The 5 Best Hiking Boots for Men That Are Lightweight, Durable and Waterproof

Behold: The ultimate hiking boot for men is the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX. It has the durability you need for scrambling or mastering more technical hiking routes, thanks to the polyurethane-coated leather upper. And yet somehow each shoe weighs less than 1 pound, so it feels more like a trail runner than a boot. These hiking boots are also flexible, which works comes in handy for winding paths.

The Gore-Tex waterproofing technology is developed by the same company that made insulated cables for the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the All Terrain Contagrip keeps its stability on any terrain. Consider this pair a no-brainer as a gift for hikers of all kinds.

Pros

• Suitable for all terrains
• Weighs less than 1 pound per shoe
• Available in five colors
• Comes in half sizes

Cons

• Not very flexible

For a wallet-friendly price, the Columbia Trailstorm Peak Mid Hiking Boots have a lace webbing system to keep your foot secure and stable, a toe cap to protect from rock strikes and a waterproof membrane to keep feet dry. This option lets you save money on outdoor gear and still get a high-quality product.

The midsole is one of our favorite features, because it’s padded enough to keep your feet comfortable, but responsive enough to give you the bounce you need to reach any summit. Speaking of comfort, you might also like to check out these Allbird trail runner shoes.

Pros

• Great value for the price
• Extremely waterproof
• Mesh upper provides ventilation
• Appropriate for casual or technical wear

Cons

• Only available in two colors
• Only available in one half size

If you’re planning on chasing waterfalls or sticking to the rivers and lakes you’re used to, you’ll want to bring the Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof boot with you on your journey. The patented Keen Dry technology is one of the most trusted in the outdoor space and is generally much more breathable than other waterproofing methods.

This pair tends to dry much quicker than other hiking boots, and the traction works for most types of terrains. With an added odor control feature, you can feel better about kicking off your boots once you reach your vehicle.

Pros

• Best waterproofing technology on the market
• Has an odor control feature
• Responsive midsole
• Available in size 7 to 17

Cons

• Not very flexible

The Altra Lone Peak 7 isn’t technically a hiking boot, yet there are features that make it a smart pick for anyone looking for a lightweight trail runner on the weekends. The lace-up closure provides a snug foot hug and the TrailClaw lugs placed near the toes grip onto most types of terrains.

With an 11-ounce weight, these shoes help you fly through hills while protecting against most of the elements. The breathable upper keeps your feet comfortable for those long-distance hikes.

Pros

• Only weighs 11 ounces
• TrailClaw lugs for traction
• Available in five colors
• Comes in sizes 7 to 15

Cons

• Better for trails than technical hikes