Best Hiking Shoes for Men: Woodland Men’s Sneakers
Top Pick
- Weight – Approximately 800 g
- Material – Wear-resistant nubuck
- Sole Material – Rubber
- Insole Material – Pu foam
This camel coloured pair of hiking shoes by Woodland is one of the best choices when it comes to men’s hiking shoes.
This lightweight pair of shoes is sturdy enough with its rubber outsole and PU foam insole. The rubber sole features an excellent grip design to prevent slips.
The show features a cushioned tongue that prevents the pressure points from lacing. The cushioned collar present on the sides provides excellent support for the ankles.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Tough, durable quality
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Hard-grooved, thick, long-lasting sole
Cons
- Not waterproof
Woodland is a reliable Indian brand producing a range of shoes and apparel since 1992. This pair of camel hiking shoes have proved to be an excellent companion on hikes as stated by many customers.
The outsides are rugged, and the insides are spacious and cushiony so that you do not feel the strain on your calves or feet muscles during a strenuous hike.
With its excellent price, lower than many other comparable products, this pair of Woodland hiking shoes make for a great purchase. It is recommended for people with broad feet as the shoes are wider than average.
Best Hiking Shoes for Women: Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus
Top Pick
- Upper Fabric – Leather, mesh
- Outsole – Omni-Grip™ Rubber
- Midsole – Techlite™
The Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge™ hiking shoes are our top choice of hiking shoes for women.
The waterproof quality of the shoes owing to the leather and mesh construction helps you in hiking all kinds of trails similar in design and functionality to mountaineering boots.
The suede pair offers a superior level of cushioning with its lightweight midsole while the outer sole is super responsive.
Pros
- Patented insole for better cushioning
- Quick and easy lacing up
- Advanced traction solution for all surfaces
- Superior cushioning for better performance
Cons
- Slightly expensive
The powerful grip gets you appropriately geared for hiking over rocks, gravel, root, grass, in summers, winters or rains.
The breathable mesh over the leather is a waterproof seam-sealed construction that keeps you dry on the inside.
Featuring the patented TechLite™ lightweight midsole and the Omni-Grip™ rubber sole, this pair of hiking shoes by Columbia offers lasting comfort and high energy returns.
Lastly, the hook and loop closure system of the shoes lets you get them on and off within seconds.
Are you an adventure enthusiast looking for a reliable pair of shoes for your next hike? Having a well-fitting, good quality pair of shoes for hiking is essential for a smooth and comfortable walk through nature.
While a good pair can make the hike effortless for you, a lousy pair can be equally, if not more, damaging to your feet.
We are here to help you pick the best hiking shoes. After carefully looking at several national and international brands, we have selected the top 10 hiking shoes for men and women. Read on to know more!
Hiking Shoes for Men & Women Compared
Here’s a comparison between Hiking Shoes for Men:
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodland Men’s Sneakers |
| Check Today's Price |
| Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Kraasa Men’s Synthetic Leather Boots |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Oboz Men’s Bridger BDry Hiking Boot |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 Wp Shoes |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Salomon Synthetic X Ultra 3 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Adidas Men’s Terrex Swift R GTX |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Wildcraft HypaGrip Men’s Boots |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Columbia Women’s Crestwood Shoes |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Salomon X Ultra 3 Prime |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Top Hiking Shoes
Kraasa Men’s Synthetic Leather Boots
Key Specifications
- Sole – Airmix
- Upper Material – Leather
- Closure – Lace-Up
The best budget buy when it comes to men’s hiking shoes is this Kraasa Men’s synthetic leather boots. Chosen by over a thousand customers, it is the bestseller in the Indian camping and hiking shoe segment for men.
The sleek design of this pair of shoes offers the much-needed durability, support and protection to your feet while hiking as it is adequately lightweight and cushiony.
The pair features Airmix soles and a leather upper giving them a look that pairs well with cargos or jeans.
Pros
- Good quality stitching
- Simple care instructions for easy maintenance
- Precision manufacturing
- Long-lasting, non-marking soles
Cons
- Some users felt that the back heel was too hard
The comfortably lightweight shoes offer full freedom of movement. The non-marking outsole has a powerful grip allowing you to walk over any surface without slipping or leaving scuff marks.
Even with frequent use, the shoe remains functional and durable. It is an ideal choice for regular hikers.
Oboz Men’s Bridger BDry Hiking Boot
Key Specifications
- Weight – 538 g
- Width – C (Heel), EE (Forefoot)
- Waterproofing System – B-DRY
- Heel Material – Rubber
Our top premium pick for hiking books is the Oboz Men’s Bridger BDry hiking boot.
An internationally recommended pair of boots, this model features a breathable and waterproof membrane that keeps the feet dry. The outside is made of all-weather nubuck leather.
The best part is the moulded rubber toe cap that adds durability to the long-lasting construction. The insole is moulded perfectly for matching the shape of the feet to deliver the ideal fit and feel for a more comfortable hike.
Pros
- TPU Chassis for preventing bruising
- Features Dual Density EVA midsoles
- Features proprietary O FIT Insole™
- Granite peak midsole and outsole
Cons
- Some users had issues with the fit
The Oboz hiking shoes have been stylized and designed to prevent over flexing and adding more comfort to you. The makers have also taken care to enhance the tensional stability underfoot for better balance.
The thoughtful design prevents stone bruising and unnecessary strain to the feet, which make this pair of boots an excellent choice for the harsher terrains.
Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 Wp Shoes
- Weight – 403 g
- Upper Material – Suede Leather / Mesh
- Midsole Material – Techlite™ EVA
- Outsole Material – Omni-Grip™ Rubber
With the Columbia Men’s Redmond™ V2 shoes on your feet, you are assured of a waterproof hike with excellent traction and control.
The sealed seam construction combining leather, suede and mesh ensures breathability while keeping the moisture out to prevent your feet from getting damp even on the wet trails.
The non-marking outsole made of rubber is capable of adequate traction on all kinds of surfaces. The Omni-Grip™ technology patented by Columbia is incorporated for maximum effectiveness.
Pros
- Lightweight Techlite™ midsole
- High energy return
- Breathable, waterproof fabric
- Excellent comfortable fit
Cons
- Sole life could be longer
The rugged looks of the shoe may be misleading in terms of weight, but this pair is very lightweight, and you will not have to drag your feet over those challenging trails with this pair of Columbia Men’s Redmond™ V2 on your feet!
Salomon Synthetic X Ultra 3
- Weight – 365 g
- Lacing System – Quicklace®
- Anatomical Fit – Standard
- Drop – 11 mm
There are many unique features of the Salomon X ULTRA 3 hiking shoes for men that make it an excellent choice for any kind of hiking adventure you want to embark on.
The deep penetration of the lug design and the multi-directional grip, a Salomon registered Contragrp® TD design, help in retaining traction on soft surfaces.
The midsole features a high-performance EVA foam that provides sensible shock attenuation. The soft mesh and textile lining offer the much-needed breathability.
Pros
- Advanced Chassis™ for optimal motion control
- Better energy management and protection
- Stable and responsive wear
- Glove-like fit and feel
Cons
- Some users felt the shoes were stiff at first
The excellent, snug and secure fit seem virtually customized owing to the SensiFit™ technology. Add to this the protective toecap made of rubber or leather.
The shoe is so comfortable and long-lasting that it practically fits like a second skin moulding perfectly to all the contours of the feet!
Adidas Men’s Terrex Swift R GTX
- Weight – 385 g
- Upper Material – Synthetic, Mesh
- Outsole Material – Rubber
- Closure – Lace
One of the lightest pair on the list, these Adidas Terrex Swift GTX hiking shoes are the most lightweight and comfortable pair of hiking shoes making your adventure smooth.
The sturdy TPU toe cap offers the extra protection that you may need on the more demanding trails.
The breathable lining of the shoes helps in keeping the moisture out when exposed to water and keeping your feet dry inside. The midsole of the shoe is made of lightweight EVA for better shock absorption.
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof design
- Moulded sock liner for extra comfort
- Rugged rubber outsole for better traction
- Breathable, moisture-free lining
Cons
- Need to be deodorized regularly
There is hardly any other company that offers more choices or comfort than Adidas.
With the Terrex Swift GTX hiking shoes, you can conquer all kinds of terrain without feeling any strain and with superior comfort and protection throughout!
Wildcraft HypaGrip Men’s Boots
- Upper material – Suede PU with dust-proof mesh
- Lug Size – 5 mm
- Midsole – CMEVA
- Outsole material – Rubber
The high ankle design of these Wildcraft hiking boots provides the superior comfort and protection needed for off-trail excursions and challenging hiking trails.
The perfect traction of this pair of boots is a result of the rubber outsole and deep lug design. The plush collars make it extremely comfortable to wear these shoes.
Pros
- The excellent midsole for shock absorption
- Features moulded insocks
- Rubberized PU toe for excellent protection
- Anti-slip laces
Cons
- Shoes should be more long-lasting
The anti-slip lace design guarantees a snug fit and ensures that they don’t unravel midway through the hike. The tough rubber outsole and 5 mm lugs are excellent for ground traction.
The dustproof mesh coverage of the suede PU is perfect for those desert hikes and trails!
Reviews of Top Hiking Shoes for Women
Columbia Women’s Crestwood Shoes
- Upper Material – Leather/Mesh
- Outsole Material – Omni-Grip™ Rubber
- Midsole Material – Techlite™ EVA
With superior level cushioning and comfortable design, you can hike for hours on end with this pair of Columbia Women’s Crestwood™ hiking shoes.
The rubber outsole offers adequate traction on all kinds of trails. The waterproof construction helps keep your shoe dry despite the wettest trails.
The Omni-Grip™ solution provides firm non-marking traction that lets you hold a firm grip.
Pros
- Waterproof material
- Non-marking traction rubber used for the outsole
- High energy return
- Excellent cushioning
Cons
- Some users felt the fit was too tight
Columbia is a great choice for women because of its snug fit and a wide selection of colours.
With its breathable fabric, this pair of hiking shoes is an excellent choice for rainy hikes. The long-lasting cushion and tight seams of the shoes ensure a good life for the shoes.
Salomon X Ultra 3 Prime
- Weight – 330 g
- Lacing System – Quicklace®
- Anatomical Fit – Standard fit
- Drop – 11 mm
The refined finishing of the Salomon X Ultra 3 hiking shoes give it’s a sleek look that you will absolutely want to have!
The excellent design and seamless stitching ensure a glove-like fit for holding your foot in place and giving you the perfect cushioning and support you need.
The design of the sole maximizes the traction and stability on slippery or soft surfaces. The sole uses two different kinds of rubber for grabbing the terrain more aggressively, especially where steep inclines are involved.
Pros
- Descent Control technology
- GORE-TEX waterproofing
- Women-specific ergonomic construction
- Minimalistic Quicklace™ technology
Cons
- Some women felt the fit was too snug
The excellent engineers of Salomon have kept the specific need to cater to women’s feet at the forefront while designing the X Ultra 3 hiking shoes.
The lightweight design is efficient and stable. It will fit your feet so perfectly as to give the illusion of being custom-made for you!
How are Hiking Shoes different from Trekking Shoes?
There are minor differences between hiking and trekking shoes which stems from the design, weight and primarily the purpose of these shoes.
A hiking shoe is lightweight and low cut but more heavy-duty as compared to a sneaker or sports shoes.
It is meant to be rugged enough to support and stabilize you on uneven trails but lightweight enough not to burden you through the journey.
A trekking shoe, on the other hand, is more heavy-duty as compared to a hiking shoe. It is weightier and probably made of a thicker fabric to sustain longer trails and harsher terrains.
A trekking shoe is stiffer as compared to a hiking shoe to provide more support for your ankles and feet.
Therefore, hiking shoes are adequate for shorter trips like a day-long hike, whereas trekking shoes are better suited for long trails spanning days.
Trekking shoes can also be referred to as backpacking shoes as they will be ideal for travelling across several different kinds of terrains.
Summarily, hiking shoes are lightweight and better suited for an occasional adventurer who needs adequate support and comfort while hiking.
Trekking shoes are for hardcore travellers or trekkers that spend days on rough terrains and require something more rugged that will last long!
FAQs
It is recommended to give your hiking shoes a good clean after each venture. Wipe away the dirt, pebbles, marks with the help of water-soaked cloth. Remove the laces and wash them separately. You can brush them as well to remove the dirt. Allow the shoes to dry naturally instead of subjecting them to heat. Apply waterproofing agents or adequate conditioning treatment to prevent cracks.
Yes, every good pair of shoes needs to be broken into for the perfect experience on the hike. A few suggestions for doing this are to wear your socks and shoes as you intend to on the day of the hike and walk around the house or the block. Take care of noticing any pain points and rectifying them before you hit the trail.
As per the recommendations by the manufacturers, it is best to replace the hiking shoes every 500 to 1000 miles. This may take 3 to 6 months depending on usage and the kind of trails that you go to. The actual number will vary from person to person depending on the frequency of use and the condition of the shoes.
It is a common misconception that you should go for half a size bigger hiking shoe, but the simple fact is that you should be comfortable in your shoes, quite literally. This means that you should measure your feet accurately (length and width), arch, etc. and look for other factors that you consider essential and get the perfect size for you. Spend some time trying them out and breaking them in for best results.
It is not necessary to shell out of a lot of money to get a good pair of hiking shoes. The purchase decision should be based on the kind of hike you want to go on, the frequency of hiking and your budget. If you do not plan on hiking too often or go for an easy trail, it is alright to purchase a cheaper pair that suits your needs. More expensive and rugged ones are the better choice for more challenging trails.
Summary
Hiking is a relaxing activity for many who want to enjoy nature and their surroundings.
While doing this, you do not want to be stuck with a lousy pair of shoes. Therefore, we have presented this list of best hiking shoes for men and women.
Pick the one that best fits your needs and get going on your favourite hiking trails!