Quick picks (who each boot is for)

Best overall, day-hiker to weekend pack: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (Men’s) — dependable comfort + Vibram grip. Amazon
Best for heavy loads & rugged treks: Salomon Quest 4 GTX (Men’s) — backpacking-grade support that fights fatigue. Amazon
Best wide-forefoot comfort: KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof (Men’s) — roomy toe box, KEEN.DRY waterproofing, 4 mm multi-directional lugs. Amazon
Best premium leather all-rounder: LOWA Renegade GTX Mid (Men’s) — time-tested stability and GORE-TEX protection. Amazon
Best value leather boot: Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof (Men’s) — TimberDry™ membrane + anti-fatigue footbed. Amazon
Best cushioned hiker: HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX (Men’s) — plush ride with GORE-TEX weatherproofing. Amazon
Best durability & support: Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry (Men’s) — stout chassis with B-Dry waterproofing. Amazon
Best breathable waterproof tech boot: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX (Men’s) — aggressive traction with GTX waterproofing. Amazon
Best budget everyday hiker: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof (Men’s) — wallet-friendly leather upper with waterproof construction. Amazon
Best heritage-style look, modern sole: Danner Mountain 600 (Men’s) — Vibram outsole + waterproof build in a classic silhouette. Amazon

Comparison cheat sheet

Boot (Men’s)	Waterproof	Weight feel	Fit & width	What it’s best at
Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP	Yes (membrane)	Moderate	Medium (wides avail.)	Day hikes to light overnights; instant comfort. Amazon
Salomon Quest 4 GTX	Yes (GORE-TEX)	Supportive	Secure/performance	Backpacking, rough terrain, heavy packs. Amazon
KEEN Targhee III Mid WP	Yes (KEEN.DRY)	Sturdy	Roomy toe box	Wide feet; muddy/rocky mixed trails. Amazon
LOWA Renegade GTX Mid	Yes (GORE-TEX)	Stout	Medium	Premium all-rounder comfort & stability. Amazon
Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid	Yes (TimberDry™)	Firm	Medium	Budget-friendly leather boot, daily wear. Amazon
HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX	Yes (GORE-TEX)	Plush	Medium	Cushioned miles; mixed weather. Amazon
Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry	Yes (B-Dry)	Sturdy	Medium	Durability, support, rocky trails. Amazon
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX	Yes (GORE-TEX)	Agile-stiff	Slightly snug/performance	Steep, technical day hikes. Amazon
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II WP	Yes	Moderate	Medium	Entry-level value, park trails. Amazon
Danner Mountain 600	Yes	Light-moderate	Medium	Heritage style + Vibram grip, town-to-trail. Amazon

The 10 Best Hiking Boots for Men (Amazon-only)

1) Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof — Best overall

Why it stands out: The Moab 3 Mid WP combines a waterproof/breathable membrane with suede + mesh uppers, Merrell’s heel Air Cushion, and a Vibram® outsole—delivering out-of-the-box comfort and trustworthy traction across typical park and mountain trails. Amazon

Best for: Day hikers and new backpackers who want a forgiving fit and predictable grip without a long break-in.

Fit & sizing: True to size for most; medium volume with good toe room. Wide options are commonly available.

Pros: Day-one comfort; Vibram grip; broad size run.
Cons: Runs a bit warm in mid-summer; not the lightest.

2) Salomon Quest 4 GTX — Best for heavy packs & technical terrain

Why it stands out: Designed for long treks, the Quest 4 GTX blends running-inspired cushioning with a supportive chassis to cut fatigue when you’re carrying real weight. The GORE-TEX liner adds dependable weather protection, while the overall build emphasizes stability on uneven ground. Amazon

Best for: Backpacking, rocky routes, and multi-day trips with 25–45 lb loads.

Fit & sizing: Performance-secure through the midfoot/heel; consider half-up if between sizes or using thick socks.

Pros: Excellent stability; protective; confidence-inspiring descents.
Cons: Firmer feel; overkill for casual groomed trails.

3) KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof — Best wide-foot comfort

Why it stands out: KEEN’s roomy toe box and KEEN.DRY waterproofing deliver comfort in muddy, rocky, or rooty conditions. KEEN All-Terrain rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs helps you hold traction when trails get slick. Amazon

Best for: Hikers who want splay-friendly fit; wet climates; mixed-surface day hikes.

Fit & sizing: Roomier forefoot, average heel hold. True to size for most.

Pros: Great toe room; sticky lug design; waterproof value.
Cons: Heavier than fast-hike options; less nimble on talus.

4) LOWA Renegade GTX Mid — Best premium leather all-rounder

Why it stands out: A modern classic. The Renegade mixes nubuck leather with a supportive yet comfortable platform and full GORE-TEX waterproofing, earning its rep as a boot you can wear from city trail to alpine hut approaches. Amazon

Best for: Hikers who want a do-everything leather boot with long-term comfort and stability.

Fit & sizing: Medium volume, true to size for most. Break-in is short for a leather boot.

Pros: Stable; durable; weather-proof.
Cons: Pricier than synthetics; not ultralight.

5) Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof — Best value leather boot

Why it stands out: A staple Amazon pick for years, the Mt. Maddsen uses premium waterproof leather with an eco-conscious TimberDry™ membrane, a fully gusseted tongue, and Timberland’s anti-fatigue footbed for comfort on long days. Great trail-to-town looks, too. Amazon

Best for: Budget-minded hikers who want real waterproof leather and everyday wear versatility.

Fit & sizing: True to size; medium width.

Pros: Solid value; classic look; cushioned footbed.
Cons: Heavier; less breathable in heat.

6) HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX — Best cushioned hiker

Why it stands out: If you want plush, the Anacapa 2 Mid GTX brings HOKA’s trademark cushioning to a real hiking chassis and wraps it with GORE-TEX weather protection. A gift for long days and sensitive joints without feeling sloppy. Amazon

Best for: Long day hikes, mixed weather, hikers prioritizing impact absorption.

Fit & sizing: Medium volume; many reviewers note a slightly narrow fit—consider half-up if between sizes.

Pros: Plush ride; weather-proof; trail-worthy support.
Cons: Warm in peak summer; rocker feel isn’t for everyone.

7) Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry — Best durability & support

Why it stands out: Built to last, the Bridger Mid uses Oboz’s Granite Peak midsole with a TPU chassis for stability and stone protection, plus B-Dry waterproofing and a purpose-built tread for mixed conditions. Amazon

Best for: Rugged, rocky trails; hikers who’d rather own one tough pair for years.

Fit & sizing: True to size with supportive arch/heel feel.

Pros: Durable; supportive; protective underfoot.
Cons: Heavier and stiffer than fast-hike boots; brief break-in.

8) La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX — Best breathable-waterproof tech boot

Why it stands out: A mountain-savvy choice with aggressive traction and GORE-TEX waterproofing, the Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather bridges trail-runner agility and boot stability—ideal for steep grades and messy weather where precision matters. Amazon

Best for: Technical day hikes, steeps and switchbacks, off-camber traverses.

Fit & sizing: Performance-snug through midfoot; consider half-up if wide or using thick socks.

Pros: Technical grip; protective; agile for its class.
Cons: Snug for very wide feet; pricier.

9) Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof — Best budget everyday hiker

Why it stands out: A value king, the Newton Ridge Plus II packs a waterproof leather upper, cushioned midsole, and high-traction outsole into a wallet-friendly package that’s perfect for parks, rolling singletrack, and travel. Amazon

Best for: New hikers, casual weekend outings, budget buyers who still want waterproof leather.

Fit & sizing: True to size; medium width; many colorways.

Pros: Low price; easy comfort; versatile style.
Cons: Less lifetime durability vs. premium builds; modest breathability.

10) Danner Mountain 600 — Best heritage look with modern grip

Why it stands out: Classic lines meet modern sole tech. The Mountain 600 pairs a waterproof design with a Vibram outsole and cushioned platform, making it a stylish town-to-trail boot with real traction chops. Amazon

Best for: Everyday wear that can hit the trail; hikers who love heritage aesthetics.

Fit & sizing: Medium width; true to size for most.

Pros: Great looks; Vibram grip; comfortable underfoot.
Cons: Not as supportive as backpacking-grade boots.

How to choose among the 10 best hiking boots for men

1) Match waterproofing to climate

Waterproof (GORE-TEX, B-Dry, KEEN.DRY, TimberDry): Better in shoulder seasons, wet grass, and shallow crossings (Quest 4 GTX, Renegade GTX, Bridger B-Dry, Targhee III, Mt. Maddsen, Anacapa 2 Mid GTX). Amazon+5Amazon+5Amazon+5
Breathability considerations: Leather boots run warmer than mesh-synthetic hybrids; pick lighter socks in summer or a mesh-favoring model like Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX (still waterproof but more ventilated than many traditional leathers). Amazon

2) Prioritize fit (comfort beats every spec sheet)

Toe room: If you’ve got a wide forefoot or like toe splay, start with KEEN Targhee III. Amazon
Performance lock-down: For steep terrain and precision, look at La Sportiva and Salomon. Amazon+1
Supportive arch/heel: Oboz’s Bridger line is known for a supportive platform. Amazon
Cushion-first: HOKA’s Anacapa is the plush pick. Amazon

3) Think outsole & protection

Lug design + rubber: Vibram (Merrell, Danner, La Sportiva) and brand compounds (KEEN All-Terrain, Oboz Trail Tread) both work—choose based on the terrain you actually hike. Amazon+4Amazon+4Amazon+4
Chassis & plates: Boots like the Bridger and Quest 4 add midfoot structure for rock protection and pack stability. Amazon+1

4) Dial the weight vs. stability trade-off

Lighter, nimbler: HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX; La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX. Amazon+1
Sturdier, long-haul: Salomon Quest 4 GTX; LOWA Renegade GTX Mid; Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry. Amazon+2Amazon+2

Sizing tips (so you order right the first time)

Try two sizes if Amazon’s return window is friendly.
Sock test at home: Wear your hiking socks and descend stairs—no toe bang allowed.
Room for swelling: Leave ~a thumb’s width at the front after lacing.
Orthotics/insoles: If you use them, factor volume—some boots (Oboz, Renegade) play nicely with aftermarket footbeds. Amazon+1

Care & maintenance (make them last longer)

Dry smart: Pull insoles and laces; stuff with newspaper or use a fan. Avoid heaters that can delaminate midsoles and cook leather glues.
Clean lug channels: A simple brush keeps traction sharp.
Re-proof leather: Use brand-appropriate cleaners and DWR/wax treatments periodically (especially for Renegade, Timberland, Danner). Amazon+2Amazon+2
Rotate pairs if you hike often—foam rebounds better with rest.
Retire on time: When midsoles compress and tread is slick, new blisters and knee pain often follow.

Frequently asked questions

Are waterproof boots worth it?
If you hike in rain, snow, or dewy shoulder seasons, yes—dry feet stay warmer and less blister-prone. In hot, arid climates, some hikers prefer airy non-waterproof footwear; among these picks, the mesh-forward La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX offers a good balance of protection and breathability while staying waterproof. Amazon

What’s the single best upgrade most hikers can make?
Get fit right. For wide feet, KEEN Targhee III. For technical stability, Salomon Quest 4. For cushion, HOKA Anacapa. Amazon+2Amazon+2

Can I backpack in lighter boots?
Yes—just match boot to load and terrain. The Quest 4 GTX or Renegade GTX Mid are safer bets for 30–45 lb packs; cushioned options like Anacapa handle moderate loads well on well-graded trails. Amazon+2Amazon+2

The bottom line

Want one boot that works for most men on most trails? Start with Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof. Amazon
Carrying a heavy pack or tackling rough ground? Choose Salomon Quest 4 GTX or LOWA Renegade GTX Mid. Amazon+1
Need roomy comfort? KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof. Amazon
Craving plush cushioning? HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX. Amazon
On a budget or buying your first boot? Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof. Amazon
Chasing technical terrain? La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX. Amazon
Want bombproof durability? Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry. Amazon
Prefer a heritage look with real traction? Danner Mountain 600. Amazon