When it comes to hiking and backpacking footwear, there are two schools of thought, and we’re into both. Some people prefer boots with a stiff midsole and a super supportive, ankle-high upper when hauling pack over rugged ground. Other folks pack minimally and don’t feel like they need quite as much support, opting instead for light and nimble shoes so they can move swiftly down the trail.

Our Gearhead® Experts fall into these different camps, so we found it easy to speak to both. Check out our top hiking and backpacking boots and shoes for men.

When we want pack-hauling support without giving up agility, we lace up the X Ultra 4 Mid Shoe. This shoe is built with a GORE-TEX membrane, making it perfect for shoulder season backpacking when there could still be some snow in higher places. It’s notably secure in the heel and roomy in the toe for comfort without heel lift, mile after mile.

When we’re looking for the classic support of a full height hiking boot, the Quest 4 GTX is hard to beat. The Advanced Chassis midsole helps control flex, reduce ankle strain, and enhance stability, protecting our feet when we’re carrying large loads over uneven terrain. Snowmelt and mud are no match for its nubuck leather upper and GORE-TEX membrane.

For many years, the TPS 520 has been a go to for load-hauling freaks everywhere. The stiff soles give the boot torsional rigidity for lateral support when you’re overloaded with eight days of food, while three shock absorbers in the midsole provide relief for areas of the foot that receive the highest impact. This boot’s full-grain leather upper will last and last, and if you finally wear out the outsole, it can be replaced. Now that’s eco-friendly.

This boot has remained virtually unchanged for over a decade, and for good reason. The unique combo of nubuck leather and high-tenacity nylon resists the beatings of gnarly talus descents, and the PU midsole finds the perfect balance of support and cushioning. Like many other Asolo boots, this one can be resoled, so you can be sure it’ll be supporting you from the ground up for years to come.

The name of the game here is ankle support and a sneaker-like feel. With ample vents and no waterproof membrane, this is our lightweight boot of choice for warmer weather hiking. The midsole features a minimal nylon shank to improve support, while a Vibram TC5+ outsole confidently grips stream bottom rocks when we need it most.

Meet some uniquely breathable waterproof footwear. A lot of perspiration is generated when we hike all day and it needs somewhere to go. To solve this problem the La Sportiva Men’s Spire GTX Hiking Shoe has unique aeration channels in the midsole that give water vapor an escape route without letting outside water get in. Plus, the Vibram XS Trek outsole will grip pretty much any terrain you can feasibly find, while the fit is more accommodating for a wider range of feet than La Sportiva lasts of yore.

Many of our Gearheads prefer the lightweight comfort of the HOKA Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoe over heavier boots for backpacking. Its double layer mesh upper breathes and drains well and the 4mm drop encourages natural gait. Most importantly, the 35mm of max-cush EVA foam keeps our feet fresh when we’re putting in max mileage days. This shoe has a narrow toe box, so snag the wide version if you want a little more toe splay.

Yes, it looks amazing, but does it perform too? Also, yes. The Norda 001 Shoe delivers surprising energy return thanks to its Vibram SLE midsole, so we can crush miles quickly without foot fatigue. The upper is woven with highly durable Dyneema® threads so it will hold up to your toughest scrambles. A feature that could fly under the radar is the meshlessness of the upper—it keeps out sand so you won’t have to dump out your shoes every 5 min when desert hiking.

This shoe is identical to the X Ultra boot above, just without the ankle support. It’s fully waterproof and features the same ADV-C chassis for stability without restricted movement. The fit is also identical to the boot version—secure in the heel and roomy in the toe for comfort without heel lift. This shoe features Salomon’s addictive Quicklace system—if you haven’t used it before, you just may become a convert after wearing this shoe.

If you feel like you’ve never quite had enough cushion, try the Anacapa. The stack is high, the squish is big, and the feeling of flying is very real. While this shoe is rockered, neutral, and light like a running shoe, it also has hiking boot-like features such as a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane and durable nubuck leather.

In a word? Balanced. The Agility Peak has been one of Merrell’s most popular trail running shoes for a long time, now in it’s 5th iteration, there’s only more to like. At 31mm in the heel and 25mm in the forefoot, this shoe’s FloatPro Foam midsole relieves heel pounding without giving up groundfeel. The resulting 6mm drop fights fatigue without the stiletto-like feeling of a high drop shoe. And the upper is breathable yet tightly woven to keep out debris. See, we said it was balanced.

We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your hiking or backpacking footwear pick. Remember, you can choose many features based on the preferences of your feet. Some people love stiff boots with ankle support and others like high-squish, ultralight trail runners. There’s no wrong answer. If you have an opportunity to stop by one of our stores, please do. Our Gearheads would love to help you find your perfect shoe.

Q: Do I need ankle support for hiking or backpacking?

A: If your ankles are prone to rolling, or if you just like the feeling of stability, choose a mid- or full-height boot that will support your ankle. Some people who carry very heavy loads also appreciate the support of a full-height boot. This question can only be answered by your own feet and ankles though! Ask them what they think.

Q: Can I hike in a trail runner?

A: Absolutely. Many of us here at Backcountry prefer to hike in trail runners because they are light, cushy, and drain well and dry quickly when we get them wet. The feeling of moving nimbly up and down the trail is frankly a little addictive.

Q: Can I backpack in a trail runner?

A: Yup. If your pack is decently light and you don’t have a history of rolled ankles, you can totally backpack in a trail runner. We recommend a little test hike, however, to make sure your feet and ankles are up to the task. Fully load your pack and do a few miles on uneven terrain to see how it feels before embarking on a long backpacking trip.

Q: Do I need a waterproof hiking shoe?

A: Not necessarily. We prefer to wear non-waterproof shoes for most three-season hiking and backpacking because they are light, breathable, and dry quickly. If you walk through a stream in waterproof shoes and the water pours over the top, it will fill up like a bucket and dry slowly. There’s a time and place for waterproof footwear, however. If there’s snow on the ground or if the daytime temperatures are cold, we wear waterproof shoes hiking and backpacking to prevent cold-related foot injuries.