10 Best Hiking Shoes For Men in 2022

Hounding our Salomon top pick is a La Sportiva must-have, and it’s none other than the Spire GTX!

More akin to a streamlined hiking boot than a low-top hiker design-wise, the Spire GTX doesn’t mess around when the going gets tough. If its toothy lugs are anything to go by, the shoe has the full capacity to get you where you need to be slip-free.

We were quite astonished to witness firsthand the amazingness of the Spire GTX’s stout heel. Every landing felt safe and dreamy at the same time. Sharp rocks were a no match to it, either.

Equally impressive was the way the Spire GTX kept our balance in check. On uneven terrain and low-angled inclines, the hiker stabilized our footing like a champ.

In terms of impermeability, the Spire GTX knocked it out of the park for us, just like our top pick did. Its higher-than-usual heel also contributed to its ability to keep wetness at bay too.

We also found its forward momentum as among the best there is. We even ran in it for a distance, and our feet didn’t complain. We just wish it was a bit lighter.

Adidas has always been synonymous with sporty gear, and with the Terrex Swift R2 GTX (what a mouthful!), this reputation is further solidified!

Practically as light as the OUTline GTX, the Terrex Swift R2 GTX moved with our pace without any hitches. While it could use a bit more sensitivity underfoot, this shoe upped our mobility, thanks to its combination of low-profile lugs (forefoot section) and rockered toe zone.

Speaking of lugs, the Terrex Swift R2 GTX clawed into a variety of surfaces like a boss. On wet mulch, grass, and mud, the shoe kept us going without giving the slightest hint of slippage. Extra credit goes to its generous heel brake—it made downhill negotiations a real cakewalk!

Now, it would be a missed opportunity not to talk about its waterproofing. As a Gore-Tex hiker, the Terrex Swift R2 GTX boosted our confidence in inclement weather. Not a single droplet of moisture found its way inside its sturdy shell, leaving our manly tootsies wrinkle-free!

While its MSRP of $135 puts it an inch away from the highly affordable mark, the Terrex Swift R2 GTX is by and large a treat. Get one now and experience its many aces for yourself!

Ah, the Trail 2650 from Danner. This hiker for the gents is a real close second to our Merrell top pick!

Just by looking at its leather shell, you’d be able to tell its generosity in the comfort department. On day one, our feet were greeted with extraordinary comfort, best described as mesmerizing. Every inch within its supple confines felt magical right from the get-go.

The springiness of its heel and arch zones ensured our safety on rough terrain. And the most impressive thing about it was, after our extended escapade, our feet never ached. Incredible, right!?

Weight-wise, the Danner Trail 2650 epitomizes the barely-there description. Yes, you’ll feel like you have nothing on while wearing this, considering that it’s only 340 g per shoe.

Now, it would be criminal not to talk about and praise the Trail 2650’s grip performance. We tested its Vibram outsole on different types of terrain. Including mossy rock and perpetually moist logs, and it passed with flying colors!

While it could be roomier around the instep, the shoe never felt restrictive. Yes, mobility is among the Trail 2650’s many aces, especially around the ankle.

Wow! The Mountain Trainer Lite GTX from Salewa impressed us with its combination of protectiveness and off-the-beaten-path performance!

Let’s get this out of the way first: The Mountain Trainer Lite GTX screams support and stability. Its responsive-yet-stout sole unit got us across rocky and branchy valleys without spraining our ankles or resulting in painful arches!

Grip-wise, this fantastic hybrid of a hiker (it doubles as an approach shoe) made our multi-day wanderings safe and slip-free. Its mighty prominent heel brake and aggressive studs afforded us above-average traction on descents and ascents. Also, smearing and boulder-hopping in the shoe were one for the books!

In the area of comfort, we’ve no complaints about the Mountain Trainer Lite GTX. In fact, we were quite floored by its soft ankle cuff.

As far as waterproofing is concerned, the Mountain Trainer Lite GTX couldn’t be any more impressive! Through moderately muddy waters and calm streams, the shoe kept our burly feet 100 % moisture-free. That said, we recommend a mid-cut waterproof hiker, preferably one with a gusseted or bellows tongue, for traversals in waters of three to four inches deep.

Now here’s a proper final act for this list of top picks for men. Yes, we give you the stupendously affordable Adidas Terrex AX3 as a fantastic closer!

Coming in at an MSRP of $80 a pop, the Terrex AX3 blows many a hiker out of the water price-wise. Indeed, this men’s Adidas kick is a smart buy for those who wish to adventure without skimping on potential and performance.

Matching its almost giveaway price tag is the Terrex AX3’s barely-there lightness. Heavier than our lightweight top pick by a hair (roughly 5 g per shoe!), this remarkable Adidas piece will boost your stride on groomed paths and rubbly tracks alike.

On rocky terrain, we had a swell time in the Terrex AX3. So sticky was its Continental outsole that we forgot we were negotiating wet and mossy boulders along the way! And since its lugs are spaced apart nicely, it shed mud quickly, in time for another downhill traversal on this one mulchy incline.

And what is a criminally cheap hiking shoe without amazing comfort to match? Well, fortunately for you, the Adidas Terrex AX3 is also a giver comfort-wise. Its resplendent plushness, however, becomes available only after a day or two of hiking.

Nonetheless, this super-affordable gem is a force to be reckoned with. In short, don’t pass on the Terrex AX3!