We’ve got all you need to know, including the pros and cons of walking shoes over walking boots, the differences between the different categories of hiking shoes and an guide to cleaning your footwear to make it last longer. In this article you’ll find our selection of the best hiking shoes – from trail running style shoes to approach shoes – we’ve tested. We’ve also added some budget hiking shoes into the mix here. This guide takes a different approach. We looked at the biomechanical research, the 2025 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey covering thousands of real hikers, the blister science on waterproof vs. non-waterproof footwear, and the actual cost-per-mile math over a hiker’s career. Off on an adventure and wondering whether to choose hiking boots, walking shoes or trail shoes? Use our handy guide to discover which is the right fit for you. Discover the ultimate guide to the best waterproof walking shoes for men in 2025, featuring expert reviews and top model recommendations. Stay comfortable. We've trail-tested the best hiking shoes since 2012, and in this update, we compare the 17 best men's models available today. Our experts covered hundreds of miles in these shoes, from dry, high alpine hikes to wet, muddy, rock-strewn paths. Hiking shoes and walking shoes are used for walking but serve distinct purposes. Learn about their differences and why you should buy shoes for each activity. We trail-tested over 25 models to put together our list of the best hiking shoes for men looking at comfort, waterproofing, protection, and support. After putting miles on these shoes and evaluating their fit, traction, features, and support, I made my top picks for the best men’s hiking shoes. Below are six men’s waterproof shoes worth your money, sorted by what you actually hike, plus the honest part the roundups skip: when to skip waterproof altogether, and how to keep the pair you buy working past its first muddy season.