Men's Hiking Boot Buying Guide

Hiking boot types

There are three main types of men’s hiking boots: low-cut hiking shoes, lightweight hiking boots and midweight leather hiking boots. Choose the hiking boots that match up best with your outdoor adventure style.

If you’re a day hiker and carry less than 25 pounds in your backpack, check out men’s low-cut hiking shoes. These popular hiking boots look a lot like running shoes but offer the added support and traction required for recreational hiking. They’re lighter, more flexible and less expensive than high-cut hiking boots, and they don’t need any break-in time.

Heading out for a weekend on the trails? Lightweight men’s hiking boots are cut higher for more ankle support than low-cut hiking shoes. Extra cushioning and tougher soles let you shoulder a 30- to 40-pound pack. “Light hikers” often sport a combination leather/mesh upper; mesh keeps feet cool on sweltering days and reduces weight. Some lightweight hiking boots have waterproof membranes.

Hardcore trekkers who brave rocky, off-trail terrain and multiday trips need tougher midweight men’s leather hiking boots. They’re heavier, stiffer and pricier than light hikers, and you’ll need some time to break them in. These hiking boots deliver maximum support for pack weights of 40 to 50 pounds and the stability and rigidity to protect ankles and feet on tricky, uneven ground. Midweight hiking boots have durable all-leather uppers and are almost always waterproof.

Weight

The weight of your hiking boots has a big impact on your comfort on the trail. Low-cut men’s hiking shoes can weigh as little as one and a half pounds per pair, while midweight leather hiking boots top out at around four pounds. Studies show that you burn as much energy carrying one extra pound of boot weight as you would lugging five extra pounds on your back. 

Choose the lightest hiking boots that are suitable for your intended terrain. High ankle support, rigid construction, full-grain leather and waterproof linings all add weight, but don’t skip them if you’ll be facing tough off-trail scrambles. Check out several hiking boots that have the features you need, and compare their weights. A few ounces less could leave you in much better shape to enjoy the view from the summit.

Stability and protection

A hiking boot’s job is to protect your foot and ankle from rocks, roots and uneven ground. Low-cut hiking shoes are great on groomed trails, especially if you hike with a very light pack or none at all. Inexperienced hikers and people with weak ankles should seriously consider a higher-cut hiking boot for better stability and protection. Even tame trails can have unpredictable dips.

If ankle protection is a key consideration, check the lateral rigidity of men’s hiking boots. If you can bend the top of the boot to the side, it’s not stiff enough to guard against injury. Also look at longitudinal rigidity, or how easily the boot bends front to back. You want enough flexibility to walk naturally, but enough stiffness so your foot won’t over-bend if most of your weight lands on your toes or heels.

The soles of your hiking boots should have deep, tough rubber lugs for serious traction and shock-absorption, and a sole that is thick enough to protect you from sharp rocks. If you can press your finger into the sole, it’s too soft.  High-cut men’s leather hiking boots offer better protection than mesh against trail debris like twigs and pebbles.

Waterproof or quick dry?

Water is a fact of life for hikers, and wet feet are prone to blisters and frostbite. Enter waterproof hiking boots, which use high-tech membranes to keep water out while allowing moisture inside the boots to evaporate. Many owners have found that waterproof hiking boots keep feet dry even while wading, as long as the water isn’t higher than your boots. In addition to membranes, look for hiking boot uppers with very few seams, which lowers the chance of leaks.

Waterproof membranes add weight to hiking boots, and although they’re breathable, they don’t vent as well as mesh or plain leather. This can make your hiking boots feel stifling in hot weather. If you’re mainly a summer hiker, consider quick-dry lightweight mesh hiking shoes instead. You’ll get your feet wet if you hop in a stream, but the mesh dries fast, and you’ll be cooler and lighter. Those who hike in extreme cold need hiking boots with full waterproofing.

Fit

No matter how many great features your hiking boots have, if they don’t fit right, you’ll suffer on the trail. There’s no best brand. The men’s hiking boot that’s best for you is the one that fits your foot. When you’re buying hiking boots online, look for a no-hassle return policy. 

Men’s hiking boots should have ample wiggle room for your toes and fit snugly enough so your foot won’t slide around, which is a major risk for blisters. Don’t get stuck on numbers, as sizes vary considerably from brand to brand. To test the fit, unlace the hiking boots, slide your foot in as far forward as possible, then try to slip your index finger behind your heel. If it just fits, the hiking boot’s length is good.

Try on your hiking boots with the socks that you’ll be wearing. Remember that your feet get larger when you walk, so what feels good initially could seem tight by day’s end.

Need to know more?

• Hiking Boot Sizing Chart
  http://www.abc-of-hiking.com/hiking-boots/hiking-boot-sizing-chart.asp
• How to Take Care of Hiking Boots
  http://www.outdooreyes.com/takecareboots.php3
• American Hiking Society
  http://americanhiking.org/