The Shopping Team 09:00, February 25, 2023
Hiking is a complete sport in many respects and for more and more French people, it is becoming an art of living that is good for the body and the mind: the landscapes change from one day to the next, and it only takes a few kilometers to discover very different terrains from each other.
The best ally of all these hiking adventures is quality equipment, and it starts with the choice of footwear.
Check out our selection of the best hiking shoes, specifically for men.
SHOPPING
The editorial staff of Europe 1 did not participate in the production of this article.
The French Hiking Federation has more than 250,000 members throughout the territory.
This impressive figure attests to the place taken by hiking in sports activities in France.
Because it allows you to evolve in nature by practicing a sporting activity that mobilizes the whole body, surrounded by magnificent landscapes, hiking has something to seduce at any age.
But to make the most of this activity, it is essential to be well equipped: waterproof clothing that does not keep you too hot or too cold, poles to balance yourself if necessary, thick socks to avoid blisters, but also and especially solid hiking shoes, which resist all efforts over time.
We have selected 5 models of hiking shoes for you according to criteria of weight, material used and above all manufacturing quality so that you can choose the pair that best suits your needs.
This selection focuses on models for men.
Summary :
Columbia Woodburn 2 waterproof hiking shoes, the most popular shoes
The Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX hiking shoes, the most sportswear design
The Nortiv 8 high hiking shoes, the most color choices
The Ecco TRACK25M, the most "all-terrain" shoe design
The Merrel Moab 2 LTR Mid GTX hiking shoes, to have the best support
The Best Men's Hiking Shoes for All Year Round
Columbia Woodburn 2 waterproof hiking shoes, the most popular shoes
© Amazon
To start our selection, here are the Columbia Woodburn 2, with a discreet design that can be worn while hiking... and even in the city!
These low and light shoes are perfect for hiking because they support the foot well while enclosing it by means of the laces which go on either side of the foot.
The internal padding is thick to prevent injury and the risk of blisters.
Flexible, the textile adapts to your foot rather than the opposite, so they can be worn immediately after receipt.
However, a test is recommended if you are about to embark on a long outing.
The membrane of the shoe is waterproof and breathable, it is however possible to reinforce this waterproof function by means of a product intended for this purpose.
The American brand Columbia,
whose quality is recognized by many consumers on Amazon for example, has bet on comfort with this shoe, and proves it with the TechLite sole which cushions your steps and does not damage your joints.
In short, it's a very efficient shoe for all types of terrain... including the wettest ones!
Click here to discover the product on Amazon
SQUIRREL_12872993
The Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX hiking shoes, the most sportswear design
© Amazon
The Adidas brand has done well with these Terrex Swift R2 GTX hiking shoes with a discreet design that can be worn very easily in everyday life.
Perfect for linking a day at work and an evening outing, for walking your pets for example!
This hiking shoe has a Gore-Tex membrane, this textile is both very waterproof and breathable.
The shoe is relatively rigid, which is perfect for hiking, and unlike running for example.
Very interesting to note: the Quicklace function allows you to adjust the tightness of the laces according to your convenience.
In addition, they are very easy to put on shoes for people with dyspraxia or for people with reduced mobility who have difficulty using their arms or hands.
Here,
the system is facilitated to be accessible to all.
Some users have found the shoe to be quite narrow, may need to take an extra half size when ordering.
Click here to discover the product on Amazon
SQUIRREL_12872994
The Nortiv 8 high hiking shoes, the most color choices
© Amazon
Here are hiking boots that ride high, are supportive, and add style to your adventure!
These non-slip shoes are suitable for all hikes, even the hardest and most slippery ones, but without forgetting those on less rugged terrain.
The protection is optimal on all sides thanks to the thick Soft Shell textile.
These shoes are wider than previous Adidas shoes.
The lugs are deep and well worked to adhere to the ground as much as possible.
The toe cap of the shoe is reinforced with protection against rocks or stones, so as not to damage your toes.
Waterproof on delivery, it is however recommended to renew the waterproofing with a special product if you use them very frequently.
The lace tie on the top of the shoe allows you to tighten the laces as tight as you want, without fear of the knot coming loose at the wrong time.
These shoes are more recommended for use in winter or in environments that require keeping the foot warm while hiking.
Click here to discover the product on Amazon
SQUIRREL_12872995
The Ecco TRACK25M, the most versatile shoe design
© Amazon
You wouldn't think these are hiking boots, and yet they are!
These ECCO TRACK25M shoes have done well with this sleek design, for an elegant look even in the forest or on a GR!
These are leather shoes that are very easy to maintain, and do not let water through.
The sole is made of rubber, and there is a removable insole for those who would like to replace it with an orthopedic sole, for example.
The heel is 3.5cm for a feeling of very soft cushioning.
The Danish brand ECCO, founded in 1963, is recognized for the quality of its products which last several years before showing signs of weakness.
The laces are strong, but do not come down to the bottom of the foot.
If you like having a free foot, these shoes are made for you!
Click here to discover the product on Amazon
SQUIRREL_12872996
The Merrel Moab 2 LTR Mid GTX hiking shoes, the best support
© Amazon
To finish our selection, here are the hiking shoes from the excellent Merell brand, the Moab 2 LTR Mid GTX, which offer great support and very significant cushioning.
The suede upper and highly breathable lining keep your foot dry and wick sweat away, reducing the risk of blisters.
The heel is flat, and the upper goes up to the ankle.
The shoes are quite wide, perfect to accommodate wider feet.
The Vibram grip of the sole offers very good adhesion to the ground, and the front of the shoe is reinforced with a rubber toe cap.
It is therefore possible to tackle rocky or difficult paths without risk of accidental injury.
These shoes are made with the Gore-Tex Performance Shell for optimal comfort during sport.
The shoes cut small, it is better to take a size above your usual size.
Click here to discover the product on Amazon
SQUIRREL_12872997
What is the best brand of hiking shoes?
Several brands of hiking shoes have become famous for the quality of their products.
Several names come up regularly: Merell, Nortiv, Adidas and of course Columbia.
The Salomon brand is also very appreciated for the great robustness of its shoes.
The most important thing is to choose shoes that fit your foot well, that support your ankle properly, with a breathable and waterproof material.
The brand is a guarantee of quality but the choice should not be made solely on the basis of it.
You have to find shoes that meet all your criteria, and not be satisfied with a model that does not convince.
How to choose a good pair of hiking shoes?
To choose your hiking shoes, you have to consider the type of hiking you are interested in.
Rather steep, rocky, steep?
Or rather calm, flat and long to enjoy the landscape?
Your hiking shoes should accompany you in the effort without slowing you down.
You have to choose shoes that support your foot well, and even your ankle for the most intense outings.
It is also preferable to choose shoes that are waterproof, without retaining moisture inside.
Breathable material is the first guarantee of quality shoes for hiking.
You can choose your hiking shoes according to all these criteria to select the ones that best suit your needs.
Also read:
Our top 5 best binoculars for hiking
Prices are given for information only and are subject to change.
Some links are tracked and may generate a commission for Europe 1.