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Best men’s walking boots and shoes 2024, tried and tested on winter hikes

We covered a lot of ground to find the perfect walking companions

Jon Axworthy
Wednesday 06 March 2024 10:36 GMT
If our feet started to suffer, the shoes didn’t make our final list
If our feet started to suffer, the shoes didn’t make our final list (The Independent)
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Have you hit your step count today? Whether your target is 10,000 daily or something a little more modest, there are many health benefits to walking, which is why the importance of having a good pair of shoes or boots at your disposal can’t be overstressed. With that in mind, we’ve been putting the best walking boots for men through their paces.

The upper, midsole and outsole should always combine to deliver the perfect walking companion, with the upper providing comfort and support; the midsole delivering protection and good energy return; while the outsole and its tread give plenty of traction and confidence over a range of terrains, in the wet and the dry.

Thankfully, the days of having to break in boots for days before you even set foot outside are long gone. Today, the range of materials and processes available means most boots are pretty much good to go right out of the box. When it came to testing the best walking boots and shoes, if we felt our feet starting to suffer, the footwear didn’t make our final list.

Obviously, how much emphasis you put on waterproofing, breathability, durability and protection will all depend on where you’re headed, but what all our boots have in common is the fact you can just lace them up and forget about them and just enjoy the walk.

How we tested the best walking boots for men

We put them through their paces in Dartmoor and Snowdonia
We put them through their paces in Dartmoor and Snowdonia (Jon Axworthy)

We headed to Dartmoor in December and the slate trails of Snowdonia in February, as they are the perfect places for testing outdoor gear, especially walking boots and shoes.

Our testing weekend in Wales coincided with an amber weather warning of snow, ice and rain, so most of our boots and shoes couldn’t have gotten a more thorough examination of their credentials.

Each pair was worn for (at least) a day out on the trails and tracks, giving us plenty of opportunity to put them through their paces and take particular note of any rubs or hot spots that were developing by the day’s end.

The best men’s walking boots and shoes for 2024 are:

  • Best men’s walking boots overall – North Ridge Harlow: £80, Millets.co.uk
  • Best budget men’s walking shoes – Peter Storm Buxton: £33.70, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best waterproof men’s walking boot – Ariat skyline solaris: £165, Ariat.com
  • Best for wider-footed walkers – Hi-Tec Auckland lite: £70, Hi-tec.co.uk

North Ridge harlow men’s walking boots

 best men’s walking boots review 2024 indybest North Ridge Harlow
  • Best: Men’s walking boot overall
  • Sizes: 7–12
  • Weight per shoe: 420g
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Black
  • Why we love it
    • High performance
    • Good price
  • Take note
    • Waterproofing could be better

A really well-designed, mid boot at a great price, this proved to be a real standout during testing, performing brilliantly in all kinds of conditions.

The first thing we noticed was how lightweight these boots were, which was great when the miles started to take their toll. The springy midsole provided plenty of cushioning and we got plenty of energy return as we moved.

A nice padded collar added to the overall comfort of the shoe, while the nylon upper material was breathable (and sustainable, as it’s made from reused plastic bottles).

The waterproof membrane wasn’t quite as effective as we would have liked but, as long as you avoid totally submerging your feet in streams and puddles, it will provide a good barrier against wet ground.

There’s a beefy heel rand and toe bumper that offered plenty of protection when we were traversing the rougher stuff, and the boot held the heel down well, especially when we were flexing the foot on a climb.

Finally, we really liked the tread pattern on the boot, which dug down into a range of ground conditions.

While other boots in this line-up scored higher in terms of technical ability, the North Ridge Harlow offers great value for money, ultimately securing it our top spot.

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Peter Storm buxton men’s walking boots

best men’s walking boots review 2024 indybest Peter Storm Buxton
  • Best: Budget men’s walking shoes
  • Size range: UK 7–12
  • Weight per shoe: 399g
  • Waterproof: No
  • Colourways: Grey
  • Why we love it
    • Comfortable
  • Take note
    • Not waterproof

If you’re not looking to challenge yourself with technical trails and razor-sharp ridgelines, these low-cut shoes will be the perfect walking buddies, whether you’re out with the dogs or rambling with friends before Sunday lunch.

Lightweight, they won’t drag you down, while the upper and midsole are comfortable, with plenty of protection at the heel and toe if you decide to get a bit more adventurous. We also liked the traction we got from the outsole on a variety of terrains.

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Skechers relment-daggett men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots review 2024 indybest Skechers relment-daggett
  • Best: Budget men’s mid-height boot
  • Sizes: 6–10
  • Weight per shoe: 384g
  • Waterproof: Water repellent
  • Colourways: Chocolate brown
  • Why we love it
    • Comfortable
    • Good value for money

This mid-shoe offers a relaxed fit and could be well suited for walkers with wider feet. It has a sizeable footbed and plenty of room at the toe box, while the lacing system still allows for a nice tight fit, so your feet aren’t moving around in the shoe while you walk.

But comfort isn’t all the shoe has to offer – there’s enough traction in the outsole to ensure you won’t lose your footing, while robust protection front and back will save you from any painful encounters with rocks and boulders. A hard-wearing synthetic and mesh upper adds to the appeal.

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The North Face men’s vectiv exploris II men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots review 2024 indybest The North Face men’s vectiv exploris II
  • Best: Mid boot for men
  • Sizes: 6–13
  • Weight per shoe: 458g
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Taupe, black/grey
  • Why we love it
    • An improvement on the already excellent original
    • Nice and stable

The original vectiv exploris took the top spot in our previous review of men’s walking boots, so we were keen to get our feet into the latest incarnation. These boots didn’t disappoint during testing, either. These have a broader platform than the originals, which offered up plenty of stability on Snowdonia’s slate trails, with the effective 4mm lugs digging into the loose ground beneath us.

The brand’s futurelight membrane upper was both breathable and waterproof, and there was plenty of comfort for all-day hiking. For a mid-rise boot, there was lots of energy return, which was very welcome towards the end of the day when the pub in the distance didn’t seem to be getting any closer.

While this boot scored similarly to the North Ridge Harlow, the latter is half the price, leading it to take our top spot this year.

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Hanwag makra trek men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots review 2024 indybest Hanwag makra trek
  • Best: Men’s walking boots for the mountains
  • Size range: UK 6–13
  • Weight per shoe: 635g
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Light grey, steel grey/orange
  • Why we love it
    • Great protection
    • Can be re-soled
  • Take note
    • Will need a little breaking in

These Croatian-made mid boots offered lots of protection and support from the leather upper, which was also very breathable when our feet were working hard during testing.

Here, premium materials combine to deliver an incredibly rugged boot that will be able to survive and thrive in the harshest of hiking conditions.

There’s good cushioning in the midsole, while the Vibram outsole has a very gnarly tread pattern that, during testing, gave us mountain goat levels of sure-footedness.

The Gore-Tex membrane has been combined with a nice high tongue, to keep the water on the outside, and there’s plenty of comfort from toe bumper to ankle cuff.

We also really liked the fact the boots feature a mechanical lace lock, which totally secures the lower half of the lacing and can be adjusted with one hand, making on-the-go adjustments really easy.

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Danner mountain 600 leaf GTX men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots review 2024 indybest Danner mountain 600 leaf GTX
  • Best: Men’s walking boots for all-day comfort
  • Sizes: 6–14
  • Weight per shoe: 553g
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Camel brown/red, dark brown/ginger, black/brown
  • Why we love it
    • Nice style
    • Great trail feedback
    • Can be re-soled

Danner has always produced boots that look really good without compromising performance on the trail, and it has really excelled with this design. Its supremely comfortable full-grain leather upper looks great right out of the box, and even better the more broken in the boots become.

The Gore-Tex waterproof barrier is still supremely effective at keeping out water while remaining breathable and keeping feet cool.

There’s a Vibram SPE midsole, which added to the overall wearability of the leaf and gave good bounce while walking, while the outsole delivered traction and even better grip over wet rocky ground.

What we loved about these boots was how the upper, midsole and outsole deliver responsiveness while walking, and really allow you to feel the trail and get some feedback, while providing a very effective barrier against harsh ground underfoot.

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Ariat skyline solaris men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots review 2024 indybest Ariat skyline solaris
  • Best: Waterproof men’s walking boot
  • Sizes: 7–12
  • Weight per shoe: Unspecified
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Forrest green/orange, grey/blue
  • Why we love it
    • Guaranteed dry feet
    • Plenty of support

We tested this footwear on a day of almost continual rain and we ended it with totally dry feet, which was very impressive. The lacing system gives the upper a very customised and comfortable feel, and we felt well protected from toe to heel.

The midsole did a great job of absorbing the bumps that came with the more unforgiving sections of the hike. As for the Duratread outsole, it gave us plenty of confidence, especially when going downhill, and we never felt like our feet were about to slip or slide.

  1.  £165 from Ariat.com
Prices may vary
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Hi-Tec Auckland lite men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots review 2024 indybest Hi-Tec Auckland lite
  • Best: Men’s walking boots for wide feet
  • Sizes: 7–12
  • Weight per shoe: 387g
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Grey, brown
  • Why we love it
    • Broad platform

Although this shoe didn’t grab our heel as much as we would have liked, its broad platform will be a good fit for walkers with wider feet. There’s a good mix of materials in the upper, to allow feet to breathe, while also enabling plenty of waterproofing against long wet grass or unforeseen puddles, thanks to the brand’s Dri-Tec membrane.

The shoes felt nice and light on our feet, so they won’t drain you of energy, and the traction proved to be effective over a range of terrains. 

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Craghoppers mono men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots review 2024 indybest Craghoppers mono
  • Best: Men’s desert boots
  • Sizes: 6–13
  • Weight per shoe: 390g
  • Waterproof: No
  • Colourways: Khaki, beige
  • Why we love it
    • Nice style
    • Bug-proof

If you know you’re going to be walking in a dry environment and don’t need to worry about waterproofing, these canvas-upper mid boots will keep your feet cool, while offering plenty of protection against anything you might come up against – including insects. The boots have an anti-insect treatment in the upper itself, so you won’t have to worry about any bugs dining out on your feet while you walk.

The rubber outsole actually does a very good job of providing some cushioning but is particularly effective at providing stability on loose ground, with the front bumper guarding against stubbed toes.

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Merrell vego men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots review 2024 indybest Merrell vego
  • Best: Men’s walking boots for low-level trails
  • Sizes: 7–12
  • Weight per shoe: 532g
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Brown
  • Why we love it
    • Hard-wearing
    • Good value for money

This is a well-constructed, lightweight mid-boot with a leather upper that wasn’t as stiff as many of the other leather boots we tested. It will still need a few miles to run it in and make it supremely supple but, having said that, we had no issues with hot spots, even after wearing the boots straight out of the box.

The midsole was spongy enough to keep us from feeling every rock and ridge underfoot, without dampening the energy return and momentum we got from the shoe. A well-designed rubber outsole was particularly suited to wet conditions, as the lug pattern allowed water to escape easily and not interfere with traction.

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Salomon outpulse men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots shoes hiking
  • Best: For out-of-the-box comfort
  • Sizes: 6.5–13.5
  • Weight per shoe: 380g
  • Waterproof: Water repellent
  • Colourways: Black, sand, navy, grey, blue,
  • Why we love it
    • Comfortable
    • Grippy outsole

From the moment we took them out of the box, we really liked the look and styling of these mid boots. As we laced them up, we were impressed with how incredibly comfortable they felt. They have an almost customised feel, and they moulded to our foot, leaving no room for rubbing, yet still enabling us to move our toes to create a good balance.

The foam compound used in the midsole worked to create a natural roll, which helped when our legs were getting tired. The outsole, meanwhile, was excellent at keeping us grounded and absorbing the blows from tougher terrain and rock. Plus, the Gore-Tex lining did its job brilliantly in wetter sections, but we also weren’t left with two steaming feet when the sun finally decided to make an appearance.

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Inov-8 roclite G 345 GTX men’s walking boots

Inov-8 roclite G 345 GTX men’s walking boots
  • Best: Men’s walking boots for grip
  • Sizes: 6–13
  • Weight per shoe: 345g
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Black/lime
  • Why we love it
    • Lightweight for Gore-Tex
    • Supportive
    • Doesn’t overheat

We immediately liked the space these boots afforded our feet, and we could instantly tell they were going to make for very good walking companions. Once on, we were pleased to find the boots didn’t pinch our toes, instead allowing them to create a nice firm base to walk on.

On the outside, the sole had plenty of confidence-inspiring grip over all kinds of terrain. It flexed well over hard rock, while the lug pattern dug into muddy trails, but didn’t get clogged or bogged down, so there’s security with every step. The spongy midsole felt like it was really helping maintain momentum, too, especially when we started to get heavy legs.

This was also helped by the weight of the shoe, which Inov-8 has managed to keep to a mere 345g, which is very impressive for a boot lined with Gore-Tex. The high ankle offered good support while remaining supple, and the laces adjusted easily and never came undone. When the sun did make an appearance, all the other materials that make up these boots meant we weren’t left with overheating feet, either.

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On cloudridge men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots shoes hiking
  • Best: Men’s walking boots for spring/summer hikes
  • Sizes: 6.5–13.5
  • Weight per shoe: 410g
  • Waterproof: No
  • Colourways: Grey/black
  • Why we love it
    • Excellent ankle support
    • Comfortable
    • Provides bounce
  • Take note
    • Not waterproof

The 410g cloudridge shoe is lightweight enough to make for effortless walking with excellent ankle support and a Missiongrip outsole that allowed us to traverse slippery terrain at speed. It also offered a good mixture of protection, as well as flexibility, moving with the feet and curving around rough ground to further cushion the blow of tough terrain.

Our feet felt nicely cradled as soon as we put the boots on, and we were ready to walk after locking in the most comfortable fit with the speed lacing system used by the brand. Where these shoes really stand out, though, is in their ability to almost bounce you along a trail, which seems to be down to the spacious tread pattern on the outsole that allows for greater flexibility as you hit each stride, so the shoe creates its own energy.

The lack of waterproofing makes this an excellent spring/summer shoe, especially with the 3D mesh lining and tongue that add to its overall breathability.

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Arc’teryx aerios FL GTX men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots shoes hiking
  • Best: Men’s walking boots for technical walking
  • Size range: UK 6.5–12.5
  • Weight per shoe: 345g
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Navy, white/beige
  • Why we love it
    • Lightweight
    • Waterproof but breathable
    • Grippy outsole

This shoe is lightweight enough (345g) that it won’t weigh you down on a day hike but, thanks to the combination of materials used in the midsole, they really connect you to the terrain. This makes it much easier to find the right foot placements and stay on your feet when things get a little tricky.

A Gore-Tex membrane keeps the water out without turning the inside of the boot into a horribly humid sweatbox, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole was incredibly grippy on lots of different surfaces, especially wet rock.

The robust toecap adds another level of confidence, as you can eat up the miles quickly without worrying about any hard knocks that might be waiting for your feet around the corner.

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Vivobarefoot magna FG men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots shoes hiking
  • Best: Men’s walking boots for fit
  • Sizes: 6–14
  • Weight per shoe: Unspecified
  • Waterproof: Water resistant
  • Colourways: Navy blue, black/gum, black/white
  • Why we love it
    • Wide fit
    • Looks great
    • No break-in period
    • Protective outsole

The flexibility of these mid shoes offers a real connection to the path you’re treading – in particular, harder, rockier, routes. The nice, wide fit that Vivo is known for works well in a walking boot like this, giving the foot plenty of room to stabilise itself every time you plant it down on the ground.

The mix of a knitted wool collar and leather upper looks great and also feels very natural from the first wear, with no breaking in required. It also means the ankle can move more naturally as you walk, while still feeling supported.

The outsole is strategically raised over the upper, in a wave pattern, to offer increased protection from shale and loose rock trails. Underneath, it offers plenty of grip, and we found it was particularly sticky over rock, while the well-thought-out lug pattern also worked well on looser trails and over grass. Bungee-style walking laces add to the overall wearability, too.

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Adidas terrex AX4 men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots shoes hiking
  • Best: Men’s walking boots for rocky trails
  • Sizes: 7–12
  • Weight per shoe: Unspecified
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Black/grey
  • Why we love it
    • Lightweight
    • Comfortable
    • Grippy, protective outsole

These mid-height boots have more of a trail running shoe feel when you first put them on, as they’re lightweight, with a lace closure that makes the boot hug both foot and ankle.

The midsole complemented a natural walking stride from toe to heel, and we really felt the effects after just a few hours, with lots of comfort and no aches and pains. A Continental rubber outsole provides impressive grip without adding to the weight of the shoe and also offered good protection on harder trails.

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Danner 2650 GTX mid men’s walking boots

best mens walking boots shoes hiking
  • Best: Multi-terrain boots for men
  • Sizes: 6–13.5
  • Weight per shoe: Unspecified
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: Brown/red, olive, military green/brown, black/khaki
  • Why we love it
    • Waterproof but breathable
    • Lightweight
    • Smooth underfoot

The hybrid looks of this shoe mean it’s well positioned to take on a range of terrains, in both warm and wet conditions. It feels very lightweight and cradles the heel and ankle well, while opening out at the forefoot to promote natural stability and confidence.

It’s lined with Gore-Tex, so you don’t have to call time on your adventure when the weather turns, but its suede and textile upper means it keeps feet cooler during spring and summer hikes, too. There’s a smooth underfoot feel with a nicely cushioned midsole, which means the shoe works with you on every foot strike. There’s also an intelligently lugged outsole that will give even the clumsiest climber bags of confidence over rock and looser surfaces. Plus, the fact these are so lightweight means they will really take the resistance out of a long day’s walking.

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Men’s walking boots FAQs

How snugly should walking boots fit?

When buying a new pair of walking boots, it’s important to make sure they fit you properly. If they’re too tight, you may encounter painful blisters, but if there’s too much room, you’ll lose out on ankle support and cushioning. Instead, the perfect pair should fit as well as your most comfortable trainers, not too snug, nor too loose.

Will I need to break in my boots?

Breaking in means wearing your new boots until they mould to your feet. Typically the heavier and more solid the boot, the longer it will take for this to happen.

To break in your new boots, wear them around the house to get used to walking in them, which will later ensure they don’t cause any discomfort when on a trail, hike or trek.

Lightweight boots will require less breaking in and are likely to be more flexible, thanks to softer, more supple materials.

How to clean and look after hiking boots so they last

If you’re walking across muddy, rocky and rough terrains in all weather conditions, you will encounter a build-up of dirt on your boots.

Look after them in between your hikes by lightly scrubbing them with a soft nylon brush, to get rid of any dry mud. You can also scrub them with a gel or spray to remove debris and then wipe off any residue with a damp cloth.

Avoid softening the uppers, as this will cause them to lose their shape and become less supportive. You shouldn’t soak them in warm water during washing either, or use leather-softening products. To help your boots maintain their shape after cleaning, try stuffing them with newspaper, which will also soak up any excess moisture.

The verdict: Men's walking boots

As long as you’re not going to be forging raging rivers in them, the North Ridge Harlow mid-rise boot is perfectly adaptable to all kinds of walks, no matter how ambitious. You really will forget you’re wearing them after just a few steps, thanks to a combination of comfort and lightweight design, but they never compromise on protection and the ability to help you stay well-grounded in a range of weather conditions and different terrains. We were also impressed with the latest version of the The North Face men’s vectiv exploris, while those looking for a budget pair of walking shoes, that will see them through less technical terrain, won’t go far wrong with the Peter Storm Buxton.

Pair your new boots with the best men’s walking trousers that will see you through the toughest hikes

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