The La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX Boot for men is a nice boot that is relatively lightweight and durable. It generally provides good protection, stability, and traction. Despite not being the lightest or fully waterproof, this is still a pretty good option for burly day hikes and light backpacking.
The Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot for men is a high-grip and comfortable option that can be used for single-day and weekend backpacking trips. While it is not the most durable option on the market, its comfort and performance put it in a sweet spot for day hikes and shorter backpacks.
The Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid TF Hiking Boot for men is a comfortable, cushioned, and stable option that is well-suited for those who prioritize optimal fit over long-lasting durability. Some questions about sole durability mean these may not be the longest-lasting boots you will ever buy, but the all-day comfort, contoured fit, and weatherproofing makes these boots a great option for hikers who spend time on and off the trail.
The La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Mountaineering Boot for men is a lightweight, waterproof, and durable option for those who want a comfortable, warm, and moderately-stiff boot. Despite not having a full-shank for extra stability, the support provided by these boots makes them suitable for most conditions, while the seamless and synthetic upper aid in waterproofing. Unless you spend prolonged periods of time on vertical ice, these heavy-duty boots should get the job done for almost all adventurers.
The Arc’teryx Acrux SL Approach Shoe for men is a high-grip, lightweight, and low-profile shoe that works well on both climbing and approaches. The shoe provides enough support to carry moderately heavy loads on approaches, providing a nice combination of stability and climbing performance.
The La Sportiva TX4 Approach Shoe for men is a supportive, comfortable, and rigid option for those who want high performance for approaches. The tendency for the shoe to run hotter may not make it suitable for those who live in consistently warm climates, but for hikers and climbers who want a grippy and flexible, yet stable shoe, this is a great choice.
The Scarpa SL Activ Backpacking Boot is a sturdy and comfortable boot for backpacking and longer day hikes that require a lot of support for the feet, and shine on wet days with their completely waterproof outer. With a few days of breaking in, these boots are comfortable and sturdy around the foot and ankle, with a great grip on all terrains and true craftsmanship, although this high-quality work does make the SL Activ an overall heavy shoe. These boots are on the more expensive side, but many feel that the durability and dependability are very much worth it.
The Adidas Ultra Boost ST Running Shoe for men is a comfortable and roomy sneaker with a good balance between springiness and support and great traction. With a comfortable upper and good all-around padding, the weak point of the shoe is the shallow heel cup, which can be a bit uncomfortable. A particularly good fit for wider feet, the UltraBoost ST is meant to be comfortable and durable enough to justify the high price, but some quality control issues have set it back a bit. Nevertheless, this is a good option for those looking for a well-padded running shoe that can also offer a bit of stiffness in the midsole.
The Arc’teryx Acrux SL GTX Approach Shoe for men is a comfortable, lightweight, and stable shoe, that efficiently combines durability and a lighter-weight to provide a highly-versatile hiking and climbing shoe. Despite some issues with sizing and a longer break-in time, once you find the correct size and break in the shoe, you will be happy with the grip, the snug fit, and the waterproofing abilities.
The North Face Verto S6K Glacier GTX Boot is a warm, stable, and waterproof option for those who need a combination of an approach and climbing shoe for multiple occasions. The high-quality materials, lighter-weight, and warmth provided all make this a great option.