6 Best Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots in 2022 (Outdoor Guide-Reviewed)

As you may know, hiking sneakers aren’t technically boots. Sure they share the same wide frame and thicker insole, but hiking sneakers don’t share the same level of ankle support. That means you're just as susceptible to rolling your ankle on an unfortunately placed rock as you are in any footwear. 

However, because hiking sneakers are breathable, lightweight, and cheaper than other hiking footwear, they’re often picked for trail walking. You may see the occasional novice wearing hiking sneakers to take on a tricky backslope, but it’s definitely not recommended or safe. 

Day-hiker or mid-length boots are made to support your ankles on uneven terrain. They also provide better support than a hiking sneaker for pack carrying. Typically, day hiking boots are far more breathable than backpacking boots, so they can also be worn for around-town errands.

They’re the perfect boot for anyone that spends most of the day outside and on their feet. Day hiking boots will often be lightweight, which allows for a faster, less intensive hike. 

Mid-length boots are usually available in sneaker-like designs without being actual sneakers. They also have a lower, sleeker profile than their backpacking counterparts. This is a plus for fashion-conscious hikers who seek to blend the durability and ankle support of hiking boots with the stylistic range of hiking sneakers. 

Backpacking boots are the real steel of the hiking world. These boots offer major stability, and they support your ankle to prevent it from rolling. A rolled ankle is more likely to happen with a heavy pack or on uneven ground, so ankle support is the primary focus. 

We should mention that while most backpacking boots are waterproof, not all are. This is important if you're hiking in around puddles or in the rain. Shoes get heavy when they're wet, and backpacking boots usually are already pretty heavy. 

If your boots aren't waterproof and happen to get wet, then you'll be lugging around a few extra pounds of weight per step. That adds up quick on a long hike!

You'll usually find full-grain leather on heavy-duty backpacking boots, but it's used for other styles too.

Full-grain leather is going to be a lot less breathable than other materials, but it's waterproof. And the thick leather protects your feet and ankles from cuts and scrapes. Full-grain leather takes a little longer to form to your foot, so it's essential to break them in before a long hike.

It's worth noting that full-grain leather is also naturally highly durable. While the sole of the boot, seams, and other sections may eventually break down, the full-grain will likely still be intact. Anyone searching for a boot that they plan to own for years should consider full-grain leather boots as an option.

Nubuck leather is a durable leather that’s been treated to be more breathable than other types of leather. It’s also generally more comfortable, making it a go-to for hikers that have issues with the fit or feel of full-grain leather boots. Nubuck can be waterproof and strongly resembles suede at first glance. 

Split grain leather, also called suede, combines the toughness of leather with the breathability of synthetic materials. It's a popular material for hiking sneakers and the occasional day-hiker boot. 

Because split-grain is often paired with synthetic material, it's generally the most breathable and comfortable hiking boot. However, split-grain leather boots typically have more seams, which increases the chance of tearing.

Split-grain leather and Nubuck are similar in terms of feel and look. The most significant difference is that Nubuck will typically be water-resistant (if not entirely waterproof) and is considered more durable. Whereas, the breathability of split-grain makes it a popular choice in drier climates.

It's common practice to make hiking boots with animal products, but several companies make vegan-friendly hiking boots. Vegan boots are made from synthetic materials that can breakdown a little quicker than leather. However, durability is primarily based on the brand.

Generally, it's better to search for hiking boots made with 100% synthetic materials instead of searching for specifically vegan hiking boots. Most manufacturers don't market their hiking boots as vegan. 

If you're having a hard time finding the right vegan hiking boot, we've included some on our top ten list. Vegan hiking boots are usually lightweight and can be waterproof.