10 Best Hiking Shoes Men 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is a solid choice for casual to moderate hiking, thanks to its blend of comfort, durability, and reliable traction. Its upper combines pig suede leather with breathable mesh, which helps keep your feet ventilated and protected. The shoe includes a bellows tongue designed to keep out dirt and debris, a handy feature for trails.

Comfort-wise, the removable Kinetic Fit ADVANCED footbed with extra heel cushioning supports your feet well during longer walks. The midsole uses a Super Rebound Compound to absorb shocks and ease movement, making steps feel smoother. The Vibram TC5+ outsole stands out by offering excellent grip on various surfaces, which is important for stability on uneven ground.

While the shoe is durable, it isn’t fully waterproof, so it might not be the best option for very wet conditions. The weight is moderate at about 3.5 pounds per pair, which could feel a bit heavy for ultralight hikers but is reasonable for most. Ankle support is limited since these are low-cut shoes, so if you need more protection around the ankle, a different style might be better. This shoe suits hikers looking for comfort, good traction, and breathability on well-maintained trails or day hikes rather than rugged, wet, or highly technical terrains.

The Columbia Mens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for men looking for a reliable hiking shoe that combines comfort, durability, and protection. Its waterproof OMNI-TECH construction ensures your feet stay dry during moderate rain or snow, which is great for unpredictable weather on trails. The shoe’s TECHLITE midsole provides lightweight cushioning and good shock absorption, making it comfortable for longer hikes without feeling heavy. You’ll appreciate the ankle-height design which offers a decent balance of support to help prevent injuries on uneven terrain, though it’s not a full boot for extreme ankle protection. The upper is a mix of durable leather and breathable mesh, which helps with ventilation while still being sturdy.

Traction is handled well by the OMNI-GRIP rubber sole, which has a tread pattern designed to grip rocks, dirt, and gravel in both wet and dry conditions. This means you can expect stable footing on various trail surfaces. Weight-wise, the shoe leans toward being lighter than traditional hiking boots, making it easier to carry over long distances. One thing to note is that the shaft height is relatively low (ankle level with 1-inch circumference), so if you need heavy-duty ankle support or plan on tackling very rough terrain regularly, this might feel a bit less protective than taller boots. These boots are ideal for day hikers or those on moderate trails who want waterproofing, comfort, and good traction without the bulk of heavier boots.

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is designed for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable and comfortable footwear option. One of its key strengths lies in the combination of leather, mesh, and nylon materials, which provide both durability and breathability. The shoe features a rubber sole that enhances traction, making it suitable for various terrains, and the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole is particularly effective in providing grip on slippery surfaces. With a heel height of one inch and an EVA foam midsole, these shoes offer decent stability and comfort for medium-length hikes.

The shoe's waterproofing is another highlight, as it utilizes a pigskin leather upper and a protective toe cap, keeping your feet dry in wet conditions. The bellows tongue is a nice addition, helping to keep out debris while you traverse different environments. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole provides reinforced heel cushioning, contributing to comfort during extended wear, which is essential for hiking.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While most users find them comfortable, some might feel that the shoe could be a bit heavy for longer hikes, especially when compared to trail running shoes. Additionally, the care instructions specify hand washing only, which might be less convenient for those who prefer machine washability. Lastly, while the shoe offers good ankle support, it is not a high-top style, so those needing additional ankle protection might want to consider alternatives.