Best Men’s Hiking Shoes for Summer

Advancing technology means you don’t need to lug a heavy pair of boots around for hiking. Many outdoorsmen opt for lightweight hiking shoes and trail runners, offering plenty of grip, but at the expense of protection and durability. Here are six pairs worth checking out.

La Sportiva FC ECO 2.0 GTX

This shoe recently updated to 3.0, but its predecessor is a long-time favorite on long hikes and backpacking trips. It has a tan leather and mesh upper that works well to repel water.

KEEN Targhee II

Best for day hikers, the KEEN Targhee II has a durable build that weighs less than 2 pounds, so its on the heavy side. The shoe emphasizes toe protection and is a good fit for people with wide feet.

Merrell Moab Ventilator

More people ditch waterproof shoes for breathability. The problem lies in how water inevitably gets inside through the top, so a waterproof shoe isn’t going to let the moisture out. Breathable shoes like the Moab Ventilator allow the shoe to dry much faster than one with Gore-Tex.

The North Face Ultra 109 GTX

If you like to run and hike but don’t want to buy two separate pairs of shoes, the Ultra 109 has the best of both worlds. It’s a stiff, lightweight shoe that feels comfortable, but the treads won’t last a long time on rocky trails.

Adidas Outdoor Terrex Fast R GTX

If you prefer something more stylish, Nike and Adidas have a variety of shoes made for the outdoors that won’t look completely out of place on the street. The Terrex Fast R is light and grips well as an all-around shoe, but you should look elsewhere for durability.

Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo

These are heavy but durable with an understated leather design that makes it great for hikes and walking around town. It’s also expensive, but you’ll be getting a stiff polyurethane frame that adds stability to prevent rollovers.