The Most Comfortable and Durable Hiking Shoes for Men

The traction on the Salomon Ultra 3 shoes is strong enough to handle steep terrain; They even have “descent control technology” so it’ll be smooth sailing on the rocky, steep way down. Not only does the lacing system keep them secure, but they’re comfortable right out the gate—so no worries about needed to break them in. The light- to mid-weight shoe feels sturdy, providing great support to the insoles. The “sensifit” sets these hiking shoes apart; Salomon says it cradles the foot from the midsole to the lacing system, providing a secure, snug, and virtually customized fit all around the foot.”

Shop: $110

There’s no need to wait to break in your Keens—they conform to the shape of your foot the first time you wear them so that you can get right on the mountain. They’re waterproof, but that feature is almost redundant because the insulation can keep your feet dry even when you’re sloshing through water. Th shoe's mud shield protects your feet even on long hikes, so you don't have to worry about soggy feet. The grip is perfect for light to medium terrain, with 4mm grip soles, but you might need something more heavy-duty if you’re going climbing.

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These Under Armour trail shoes are almost a sneaker-hybrid, in that they’re incredibly light and lean. Durable and quick-drying, they feature a stretch collar to keep debris out. These are perfect for trail running and moderate trekking terrain. With a look resembling running shoes, they can seamlessly transition from a morning hike to an afternoon spent poking around the shops of a quaint New England town this fall. The lace lock means they’ll always fit securely on your feet, so if you’re training for a half marathon, you won’t have to worry about stopping to tie your laces every few miles.

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A combination of suede and mesh makes these shoes durable and keeps them light. These can handle tougher terrain than the Keens, with 5mm lug depth to give you an impressive grip. The Merrell Moabs are reliable for an all-day hike or even overnight camping excursions. They’re an excellent choice for someone who only wants one pair of hiking shoes because they can be used to explore Jackson Hole in the summer and then Mount Monadnock in the late fall. They also offer a wide option for those with larger feet.

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For a classic-looking wilderness shoe, the Vasque Sundowners are the only way to go. Suede finish on the exterior, but lined with Performance Comfort Gore-Tex, these boots have both comfort and style. Sundowner faithfuls have been wearing this brand for the last 30 years because the shoes are rugged and long-lasting. Not to mention there aren’t too many outdoor goods stores that still manufacture boots with this over-the-ankle woodsmen-esque look. The upper is made of waterproof leather, and as a heavy-duty option, these can handle rocky terrain even in the rain. They come in black, but for the quintessential wilderness look, go for the beige with red laces.

Shop: $220

This well-ventilated hiking shoe is quick-drying, so they should assuage any wet sock concerns you might have. They’re quite light and have Omni-heat insulation, so they’re good go-tos even when the winter chill starts creeping in. Since these are trail shoes, they’re better suited for shorter, not-too-strenuous hikes. They’re the kind of shoes you shouldn’t be afraid to get muddy while taking your dog on a foliage-filled hike this fall. If you’re worried about the fit, you might want to consider buying a half-size bigger for the Columbia North Plains shoe.

Shop: $70