia Crestwood to high-performance models like the Salomon X Ultra 4, there’s a hiking shoe out there for every foot, trail, and budget.
If you hike regularly or have foot concerns such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, or wide feet, don’t compromise on fit—brands like FitVille and KEEN can help you stay comfortable mile after mile.
