The Best Men's Hiking Boots

The Best Men's Hiking Boots

Billy Brown

Hiking boots are about comfort, safety and utility. You don't want to be out in the middle of nowhere only to have the sole fall off of your boot, and few things are worse than being 5 miles into a hike and having your foot feel like it's being squeezed in a vice. If you're serious about hiking, or if you just don't want to have a miserable time in the great outdoors, make sure that you have a boot that can go all the way with you. The best men's hiking boots will take you where you want to go, keeping your feet safe and comfortable along the way.

Keen's Targhee II Mid

Keen's Targhee II Mid ($125; all prices 2009) is a rugged boot designed to keep your feet dry from the inside as well as the outside. With the Keen Dry's breathable membrane, the Targhee II wicks away sweat from your feet while keeping outside moisture away from your feet. The deep-lugged outsole maintains integrity on the most unstable of terrain, and the rubber wraps up around the toe box to provide additional protection from trail protrusions.

Merrell's Chameleon3 Ventilator

Light and supportive, Merrell's Chameleon3 Ventilator ($130) helps you cover ground safely and comfortably at high speeds. Its low cut offers ankle flexibility while an injection molded heel and instep stability arm offer support. The Ventilator's sole rubber and a 4-millimeter lug depth provide traction on wet or dry land, and its reinforced sidewalls and toe box will keep your boot in commission for countless miles.

Lowa's Khumbu Mid GTX

By effectively combining cushioning and stability, Lowa's Khumbu Mid GTX ($235) allows you to haul a pack across terrain with comfort. The Gore-Tex liners repel water and wick away sweat, and the nylon and leather uppers are lightweight and abrasion resistant. Designed for hiking with packs weighing 30-50 lbs., the Khumbu Mid GTX features nylon stabilizer shanks that provide stability and support, while padded ankles and tongues provide cushioning while you lug your pack around.

Article Written By Billy Brown

Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California. An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.

Write for Trails.com
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