Hiking boots have undergone quite a transformation since brands such as La Sportiva started making customised mountain-going footwear at the turn of the 19th century. These days, dozens of manufacturers combine the best of their knowledge, materials, expertise and cutting-edge technologies in a bid to ensure optimal performance in all conditions and on all terrains. Nevertheless, finding the best hiking boots for men who like to hike in all different conditions and terrains, isn’t as simple as swiping the most agreeable-looking item from the shelves. Numerous factors contribute to overall comfort, convenience and appropriateness in terms of desired use and application.

When and where you intend on going will ultimately decide the best hiking boot for you. Know thy enemy (or terrain) and thou shalt know thy shoe! While there is still plenty of room for debate and dialogue on what makes the perfect hiking boot for any occasion, there are a few essential considerations applicable to any would-be buyer or user that can help you decide. Let’s start by taking a look at these… Boot rating Again, your choice will depend largely on your hiking ambitions and interests. A process of elimination is the best way to go about it. Are you likely to be using hiking in especially cold environments, using crampons frequently and looking for one boot to do you year-round? If so, then a 3/4 season boot like the La Sportiva Trango S EVO would be a good option. If not, a 2 or 3-season boot like the Lowa Renegade will be as much as you’re likely to need. If you are only planning on a few spring or summer walks on well-established trails, without any sustained scrambling or climbing, a 2-season boot like the Vivobarefoot will do the job nicely and cut down on weight. Material and sole The boots don’t feel as nimble on the trail as a midweight alternative like the Salomon Quest 4D 2. For hikers who like to connect with the ground beneath their feet, the super lightweight Vivobarefoot Magna Trail is a durable, comfortable, and eco-friendly minimalist hiking boot. This model features a recycled microfibre heel lining and has 50% recycled PET in the webbing and laces. Yes, they take longer to break in, and yes, they require more looking after. Still, the uppers can literally last a lifetime, and the soles can usually be replaced. A leather boot is a boot for life!

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Støvlen er bygget op med et lækkert og velfungerende hurtigsnøringssystem, der fordeler trykket godt rundt om foden. Ydermaterialet er primært lavet af kraftigt og slidstærkt ruskind. Inde under dette sikrer en Gore-Tex-membran fødderne mod indtrængende vand og tillader foden at ånde. Der er lagt et lag med plastic på snuden af støvlen for at beskytte, hvor slitagen er størst. Sålen er bygget op af en god mellemsål og yderst en af de obligatoriske Vibram-såler, der sikrer god holdbarhed og et godt greb. Opbygningen rundt om anklen sikrer god støtte, samtidig med at nogen specielle snit i støvlen mindsker modstanden, når anklen bøjer forover. Alt i alt en rimelig klassisk opbygning, men ikke desto mindre meget veludført, så det til sammen giver en meget solid, velfungerende og flot støvle, det er meget vanskeligt at finde deciderede kritikpunkter på. Straight out of the box, we were very impressed with the stable feel of the Scarpa R-Evolution GTX. For such a lightweight boot, they are very solid, particularly underfoot. This can be attributed to a wider base and a more substantial midsole. Expect a little more break-in time than a typical midweight boot, but after a couple casual day hikes, everything was feeling great for us.

Straight out of the box these boots were more comfortable than expected. They had a very short break-in time but after a full day of hiking they weren’t as comfortable as the Salomon Quest or La Sportiva Trango. They caused some rubbing on the ankle bones but overall have a good amount of padding throughout the boot to fit most foot types. These boots do feature a wider toe box similar to the Salomon Quest so that your toes have plenty of room on long hikes.

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In this article we’re going to analyse the most important of these factors, taking into account the different styles of hiking, before delving into details of the best hiking boots for men currently on the market. We have, indeed, come a long way since the northern Italians started turning out custom-made hiking boots some 120 years ago. We can only imagine how the earliest pioneers of adventure in high places might have got on if they’d had the above range of hiking boots at their disposal…and count our blessings for having them at ours! The upper is made from 1.8mm water resistant suede, which is supple for comfort whilst being exceptionally durable. The suede is lined with a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane to ensure your feet stay dry regardless of the conditions, while the TPU toe cap offers an extra level of protection and abrasion resistance. A multi-terrain boot perfectly suited to the demands of those who venture from high trails into gentle alpine routes. Loaded with performance features, you’ll find the Scarpa Women's R-Evo gives an exceptional blend of stability, grip and comfort that allows you to really explore the mountains to the fullest.

Despite the popularity of lightweight fabric hiking boots, some people still prefer the traditional look and performance of a full-grain leather boot.But what really makes this highly stylish men’s hiking boot really stand out is how comfortable it is. The ‘out-of-box’ comfort levels are out if this world making it an excellent option if you don’t have time to break in your boots. The plush cushioning around the ankle and comfortable Lite 2 anatomical footbed both contribute to this as well as making the boots feel very stable on even the most tough terrain. A solid and reliable boot for all seasons, bar hiking in deep snow.

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These AKU Tribute II LTR hiking boots have a timeless design but also contain modern features that will enhance any walk. There are no Gore-Tex linings to keep your feet dry, so you’ll need to treat these boots to keep the water out. However, this also means they’re more breathable and less prone to overheating. The Vibram sole is deeply lugged to provide lots of grip on slippery surfaces and should give many miles of reliable use. The upper material of the R-Evolution is made of a water-resistant suede which seemed surprisingly durable for all conditions. The boot is lined with Gore-Tex so that they are fully waterproof. They use a speed lacing system that tightens down easily but that doesn’t quite tighten enough for a smaller volume foot. The laces are also very thin and don’t seem as durable as the laces on most of the other boots tested. A long day on the trail or hillside can take its toll on your legs, all the more so if you’ve attached to the bottom of them something far heavier than is necessary for the task at hand. Leather options tend to be on the hefty side – reassuring for some – while Goretex or Microfibre options offer something a bit more nimble. The same is true of B2 or 3/4-season rated boots. These heavier options are ideal for colder environments or if your hike is likely to take you to over high, snow-bound passes or peaks, but an unnecessary burden for your leg muscles on less demanding excursions. Overall, SCARPA’s R-Evolution GTX proved to me that while the brand is known for its mountaineering footwear, it’s found a way to translate that craftsmanship and quality to its hiking line, as well. As with other high-end brands (Asolo comes to mind), the price is somewhat steeper than other waterproof boots, but the quality (and styling) is legendary, and these boots made for the long run.