If you are just a weekend hiker or a hardcore backpacker, looking for the best men's waterproof hiking boots should always be your priority when you are buying hiking gear.
Your feet are the main propellers, so you need to look for hiking boots that can provide the comfort and protection that they require.
Using regular sneakers or shoes won’t be a good idea because accidents can happen while you are hiking.
If your feet are not well-protected, you might end up spending weeks or even months in your house because of foot injuries.
If you have no idea how to find the right pair of hiking boots, we're here to help. We've reviewed five products and provided a short buyer’s guide and gave answers to FAQs.
Comparison Chart
Best Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots Reviews
1. Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots
Columbia Sportswear has been on the market since 1938 and known for specializing in manufacturing some of the best hiking and sports gear.
The Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots is one of the leading models that they currently have, so let’s check out what makes these boots special.
Product Highlights
The Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots has an Omni-grip traction rubber outsole that would provide an amazing grip for different kinds of terrain without slipping or getting injured.
It comes in two fittings: wide and normal, so people with slim and wide feet won't have a problem with getting the right fit.
The Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots also offers a combination of durability and lightweight construction.
You can use it for almost all types of weather conditions, but it is not too heavy on your feet, so you won’t feel the pressure even if you walk for long hours.
It has a padded tongue that is exceptionally soft, so it won’t be a burden on the upper part of your foot.
It also gives you the freedom to tie your shoelaces as tight as possible.
The Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots is made from suede, PU coated leather and mesh uppers, and since it's waterproof, it will keep your feet dry and protected at all times.
It also has D-caps lace closure, which you can wrap up to your ankles.
Lastly, the front part has toe protection, while the back part has a rubber cap for protection.
What We Like
We love that the Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots is its padded tongue.
Also, if the boot is too loose, you can tie the shoelaces tightly so it won’t go off while walking.
Another great feature is its overall waterproof construction.
The PU coated leather and mesh uppers would make sure the inside and outside of your shoes would stay dry, even when it's snowing or raining.
What We Don’t Like
If you are a hardcore hiker, the Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots may not withstand continuous usage.
Although the quality is good, there are instances when the hiking boot sustains considerable damage after using it regularly.
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2. NORTIV 8 Men's Hiking Boots
NORTIV 8 is a famous brand that produces a wide range of outdoor footwear.
They provide some of the highest-quality boots that can withstand the harshest and toughest conditions in the wild.
The NORTIV 8 Men's Hiking Boots is one of the best in their arsenal and the most stylish models they have.
Product Highlights
The NORTIV 8 Men's Hiking Boots provides comfort and protection when you are hiking.
It is known for its waterproof protection as well as the microfiber and heat-reflective lining that would keep your feet dry and comfortable the whole day.
It also features a durable outsole along with multi-directional lugs that would allow you to walk in any terrain.
The NORTIV 8 Men's Hiking Boots is available in a variety of styles and colors.
It comes with a four-inch boot shaft and a cushioned EVA footbed that would enable you to move easily.
It provides a premium waterproof upper, and the boot itself is oil- and slip-resistant.
What We Like
The overall design of the NORTIV 8 Men's Hiking Boots is one of its strongest selling points.
The shaft measures about six inches from the arch, while the heel is around one inch.
The waterproof, heat-reflective lining and the microfiber can make sure that your feet will be protected from moisture and water.
Another best feature of the NORTIV 8 Men's Hiking Boots is the durable rubber outsole that lets you walk on different terrains safely.
It has a perfect grip, which makes the boot extremely versatile.
What We Don’t Like
Although the NORTIV 8 Men's Hiking Boots is waterproof, you cannot walk through muddy puddles.
It is not a good choice if you plan to hike during extreme weather conditions since the water might enter your shoes.
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3. Skechers Verdict Men's Boots
A lot of people don’t have any idea that Skechers manufacture hiking boots since they're more famous for their athletic and colorful skate and casual sneakers.
The Skechers Verdict Men's Boots is one of the most durable and stylish hiking boots Skecher created.
Product Highlights
The Skechers Verdict Men's Boots was once called “Sergeants”, a fashionable hiking boot made in Vietnam.
It is made from oiled suede upper or smooth leather, making it sturdy, stylish, and easy to clean.
The outsole is made of high-quality rubber that provides excellent traction and flexibility on grassy and greasy conditions.
As for the Skechers Verdict Men's Boots' midsole, it provides more comfort and support because of the steel shank placed in it.
The shock absorption will make sure that your feet will not be hurt when you are walking for long hours. It can also decrease the chances of injuries.
The seam-sealed waterproof design can guarantee that your feet will always stay dry even if it is raining while you are hiking.
The padded tongue and collar are both great features since they provide more comfort and stability for the top area and your ankles.
The Skechers Verdict Men's Boots also features full, six-eye lace with hexagonal metal eyelets to help you adjust the lace with ease.
What We Like
The style and design are definitely the strong points of the Skechers Verdict Men's Boots.
It might be simple, but you can see its elegance and durability based on how the boots were made.
Although the Skechers Verdict Men's Boots looks heavy on the image, it is actually very light and will not weigh you down when you are hiking.
What We Don’t Like
The only issue with the Skechers Verdict Men's Boots is the size.
It runs small compared with other models.
If you want to make sure that it would fit perfectly on your feet, get at least two sizes bigger.
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4. EYUSHIJIA Quicksilk Men's Hiking Boots
The EYUSHIJIA Quicksilk Men's Hiking Boots is one of the top models of Eyushijia, and it comes with a wide range of features.
It is also one of the most stylish models on the list.
If you are looking for a hiking boot that is both attractive and functional, this might be the right choice for you.
Product Highlights
The EYUSHIJIA Quicksilk Men's Hiking Boots is made with faux leather, which is popular for hiking boots because it lasts for a long time.
It also features a rubber sole that would guarantee that it can withstand any type of trail when you are hiking.
The rubber sole offers an excellent grip, so it doesn’t matter if it is a rocky or greasy surface since it can keep you stable and steady.
For the interior section, the EYUSHIJIA Quicksilk Men's Hiking Boots is comfortable to wear because of its EVA foam.
It has a waterproofing membrane that would keep your feet dry even if it is snowing or raining while you are hiking, as well as will remove the moisture from the shoes.
The foam can make sure that you will be comfortable while wearing it and the waterproofing membrane.
The Quicksilk EYUSHIJIA Men's Hiking Boots also features a padded collar that would secure the upper back-end of the shoes.
It comes with a wide fit to make sure you won’t struggle to get the right size for your fit.
The laces have synthetic coating so they won’t easily rust.
What We Like
The best thing about the EYUSHIJIA Quicksilk Men's Hiking Boots is that it is durable and resistant to impact. The waterproof feature is superb, as well, and it can be used for almost all types of weather conditions.
What We Don’t Like
Although the EYUSHIJIA Quicksilk Men's Hiking Boots has a waterproof feature, it is not advisable to use it during heavy rains.
You also cannot use it on muddy paddles since the water will still seep through the boots.
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5. Timberland Flume Men's Boots
Timberland is an American company focusing on the manufacture of outdoor wear, especially footwear, and they have been in the market for a long time.
Their quality shoes and boots have already reached every country in the world.
The Timberland Flume Men's Boots is one of the best waterproof boots in their line of products.
Product Highlights
The Timberland Flume Men's Boots is made from 100% full-grain waterproof leather and features a rubber sole with a shaft measuring about five inches from the arch.
Similar to the other boots on our list, this has an amazing grip, so you can use it on rocky trails or even on elevated grounds.
The Timberland Flume Men's Boots can also keep you protected throughout the hike.
The upper is made of abrasion-proof leather, and it is fully waterproof.
It has a seam-sealed construction that would protect your feet from streams, puddles, snow, rain, and more.
The footbed is also removable, so if you plan to clean it, you can just remove it and let it dry.
It also features a padded gusseted tongue to provide more comfort.
The Timberland Flume Men's Boots also has a BFSP motion efficiency system that would improve the performance of the boot when you are flexing, supporting, braking, and propelling.
It has multi-directional lugs for traction and a compression-molded EVA midsole that would provide cushioning when stepping on rocky areas.
What We Like
The best feature of the Timberland Flume Men's Boots is its BFSP motion efficiency system since it would guarantee that your feet won’t feel any discomfort when you are walking on different surfaces.
What We Don’t Like
The only issue with the Timberland Flume Men's Boots is its breathability since it has poor ventilation. Your feet would feel hot after hiking for a couple of hours.
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Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best men's waterproof hiking boots is a bit complicated since there are tons of technicalities that you have to pay attention to and understand.
You don’t just look at the durability and appearance of hiking boots.
You have to think about the terrain of the hiking trail, the weather, and the duration of the trail.
Here are some of the most important features you need to look at when you're buying a pair of hiking boots.
1. Waterproof Membrane
A lot of unexpected things can happen during a hike; it might suddenly rain while you are hiking or encounter puddles and streams of water.
Most people don’t really care if a hiking boot is waterproof or not, but seasoned hikers know how important it is to have boots that can keep your feet dry.
The waterproofing feature, though, might sacrifice a bit of breathability on the boots, but some new models can offer both.
You just have to look for waterproof and breathable membranes when looking for hiking boots to make sure that your feet will always be dry or protected from both water and moisture.
2. Weight
You are already carrying something heavy on your back, so adding more weight to your feet will only slow you down.
An additional pound on your foot is like five pounds on your back, making your hike more challenging.
Some people opt for heavier boots, though, since they provide more protection.
That said, there are a lot of lightweight models right now that can provide both comfort and protection.
Although heavier models can provide better stability, it is better to choose something lighter.
You just have to figure out how much support your feet need and choose a lighter hiking boot.
You also have to pay attention to the terrain that you are going to tackle, especially if it is very steep or rocky.
You should use heavy boots if the terrain requires more protection and stability.
If the terrain is not too harsh, using a lightweight boot would suffice since you would focus more on breathability.
3. Traction
The primary purpose of wearing hiking boots is to prevent you from sliding when you are on- or off-trail.
That is the difference between regular shoes and hiking boots.
Regular shoes don’t have the traction that helps maintain your stability on uneven grounds, but hiking boots can provide this.
Hiking boots have an outsole covered in lugs.
If you are going to look for hiking boots, make sure that you check the arrangement of the lugs.
Shallow and wide lugs are often used for smooth terrains such as granite slabs and sandstone.
You can look for deeper and narrower lug patterns since they provide better traction during loose conditions.
It doesn’t matter if the ground is wet or dry because it will grip on the trail effectively.
4. Size
If you don’t mind wearing loose or tight regular shoes, it is not advisable when looking for hiking boots.
When you are hiking, you will spend most of your time walking on different terrains.
If your boots do not fit your feet perfectly, your feet will hurt after a few hours of walking.
The best thing to do is to try out as many pairs of boots as possible to find the one that would fit your feet perfectly.
You have to make sure you do this at the end of the day.
It is also best always to bring socks that you wear during hiking.
You have to make sure that the thickness of the socks would match the boots that you want to wear.
When shopping online, you should look for a brand that you have worn before.
Most shoe companies would use a standard foot model for their shoes, so by purchasing shoes from the same brand, you won't have to spend time looking for the right fit.
5. Material
The material of the hiking boot will determine its durability, comfort, and the level of protection that it can provide.
The material of the hiking boot will also determine its price since better materials are more expensive.
Here are some of the materials that you can choose from:
- Synthetics: This material is easy to break-in, light, and dry faster when it is wet. The only issue is that it is less water-resistant compared to others.
- Split-Grain Leather: This material is breathable and water-resistant. It is also more durable than synthetics.
- Full-Grain Leather: Most hiking boots are made from this type of material because it is durable. The only issue is that it is heavy and less breathable compared to others.
- Nubuck Leather: It is a type of full-grain leather that was modified to look like suede. It is durable and can resist water and abrasion. Although it is quite flexible, you have to spend a lot of time to break it in before you use it for a long hike.
FAQs
1. Should I Get Waterproof Hiking Boots?
It depends on the type of trail that you are planning to tackle. If you are going for a dry trail, you can get extremely breathable hiking boots.
If you are going on a wet trail, you should definitely opt for waterproof hiking boots. If you don’t want to wear different boots for various trails, it is better to get a waterproof hiking boot.
2. Should Hiking Boots Be Tight or Loose?
Hiking boots should always be a perfect fit for your feet. Using tight or lose boots would only cause problems for you while hiking.
If it is too tight, your feet will hurt after a few hours of hiking, while if it is too loose, your shoes might slip off while you are walking.
3. Should I Get a Half Size Bigger for Hiking Boots?
If you plan to order online, it is better to check for reviews since you can see if the boots run small or not.
If you plan to buy boots from a store, you should try the shoes and wear them.
You can get a half or full size bigger if you want since it provides more room for your feet to move, especially if you plan to wear thicker socks.
4. Are Expensive Hiking Boots Worth It?
If you hike on established trails, you won’t need to spend a lot of money on expensive hiking boots.
They would feel the same when you wear them, and the comfort and protection are pretty much the same. As such, you can always opt for a more affordable alternative.
5. How Should Men Wear Hiking Boots?
Men should wear their hiking boots along with full hiking gear.
Although wearing hiking boots can protect your feet, you need all the other hiking gear so to be prepared fully for the hike.
Final Verdict
Among the hiking boot models we reviewed, the Skechers Verdict Boots is the best option because it is reasonably priced and provides the right protection for your feet without sacrificing the quality and design.
Skechers is a reputable brand, so you can expect that their products are also top-notch.
The other four models on the list are top options, as well, but they fell short in terms of comfort and protection when compared to the Verdict Boots.