Do you want to find the best hiking boots under $100?
We have good news for you. If you want to buy outdoor equipment, you don’t always need to spend a fortune. This also applies to hiking boots. Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean bad, and in fact, you can choose between many affordable, high-quality boots.
The biggest problem is going through all of the options and figuring out which shoes are best for you. We have put together this article to take the guesswork out of shopping and to help you find the best choice that is right for you.
Whether you’re looking for the best winter hiking boots under $100 or you are looking for hiking shoes for wide feet, we have you covered.
We cover the best men’s hiking boots first and then move on to the best hiking boots for women, so if you’re a woman, use the table of content to jump to your section.
Are you short on time and just want to see our most highly recommended boots? Then check out the following:
Our favourite boots for men:
- Best hiking boots overall: KEEN Men’s Targhee II Waterproof Mid
- Best lightweigth: Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus II
- Best waterproof: Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof
Our top picks for women:
- Best hiking boots overall: Hi-Tec Women’s Skamania
- Best lightweight: Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3
- Best waterproof: Timberland Women’s Mt Maddsen
Quick Summary: Best men’s hiking boots under $100
BEST OVERALL
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Waterproof Mid
- Waterproof
- Great all-rounder
- PFC-free
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus II
- Lightweight
- Full-grain leather
BEST WATERPROOF
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof
- Very affordable
- Best for shoulder seasons
BEST FOR SUMMER
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
- Very breathable
- Not waterproof
- Best for hot days
BEST FOR WINTER
NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Insulated
- Great traction on snow
BEST FOR WIDE FEET
Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera Mid Waterproof
- Comes in wide sizes
- Great cushioning
- Sizes not true to fit
Best hiking boot overall
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Waterproof Mid: Our top pick for the best hiking boots for men is the KEEN Men’s Targhee II. These boots come in just under USD100, and they’re perfect for anyone who’s looking for an all-rounder boot.
The shoes are waterproof but breathable. That means you can go trekking with them on rainy days, but you can also use them in summer. The special KEEN membrane is going to keep your feet dry and comfortable, letting vapour out so you won’t end up sweating.
What’s even better is that the leather is treated with PFC-free water repellant, so you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals on your boots.
In addition, the KEEN Men’s Thargee boots offer excellent stability for most trails. The middle eyelet, through which you pull your laces, continues around the shoe to the heel. This keeps your heel in place and stops you from slipping upwards when walking across uneven terrain.
The front of the shoe is equipped with a rubber cap to offer extra protection for your toes. It also protects your boots, as the leather at the front of a hiking boot is usually the first part that gets damaged.
Unfortunately, the rubber cap makes it a bit more challenging to scramble up a path, as it makes the front of the shoe larger. This shouldn’t be a problem for the average hiker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you walk a lot on difficult terrain.
Overall, these are the best KEEN hiking boots if you don’t want to spend a fortune.
Are they also the best hiking boots of all time? Maybe not, but they are an excellent fit for the average hiker, and they compare well with many far more expensive boots.
Best lightweight hiking boots
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof: If you’re looking for the best light hiking boots, you should consider buying Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus II.
It might not look like it, but this is the lightest men’s hiking boot on this list. In fact, it weighs just below one pound, so you’ll barely feel it on your feet.
Despite its light weight, the Newton Ridge Plus II Suede is waterproof. Its outside is made of full-grain leather with a mesh tongue that provides additional breathability. That means that your feet stay dry, no matter if you’re sweating or hiking through the rain.
Columbia has installed a special midsole in these boots, which provides additional comfort and cushioning. Many people can even use those boots straight out of the box without having to wear them in.
Plus, they provide excellent grip and traction for most kinds of terrain. This makes them one of the best hiking boots on a budget that we could find.
When buying the boots, you’ll notice that you can choose from many different colours. Plus, you can opt for wide sizes if you have wide feet. With that much choice, you’re guaranteed to find a boot that you love.
Best waterproof hiking boots
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof: This shoe is easily one of the best waterproof hiking boots under $100.
Timberland is known for making excellent work boots, but some of their shoes are also perfect for hiking. The White Ledge Mid is a full-leather boot that is not just comfortable but also looks good. As the leather is soft and flexible, they are easy to break into, and it won’t take you long before you can take them on your first hike.
Even though the Timberland boots look heavy, they are surprisingly light, weighing only around 1.1 pounds each. This means that they are amongst the lightest boots on this list.
The full leather cover keeps your feet dry when walking through grass and smaller puddles, making the shoes some of the best hiking boots for water.
Unfortunately, the water resistance means that breathability isn’t always the best. If you take these boots out in the middle of summer, your feet might overheat, so they’re more suitable for the shoulder seasons or colder climates.
Nevertheless, with an affordable price and excellent comfort, they belong on this list of best men’s boots under 100 dollars.
Best summer hiking boots
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent: If you are looking for the best summer hiking boots, you should check out the Moab 2 Vent.
These shoes breathe exceptionally well and will keep your feet cold even on hot summer days. They don’t have a waterproof membrane and come with a large mesh, which means that air can circulate and your feet won’t overheat. In addition, sweat can easily evaporate.
This makes them some of the best hiking boots for hot weather.
Unfortunately, the lack of a waterproof membrane also means that the Moab 2 Vent is not great for rainy days. We would therefore recommend it mainly for day hikes. Check the weather in the morning, and if it’s going to be hot and sunny, then this is the perfect shoe.
In addition to being well ventilated, these boots have excellent traction and are comfortable straight from the box. They are pretty low, so they won’t stabilise your ankles, but this won’t be a problem on day hikes where you only carry light luggage.
In addition, research has never proven that boots help prevent ankle sprains, and some scientists suggest that they actually increase your risk of injury.
The controversy about high- vs low-ankle boots aside, though, we think that the Moab Vent 2 is one of the best cheap hiking boots out there that you should check out.
Best winter hiking boots
NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots: NORTIV 8 makes some of the best winter hiking boots for men.
While Nortiv 8 has a wide range of outdoor footwear, their winter boots immediately caught our attention. The company produces various types of affordable insulated boots, and even though some of them are more suited for covering short distances in heavy snow, we found a pair that is perfect for winter hiking.
The shoes are well insulated, so they keep your feet warm. In addition, they provide good traction, making them the best hiking boots for snow on this list.
The front is covered in dark plastic, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning the boots. Even if you use them in the city, you can wipe off any salt stains easily. Of course, the shoes are also waterproof, so your feet stay dry while you hike in winter.
If you decide to buy the Nortiv 8 Insulated Hiking Boots, keep in mind that these are winter hiking boots. You shouldn’t try using them in summer, as your feet will likely overheat.
For winter, though, these boots are perfect. Plus, they are amongst the cheapest boots on this list, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. Even if you only occasionally hike in winter, they might be worth the investment.
Best hiking boots for wide feet
Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera Mid Waterproof: If you have wide feet, you might find many regular hiking boots uncomfortable. They might not fit you, or they leave you with blisters at the end of the day.
Fortunately, a lot of companies offer wide sizes. One of them is Hi-Tec, with their Bandera Mid Waterproof, one of the best men’s hiking boots for wide feet under $100.
These boots are comfortable and have lots of cushioning, so they are easy and quick to break in. The traction is good, and you’ll find these hiking boots suitable for most trails. Plus, they’re waterproof, so they will keep your feet dry when it suddenly starts raining.
The combination of leather and mesh, with a breathable membrane, means that these boots work well in most seasons. They prevent your feet from overheating in summer and keep them warm in winter.
Plus, they are very affordable, making them one of the best hiking boots under 100 dollars.
Just be careful when ordering them. The size seems to be slightly off, and most customers need half a size larger than what they usually get. Knowing that, though, you should have no problem finding a boot that fits, even if you have wide feet.
Quick summary: Best women’s hiking boots under $100
BEST OVERALL
Hi-Tec Women’s Skamania
- Waterproof
- Great all-rounder
- Good stability
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3
- Lightweight
- Breathable mesh lining
- Water-resistant
BEST WATERPROOF
Timberland Women’s Mt Maddsen
- Full-leather boots
- Waterproof
- Stylish
BEST FOR SUMMER
Merrell Women’s Yokota 2
- Very breathable
- Great for hot days
- Lightweight
BEST FOR WINTER
Manfen Women’s Hiking Boots
- Very insulated
- Great for snow
- Waterproof
BEST FOR WIDE FEET
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus
- Comes in wide sizes
- Easy to break in
- Waterproof
Best hiking boots overall
Hi-Tec Women’s Skamania Mid Waterproof: One thing quickly becomes apparent when researching the best hiking boots. Women’s feet are not just smaller on average than men’s feet, they also have a different shape. Some of the main differences include a more narrow heel and a differently-shaped arch.
Therefore, when buying hiking boots, it is essential to look at a model specifically designed for women. Unisex shoes will never be as good.
One of the best hiking boots for a woman is the Skamania from Hi-Tec. It is covered with leather and nylon, and the Hi-Tec breathable membrane allows air to circulate, so your feet don’t get sweaty.
At the same time, the material is waterproof, so you can go hiking with these boots on rainy days.
In addition, the Skamania boots are very easy to break in. Hi-Tec equips them with a special EVA mid-sole, which makes them more comfortable to wear. They are amongst the best hiking boots for beginners, as you don’t need to wear them for long before setting out on your first hike.
Despite all of these features, the Skamania never feels clunky or heavy. It’s relatively light for a boot and offers excellent stability. A toecap at the front protects your toes, and the sole offers great grip and traction even on difficult terrain.
Whether you’re looking for the best day hiking boots or for the best boots for a longer trip, we’re sure you’re going to like this one.
Best lightweight hiking boots
Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3: There are many qualities to look for when shopping for the best hiking boots. Lightweight is one of them.
Heavy boots can make you feel tired halfway through your hike. If your shoes are too heavy, you need more strength and effort, especially when walking uphill.
None of the boots on this list are particularly heavy (except maybe for the best winter hiking ones), but if you’re looking for a model that is lighter than the rest, you should consider the Merrell Siren Edge 3.
They are amongst the best rated hiking boots for women that you can get, and they only weigh slightly over one pound.
Technically, they are shoes and not boots, which is why they are so light. Nevertheless, they are perfect for hiking. The low weight and lower centre of gravity help you find stability even on rugged terrain, so you won’t miss the ankle support.
The mesh lining makes it easy for your feet to breathe and for any sweat to evaporate. At the same time, these shoes are waterproof, so you can take them out on rainy days.
Don’t expect them to stay completely dry if you walk through water, but if it’s just some regular rain, you should be fine.
Plus, Merrell equips the Siren Edge 3 with a non-slip sole, so you get enough traction on wet and slippery surfaces. The shoes also dry very quickly through their breathable membrane if they ever get wet.
Overall, the Merrell Siren Edge 3 is one of the best hiking shoes under $100 that you can get.
Best waterproof hiking boots
Timberland Women’s Mt Maddsen: One of the best cheap hiking boots for women is Timberland’s Mt Maddsen.
Timberland makes excellent boots that don’t break the bank, and the Women’s Mt Maddsen is no exception. The boots are covered in full-grain leather, which makes them very sturdy and waterproof.
At the same time, they remain breathable through the tongue. You might not want to wear them on hot summer days, as there’s still a risk that your feet will overheat, but they are great for rainy days and the shoulder seasons.
Even though the boots are made from leather, they don’t feel very clunky and are still relatively easy to break in. The sole offers additional arch support, which makes them very comfortable to wear.
All in all, we think that these are amongst the best value hiking boots. Plus, as they’re made entirely from leather, we think that they look very stylish. They come in different colours, so you can choose the one you like best.
Best summer hiking boots
Merrell Women’s Yokota 2: Merrell makes excellent hiking boots, which is why we have found a second model that we recommend for women. The Yokota 2 is one of the best hiking shoes under 100 dollars that you can get, and it’s especially good if you want to go outside in summer.
The mesh lining is very breathable and lets air circulate, which is essential on hot days. Your feet won’t overheat or get tired from the warmth, so you can keep going all day long.
In addition, they are equipped with antimicrobial agents, so they don’t smell, no matter how hot and sweaty you get.
The Yokota 2 comes with nylon shanks, which give your arches more support and, in general, make the boots more durable.
Since they’re mostly made out of a mesh material, the Women’s Yokota 2 don’t weigh much. They are not as light as the Siren Edge 3 we recommended above, but they’re still pretty lightweight.
All in all, we think they are the best hiking boots for women who often go out in hot weather and don’t want to spend a fortune on their new shoes.
Best winter hiking boots
Manfen Women’s Hiking Boots: If you’re looking for the best hiking boots for winter, you have very different requirements from those who mostly hike in summer.
Winter hiking boots need to be insulated and waterproof, and they have to keep a good grip on snowy and muddy terrain.
Fortunately, the Manfen Women’s Hiking Boots fulfil those criteria, making them some of the best hiking boots for cold weather. And unlike most winter hiking boots, they don’t break the bank either!
The Manfen boots have 200 grams of Thinsulate, a thermal insulation material that keeps your feet warm, no matter the weather. They provide excellent grip in the snow, too.
The boots are also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about walking through slush and mud. This makes them the best snow hiking boots we could find for under 100 dollars.
Of course, 200 grams of insulation makes your feet likely to overheat on hot days, so we wouldn’t recommend wearing them in summer. But if you’re going winter hiking and need to stay warm, the Manfen boots are a perfect choice.
Best hiking boots for wide feet
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus: If you have wide feet, you are more prone to blisters in regular-sized shoes.
Fortunately, many manufacturers also produce shoes in wide sizes. The Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus is one of them. Not only are they very comfortable for wide feet, but they are also amongst the best-rated hiking boots for women, and they are very affordable.
The Newton Ridge Plus is comfortable to wear and easy to break in. You don’t need a long time before you can take those boots on your first long hike. They might look stiff, but the leather cover is surprisingly soft and flexible.
In addition, they are pretty light for being made out of leather. If you want genuine lightweight boots, you’ll need to go for one of the shoes mentioned above, but for what it’s made of, the Newton Ridge Plus is light enough.
The leather cover makes the boots waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about going out on a rainy day and stepping into puddles.
Plus, the sole provides decent traction on muddy and wet terrain, though it might not be enough for very difficult hikes. For most regular and moderate walks, though, we think that the Newton Ridge Plus is one of the best wide hiking boots you can get.
We hope you now have an overview of the best hiking boots under $100 that you can buy. Both of us believe that you don’t need to spend a fortune on gear, as there are great value boots that you can get.
The affordable hiking boots we mentioned above are especially good for beginners, as they make it easy to get outdoors. But they are also great for regular hikers who are looking for new gear.
In the end, the best hiking boot for you is going to depend on your personal requirements, and what works well for you might not be suitable for someone else.
If you have tried any of the shoes or have found any other great boots that you think should be included in this list, please let us know in the comments below.
Until your next adventure!
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