Top 10 Best Hiking Boots for Men in the UK 2021 (Salomon, Keen and More)

Choosing the right boots is like finding the right mate – your interests have to align and they must complement where and how you like to trek. So, like an open-air, shopping cupid, we’re going to help you find your perfect match. 

The first thing you’ll need to consider is the type of boot you that will suit you best. While there are an intimidating array of styles out there, we’ve narrowed it down to the three most common. 

These beasts are designed for multi-day trips out in the country carrying heavy loads. They tend to have a high cut that completely covers the ankles, and therefore offer excellent support. They're made to be supremely durable and are capable of tackling on- or off-trail trips.

 
You’ll need to be committed to purchase these though, as they’re often the most expensive of the options. They’ll also require a longer period of breaking in, which could see that you aren’t able to get out in the open air as soon as you’d possibly like. 

While technically not a boot, shoe-boots are certainly worth considering. This style has been growing in popularity over the last decade and are suited to casual hikers. 

They’re closer in looks to typical trainers, so they could cross over into your day-to-day life more easily. Generally these shoes are lighter, smaller (and therefore easy to pack) and don’t require breaking in. 

They do have their downsides though, the main one being that they offer less in terms of ankle support, so you’ll want to watch your step. They’re also less durable, so may not be the best choice if you like to get out a couple of times a week.   

Day hiking boots could be considered the middle ground between a lightweight hiking shoe and a more cumbersome backpacking boot. They come in a variety of sizes from mid- to high-cut models and are meant for long day hikes or short backpacking trips. 

They’re often rather flexible (especially compared to bigger boots) and thanks to this adaptability they require little time to break in. This style of boot will offer more support than a shoe, but not as much as a sturdier set.  

Now to the materials used in the boots. First up we’re going to look at the sole, because what's the first thing everyone does when they pick up some hiking boots? Check out the lugs. 

In case you don’t know, lugs are the bumps and rivets on the sole which provide traction when you’re out and about. Choosing the right sole depends on the terrain you plan to walk on. Deeper, thicker lugs are best used on muddy and wetter hikes, whereas shallower lugs are better suited to stony, rocky landscapes. 

Another factor of the sole you’ll want to consider is the material. More often than not these will be made of rubber. The best and most popular boots will often have Vibram outsoles, as these have long been the standard by which all other rubber soles have had to match.  

Next up is the midsole. As the name suggests, this part of the shoe sits between the insole and the outsole. The midsole's job is to cushion and protect your feet by acting as a shock absorber. 

This part of the shoe will also largely determine its stiffness, and although initially that may not sound great, if you’re walking on rocky, uneven terrain it can be a godsend. 

The majority of midsoles use either EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or TPU (thermal polyurethane). TPU is stiffer and more durable, so it is more likely to be found in chunkier backpacking-style boots. 

EVA is a bit cosier and lighter, and often makes for a cheaper boot. However, the density of EVA can vary from brand to brand as it depends on where they think the support is needed.   

Next up you’ll want to consider the outer, or the upper, of the boot. This is everything on the outside above the midsoles. A variety of different materials and fabrics can be used, though again, we haven’t mentioned all of them, just the ones you're more likely to come across.

A classic walking boot material, full leather offers brilliant durability, good water-resistance and is tough enough to withstand lots of wear and tear. This material is more likely to be used on day or backpacking boots than hiking shoes. 

However, leather boots can be heavy and not very airy, so they’re not ideal if you’re planning on taking hiking trips in warmer climates. This material will also require plenty of breaking in time before you can think about extended trips. 

Nubuck is, of course, a type of leather, only it has been treated and buffed and actually looks more like suede. This gives the leather better breathability as well as making the boot more flexible. 

While these types of boots still require some breaking in, it will be less than with standard leather pairs. Plus, even with this, they still retain the best characteristics of traditional leather: their durability and water-resistance. 

Synthetic hiking boots can be made from polyester, nylon, synthetic leathers or even canvas. These are often found in more modern boots, which are lighter, more breathable, quicker to dry and require little to no break-in time. They're more economical, too. 

However, the only issue is that this material is just not as durable as the others, so they may wear down sooner if you’re getting out there often.  

Last but not least, you’ll want to check if your hiking boots come with a liner. This will more than likely be waterproof and allows you to comfortably walk in the rain without getting the dreaded soggy socks. 

Brands can use their own waterproof material lining, or they can outsource and bring in brands such as Gore-Tex, which are widely known for their impermeability. 

It’s worth mentioning, though, that these linings can compromise breathability, so for hot weather walking you could choose a boot with no liner.

Now that you’re all clued up on how to buy a pair of boots that match your walking habits, let’s take a look at some of the best available to buy online today. From Salomon to Adidas, we have some fantastic choices from trusted companies.

We believe that if you thoughtfully consider the factors discussed in the buying guide and apply them to your regular hiking situation, you'll no doubt find a perfect match. So, that'll be one less thing to worry about when your enjoying the great outdoors – now you just have to remember where you parked the car! 

Author: Lewis Clark