Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2024

If you love hiking and backpacking, chances are you’ve encountered one of the most popular pairs of long-distance hiking shoes of the decade, the Altra Lone Peak 8. These are zero-drop shoes that offer outstanding traction, a natural foot shape, and a ton of room in the toe box.

They are foot-shaped, so they’re snug and comfy through the midsole and heel, but very wide in the toebox. In fact, the toebox is one of the largest on this list and has a ton of room for your forefoot and toes to splay out naturally, which allows for a more ergonomic gait. The lacing system is sensitive and takes some careful tweaking at first, so you’ll need to tighten each section of the laces to get just the right tension for you.

Altra’s signature Trail Claw lug pattern offers a variety of square, triangular, and ribbed lugs across the outsole for ultra-tacky, super-effective traction in most trail conditions. The Lone Peak 8s also have great ground feel, allowing for better navigation of the trail with every step. Whether you’re traversing sandstone washes in the deserts of Arizona or hiking over tall mountain passes in the Sierra Nevada, the Lone Peaks will make your feet feel stable and secure.

This is one of our top picks for hot weather and trails that are wet, mucky, or overgrown. Since they’re so lightweight – only 11 ounces per shoe – and the uppers are almost entirely made of mesh, they dry in no time. The large Velcro gaiter attachment at the heel (gaiters sold separately) is perfect for keeping out brambles, dirt, and rocks. Plus, they are a great choice for hiking on hot days, since they’re so breathable and airy.

For many folks, zero-drop shoes promote a natural foot position, and can even help solve foot and leg pain. However, zero-drop shoes are not for everyone. Early studies show that for long-distance runners and hikers, going from a shoe with a tall heel-to-toe drop like the Merrell Moab (11.5 mm) to a zero-drop shoe (0 mm) like Altra Lone Peaks can increase the risk of injuries and strain on the joints. It takes time for our bodies to adjust to the higher loading rates and increased plantar pressures of zero-drop shoes through the calf, foot, and hips. We always recommend researching and testing if zero-drop shoes will work for your biomechanics.

That said, Altra hits the nail on the head when it comes to a wide toe box, burly traction, and a durable but lightweight build. The Lone Peak 7 is the reigning champion of the zero-drop world for good reason, and this pair could become your favorite too.

 The Brooks Cascadia 17s are versatile, breathable trail runners well-suited for covering huge mileage days on established trails. Our team at CleverHiker has tackled over 6,000 miles of America’s most scenic trails in these shoes, including thru-hikes of the PCT, CDT, the Pinhoti Trail, and more. Whether you’re a trail runner, day hiker, or long-distance backpacker, these are comfortable trail shoes that feel fast on backcountry routes.

Cascadia 17s are only 11 ounces per shoe. They’re one of the lightest trail runners on our list but still offer a refined balance of sturdiness and agility. The built-in gaiter trap is an excellent design feature, and we like that Brooks uses recycled materials in both the upper and outsole, reflecting an ongoing commitment to mindful manufacturing. 

These are first and foremost trail runners, so they aren’t designed for off-trail adventures. That means Cascadia 17s won’t last as long as hiking-specific shoes on this list like the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX or the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor. The upper is almost entirely mesh with thin TPU overlays, which means these shoes breathe well and dry fast. However, the side fabric at the flex point of the big toe tends to develop a hole after several hundred miles. We found this model typically lasts 500 – 600 miles before it needs replacing, but rougher terrain will reduce that distance.

At 8 mm, they also have double the heel-to-toe drop than the Saucony Peregrine 14s and the HOKA Speedgoats. That’s great if you love increased cushioning, but you’ll sacrifice a bit of ground feel and a more ergonomic gait.

We like the Cascadia 17s because they’re comfortable, dependable shoes with almost no break-in period. Whether you’re thru-hiking the North Country Trail or just romping around your local backcountry routes, these trail runners are tough to beat.

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 is the perfect shoe for people that want a wide toe box, plenty of cushioning, and extremely light footwear. At just over 10 ounces per shoe, the Ultraventures are one of the lightest shoes we tested. They are super breathable with excellent cushioning through the heel and midsole. Thanks to flexible mesh uppers, your feet will stay cool with lots of airflow to wick away moisture in hotter weather. Plus, they dry quickly in case that puddle in the trail is deeper than expected. These shoes are soft and snug right out of the box.

We think of the Ultraventure as a combination of two of our other top lightweight shoes on this list: the HOKA Speedgoat 5 and the Altra Lone Peak 8. They offer tons of cushioning and thick foam soles like the Speedgoat 5 but are a bit less cushy and offer a better ground feel. This pair also has a roomy, wide toe box like the Lone Peak 8 so your toes can spread out and your forefoot can flex naturally, but without the zero-drop heel.

Despite the generous cushioning, the Ultraventure 3 is stable on most terrain. The slightly rockered outsole prevents foot fatigue and gives the shoe a spry feeling. Though the tread pattern on the shoes is a bit shallow compared to other shoes on this list, the wide, rectangular lugs offer plenty of traction when you need it. 

Though the Ultraventure 3s stand out for their low weight, they fall a bit short when it comes to durability. The all-mesh uppers and thinner soles make for a smooth hiking experience, but that means the lightweight construction doesn’t last quite as long as burlier hiking shoes. The shoes are also a big soft at the heel, so they’re more prone to fold and squish while putting on and taking off, breaking the material down over time.

Having said that, the Ultraventure 3 is an excellent choice for folks who want support, cushioning, and plenty of room for their toes to spread out from day hikes to thru-hikes.

Whether you’re thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail or need a stylish pair of shoes for work, the Danner Trail 2650s can do it all. Featuring brushed leather or suede, clean lines, and a pleasing aesthetic, we found the Trail 2650s are not just about looks: these shoes get it done on trail as well.

They offer excellent traction, a burly toe and heel guard for on-trail protection, and out-of-the-box comfort. They have a cushioned, responsive feel that makes them super comfy out of the box, but lend plenty of support and stability to backcountry adventures. Plus, the 2650s come in lightweight mesh, waterproof, and mid-height versions, so you can find the perfect shoe for your next hike, whether you’re wandering through Utah slot canyons or the rocky and lush Vermont Long Trail.

Also, the Trail 2650s are very pleasing to look at. We’d recommend them not only for style and functionality while hiking, but for trendy and functional footwear in the city. These are the rare shoes that can transition from a sit-down dinner or matinee at the movies to a backpacking trip or technical day hike.

The 2650s run narrow, so you may need to size up to a “wide” version. The chunky lug pattern offers great grip on rocks and roots, but it isn’t effective on wet or slippery surfaces. For $170, they are spendy, and the leather and mesh of the uppers are not especially durable – and take a long time to dry out once they’re wet. We also found that they look worn out sooner than they actually are. These shoes have a medium break-in period, so be sure to wear them out and about a few times before your first long walk in the woods. 

Overall, the Danner Trail 2650s are sleek, high-performance hiking shoes that blend modern style with the functionality and comfort of a lightweight trail runner. For hikers looking for a comfortable shoe that can take you from coffee shop to mountain top, consider this pair.

The KEEN Targhee III WPs are a crowd pleaser: these shoes are dependable, roomy and made to last. These all-leather hiking shoes demand a longer break-in time than many of the lightweight models on our list, but the pliable leather is reliable and durable, and the strong build quality means they’ll hold up for hundreds of miles in the backcountry. And, once they’re broken in, you’ll enjoy hundreds of miles of supportive, satisfying hiking.

They are also built for gnarly backcountry conditions. A protective toe cap extends completely over the top of the shoe to keep your toes safe from sharp rocks. Although the lugs are a bit shallow and wide compared to other leather shoes on this list, the multi-directional traction pattern and wide outsole still felt grippy and stable, making even the roughest trails feel smooth. Double-stitched leather panels run the length of the shoe along the outsole to add more stability and durability. 

One of our favorite features of the Targhee III is a sturdy band that connects the laces to the heel cup. This helps provide a secure, locked-in feeling and makes it easier to dial in the perfect fit. They are also known for their wide toe box, so they’re an excellent choice for hikers needing a little extra wiggle room in their shoes.

Because they’re on the bulkier side – and leather is not as breathable or fast-drying as synthetic uppers – we recommend them for shorter adventurers, cooler-weather days, and hikers who want something long-lasting and comfy for daily wear. The waterproofing is super effective, but that means the shoes can run hot on warmer days and in humid places, so you may want to reserve these for shoulder season hikes or wet, mucky trails.

We’re big fans of the Targhee III shoes. For hikers seeking roomy, comfortable, waterproof footwear with a precise fit that will last for multiple seasons, you won’t regret picking up a pair of these KEENs.

The La Sportiva Spire GTX are seriously burly shoes that mix the stability, deep lugs, and waterproofing of a classic hiking boot with the comfort, breathability, and low profile of a trail runner. These are the perfect shoes if you love the feel of a hefty hiking boot but want a slightly more flexible and versatile waterproof option for shoulder season adventures or wet, muddy trail conditions.

The stiff midsole and aggressive Vibram outsoles are protective and grippy, and the quality build La Sportiva is known for ensures these puppies will last for hundreds of miles. But, these shoes will require a longer break-in period before they really shine. Once you’ve gotten through that initial break-in, the secure fit feels stable and comfortable.

The Spires also have an enormous heel-to-toe drop of 11 mm. That’s great if you love a ton of support and tall, burly shoes. However, if you like a lower profile or more natural foot flexion, these might not be a great fit.

When shoes are waterproof, they usually aren’t very breathable. The opposite is true with the Spires: the tongue is connected at the collar to block water during creek and puddle crossings, and the waterproof liner works like a charm. Our feet also stayed consistently dry on days up to 70 degrees thanks to effective ventilation that released sweat but also kept out snow, rain, and dew.

They weigh in at about one pound per shoe, which makes them one of the heaviest on this list. This is in large part due to the beefy outsole and thick synthetic upper – elements that inspire confidence off-trail and in gnarly mud or light snow, but make the shoes feel hot and heavy for summer hiking on groomed trails. That said, we found that despite their weight on paper, they didn’t feel much heavier on trail.

At just over $200, these shoes are one of the most expensive pairs of shoes on our list. However, they are well worth the price if you’re looking for a waterproof, sleek, and burly hiking shoe for day hikes, weekend adventures, and section hikes.

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX is a unique blend of comfort and durability, making these shoes an excellent choice for both day hikes and extensive backpacking trips. With a sole just stiff enough for steep ascents and a wider toe box to let your forefoot spread out, they feel comfortable and supportive on most terrain and trail conditions.

The uppers are more durable than many other models thanks to a combination of leather and suede on the sides, and the TPU toe cap adds a bit of extra protection. HOKA offers substantial traction on this model, with a chunky lug pattern that bites the ground for excellent grip on rocks and roots. Effective waterproofing and a rockered heel make them outstanding for daily use in a variety of trail conditions, whether you’re on the third day of a muddy route or tackling a local trail in wet conditions.

But, for $180, the Anacapa 2 is one of the most spendy pairs of shoes on this list. And at 14 ounces per shoe, this is also one of the heaviest models we reviewed. Because of their stiff sole, slightly long fit, and HOKA’s iconic extended dovetail heel, we found the Anacapa’s have a longer break-in period and might take a bit of time to get used to.

Though they are a bit more expensive and heavier, the HOKA Anacapa 2s offers top-tier comfort, stability, and durability. If you need a new go-to waterproof hiker with great support and protection for 3-season hiking, these are worth a closer look.