hiking boots at foot of mountain

Guys, Get On The Trail! | Best Hiking Boots For Men

Getting away from civilization and hiking is a fantastic way to experience the natural world.

Even hiking in concrete jungles can let you experience it in a unique way.

The most important tool necessary for making these experiences happen is your set of hiking boots.

man hiking in the mountains

There’s too much beautiful country to explore without making sure your feet are in a great set of hiking boots. Let’s check out a list of some of the best hiking boots for men!

Hiking boots are engineered to maximize the support and comfort your feet have when walking for a long time at once.

Best Hiking Boots For Men List

Normal sneakers and athletic shoes are not engineered for this type of travel, so specify your approach with a nice pair of hiking boots.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the best hiking boots for men!

Merrell Moab 2

Merrell Moab 2

The Moab II by Merrell is a hiking boot that provides durability and comfort for the budget conscious.

First up is the Merrell Moab 2.

Merrell is a brand that boomed in popularity in recent years, so going with the Moab 2 is a steady choice. This is a super affordable boot that is great for those on a budget. In some cases, this boot will be half the price of a competitor.



This is a wide-fit boot, so if you have a narrow foot, this may be a bit too clunky for you.

The materials are durable and comfortable to provide a nice user experience for those who fit in them well.

There is also a low Moab model for those who do not want a higher boot.

A unique factor of the Moab is the wearability right out of the box. While many hiking boots require a few hours in them to fully break them in, Moabs are known to be very comfortable without much of that required break-in period.


Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Granite, 8 M US
$89.99
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01/17/2025 02:58 am GMT

Salomon Quest 4

Salomon Quest 4 hiking boots for men

Although a bit heavy, the Salomon Quest 4 can tackle long treks with the best hiking boots in the industry.

One of the more expensive options on this list is the Salomon Quest 4.

They are built to last, so if your are a serial hiker, this may be the boot for you!

Salomon is an industry leader, and the boats by this company are top notch. The Quest 4 is for serious hikers that will tackle a lot of miles. However, if you’re just going to be taking one or two hiking trips, you might not feel you are getting your money’s worth out of these.


The Quest 4 is an overall great boot, because it is super durable and supportive of the ankle. It is a high boot that secures everything in place. They are a bit heavy, but this is also what helps them last so long.

This is a boot for long trips in rugged terrain. Even though you have to deal with that extra weight, you will be protected against the elements in a better way.


Salomon Quest 4 Gore-TEX Hiking Boots for Men, Olive Night/Peat/Safari, 7.5
$221.43
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01/17/2025 12:58 am GMT



Keen Targhee II

Keen Targhee II hiking boot for men

The Keen Targhee II gives good support to the ankle area and great waterproofing.

Similarly to Salomon, Keen is a mainstay brand in the outdoor footwear industry. Keen also makes work and leisure shoes, but the hiking boots are pillars of the brand and the market.

The overall best Keen boot for the price is the Targhee II. This is an excellent budget pair that still carries the weight of a top brand along with it.

The most common Targhee II is a mid boot, so it provides intermediate support to the ankle area. If you want an extra level of support, the mid option may not be the way to go.



This is also a waterproof hiking boot, so it adds an extra layer of protection as Keen products have great waterproofing.

Overall, the Targhee is very affordable and durable. It faults a little in rough terrain as it lacks a beefed up structure like some of the other options.

But, if you are a casual hiker, this is a great boot.


KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe, Canteen/Dark Olive - 9.5 D(M) US
$164.95
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01/17/2025 03:04 am GMT

Hoka One One Anacapa GTX

Hoka One Anacapa mens hiking boots

One of the newer brands breaking into the scene in the West is Hoka.

Hoka is primarily a running shoes brand, but its recent offerings in the hiking space are of really good quality.

This brings us to the Anacapa.

The Anacapa is a hybrid boot in the sense that it brings the comfortability that a running shoe provides. This includes great padding and support to the heel and foot.



This is technically a “mid” boot, but it is quite high and provides really good ankle support. It is also waterproof thanks to Gore-Tex technology.

The main downside for some people is the look. This is not a traditional hiking boot and utilizes more color and an outward design.

So, if you want a little color in your hiking life, the Anacapa is an excellent option.



Timberland Chocorua Trail

Timberland Chocorua Trail Mens hiking boot

The Timberland Chocurua Trail leather hiking boot is built to last and sports waterproof leather.

Although Timberland has become a major fashion brand in recent years, thanks to their iconic yellow boots, this company still makes great hiking boots. The Chocorua Trail boot is one of the best hiking boots under Timberland’s umbrella.



This is an affordable boot that is made to last a long time. This is a leather boot, so it will take a bit longer to break in. However, the leather is waterproof, which is a nice perk.

If you are cool with hiking in these before your trip to break them in and are taking on pretty basic terrain, the Timberland Chocorua Trail is for you.



Timberland Chocorua Trail 2 Men's Boot
$150.00
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01/17/2025 03:22 am GMT

Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex

Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex Mens hiking boot

The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex hiking boot is lightweight, waterproof and breaks in quickly.



Salomon makes another appearance with the X Ultra Mid 4. This is a modern boot that is very lightweight and waterproof, thanks to Gore-Tex. This is a synthetic boot that breaks in very quickly.

The mid height provides decent support to the ankle, but if you need something more reinforced, Salomon has plenty of high-cut options.

This option is quite a bit cheaper than the Quest 4 that is also on this list. The midsole is not as beefy and focuses on being lightweight while capable of handling a majority of the terrain.



One unique aspect of the X Ultra Mid 4 is the ActiveSupport strap that keeps your foot and laces in place while walking. This strap is attached to the boot and connects with the middle of the laces.

So, when hiking or navigating off-trail terrain, this keeps your foot in a good position and your laces tight.

Overall, if you want something lightweight but still with good backbone, the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 is calling your name.


Salomon X Ultra MID 3 AERO Hiking Boots for Men, Peat/Bungee Cord/Vintage Khaki, 7.5
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Final Thoughts On Best Men’s Hiking Boots

hiker sitting overlooking lake

Even feet in great hiking boots need to take a break so the mind can soak up the beauty and vastness of creation...

Ok guys, we hope this list has provided you with some helpful information on which hiking boots you should purchase.

Be sure to consider your terrain, frequency of hiking activity and conditions of your target destination.

Now, get out there and explore!

The Best Deer Hunting Treestands for your next hunt

Deer season is coming and you’re ready to hunt.

You’ve done your homework on all the local laws, and you’re ready to go bag some venison.

Your rifle is cleaned up and ready to go. You’ve mounted and zeroed your scope of choice onto your hunting rifle.

You’ve spent time at the range mastering your shooting technique. And, you’ve carefully chosen the right ammunition. Maybe you even went all-out and got one of those fancy rangefinding scopes).

But, there’s one more piece of equipment you might want to invest in: a deer stand.

Now, there are a lot of options to choose from out there, and the choices can seem overwhelming. But that’s why I put this guide together.

I’ve spent the time and money to find out the best treestands for deer hunting in 2021 so that you can be sure and get the best bang for your buck. Ready to learn more? Keep reading!

Why Use a Deer Stand?

Basically, a tree stand is a portable way to get yourself up above ground level for hunting.

Unlike a hunting blind, a tree stand can be taken down and moved to another location, and doesn’t require that you build a permanent structure. With a tree stand, all you need is a sturdy tree to gain a huge advantage over your prey.

Being above the ground not only makes you harder for deer to see, but it also helps keep your scent away from skittish noses.

And, it’s safer. Not only is your orange safety gear easier for other hunters to spot in the field, but shooting from an elevated position means that your rounds will travel downward into the ground, and not towards any houses or roads.




Types of Deer Hunting Treestands

There are four main types of deer stands on the market: climbing, hang on, tree saddle and ladder.

Climbing deer stands use a blade that bits into the tree to literally “climb” the tree to the desired height while you sit in the sand and work a foot bar. Climbing stands are extremely portable and easy to use, since they don’t require any sort of ladder, stairs, or climbing stick to use.

Hang on stands use a ratcheting strap to hold a small standing platform onto a tree. Hang on stands tend to be the lightest, but require additional equipment to set up and get in and out of.



Ladder treestands use metal ladder sections that attach onto each other. Once you’ve built the ladder to the desired height, you can attach the stand to the top once you’re ready. These are designed to be more permanent, so they are usually much heavier and more difficult to set up than the other types.

Now let’s take a look at the best options for each of the three types, plus a fourth “special” stand.




Summit Viper SD | Best Climbing Tree Stand

There are some good options in the climbing stand category. Lone Wolf Custom Gear, for example, has been manufacturing light and innovative climbing stands for years.

But there’s one that has stood the test of time. The Viper SD stand from Summit, has been their most popular stand for over 17 years, and it’s easy to see why.

The Viper only weighs 21 lbs but can support up to 300 lbs of weight, so even bigger hunters can feel both safe and comfortable up in the trees.

The best thing about the Viper SD is the QuickDraw attachment cable, which is way easier to use than the pins or bolts that most other treestands rely on. Plus, the seat is very nicely padded for those long hunts.

Best of all is the patented DeadMetal technology. Basically, Summit uses an expanding foam to prevent any metal-on-metal noises or creaking, which helps keep you quiet while lining up that perfect shot.

summit viper treestand

The Summit Viper sports a comfortable seat and has quieting foam, which helps conceal unwanted noises.



Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand, Mossy Oak
$297.67
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01/17/2025 02:36 am GMT



Lone Wolf Assault II | Best Hang On Tree Stand

This baby is both lightweight and extra-quiet.

The Lone Wolf Assault II only weighs 11 lbs, but it’s rated for 350 lbs, and it’s even got a built-in bow holder for all you bow hunters out there.

The skeletonized platform is small enough to place up in a tight cluster of trees, but still wide enough to allow for standing shots, and the padded seat is comfortable.

Plus, it doesn’t creak or pop when you’re getting into position. If you’re in the market for a lightweight, quiet hang on stand, then the Lone Wolf Assault II is the stand for you.

lone wolf assault 2 hang on treestand

The Lone Wolf assault II weighs only 11 lbs!


Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Tree Stand
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Trophyline Ambush Lite | Best Tree Saddle Kit

If you’re looking for a hunting system that you can wear on your back and set up in minutes, look no further than the Trophy Line Ambush Lite.

This kit includes everything you need to get up off the ground, plus a few accessory pouches to store your gear while you “hang out” waiting for your prey. And, the seat is more comfortable than you would expect from something so lightweight.

The best thing about it, though, is that it’s designed specifically for mobility.

The whole thing packs away into the included cinch bag or fits easily into your day bag, which means you can easily set it up where you want it, and then move and redeploy it in another location if you want to.

trophy line ambush lite deer stand

The Trophyline Ambush Lite packs up nice and tight and can be set up in minutes.



X-Stand “The Duke” | Best Ladder Tree Stand

The Duke earns it’s royal name by providing the shooter with a host of added features over more portable treestands.

Sure, it weighs 79 pounds, but it’s still easy enough for one person to set up by themselves, and it’ll go as high as 20 feet.



With that kind of height, you definitely want to make sure your stand is sturdy, and that’s where The Duke’s Jaw Safety System comes in. It uses serrated steel jaws to clamp hard to the trunk of the tree, so you know it’s not going anywhere.

The X-Stand Duke ladder stand is the most comfortable deer stand I have ever used. It’s got a flip-out footrest that not only adds to comfort, but acts as a nice stabilizer for shooting. Plus, there’s a padded shooting rail, multiple accessory hooks, and even cupholders!

the duke ladder treestand

The Duke ladder stand is the most comfortable ladder stand I’ve ever sat in.


X-Stand Treestands The Duke 20' Single-Person Ladderstand Hunting Tree Stand, Black
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X-Stand “The Comrade” | Best 2-Man Tree Stand

Thanks to The Comrade, stand hunting doesn’t have to be a solitary experience.

This baby packs a spacious, curved shooting platform, 2 padded seats, and a center storage console to allow for two hunters to take to the trees together.

It features a full safety harness for both shooters, as well as X-Stands patented Jaw Safety System.

The X-Stand Comrade is a heavy, 2-man ladder stand, weighing in at 125 pounds, but I can’t think of a better way to go hunting with a buddy.

x-stand treestand

The X-Stand Comrade is a great option for hunting with a friend.



X-Stand TreestandsTreestand
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Final Thoughts On The Best Tree Stands For Deer Hunting

Whether you’re trophy hunting or just hunting to put some tasty venison in the freezer, this quick review will hopefully give you the information you need to decide which stand will be right for your next trip to the deer woods.

Hopefully, you’ll have a big set of antlers walk by your deer stand.

Good luck!

view while sighting in riflescope view
Richard Douglas, founder and editor of Scopes Field