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Best Men’s Hiking Boots of 2026 | Unsponsored
In this article, I am going to share my Best Men’s Hiking Boots of 2026.
With testing over 50 models of hiking boots over the last 11 years I have been able to compile a list based on objective testing measures with my case study of each hiking boot.
I have spent hundreds of hours testing each boot on the trail, specifically against rough and technical terrain. Testing included comfort, traction, overall protection, stability, waterproofness, weight, durability, and sustainability.
I have compiled the top 5 best men’s hiking boots of 2026 after testing over 10 different brands. My research has been diligent and pristine, and I am excited to share my best hiking boots with you.
Related: Best Lightweight Hiking Boots, Best Budget Hiking Boots, Most Comfortable Hiking Boots
Editor’s Note: I updated this review on 1/6/26 with fresh testing insights on our top five picks, including the Lowa Renegade cracking the list. I also added new models, like the Hoka Transport Hike GTX.
Watch this Full Review on YouTube!
Top 5 Hiking Boots Of 2025
Best Overall Hiking Boot of 2026
Hoka Kaha 3 GTX
Pros
- Outstanding comfort
- High-riding ankle support
- GORE-TEX invisible fit
- Excellent shock absorption
Cons
- Heavier Boot
- Price Tag
Price: $240
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The Hoka Kaha 3 GTX emerges as the premier choice for the best hiking boot in 2026, boasting superior cushioning and strong support that is perfect for beginner hikers to advanced trekkers.
With new added comfort and specs compared to previous Kaha 2 it’s easily my choice for the best hiking boot of 2026.
With its comfort level rated at an impressive 9.5(the highest I have ever rated a hiking boot), the Kaha 3 boasts extreme comfort with an EVA midsole that cradles your foot in a 360-degree fashion..
The Kaha 3 offers exceptional traction and stability on trail, with equipped Vibram megagrip sole, the lugs dig deep into terrain with extreme grip. The high ankle support with Nubuck leather gives it undeniable support on trail.
The boot’s lacing system is composed of three metal hooks and offers exceptional support suitable for various foot shapes, providing increased stability during hikes.
The ankle cuff spans up to 7.5 inches giving undeniable support while on trail.
Hoka continues to integrate the Meta-Rocker feature and promotes a fluid stride which helps reduce strain on your feet during long treks.
With the Kaha 3 my stride feels much “lighter” as if I wasn’t wearing a boot at all.
While this model’s cushioned construction provides exceptional comfort suitable for long journeys, it is accompanied by both an increased cost and weight when compared to some lighter alternatives.
These slight drawbacks do not diminish its status as an ideal option for hikers who prioritize consistent reliability and adaptability in their footwear choices.
Read More: Hoka Kaha 3 GTX Review | The Most Underrated Hiking Boots Of 2026
Most Comfortable Hiking Boot
Hoka Anacapa 2
Pros
- Best In-class Comfort
- Excellent Value
- Very Supportive
- Great Waterproofing
Cons
- Price
- Lacks “ruggedness” like the Keen Targhee IV
Price: $195
The Hoka Anacapa 2 caters to hikers with a preference for comfort, offering lush cushioning, a secure heel cup, and generous space in the toe area for an accommodating fit suitable for most hikers.
Ideal for well worn trails where comfort matters most, this boot stays easy on your feet even when the miles stack up. The materials feel tough and built to last.
The traction is top-notch as well. As you see in the video of me climbing up granite during my testing the Vibram outsole bit very well into uneven terrain.
Easily one of the most comfortable hiking boots I have tested for 2026, the Hoka Anacapa 2 feels inviting the second you slip it on. The midsole is cushy and forgiving, so on mellow miles it almost doesn’t feel like a hiking boot at all.
The ankle collar is another comfort win. It has more padding than I expected, and it takes the edge off when you’re hiking all day.
The Hoka Anacapa 2 stands out as an exceptional option for those in search of a supremely comfortable hiking boot.
Read Review: Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Review | WORTH it in 2026?
Best Budget Hiking Boot
Merrell Moab 3
Pros
- Great cushioning
- Budget-friendly
- Great waterproofing
- Versatility
Cons
- Lacks traction in muddy conditions
- Breathability Issues
- Heavy
Price: $130
The Merrell Moab 3 hiking boot offers a budget-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on comfort or support.
It boasts an impressive comfort rating of 8.5 and substantial cushioning, making it ideal for hikers who prioritize comfort without wanting to overspend.
The Moab 3 can be purchased for under $130, which is unbelievable value compared to other hiking boot prices.
While it is not the most stiff on the terrain such as Oboz Bridger and Oboz Sawtooth, it still keeps up with the competition in terms of support and stability.
After testing the Moab 3 for over 100 miles it has shown to be one of the most durable hiking boots on the market in 2026.
Its waterproof design ensures good resistance against moisture with a four-inch flood height, thus suiting various hiking scenarios.
The Moab 3 comes in two different waterproof options: Gore-Tex and the proprietary Merrell Waterproof membrane.
I performed a case study comparing the Merrell Waterproof membrane vs. Gore-Tex, and my findings showed the Merrell membrane performed better.
Read More: Merrell Waterproof vs Gore-Tex
The Moab 3 presents some disadvantages like subpar traction on muddy terrain and its heftier structure when compared to more lightweight alternatives in the market.
For an everyday hiker looking for a budget hiking boot, the Merrell Moab is simply the best available.
Read More: Merrell Moab 3 Review
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
Pros
- Excellent Overall Value
- Great Price
- Durable AND Lightweight
- Top-Notch Stability
Cons
- Synthetic Materials
- Soft Outsole
Price: $180
The Salomon X 5 Ultra excels in backpacking ventures, providing immediate comfort and virtually no break-in period.
The X Ultra 5 took over as our best backpacking boot since it’s early release in 2025, replacing the Keen Targhee IV.
While testing the X Ultra 5 in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I noticed the stability the most on steep, rocky descents and off-camber sections.
The Advanced Chassis and Active Support wings kept my foot centered and planted, so I wasn’t fighting that side-to-side roll when the trail got uneven.
The updated Contagrip outsole is a real upgrade over the X Ultra 4. I measured it at 3 inches off the ground, which is about 10% thicker than the last model, so it does a better job taking the pounding and handling the extra load when you’re backpacking.
The updated fit on the X Ultra 5 is a game changer. The new Matryx® upper really steps things up—it wraps around your foot securely and keeps everything locked in place, boosting stability without putting unwanted pressure or compression on the top of your foot.
Worried the X Ultra 5 won’t breathe? Don’t be. The new upper is noticeably more breathable, but it still feels tough and trail ready.
Salomon didn’t cheap out here. They built a boot that vents better without giving up durability, and it shows once you get a few miles on it.
Waterproofing is solid too. The Gore Tex membrane keeps water out in wet grass, shallow puddles, and sloppy sections, but it doesn’t turn the boot into a sweat box.
And if you’ve got wider feet, this is a big win. I measured the toe box at over 4 inches wide, which is why I rank the X Ultra 5 as one of the best men’s hiking boots for wide feet.
Those who are looking for a “rugged” backpacking boot with strong leather should consider the Danner Mountain 600 or still the Keen Targhee III.
The X Ultra 5 is also an excellent option for hikers who don’t want to spend over $200 on the Kaha 3, and would rather save $60 on our runner up boot for 2026.
Read Review: Salomon X Ultra 5 Review 2026 | Unsponsored
Best Backpacking Boots
Lowa Renegade
Pros
- Crafted with quality durable materials
- Central Locking Mechanism For Secure Tying
- Great Traction With Vibram Megagrip
- Outstanding support
Cons
- Tight Fit Around Top Of Foot
- Breathability
- Weight
Price: $220
Our Score
The Renegade is one of our top backpacking boots of our collection. Great stability & support with increased durability.
The Lowa Renegade has been around for quite a while. Many hikers praise this boot for its exceptional stability as well as high quality leather and construction.
When I first tried these on I immediately felt the PU foam which was comfortable. It allowed my toes to sink in slightly without overly compressing the insole.
This is where I got my first taste of the Renegade. It wasn’t as uncomfortable as I was expecting nor was it extremely plush; it was just right in the middle.
Lowa incorporates shock absorbing zones throughout the insole where there is extra foam where it absorbs the most impact during your hikes.
They weighed in at 1.2 pounds, which is on the heavier side. One of the downsides is the lack of freedom around the ankle.
The height of the ankle cuff is quite high which is great for securing your ankle during those uneven terrains however I found it as a slight hindrance while trying to move a little bit faster on the trail.
The Renegade features the Vibram Evo outsole which is just as grippy as the Vibram Megagrip.
We tested them on limestone, sandstone, gravel, rock, and dirt trails. They held excellent grip on all different types of uneven and even terrain.
One must consider the hefty price of the Renegade at $220. However, also consider that these are some of the most durable boots available, often lasting up to 400+ miles.
Read Our Review: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Review | Worth It In 2025?
6. Hoka Anacapa Breeze 2
The Hoka Anacapa Breeze 2 is our go-to specialist choice for hot summer hiking thanks to its massive ventilation ports and plush feel; however, the high stack height can over-compress on uneven ground, making it feel less stable on technical terrain than our Top 5 winners. Read our full Hoka Anacapa Breeze Mid Review.
7. Salomon Quest 4 GTX
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX remains the ultimate “tank” for heavy backpacking loads thanks to its supportive Advanced Chassis, but its substantial weight (1 lb 7 oz per boot) and stiff feel make it overkill for day hikers compared to our lighter, more comfortable top picks. Read our full Salomon Quest 4 GTX Review.
9. Danner Mountain 600
The Danner Mountain 600 wins major style points for its classic full-grain leather aesthetic and surprising step-in comfort, but the restrictive toe box (measuring just 3.27 inches) makes it a difficult fit for anyone needing toe splay compared to our wider top picks. Danner Mountain 600 Review.
10. Keen Targhee IV
The Keen Targhee IV offers exceptional value and durability with a rugged outsole that withstands hundreds of miles of abuse.
However, it is designed primarily for mild to moderate trails and lacks the technical precision of our higher-ranked mountain boots. Read our full Keen Targhee IV Review.
11. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2
The Altra Lone Peak ALL WTHR Mid 2 is the lightest hiking boot I’ve tested so far. For context, the Hoka Hike GTX comes in about 0.5 oz heavier per boot.This is a great pick for easy, well worn trails without a ton of climbing. But once the terrain gets uneven or technical, the MaxTrac outsole starts to feel out of its depth.
Durability is the bigger concern. After about 60 miles of testing, I started to see the welded overlays break down, and the boot lost some of that locked in, structured feel. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Review.
12. Hoka Transport Hike GTX
Newly released last year, the Hoka Transport hike has been a new value add to the Hoka hiking boot family.
Weighing only 14.5 ounces, it is extremely lightweight and nimble. While made for mild to moderate trails, I tested the Transport Hike on technical terrain and was disappointed by its performance.
Stick to what this hiking boot is made for and it will perform well. Read Review: Hoka Transport Hike GTX.
13. Oboz Sawtooth X Mid
The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid provides excellent traction and a rugged, “armored” build for tough conditions, but the fit proved uncomfortably snug during our testing—causing over-compression on the foot—and the heavy, blocky ride lacks the smooth versatility of our top winners. Read our full Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Review.
14. Oboz Bridger
The Oboz Bridger is an incredibly stable and robust boot with excellent ankle lockdown for technical trails, but it requires a punishing 15+ mile break-in period. It also lacks the comfort of our more modern rated boots. Read our full Oboz Bridger Review.
13. Timberland Mt. Maddsen
The Timberland Mt. Maddsen is an unbeatable budget option at around $100, offering surprising winter traction and a stable, wide platform; however, the tongue lacks sufficient padding (causing significant lace bite) and the heavy leather construction takes a very long time to dry once wet. Read our full Timberland Mt. Maddsen Review.
14. Columbia Newton Ridge II
At just $80, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is the most affordable boot we tested, but you get what you pay for; the Omni-Tech waterproofing failed our submersion test, and the soft structure lacks the resilience needed for anything beyond very casual, flat trails. Columbia Newton Ridge II Review.
How We Objectively Test For The Best Hiking Boots Of 2026
I like to objectively measure all of my hiking boots in specific categories before placing my reviews. I have compiled a list of specific categories that are weighted, to give you the best possible overall score before deciding on a specific hiking boot.
I have iterated this formula over the past 11 years to perfect it.
Our weighted categories are:
Comfort: (18% of weighted score)
Traction: (18% of weighted score)
Overall Protection: (9% of weighted score)
Waterproofness: (9% of weighted score)
Stability & Support: (9% of weighted score)
Fit: (9% of weighted score)
Durability: (18% of weighted score)
Value: (9% of weighted score)
Based on these objective measures, We are able to come up with an overall score for each hiking boot review.
Comfort
I will go over each testing category and how I objectively test for each to give you the best possible selections.
When it comes to the comfort of a hiking boot, my first impression is how comfortable is the midsole? When first slipping on the boot does my foot sink into the midsole easily? or do I feel some discomfort when first slipping them on?
When I first slipped on the Oboz Bridger, I immediately felt some compression on the top of my foot. Unfortunately this took away from the comfort score, no matter how comforting the midsole is.
The next objective measure for comfort is toe box room. Some hiking boots offer generous toe box space while others can be more compressive. A good example of this is the Salomon Quest 4, it has great toe box space but then becomes a little more compressive around the heel and mid foot.
One of the last objective measures for comfort I use is heel and ankle comfort. The Hoka Anacapa 2 is a great example of a boot that offers excellent comfort in every direction. The heel has extra cushioning as well as the ankle cuff without being too restrictive. Having a lot of pressure on your ankle and heel will lead to a bad hiking experience.
Smaller objective measure I use for comfort is ease of walking. The Altra Lone Peak 2 excels in ease of walking, with a zero drop feature it feels as if you are wearing a running shoe while on the trail.
Additional questions I ask myself for comfort are how does the footbed feel? Are there any additional compression spots? Does the comfort change after a certain amount of miles? And how does shock absorption feel with this boot?
All of these objective measures help me come up with an overall comfort score. Comfort is the most important score when testing hiking boots. I have been re-iterating this formula over and over to make it as objective and accurate as possible.
Traction
The next measuring category is traction. Traction is mainly measured by performance of the lugs and outsole. Many hiking boots outsource their outsole to other companies such as Vibram. Other companies such as Salomon, produce their own mid sole like Contagrip or Columbia Omnigrip.
I also test the outsoles directly and compare them to each other to give you a better idea of what are the best hiking boot materials on the market. For example, I did a case study of Salomon Contagrip vs Vibram. I felt the Vibram outsole was slightly more grippy than Contagrip.
Read More: Contagrip vs Vibram | Which One Is Better?
I also assess the general makeup of the outsole itself. Is it more stiff or soft? A soft outsole tends to conform to uneven surfaces, thus losing grip while on trail.
Next I measure the lugs, which are essentially the teeth of the hiking boots outsole. Deeper lugs tend to work better for uneven terrain, snow or mud.
Shallow lugs are great if you are on even terrain that is smoother. Assessing how much the lugs hold onto snow or mud is also a must. The Oboz Sawtooth Mid tends to hold onto mud with its lugs which hinders its performance on the trail.
I always test my hiking boots on uneven terrain, flat terrain, steep ascents, and wet terrain like mud or snow. These elements help me come up with an overall traction score from a birds eye view.
Overall Protection
Overall protection is a category many other hiking boot testers do not factor into their score. I believe this is an important factor to consider when purchasing your boots. If you feel like your feet are at risk of sharp objects piercing through your boots, then you are essentially putting yourself at risk of injury.
When assessing overall protection I start at the toe box. Most boots have a protective toe cap, many are rubber while some are almost steel toe.
The Kaha 3 has a steel toe-like toe cap that leaves you at ease when it comes to overall protection. Other hiking boots like the Salomon X Ultra 4, lack much protection at the toe box putting you at risk while on the trail.
The next part is the medial and lateral aspects of the boot. Many Nubuck leather boots tend to cover sides of your foot very well, while other synthetic boots tend to leave these areas exposed.
The last is obviously the heel and tongue of the boot. Most hiking boots have a gusseted tongue which helps keep out debris from entering your boot. I check the heel for a rubber cap protection as well. When scoring the top hiking boots I really feel overall protection is a crucial factor a lot of reviewers leave out.
Waterproofness
Waterproofness is a must for any year-round hiker. Several hiking boot models claim they are waterproof, but in my testing I found they were not. The Columbia Newton Ridge claims they are waterproof, I found them to be the complete opposite.
Many waterproof membranes are made with Gore-tex or GTX. GTX works pretty well against water resistance, it does take away from the breathability. Other hiking boots craft their own waterproof membrane such as Keen and Merrell.
I felt the Keen and Merrell waterproof membrane performed better in the field when it came to waterproofing as well as breathability. I did a case study on each, comparing them to Gore-tex.
Read More: Merrell Waterproof vs Gore tex | Which Is Better?
Read More: Keen.dry vs Gore tex | Which Is Better?
When testing for the waterproofness of a hiking boot, I turn to my 10 minute submersion test. I place them in water (a creek) for 10 minutes and notice any water logging, I also test how high the waterproof membrane goes.
The Lowa Renegade are a great representation of a very high waterproof membrane, spanning higher than 6 inches during my testing.
Waterproofness is really important for keeping your feet dry as well as avoiding blisters.
Stability and Support
Stability and support are a must when determining the top men’s hiking boots of 2025. My first objective standard for stability and support is the ankle. Hiking boots with nice sturdy ankle support reduces the risk of sprains. Most of the time, a higher ankle cuff increases ankle support. You must also factor in how secure the ankle cuff is.
When comparing the Merrell Moab vs Keen Targhee III, I felt the Moab had better ankle security dubbing it the winner between the two for stability and support.
Another objective testing measure is torsional stability. In my YouTube reviews, you can see I twist the hiking boot to see how much torsional stability it offers. Salomon boots feature the Advanced Chassis, which aids in lateral stability, thus improving torsional rigidity.
Better torsional stability prevents you from overpronating and supinating for a more natural foot movement, especially while backpacking.Torsional stability also for better weight distribution and surefootedness.
Shanks and plates are usually not present in hiking boots, more so trail runners. These also aid in torsional stability.
The last thing I consider when rating the best hiking boots for stability and support is surefootedness. How secure does my foot feel while on the trail? This is important when training proprioception while hiking and anticipatory responses to terrain.
Fit
Fit is an underrated category for assessing hiking boots. Many hikers wear different types of socks which can skew the boots fit assessment. I always wear the same type of Darn Tough Full Cushion hiking socks to ensure my fit ratings are accurate.
First, I like to note how wide the mid foot is. What I do is measure the distance from the Toe box to the heel. I then divide that by two to get the exact mid foot. From my mid foot I measure the width of the boot. This gives me an estimate of how wide they run, then I put them on to compare my feel vs how wide they actually are.
Some boots may seem deceivingly wide like the Oboz Bridger, but in fact are narrow. This helps me stay objective in my fit testing. From there, I notice how easy they are to slip on and off. Having to unlace the Salomon Quest every time to get them on, was quite cumbersome and affected its fit score.
I like to always give a recommendation as to size up or down, or go for the wide fit. I also recommend certain sock types to pair with the hiking boots. Using the Danish Endurance would be for a lighter more compressive hiking boot, vs the Smartwool classic for a roomier boot.
Durability
What’s the point of purchasing a hiking boot that won’t last? For durability scoring I always start by assessing the overall makeup of the boot. Synthetic and welded materials may save you money and weight in the short term, but won’t last you long. Leather and traditional stitching tends to last much longer.
The midsole and lugs can also begin to have premature wear. The lugs on the Salomon X Ultra 4 vs Hoka Kaha 2, wore much quicker than the Kaha giving it a lower durability score. I always assess the durability on a long timeline (4+ months) and update my reviews accordingly.
Having a hiking boot that will last you a long time will save you time and money in the long run. Overall, the most durable boots I saw were the Hoka Anacapa 2, Keen Targhee IV, and Hoka Kaha 3.
Value
My last objective testing measure is basically putting it all together. Do the previous measures represent the product well for how much it costs?
Paying well over $240 for the Kaha 3 is worth the investment for how well it scored. Compare that to the Quest 4, and I could not justify the price as well for its performance.
Basically, you want the most value for what you are paying for. A cheaper hiking boot may not score as well, but may represent what it’s worth via scoring. Overall, value is making sure you are getting the same or even more than what you pay for.
Types Of Hiking Boots
Different styles of hiking boots are tailored to cater to particular conditions and user preferences, which is essential knowledge for making a well-informed choice.
Lightweight Boots
These are optimal for casual day hikes or speedy fastpacking excursions, giving you the advantage of agility and airiness. They don’t offer as much support or endurance as their heavier counterparts.
Lightweight boots also tend to have less durability, but not always. Think of lightweight boots to perform more like trail runners, like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 or Speedgoat 6. If you want to move faster on the trail, consider a lightweight boot.
Midweight Boots
Striking a harmony between heft and help, these boots adapt well for bearing modest loads during extensive treks. They’re appropriate for most backpacking journeys. Midweight boots tend to rule most of the hiking boot market.
Midweight boots usually offer good-better comfort and don’t sacrifice lugging around a lot of weight. For most hikers, this is the most popular pick.
Heavyweight Boots
Crafted with challenging landscapes and hefty burdens in mind, these robust boots afford supreme defense and steadiness — indispensable qualities for trekking extensively over rocky trails.Heavyweights usually tend to be less comfortable, but make up for stability and durability.
Consider heavyweight boots if you are an advanced hiker or trekker.
Each boot category comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. It’s critical to reflect on your individual hiking tendencies as well as the nature of the terrain when selecting an apt pair of hiking boots.
Why Trust Mountaineer Journey
As a solo owner of Mountaineer Journey, I test all hiking boots with the same objective standards. I do not have multiple testers with skewed results based on subjective experience.
I have reiterated my scoring system over 11 years of trial and error.This scoring system was brought to perfection so I can present you the best hiking boots of 2026.
I also objectively test hiking boot materials to give you an idea of the best components that make up each hiking boot.
I have logged over 2000 miles of hiking, I know what to look for and how to get the most for your money. I have specifically niched this website to hiking footwear only! I have one mission, and that’s to provide you with the best information, to make a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hiking boots for long treks?
The Hoka Kaha 3 GTX stands out as one of the best hiking boots for long treks, owing to its plush cushioning, solid support, and excellent water resistance.
Are there budget-friendly hiking boots that offer good performance?
The best budget-friendly boots with great performance are the Merrell Moab 3 with excellent cushioning and support, perfect for day hikes and moderate backpacking.
Which hiking boots are best for wide feet?
The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 is an excellent choice for hikers with wide feet, thanks to its spacious toe box, and lightweight zero drop design.
How important is waterproofing in hiking boots?
Waterproofing is essential for hiking boots, especially in wet conditions, as it ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable. An important aspect to keep in mind is the fact that waterproof boots sacrifice breathability.
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Tyler
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
