The Best Hiking Boots that Are Stylish Enough for the City and Sturdy Enough for the Summit

Spring and summer are some of the most popular times for hiking, but there’s something special about autumn and winter hikes. For one thing, many of the trails are less crowded, allowing you to better immerse yourself in nature. But cold weather hikes are not without their challenges; you’ll need to be better prepared for bad weather, both in terms of safety and the gear you bring. One of the most important things to upgrade is your footwear. That means swapping out your warm-weather Tevas for the best hiking boots.

But the best hiking boots aren’t just about function anymore. In case you haven’t noticed, Gorpcore is still one of the biggest fashion trends, despite the fact that it’s been popular for about four years. Gorp has been a term among outdoorsy types for decades, referring to the convenient trail snack that is “good old raisins and peanuts.” It’s become a catchall term for all things outdoors, including the surprisingly fashionable clothes that go along with hiking, climbing and camping. That explains why brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Arc’teryx have been popping up in streetwear circles for quite some time.

That’s why when rounding out the best hiking boots, we’ve got one eye on performance and another on style. But that’s not to say the most stylish hiking boots aren’t trail-ready, too. From Gore-Tex uppers to Vibram soles, plenty of fashion-forward hiking boots are also built to withstand tough trails. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best hiking boots for men, which are stylish enough for a casual dinner and hardy enough for the trails.

1. Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX

The X Ultra Mid 3 is a boot that will be hard to beat. This versatile boot is great for longer hikes or casual jaunts with friends around the trails, making it an equal contender and a great value. It’s a lightweight boot with durable heft, ample ankle support. Overall, The Mid 3 GTX is a great pick for those who need something for everything.

2. Danner Mountain Light Hiking Boots

In terms of style, it’s hard to beat Danner’s Mountain Light Hiking Boots. But Danner doesn’t just build their boots with good looks in mind. The brand has been around since 1932 and packs its boots with premium features to withstand the elements. These boots have a breathable Gore-Tex layer, sturdy and grippy Vibram soles and cushioned OrthoLite footbeds. They’re available in two shades of brown, as well as black.

3. La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX

Not your average hiking boot, the La Sportiva is more of an alpine mountaineering boot, not intended for the easier scramble one might find oneself on but still an interesting choice. Stylishly flamboyant, this boot is great for rough terrain but much too stiff for the average hiker. If you’re looking for something pristine and professional and are used to stiffer, more heavy-duty hiking boots, these could work for you. If not, you might want to take them off your list.

Read More: The Best Rain Boots For Men

4. Adidas Terrex Free Hiker

If when you hear “Adidas” and “the outdoors” your first thought is the soccer pitch, then you’re missing out on their Terrex brand. Adidas Terrex is built for all sorts of hiking and camping adventures, with major style points to boot. The COLD.RDY line is meant for surviving cold, wet weather. These hiking boots have a waterproof Gore-Tex lining and grippy soles made from Continental rubber. Plus, the futuristic look of these boots sets them apart from pretty much everything else on the market.

5. Season Three Hiking Boots

Season Three’s entire brand is built around a singular product, and that’s the hiking boot. And what a hiking boot it is. The Season Three hiker has a remarkably simple and refined silhouette, but it’s built for actually hiking. It comes in a wide range of colors and is available in men’s and women’s sizes. The shoes are made from a waterproof nubuck leather upper, and they have a merino wool lining, Ortholite insoles and Vibram outsoles.

6. Keen Targhee II MID

This is a durable boot for a price that’s surprisingly low given the quality. Mostly waterproof but not the best for a trek across the river, the Keen Targhee is an excellent choice for a weekend hike. It has a higher arch than most boots which gives you ample ankle support on longer hikes and wears well with age. Made from quality leather, this boot is a good option for those with wider feet who need a thicker sole.

7. Eddie Bauer Men’s K-6 Boot

It’s not often that you get to completely revolutionize the world of outerwear. But that’s exactly what Eddie Bauer did when he and his eponymous brand patented the quilted-down jacket. These days, you can find them from plenty of brands, but the Skyliner jacket is still an icon. Point is, Eddie Bauer’s outdoor bona fides are well established, and these K-6 hiking boots are a more affordable alternative to the pricier Danner boots. The K-6 boots have Vibram soles and a cushioned EVA midsole.

8. Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Shoe

Columbia doesn’t have quite the fashion cred of brands like The North Face and Patagonia, but that arguably works to their advantage.  You can buy Columbia’s reliable hiking gear for a reasonable price, without having to fight the hypebeasts for it. These simple boots come in a ton of colors and clock in at under $100. They’re waterproof and have grippy soles for all of your hiking adventures.

9. Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots – Men’s

Danner’s Mountain 600 hiking boots take inspiration from the classic light hiking boot, but with a more modern silhouette (and lower price). Like the Danner Mountain Light, the Mountain 600 uses OrthoLite footbeds and Vibram soles, but this shoe doesn’t have Gore-Tex. That said, the Mountain 600 does have a waterproof but breathable membrane that is similar to Gore-Tex. That said, for really wet conditions, you might be best sticking with a boot with Gore-Tex.

10. The North Face Safien Mid GTX Hiking Shoes

The North Face is known for its stellar outerwear, from jackets to sweatshirts to sweatpants. So, don’t be so shocked that these hiking shoes are made for extreme outdoor excursions. They’re super comfortable and have a shock-absorbing midsole to prevent any mishaps. They’re also totally waterproof and have a mudguard to provide you 100% protection, no matter how off-trail you end up.

11. Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

The best boot for off the trail scrambling or climbing, the Scarpa has a flexible sole that gives you the ultimate maneuvering power. Durable and comfortable, this is an essential lightweight boot that is impressively waterproof. With a Vibram sole, it has an intensely stable platform and can even be paired with a crampon for snow hiking. Not the most flexible for flat slab hiking on rock, this is ultimately a more technical boot.

12. Lowa Zephyr Mid TF Hiking Boot

If you’re hiking in warmer temperatures, look no further than these mid hiking boots ready to take on whatever your day brings. They’re made with a leather upper and have a lining that easily wicks moisture, dries as soon as possible and ventilates so your foot doesn’t feel trapped or sweaty. These shoes are made for any and all kinds of terrain and will absolutely get you from point A to point B.

13. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

A comfortable boot that offers stability and a low collar for the ankle, the Lowa Renegade is a fantastic pick for lighter boots. Durable and steady for easier hikes and scrambles, this one has a lot to offer in terms of comfort based on the price. If you’re looking for a mid-size boot for shorter hikes, this one is for you, but watch out for the tricky upper laces, they can be annoying. Either way, the Lowa offers a great waterproof boot at under 3 pounds.

14. NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Winter Snow Boots

Visually speaking, these are pretty extra — but hey, they’ll keep you warm. These hiking winter snow boots are the perfect fit for when your favorite trails accumulate a few layers of snow. They are waterproof and completely warming so your feet stay both dry and cozy no matter what’s going on under your sole. They are completely non-slip, so wherever you go, you’re sure to get there in one piece.

Read More: The Best Winter Boots

15. Keen Targhee III MID

A great durable boot, the Keen Targhee III Mid is an excellent choice for easy hikes. Comfortable and ready to hit the trails out of the box, there’s no need to break these ones in although for the cheaper price, they aren’t as breathable and don’t last as long. A mid-range contender, Keen has produced a boot for the average hiker, not the best option for a serious backpacking trip. Choose these if you’re more into casual hikes, not bagging peaks.

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