18 best hiking boots for men in 2023 under $100, $200 and $500

From British Columbia's West Coast Trail to Nova Scotia's Skyline Trail, Canada is home to some of the world's most scenic hiking routes. Therefore, whether you're gearing up for a week-long adventure or an afternoon out with the kids, you'll want to save at least a portion of your activity slush fund for a quality pair of hiking boots.

What should you look for in a hiking boot?

According to Trevor McConnell, a former hiking and rock climbing specialist at Decathlon, before deciding on a pair of boots, you need to ask yourself where you'll be hiking and how strenuous it will be.

"If you only want to go on single-day hikes on gently winding forest trails, your needs will be very different than someone who wants to do a week-long backpacking trip in Algonquin Park or someone hiking in the Rockies."

McConnell says there are four main things to consider when purchasing hiking shoes:

1. Do you want a shoe or a boot?

"Shoes are lighter, but boots offer much-needed ankle support," McConnell says.

2. Do you need waterproof shoes?

Waterproof shoes will help keep your feet dry by keeping water out, but their design also holds in moisture and won't allow your feet to breathe as easily as non-waterproof shoes.

"If you only plan on hiking in the dead of summer, consider non-waterproof shoes to avoid sweaty feet," he says.

3. How robust do your shoes need to be?

"If you're only doing day trips, a broken shoelace or small hole in your shoe is not the end of the world." However, if you're planning on completing that week-long trip in Algonquin, "a small problem can become a big issue, so you need to be able to rely on your shoes. Robust hiking boots will be heavier but won't fail you."

4. How much traction (pull) and grip (stick) do you need?

If you're hiking on flat ground, you don't need much traction to keep you on the trail "as gravity is doing that for you," he says. It's when you gain altitude and "falling off the trail could result in serious injury" that your grip really begins to matter. Investing in a pair of boots with good traction will "help pull you up the mountain."

As for materials, McConnell says hikers only have a couple of options: synthetic or organic.

"Synthetic shoes breathe better than leather, but they're not as waterproof. Leather is waterproof and very durable but not as breathable."

To shop the best hiking shoes, boots and sandals for men in 2023, including McConnell's top picks, scroll below.

Best hiking boots and shoes for men under $100

Quechua Nh100 Hiking Boots

"For those who are simply looking to get out of the house and find some easy trails to escape the city, I recommend the NH (nature hiking) 100," says McConnell. "Simple, light and affordable."

$30 at Decathalon

NORTIV 8 Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots

These affordable men's hiking shoes come backed by more than 16,000 ratings on Amazon. The boots are constructed from waterproof suede leather and feature a waterproof membrane to help keep your feet stay dry and cool. They're available in a handful of colours and in sizes 6.5 to 13.

$88 $100 at Amazon

Hi-Tec Ravus Vent Mid Cut Waterproof Boots

From the pavement to the mountaintop, these waterproof boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable. With over 300 reviews, Mark's shoppers call them "great boots" and "very comfortable."

$80 at Mark's

Eddie Bauer Lukla Pro Waterproof Lightweight Hiker

Waterproof, moisture-wicking, supportive and padded, Eddie Bauer shoppers call these affordable hiking shoes "amazing" and say they're "comfortable right out of the box."

$100 $200 at Eddie Bauer

Skechers Men's Relment Pelmo Shoes

Who says you need to pay an arm and a leg for a decent pair of hiking boots? These 100 per cent leather hiking shoes have racked up more than 3,900 reviews from Amazon shoppers. The waterproof boots are fitted with comfortable memory foam and are available in nine colours. They went from "the box" to an "8km hike with no problems," writes one shopper. They "did the trick."

From $65 at Amazon

Best hiking boots and shoes for men under $200

Mountain Gear Ascent Waterproof Hiking Boots

Head off to the hills or the valleys in these Ascent waterproof hiking boots from Mountain Gear. The waterproof shoes will protect your feet from rain and snow and keep them grounded on unstable terrain. "This is the third time I've bought these hikers," writes one shopper. "I love them and they are very comfortable. I've put over 10,000km of walking on them!"

$130 at Mark's

Keen Koven Waterproof Lace-Up Style Hiking Boots

These fully waterproof boots come backed by a near-perfect rating on Mark's. According to one "happy" shopper, the shoes are great for hiking in the mountains on unstable terrain. After a five-hour hike, "[my] feet aren't sore at all," they write. "[I] could barely feel large rocks when walking on them. No blisters."

$180 at Mark's

Timberland Chocorua Trail Waterproof Hiking Boots

Temperamental weather won't dampen your spirits when you're navigating a trail wearing these tough Timberland boots. They're built with premium waterproof leather uppers, waterproof membranes and have removable sock liners, contoured for a good fit.

$155 at Mark's

Merrell Men's Alverstone Mid Waterproof Kinetic Fit Hiking Boots

These top-rated Merrell Alverstone hiking boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable when you're out on the trails. The waterproof boots feature innovative antimicrobial protection and have contoured insoles for flexible support.

$170 at Mark's

Merrell Intercept Ortholite Shoes

Conquer any trail in these durable Merrell Intercept shoes. The air cushion in the heel absorbs shock while adding stability, and the shoe's mesh-lined upper wicks away any moisture. They're "comfortable [right] out of the box," writes one shopper. "[I] bought them the day before leaving on a trip [and] walked about 80-100km" with no problems, they say.

$136 at Mark's

Keen Targhee III Oxford Leather Shoes

These all-terrain shoes are constructed with a dual-density EVA midsole, an EVA footbed for outstanding arch support and breathable mesh lining. According to one shopper, the shoes are "well constructed, fit well and look good."

$170 at Altitude Sports

Keen Men's Newport H2 Sandals

These hiking-friendly sandals feature a multi-directional lug pattern for increased traction and quick-dry lining for active use. I'm on my "second pair" of Keen Newport H2 Sandals, writes one shopper. "I mostly lived in my last pair all last year. When it was time for new ones, there was little choice to make."

$140 at Sport Chek

Best hiking boots and shoes for men under $500

Salomon Men's Quest 4 Hiking Shoes

Designed for long expeditions and tough conditions, Salomon's Quest 4 Hiking Shoes are grippy and supportive. With an average rating of 4.6 stars, Sport Chek shoppers have dubbed them the "best boots."

$290 at Sport Chek

AKU Tribute II LTR Hiking Boots

These top-rated outdoor shoes provide rugged durability and comfort on hills and mid-mountain hikes in damp, muddy, or dry conditions. Reviewers call them "first-class functional boots" and say they "perform well scrambling up and down hills."

$240 at Altitude Sports

Arc'teryx Acrux TR GTX Men's Boots

This technical trekking boot is designed for multi-day routes in challenging terrain. The shoes feature a unique micro-plated technology that is highly flexible, surprisingly lightweight and delivers exceptional abrasion resistance. "I've put countless miles on these boots over the last 24 months, and they are, without a doubt, the best hiking boots I have ever owned," writes one reviewer. "Extremely light for their burliness, super comfortable, zero hotspots in hundreds of rocky trail miles."

$340 at Arc'teryx

Salomon Outpulse Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

These top-rated Salomon boots are as adaptable as they are dependable. Protective and grippy, the shoes are designed for mixed trails and easy paths. "They're awesome for hiking the trails," writes one shopper. "Super comfortable and grippy."

$200 at Salomon

Eddie Bauer Mountain Ops Hiking Boots

With dozens of five-star reviews in their corner, Eddie Bauer shoppers say these men's hiking shoes are "the most comfortable boots [they have] ever purchased!" They're "great quality" and keep your feet "warm and dry," according to one reviewer.

$200 $250 at Eddie Bauer

Keen Ridge Flex Wp Hiking Men's Shoes

Hike easier and for longer in these top-rated Keen boots. The shoes are designed to reduce the energy each step takes, making your 12-km hikes feel like eight. "I've had shoes from numerous high-end brands, and so far, nothing outperforms these shoes," writes one reviewer. "The fit is great, the grip is unmatched and I can feel the difference on long hikes, not having to put so much effort into bending the shoe each step."

$210 at Altitude Sports

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