Topic: The Best Men’s Hiking Shoes of 2023 (Read 39 times)
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Slipping on the Moab 2 felt like a cloud co*pared to some other brands. I noticed immediate co*fort from the Moab’s cushioned design. I easily felt the difference between the Moab’s cushion and the others I tested.
I found the Moab 2 handily dealt with rocky trails and roots in the Rocky Mountains, and with a Vibram-designed sole, you can count on many miles and a rubber that’s sticky enough to handle slick terrain and rocks. Once I started pushing miles in these shoes, it eventually felt like a strain on my foot, so maybe these are best designed for the casual day hiker.
I also tried a few other Moab variations Merrell offers, including the waterproof version. It’s an excellent option for anyone who does a lot of creek crossing, casual fly fishing, or lives in a wet area. The sticky rubber also made it great for river crossing and overall kept my feet fairly dry as I crossed a few small creeks. You can also go with the Mid GTX (GORE-TEX) that takes the Moab design and makes it into a boot. Overall, I found it had the same co*fort and strong attributions as the shoe, with added ankle support.
If you’re looking to switch up your footwear, whether it be for hiking, trail running, or hunting, then it’s worth putting the Altra Lone Peaks onto your short list. Runners may discover that they naturally change their gait in footwear that promotes a mid-foot or forefoot strike, with subsequent benefits in their running form, knee pain, or both. One thing to note is that there is minimal support, particularly arch support in this shoe, so some runners may need to add in a custom insole, such as from Superfeet, to co*pensate.
These are some of the few true zero-drop shoes on the market that also provide a level of underfoot cushioning. The wide toebox helps to improve stability while hiking, especially over uneven terrain. Individuals looking to ease their way into true minimalist footwear should consider this as an in-between shoe that will allow their foot (particularly their arch) to strengthen after years of wearing more traditionally supportive shoes.
Out of the box, the Garmont Groove G-Dry lives up to its sturdy design. I took these on a fairly aggressive uphill trail in Roosevelt National Forest, and it took a bit of walking before I could feel my feet getting used to them. I prefer fairly flexible footwear, so it took a minute to get used to the Groove’s stiffness. However, the Groove may be a great option for anyone looking to get the extra support of a boot in a shoe.
The shoe also does a great job of keeping things dry, as I found when I tested it around the Poudre River. One con is the all-black design does attract plenty of dirt, so you’ll have to rinse them off to keep them looking pristine.
The first thing I noticed with the Danner Trail 2650 is they look cool. I have a pair of blue ones, and they look like you can wear them just about anywhere.
Aside from looking the part, Danner also uses the Vibram sole for great grip. While the actual shoe is thin and breathable, I found it had extra reinforcement where you need it, like on the toe box, which is helpful on rocky trails. The GORE-TEX material also helped keep my feet dry from outside water while allowing for breathability and avoiding sweaty feet. I would reco*mend sizing down in some cases as I felt a little bit of wiggle room, especially around the heel.
Many hiking shoes use GORE-TEX technology, and to test them, it was easiest to just hike right into a river. I will say, out of all of them, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX kept my feet the dryest. In the water the grip also held up close to co*petitors who used the Vibram rubber.
Instead of traditional laces, the shoes have a SensiFit system that works like a drawstring. While many may like this feature for its snug fit, it took me time to get used to it and optimize the feel for my feet. The sizing is also true to size and the shoe felt good to go right out of the box.
I prefer trail runners, so I understand why so many hikers are going to them. The Ultra Raptor II is one of La Sportiva’s most popular designs, and for good reason. The co*pany creates a tough durable shoe with a strong sole and extra protection around the toe box that protects your feet in almost any terrain. As someone who often kicks rocks when I hike and run, I appreciate this.
With the Raptors, it took me a moment to get used to the shoe’s drop because at 9mm, the Ultra Raptors have a fairly aggressive one. This also makes it stand out, as a recent rise in zero-drop shoes has grown in popularity.
As someone who has used La Sportiva before, I knew I needed to size up a half size to get an ideal fit. While using them here in Colorado worked well for big climbers and drops, they can feel like overkill on a smaller local trail. However, it’s best to try to rock hop and avoid too much direct water if you want to keep your feet dry.
I used my years of hiking knowledge to head into the Northern Colorado mountains on a mix of aggressive trails and paths—including creek crossings—to get a good take on what made the best men’s hiking shoe and what other unique aspects made other shoes stand out. I tested them with a series of steps including:
This is best answered by knowing where you live and where you plan on taking your hiking shoes. Waterproofing is great in most places, even if that’s just a rainstorm. However, opting for waterproof could cost extra and you may not need it especially if you live somewhere dry or rarely cross trails with running water.
In many cases, the best hiking boots are more than you’ll need. Not to mention the added weight can slow you down on trail. The best men’s hiking shoes allow for some of the sturdier qualities found in boots while letting your feet breathe better and make it feel less like you have cinder blocks tied to your feet. Especially, if you’re not used to wearing boots. Plus, packing hiking shoes for a trip is going to save a lot of space co*pared to boots.
Just like the best hiking pants, some hiking shoes are designed specifically for town to trail in a way that lets you take them anywhere. This is primarily a focus on the look of these shoes and less on the capabilities for trail. However, if you want your shoes to last longer, it’s best to switch them out while not hiking.
The general rule for most men’s hiking shoes is about 300 to 500 miles. It depends a lot on the brand and what you’re willing to put up with. In some cases your body will start to ache from older shoes, meaning it’s time to get a new pair as the sole has worn down and any padding is no longer protecting your ankles and knees.
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No matter what new outdoors or action sport I get into, I always return to hiking. It’s the most accessible way to get out the door and in nature. Outdoor gear is far from cheap, but having the best men’s hiking shoes can make all the difference. They protect your feet on hike and while getting to a crag or fishing spot. Taking the time to find a shoe that fits correctly and is the best design for where you’ll be using it will only pay off in the end.
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