Choosing the right hiking shoe matters for comfort, safety, and performance on the trail. This guide evaluates top men’s hiking shoes across budgets and needs, based on extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert and user feedback to help you pick the right pair for your adventures.
Considerations and Testing Approach
What we tested: durability, traction, waterproofing, comfort (fit, cushioning, toe-box), weight, and breathability. We tested shoes on mixed terrain (gravel, wet roots, packed dirt), simulated long walks, and evaluated dry/wet traction on standard surfaces.
How we weighed factors:
- Real-world usage: Time on trail and urban walks to judge comfort and break-in needs.
- Expert opinion: Alignment with podiatry and outdoor-gear guidance on support and drop.
- Consumer feedback: Patterns from verified user reviews, returns, and common complaints.
We prioritized safety (traction, waterproofing) and sustained comfort (fit, cushioning, toe space), while also considering value and specialty features (barefoot grounding, recycled materials).
Budget Barefoot Hikers
Lightweight barefoot-style hikers that promote toe splay and natural gait at a very low price. Breathable upper and wide toe box make them comfortable for casual hiking, water use, and daily wear—best for minimalist fans or short, easy trails.
Overview
These lightweight barefoot-style hiking shoes emphasize a wide toe box, breathability, and a close-to-ground feel. They’re exceptionally affordable and work well for short hikes, beach walks, and everyday casual use.
Standout features
- Wide toe box for natural toe splay and improved balance.
- Breathable materials keep feet cool on warm days.
- Extremely light, which many users find comfortable for all-day wear.
Analysis
For the price, this pair delivers the barefoot experience—encouraging foot strength and a natural stride. They lack reinforced toe caps and high-traction lug patterns, so avoid technical trails or heavy packs. Expect minimal cushioning and limited long-term durability compared with premium trail shoes.
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious hikers and minimalist footwear fans who primarily walk easy trails, beaches, or urban paths and want a natural, low-drop shoe.
KEEN Zionic Nxt
High-end, waterproof all-terrain hikers with advanced traction and long-lasting comfort. Built from durable ripstop mesh and high-rebound foam, these shoes provide support, strong grip, and thoughtful sustainability touches—ideal for serious hikers and multi-day use.
Overview
KEEN’s Zionic Nxt is a premium, performance-driven hiking shoe designed for rugged use. It combines a waterproof membrane, supportive underfoot technologies, and durable materials for long days on varied trails.
Standout features
- Waterproof KEEN.DRY membrane to keep feet dry while allowing vapor out.
- KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole with 4mm multidirectional lugs for confident traction.
- Full-length plate for underfoot support and high-rebound foam cushioning for long-distance comfort.
- Durable ripstop mesh and recycled-material components for sustainability.
Analysis
This shoe delivers excellent traction, support on uneven ground, and durability. The full-length plate helps with stability under load, and the removable responsive footbed enables custom orthotics. Expect a higher price but noticeably better long-term comfort and protection compared with budget models.
Who it’s for
Experienced hikers and weekend backpackers who need reliable waterproofing, aggressive traction, and structural support for longer or rougher routes.
adidas Terrex Anylander
A versatile, lightweight hiking sneaker made with recycled materials. It balances cushioning, outsole traction and a flexible upper to perform on day-hikes and light backpacking trips—great value for environmentally conscious hikers seeking comfort and agility.
Overview
The Terrex Anylander blends modern sneaker comfort with hiking-focused features. It’s lightweight but supportive, uses recycled materials, and has a lugged Traxion outsole for competent grip across varied terrain.
Standout features
- Lightweight EVA midsole for step-absorbing comfort.
- Traxion outsole engineered for multidirectional grip and durability.
- Soft textile upper with reinforced toe cap for protection without added stiffness.
- Uses recycled/renewable materials in construction.
Analysis
This model strikes an excellent balance between weight, protection, and price. It isn’t as rugged as thicker-soled, heavy-duty boots but outperforms generic sneakers on trails. The higher drop (10 mm) gives a cushioned ride, which some hikers prefer for long walks but purists may dislike.
Who it’s for
Day-hikers and commuters who want a comfortable, eco-conscious shoe that handles light to moderate trails with dependable traction and cushioning.
All-Season Waterproof Hiker
A dependable, waterproof all-season hiking shoe with strong traction and removable arch support. Designed for varied weather and terrain, it offers stable grip, comfort-focused midsoles, and a breathable yet protective upper for year-round hiking.
Overview
This all-season hiking shoe delivers a well-rounded package: DRI-TEC waterproofing, M-D Traction outsole, and a comfortable removable insole—making it versatile across wet and dry conditions.
Standout features
- Waterproof DRI-TEC membrane to keep feet dry in wet conditions.
- M-D Traction rubber outsole and fork shank for dependable grip and stability.
- Lightweight synthetic/mesh upper with padded collar and tongue for comfort.
- Removable arch-support insole for personalized fit and orthotic compatibility.
Analysis
This shoe balances waterproofing, traction, and comfort for most hikers. Its midsole cushioning and secure ghillie lacing system provide a snug fit on technical day hikes. While not as premium in materials as top-tier models, it’s more affordable and performs consistently across seasons.
Who it’s for
Hikers who want a reliable, waterproof shoe for year-round use—ideal for mixed conditions, short to medium-length hikes, and anyone valuing comfort with proven traction.
Comparison Overview
Quick differences at a glance:
- KEEN Zionic Nxt — Premium Choice: Best overall performance, waterproofing, aggressive traction, and long-term comfort; top pick for multi-day and technical trails.
- adidas Terrex Anylander — Best Value for Money: Balanced cushioning, lightweight, eco-friendly materials, and capable traction for day hikes.
- All-Season Waterproof Hiker — Editors Choice: Reliable waterproof protection, stable traction, and comfort-focused features at a mid-range price.
- Budget Barefoot Hikers — Best Budget Pick: Minimalist design, wide toe box, and breathability for easy trails and daily wear; not for technical terrain.
Best overall: KEEN Zionic Nxt. It offers the most complete package for safety, durability, and comfort under heavy use.
Best alternatives by need:
- If you want lightweight, eco-conscious day-hike comfort: adidas Terrex Anylander.
- If you need an affordable, waterproof, everyday trail shoe: All-Season Waterproof Hiker.
- If you want the barefoot experience for easy routes or beach hikes: Budget Barefoot Hikers.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing, expert consultation, and reviewing user feedback, the KEEN Zionic Nxt stands out as the best overall men’s hiking shoe for demanding use thanks to its waterproofing, traction, and support. For most hikers, the KEEN delivers long-term comfort and confidence on technical terrain.
If budget or lighter-weight needs matter more, the adidas Terrex Anylander is the smartest value pick—light, cushioned, and built with recycled materials. For year-round wet-weather reliability at a moderate price, the All-Season Waterproof Hiker is an excellent Editors Choice. And if you’re after a true minimalist experience for easy trails and everyday wear, the Budget Barefoot Hikers provide toe freedom and affordability.
All recommendations here are grounded in field testing and aggregated user insights. Choose based on the terrain you frequent, whether you need waterproofing, and how much support or minimalism you prefer. Happy trails—and remember, the best shoe is the one that fits your foot and your trail plans.