Ah, the quest for the best walking shoes for men – a journey filled with trials, tribulations, and, if you're not careful, a few blisters along the way. But fear not, fellow adventurers, for we have embarked on this odyssey to bring you the ultimate guide to men's walking shoes!
Let us paint a picture: you're strolling through the countryside, the sun gently kissing your face, the birds serenading you with their melodious tunes, and beneath your feet? The best walking shoes money can buy. We're talking about footwear that strikes the perfect balance between protection and comfort, durability and style.
Here, we'll discuss the best unisex and men's walking shoes; we have a separate guide to the best women's walking shoes. Also, consider pairing your walking shoes with one of the best waterproof jackets for a comfy and versatile outdoor outfit.
Our top pick for best men's walking shoes is the Keen Hightrail EXP Waterproof Hiking Shoes. It's one of the best walking shoes we've tried, and it provides sublime grip, too. If you like to slosh around a lot, consider the Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex: a brilliant (albeit narrow) waterproof shoe for walking. On a budget? Check out the Berghaus Revolute Active Shoe.
The Keen Hightrail EXP Waterproof hiking shoes deliver lightweight comfort and solid trail performance. With a cushioned feel, waterproof membrane, and grippy outsole, they're ideal for three-season hikes. While not the most rugged or insulated, they’re a great choice for casual hikers who value comfort and all-day wearability.
The Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex hiking shoes offer dependable grip, waterproof protection, and durable construction, making them ideal for single-day hikes on varied terrain. While the fit is snug and the midsole firm, they provide excellent stability and traction. However, the narrow design may not suit all foot shapes.
The Berghaus Revolute Active Shoe is a durable, waterproof walking shoe made from mostly recycled materials. It offers comfort, grip, and support for casual countryside walks and hikes on well-formed footpaths. Though not suitable for technical trails, it is reasonably priced and vegan-friendly.
Best walking shoes for men to buy right now
Best overall
We tested the Keen Hightrail EXP Waterproof hiking shoes across varied terrain and found them to be an excellent choice for three-season trail use. Right out of the box, the comfort is striking, thanks to the snug fit, plush padding and high-rebound foam that cushions every step. The heel lock system keeps your foot secure without any pinching or pressure points, and the lightweight build helps reduce fatigue on longer hikes.
Performance-wise, the KEEN.DRY membrane does a solid job of keeping out rain and shallow stream water, while the breathable upper prevents feet from overheating during warmer days. The outsole offers dependable grip across dry and rocky paths, although it can clog up a bit in muddy conditions.
There are some compromises: the toe bumper isn't as robust as older Keen designs, and the shoe lacks insulation for colder months. While we appreciate the comfort and performance, the lack of recycled or eco-friendly materials is a surprising omission for a modern outdoor shoe.
Still, the Hightrail EXP strikes a solid balance between cushioning, waterproofing, and trail-readiness. It’s a strong pick for casual hikers and weekend adventurers looking for a versatile, comfortable shoe that’s easy to wear straight out of the box.
Read our full Keen Hightrail EXP Waterproof Hiking Shoes review.
Best waterproof
We took the Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex out on a mix of trails and came away impressed by just how capable these shoes are when things get technical. Grip was the first thing we noticed: the chunky 5mm lugs gave us loads of confidence on loose gravel, muddy tracks, and slick rock.
Waterproofing was solid, too. We trudged through puddles and wet grass without a hint of moisture getting through, and the welded construction adds to that sealed-in feel. The protection around the toe and the stable midsole gave us the reassurance we needed when scrambling over rougher ground.
That said, they’re not the most forgiving shoes. The fit is snug, especially around the heel, and we found the firm midsole a little stiff after a few hours on the move. Getting them on took a bit of a wrestle thanks to the rigid heel cup.
Still, for fast hikes and tricky terrain, they’re a great option. These shoes feel built for purpose; durable, supportive, and made to keep going when the weather turns. We’d just recommend trying them on first to check the fit. If they suit your feet, the X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex are a seriously dependable trail companion.
Read our full Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex review.
Best budget
The Berghaus Revolute Active Shoe epitomises practicality and performance with its no-nonsense design and robust construction. Tailored for countryside walking and hiking adventures, it offers comfort, grip, and foot support suitable for moderate outings in various weather conditions.
These budget walking shoes have undergone rigorous testing, enduring day-long hikes and family walks in challenging conditions. Tested in the wet and muddy terrain of South Devon during the transition from winter to spring, the shoe proved its mettle in adverse conditions, keeping the wearer's feet dry and comfortable.
Despite the slippery and boggy trails, the Vibram Eco-Step outsole provided excellent traction and control, ensuring stability on varied surfaces. The shoe's durability and comfort were further validated as it effortlessly tackled steep hills and extended periods of wear without causing discomfort or hot spots.
Its Vibram Eco-Step outsole delivered reliable traction on slippery terrain, enhancing control during descents. While not suitable for technical alpine trails or winter treks with heavy backpacks, it excels within its comfort zone, providing a reliable, waterproof option for casual walks and moderate hikes.
Read our full Berghaus Revolute Active Shoe review.
Best for fast hiking
Featuring a waterproof Gore-Tex liner and lightweight mesh and textile uppers, the Danner Trail 2650 Mesh GTX provides protection and breathability for long days on the trail. The Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs offers reliable traction, while the EVA midsole and plastic shank provide cushioning and support on uneven terrain.
The shoe's design is inspired by dedicated trail running shoes. It has an 8mm drop and a slightly wider forefoot for stability and comfort. Despite its lightweight construction, the Trail 2650 Mesh GTX delivers excellent underfoot cushioning and support, making it suitable for long hikes in various conditions.
While Gore-Tex-lined shoes can feel hot and sweaty in warmer weather, the Trail 2650 Mesh GTX strikes a good balance between waterproofing and breathability, making them suitable for use in wetter climates like the UK. The mesh upper helps keep the feet cool while providing maximum weight savings.
Overall, the Danner Trail 2650 Mesh GTX offers a great balance of lightweight design, comfort, and performance, making them a solid choice for spring through autumn use in diverse terrain. Whether you prefer non-waterproof or waterproof models, leather or mesh uppers, low-cut shoes, or mid-cut boots, the Trail 2650 family has something for everyone.
Read our full Danner Trail 2650 Mesh GTX review.
Most comfortable
If comfort is your priority, check out the Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo walking shoe. These vegan-friendly, synthetic shoes are buttery soft and lightweight and offer plenty of cushioned comfort to prevent fatigue during long days on your feet. Gore-Tex provides reliable waterproofing to keep your toes dry in wet weather.
The soles use Lowa's own 'Multi Trac' technology, and while it's great on established terrain, it doesn't provide enough grip for really gnarly mountain terrain. If you're planning on spending a lot of time on groomed trails from spring through to autumn, these would be an excellent pick. (We've tested out the women's version of this shoe.)
Read our full Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo review.
Most secure fit
The Columbia Facet 75 Outdry Waterproof Hiking Shoe offers a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking performance and protection without the weight of traditional hiking boots. Available in low, mid, and Alpha versions, these shoes feature a synthetic mesh upper reinforced with TPU overlays for durability.
The Navic Fit System ensures a secure fit, while the Outdry waterproof membrane keeps feet dry in various conditions. A Techlite Plush midsole provides cushioning, and an Adapt Trax outsole with 5mm lugs offers reliable traction on a range of surfaces.
Tested during multiday adventures in the French Alps and across Dartmoor and Exmoor in the UK, these shoes excelled in various terrains. The low-cut version proved versatile for shallow stream crossings and year-round use, while the Alpha version offered additional ankle protection and warmth in extreme conditions. Despite collecting mud in wetter conditions, these shoes provided excellent foot support, breathability, and waterproofing.
Overall, the Columbia Facet 75 Outdry Waterproof Hiking Shoe is a versatile option suitable for day hikes, low alpine treks, backpacking, and fastpacking adventures, offering reliable performance and comfort across different outdoor scenarios. However, potential buyers may need to consider sizing down for a better fit, especially if not wearing thick hiking socks.
Read our full Columbia Facet 75 Outdry Waterproof Hiking Shoes review.
Best for technical trails
A summer 2021 update to the classic Adidas Terrex Swift R2, the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe comes absolutely packed with tech and is surprisingly robust and secure feeling for the relatively lightweight (just 395g). There's a near-solid 'promoderator' midfoot to add stiffness to the sole – in fact, you might even feel a little heel lift initially – along with a rock protection plate in the forefoot.
This stiffer sole provides a great platform for use on sloping terrain, and a cushioned midsole keeps things comfortable. A deep heel cup offers extra ankle support, and the Continental rubber outsole with 4.5mm lugs delivers excellent grip on all but the slipperiest surfaces. You can choose between Gore-Tex and standard versions – the former being (of course) waterproof, while the latter is more breathable.
Read our full Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex review.
Best for scrambling
For tricky trails that involve technical scrambling or even bits of rock climbing, it might be better to don a pair of approach shoes, and our favourites are the Scarpa Mescalito. The Vibram MegaGrip sole delivers outstanding grip, and there's an extra rubber section over the toes to ramp up grip and protection further. Vibram Dynamis technology keeps weight down (around 780g per pair), while a bi-density midsole adds cushioning, making these comfortable over longer distances – not true of all approach shoes.
The breathable suede upper moulds to the foot over time (it's water-resistant rather than waterproof, but there is a heavier Gore-Tex version of these in the range). Note that it's not easy to get clean if you do end up encountering a particularly muddy match. If you’re staying on the flat, then you'll want to pick a less stiff shoe from our list, but if it's approach shoes you're after, this is our pick of the bunch.
Read our full Scarpa Mescalito review.
Best lightweight
The Arc'teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX are slightly higher cut than your average walking shoe, with a heel cuff that provides a little more protection and support around your ankles but dips to almost shoe height at the back (if you don't want the higher cut, the Arc'teryx Aerios FL GTX shoe is the same design but without the heel cuff). As you'd expect from Arc'teryx, these are minimalist, stylish and streamlined.
The sole is ultra-flexible, and the sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole delivers when it comes to grip, making these a great choice for situations where you want complete freedom of movement (for long hikes, we'd probably recommend something sturdier and more rigid, although in that case, you should really be opting for a boot in any case). They're great for warm weather excursions thanks to the breathable canvas upper and lightweight build.
Read our full Arc'teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX review.
How to choose the best men's walking shoes for you
So what do you need to consider when figuring out which pair for buy? The key is to pick a comfortable fit, as well as considering the terrain you'll be covering. The best men's walking shoes offer a reinforced sole (usually TPU) to fend off stones underfoot, a robust rand to protect the sides, and an aggressive, grippy sole.
Many walking shoes will have a waterproof membrane built in, which can be useful in wet grass, for example, but can also limit breathability if you’re really gunning it, so if you're thinking of picking up a pair of these, it's worth considering how you’ll mainly be using your shoes.
Unlike boots, rain resistance in walking shoes is a bit of a red herring, as without the closed calf of the boot your feet will be soaked in heavy rain, waterproofing or not.
Others have made their lightness and flexibility around the ankle more of a benefit by incorporating sticky rubber and protective high rands to deliver a hybrid approach/scrambling shoe that can cope with pretty much anything in the hills.
More aggressive tread patterns are ideal for muddy conditions, but handle rocky smearing poorly, while stickier rubber will wear out faster and can be slippy in muddy conditions.
Although spec is important, getting the right size is absolutely essential. It's a good idea to try on a few pairs to get a good idea of any potential issues. Also, keep in mind that if you are planning high-energy walking pursuits, you might want to size up as you would for running shoes, because your feet will swell over longer stretches.
How we test the best men's walking shoes
To put together this ranking of the best men's walking shoes, we call the shoes in (or hand them over to outdoors gear experts) and take them out to put them through their paces. We'll try them out on a range of different kinds of terrain and weather conditions, to get a good overview of how they hold up in various circumstances, and review them based on things like comfort, grip, waterproofing, weight, and support. To get a rounded view, we'll also look at reviews from other customers, and see if there are any downsides we've missed. We'll also use our knowledge of the wider market to gauge how these weigh up against the competition.
Sometimes, we'll have tried the women's version instead of the men's, but in these cases it'll be clear in the product blurb. Very occasionally, we might not have been able to get hold of a product, but feel it's worthy of inclusion. In those situations, we research what other customers and reviewers have said, and combine that with what we know about the specs and brand to put together an informed blurb for you to base your decision off. Find out more about how we test at T3 here.
FAQ
Do I need a pair of dedicated walking shoes?
The reasons for getting a good pair of shoes for walking are many and varied. The best options will improve performance by making your hiking easier and more comfortable. Plus, once you're done you'll be able to pop your muddy shoes in the boot and drive off in a fresh pair.
Proper walking shoes are ideal for lighter hikes, short approaches and summer rambles, as well as faster and lighter mountain expeditions. Although you'd be best off with the extra support of boots for the really rough stuff, some of our best men's walking shoes do offer a ‘mid’ style, providing some support akin to a boot but with more ankle movement.
Unsure which type of footwear is right for you? Take a look at our walking boots vs walking shoes guide to discover the key differences.
There's also a whole sub-category of walking shoes dubbed ‘approach shoes’, which build in more scrambling and rock climbing orientated traits, like sticky rubber and extended lacing to grip the entire foot tightly.
Is it OK to buy running shoes for walking?
Yes, it's generally okay to buy running shoes for walking, especially if you find them comfortable and supportive for your walking needs.
Many running shoes offer cushioning, stability, and flexibility, which are beneficial features for walking as well. However, running shoes are specifically designed for the forward motion of running, so they may have features like extra cushioning in the heel or a more curved sole that may not be as essential for walking.
If you have specific walking-related foot issues or preferences, such as extra arch support or a wider toe box, you may want to look for walking shoes that cater to those needs. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a shoe that feels comfortable and supportive for your walking activities.
What type of footwear is best for walking?
The best type of footwear for walking depends on various factors, including your walking style, the terrain you'll be walking on, and any specific foot conditions you may have.
Generally speaking, walking shoes or walking sneakers are often recommended for casual walking on even surfaces like sidewalks or paved paths. These shoes provide adequate support and cushioning for the feet, promoting comfort and reducing the risk of injury during prolonged walks.
For more rugged terrain or longer walks, hiking shoes or trail shoes may be a better option. These shoes typically offer additional stability, support, and traction, making them suitable for uneven or rocky surfaces commonly encountered on trails or hiking paths.
It's essential to try on different styles and brands to find the right fit and comfort level for your feet. If you have any existing foot conditions or concerns, consulting with a podiatrist or footwear specialist can also be beneficial in selecting the most suitable walking footwear.
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