Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Best Hiking Shoes for Men, From Lightweight Runners to Solid Trekkers

Most adventures don’t need heavy, hot hiking boots. A lightweight hiking shoe or trail runner can get you to the summit and be more comfortable at the same time.

To be fair, hiking shoes and trail runners are different but the line between them is getting muddier by the day. Let’s wash off those dirty shoes and look at the two styles and how they can help you knock off those long hikes in comfort.

Best Hiking Shoes

Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX – $150
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A favorite for hikers over the last couple years, the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX is a solid hiking shoe that can do anything. Fitting like Salomon’s popular trail runners, the X Ultra 3 goes on swiftly with the Quicklace cable system instead of laces. The GTX in the name means there’s a waterproof Gore-Tex liner to keep your feet dry.

What sets the X Ultra 3 apart from other trail shoes is its stiffness. It carries heavier loads well and protects your feet from rocky trails. There is also a plain mesh version with better ventilation and a taller waterproof boot.

See It

La Sportiva Spire GTX – $190
La Sportiva Spire GTX
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Most waterproof hiking shoes are warm because the liner keeps water out but traps heat in. The Gore-Tex Surround liner, which lines the top, sides, and bottom of the Spire GTX, let’s heat and moisture out all around your feet. The secret sauce lies in the air channels in the sides of the shoe, letting air flow underneath your foot. A superfine mesh particle barrier keeps the dirt out and the air moving. Bottom lime: These are waterproof enough to stand in water, yet they breathe while you walk.

See It

Garmont Sticky Stone GTX – $190
Garmont Sticky Stone GTX
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Your feet take a beating on long hikes. Every step slams your heels onto hard, uneven terrain. The Sticky Stone hiking shoes from Garmont use Double Damper technology to keep your feet happy. An outer layer of cushion prevents sharp objects from pushing through the sole while an inner layer of cushion lessens heel impact, letting you hike farther.

The Sticky Stone’s use of Vibram’s Extended sole protects the sides of your feet and the shoes. Megagrip under the toes grips rock with ease if you need to scramble a bit. Pulling the second eyelet tight under the laces pulls the Heel Lock cable tight, preventing heel blisters. The alpine fit holds your foot snug while giving toes room to breathe.

See It

Arcteryx Konseal FL – $165
Arcteryx Konseal FL
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If your hike is more of an approach to some climbing or bouldering, best to opt for the Arcteryx Konseal FL. You can climb up anything with the super sticky Vibram Megagrip rubber on the sole and a flat toe to catch the small edges. The Konseals are built with the Arcteryx attention to detail. The molded toe cap and raised sidewalls protect your feet and the shoes. A hard edge on the heel helps you stop when you head downhill.

See It

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes

Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4 – $130
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Trail runners are lighter weight than their hiking counterparts and the Challenger ATR 4 from Hoka One One is no exception. Weighing in at 9 ounces per shoe, they feel like wearing a cloud. The amount of cushioning they have feels like you’re walking on a cloud as well. The very generous cushion lets you run over any kind of surface and not even feel it.

Big lugs in the sole grip dirt and rock off-road but still rips on the pavement to get to the trails. The Challenger features Hoka’s Early Stage Meta-rocker that rocks your foot forward with each step. This quick transition keeps you moving faster on the trail.

See It

Vasque Trailbender II – $130
Vasque Trailbender II
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Initially developed for endurance running, the Trailbender II by Vasque has a ton of cushion like the Hokas but with a bit more support. That arch support and high rebound in the heel help you move quickly.

Tight-knit Airmesh is very breathable but keeps the dirt and rock out. Sticky AxisGrip rubber on the sole retains traction in any kind of terrain. All the tiny plus-shaped lugs on the bottom stay free of debris and conform to the ground.

See It

Mammut T Aegility Low – $129
Mammut T Aegility Low
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Known for their durable mountain gear and Swiss quality, Mammut also builds mountain shoes for training. The T Aegility Low is perfect for those fast hikes or trail runs. The Memo foam inside conforms to your feet as you wear them more, improving the fit, while Rolling Concept cushion and 360 Heel Support keep them comfortable and stable.

The shoes are highly vented with Mammut’s VENtech, which also helps keeps the stink down. Lace-up quickly with the speed-lace system and tuck the rest under the lace holder.

See It

Editors' Recommendations

Ross Collicutt
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ross is an outdoor adventure writer, amateur photographer, and computer programmer based on Vancouver Island, British…
The 11 Best Backpacking Tents for Hiking and Camping
Best Hiking and Backpacking Tents

Hiking and backpacking shelters come at all shapes, sizes, and prices. Big, heavy tent options offer plenty of room for people and gear but weigh you down while trekking to the next camp. Ultralight models save your legs from burning on the trail but rarely provide proper living space or weather protection. Buying the right tent requires shopping for a wide range of solutions. If you're looking for a camping tent that falls somewhere in the middle, you're going to want a backpacking tent. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you to round up the best backpacking tents, from budget to ultralight and everything in-between.

Read more
The Best Hiking Spots Across Hawaii, From the Big Island to Oahu
The "secret beach" at Ko Olina in Kapolei, Hawaii.

With its 750 miles of total coastline presenting idyllic beaches, clear, warm waters, and some of the best surfing, fishing, diving, and snorkeling spots on earth, many people associate Hawaii's opportunities for outdoor recreation with the water. But if you fail to look inland, you're missing out -- big time.

Like the biggest mountain on earth, if you measure Mauna Kea from its base under the ocean to its summit at 13,803 feet above sea level. Like Hi'ilawe Falls, a waterfall with a main drop some 1,200 feet in height. Like miles of perfectly pristine beaches completely devoid of human development.

Read more
The Best Hydration Packs for Hiking, Trail Running, and Day Trips
Best Hydration Packs

 

Read more