When it comes to hitting the trail, having a good pair of hiking boots is essential. But, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality pair of boots. Luckily, there are plenty of options for affordable hiking boots under $100 to choose from, keeping you under budget while allowing you to explore the outdoors.
Searching for the best hiking boots on a budget and don’t want to sacrifice quality? We cover some excellent options here for top budget-friendly hiking boots that will serve you well on your next hiking adventure — all while staying under $100!
Expensive isn’t always an option when it comes to outdoor gear purchases – but even the right cheap gear can be high quality. We’ve considered factors like durability, comfort, waterproofing, ankle support, and traction when making these hiking boot recommendations. So, whether you’re an experienced backpacker or a beginner hiker, you’ll be sure to find a pair of affordable hiking boots that fit your needs and budget!
Best Budget Hiking Boots under $100
Below, we’ll take a look at the best budget-friendly hiking boots under $100. It’s always a challenge to find shoes that are both comfortable and sturdy, while also being affordable. To help you make the best decision for your budget, we’ve covered some of the best bang for your buck, cheap hiking boots out there, providing both quality and longevity without breaking the bank.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
Easily our top pick for the best affordable hiking boots under $100, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots are a great all-rounder for all your walking and hiking needs. Inexpensive yet durable, these highly recommended boots will carry you along all kinds of trails, from tough multi-day treks to short day hikes.
Comfortable and long-lasting, these budget-friendly hiking boots fit pretty much perfectly from the first day. The lightweight midsole has been created with cushioning for extra comfort and durability, making the breaking-in period much more comfortable.
Rain, mud and puddles won’t be a problem in these waterproofed leather and suede boots. You shouldn’t get wet feet while wearing these hiking shoes thanks to their seam-sealed construction! And, the Omni-Grip rubber sole of this trail boot provides adequate traction on a variety of terrains — even in wet weather!
As a bonus, these boots are pretty nice looking. While appearance shouldn’t be your top deciding factor in purchasing an affordable hiking boot, it certainly doesn’t hurt! Overall, these top budget hiking boots are well-made, making them one of the best affordable options under $100 for both men and women!
What We Like
- Waterproofed
- Good grip on different terrains
- Comfortable and easy to break in
- Look great!
What We Don’t Like
- Fits narrow – choose the wide version if you have wider feet!
Merrell Moab 2
The Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Boot is one of the best inexpensive trail boots out there. Coming from a company known for their high-quality products, these hiking boots certainly don’t disappoint.
This hiking boot is made out of leather, with mesh on the upper side, a synthetic rubber sole for good traction, and metal hooks for the laces. The long-lasting construction stands the test of time and holds its own on a range of different terrains.
Designed to fit fresh out of the box, these Merrell hiking shoes boast a contoured insole, air cushioning to reduce shock, and a reinforced heel for support — ideal for prolonged hiking adventures. Plus, the insole is removable if you need to replace it once it’s well-worn or want to use your own orthopedic one!
The shoe features a water-resistant membrane that helps to keep moisture out, but also allows any sweat to escape, adding the bonus of breathability into the mix. However, the mesh fabric and breathability limits the waterproofing of this hiking boot (using a waterproofing spray can help). If you’re walking around in summer, the ventilation is perfect — just keep in mind that it might not be the best boot for a downpour!
What We Like
- Good breathability keeps your feet cool on hot hikes
- Feel comfortable right out of the box
- Good ankle support
What We Don’t Like
- Not well-waterproofed
- Don’t have the best grip on wet surfaces
Columbia Crestwood Hiking Boot
Another top budget-friendly option, Columbia Crestwood Mid Hiking Boots are an excellent choice for anyone looking for inexpensive but well-made hiking boots under $100.
Despite being affordable there’s no skimping on quality. Columbia has ensured that the material used in the construction of its Crestwood Hiking Boot means they’re made to last.
Leather, mesh and webbing provide a durable, comfortable fit. The Omni-Tech waterproofing keeps your feet dry while also allowing for breathability, even while tackling the muddiest of trails.
The ideal shoe long walks, Columbia Crestwood hiking boots are super comfortable — you shouldn’t have many issues with blisters or discomfort during your hiking treks. The mid-rise provides excellent ankle support, too.
Overall, these hiking shoes definitely stand up on some tougher trails, and being priced under $100, they’re definitely one the best hiking boots on a budget out there.
What We Like
- Very comfortable and supportive on long hikes
- Lightweight but durable
- Provides good traction on a variety of surfaces
What We Don’t Like
- Waterproofing could be a bit better
- They don’t breathe well on hot hikes
Timberland White Ledge Hiking Boot
Timberland White Ledge Hiking Boots provide a more stylish option on this list of the best affordable hiking boots under $100. The suede, leather and mesh construction come in either black, dark brown or wheat colors, allowing you to choose something that best suits your personality.
There’s substance here, not just style, though. These hiking boots are made from full-grain leather that’s well-waterproofed, with seam-sealed construction providing extra protection against the elements. They feature EVA footbeds and midsoles for comfort on long hikes, with solid rubber grips for good traction.
Add to that some real longevity — these boots seriously last for years. Comfortable, durable, supportive, and affordable, it’s no wonder that they’re so popular!
You’ll also be covered by Timberland’s 12-month warranty, just in case anything goes wrong with the shoe. You can also treat them with conditioning oil to make them look brand new and improve the waterproofing after a while of wearing them.
What We Like
- Excellent waterproofing and quite comfortable
- Great durability
- Very stylish but also highly functional
What We Don’t Like
- The ankle support isn’t as good as some other options out there
Skechers Trego Alpine Trail Hiking Boots
While Skechers is better known for their running shoes, the Skechers Trego Alpine Trail Hiking Boots are a worthy budget-friendly hiking boot contender with a price point under $100. Arguably one of the cheapest hiking boot options for men and women, this is a super comfortable boot that fits almost fresh out of the box.
After a bit of breaking in (which is necessary for all hiking boots), you’ll find that these are some of the most comfy hiking boots on our list. This is attributed to their lightweight build and air-cooled memory foam insole. The ankle support is also great but some people find that the stiff material of these boots irritates their ankles (try wearing thicker hiking socks) .
There’s a range of different colours to opt for, too, giving you the chance to coordinate with your favorite outdoors outfit. In terms of materials, this lace-up hiking boot is constructed from a mix of suede and mesh, which is water resistant (but not fully waterproofed).
What We Like
- One of the cheapest hiking boot options on this list
- Generally quite comfortable
- Come in a range of colors
- Pretty lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Run a bit small
- Not the most technical hiking boot
- The boots irritate some people’s ankles which may require you to wear thicker socks!
- Water resistant but not waterproofed
Foxelli Hiking Boot
Foxelli Hiking Boots are a great addition to any budget-conscious hiker’s wardrobe. These top-value trail boots are lightweight despite being solidly built for both casual and rugged hiking. They have plenty of padding for comfort (especially around the ankle) and even have toe caps for added sturdiness.
The shock absorbent midsoles on this boot are specifically designed to dispel foot fatigue. When combined with solid arch and ankle support, these boots provide plenty of comfort and freedom of movement on outdoor treks.
The slip-proof rubber soles are made with a good grip, too, while the suede and leather material of the upper shoe is reliably waterproof and breathable. Overall, the Foxelli Hiking Boot is a mix of support, durability and style. They also offer both a regular and wide fit for their hiking boots, making this one of the best budget options for hikers with wide feet.
What We Like
- Good option for those with wider feet
- Well-waterproofed (although the waterproofing does degrade over time)
- Comfortable due to the extra padding and foam soles
What We Don’t Like
- Not the most durable boot
- The sole might be too soft for some terrain (e.g. rocky hikes)
Timberland Mt Maddsen Mid Hiking Boot
The Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Hiking Boot is another amazing pair of budget-friendly trail boots from a reliable leather shoe company. Built for both men and women, this is easily one of the best affordable leather hiking boot options out there for under $100.
These inexpensive hiking boots are carefully constructed using responsibly-sourced leather on the upper part of the boot, Rebotl fabric lining (made from recycled plastic bottles), and 100% recycled rubber for the soles. This achieves an eco-friendly, comfortable, durable and best of all, affordable, hiking boot.
From the removable anti-fatigue innersole to the waterproofed leather and gusseted tongue, each part of this hiking boot feels well constructed. Being mid-height gives all-round ankle support while the sole is designed for decent traction on most surfaces.
All in all, these Timberland boots stand up to the test when used for all sorts of outdoor adventures, whether you’re looking for something for walking the dog or tackling a long-distance multi-day trek.
What We Like
- Waterproofed
- Eco-friendly (Made from recycled materials)
- Solid, well-made construction
What We Don’t Like
- Fits small and narrow, not the best for people with wide feet
Columbia Redmond V2 Hiking Boot
The streamlined Columbia Redmond V2 Hiking Boot is a lightweight shoe that’s popular for good reason: it’s super comfortable, and looks stylish.
The boot is made with a combination of leather and mesh, meaning it is both waterproof and breathable. However, the mesh does take away some of the waterproofing, so it doesn’t earn the top points in terms of water resistance.
On the other hand, the breathability means your feet won’t be as sweaty. This feature makes the Redmonds a wonderful boot to wear through the summer.
Overall, this lightweight hiking shoe has been specifically designed to tackle a variety of terrains and is a great multi-purpose hiking shoe. There are more technical hiking boots out there in this price range, but these are a great option for those trying to get the best bang for their buck, especially if you want to use them for more than just hiking.
What We Like
- Comfortable to wear
- Breathable material
- Good multi-purpose shoes
What We Don’t Like
- Not very waterproof (can be improved with a waterproofing spray)
- Squeaky when walking sometimes
- Not the thickest sole
- Not the most durable and the warranty isn’t amazing
Salomon Outbound Prism GTX Hiking Shoes
Salomon Outbound Prism GTX Hiking Shoes are one of the best, budget-friendly hiking shoes out there. And, made by the reliable outdoor footwear company, Salomon, you know you’re getting quality gear. It’s surprising these shoes are such a low price!
While these aren’t quite hiking boots, the Salomon Outbound Prism GTX hiking shoes offer a lot of the benefits of a hiking boot but in a more multi-purpose, lightweight, and breathable form. They’re designed to work on all kinds of surfaces, from wet slippery rocks to loose gravel.
Make sure to choose the GORE-TEX version of these shoes to take advantage of the waterproofing and keep your feet drier in rainy weather.
One downside of choosing a hiking shoe over a boot is the
What We Like
- Multi-purpose (perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities)
- Great for trail runners
- Lightweight, comfortable, and durable
- Made by a high-quality brand
- Waterproof
What We Don’t Like
- No ankle support
- Less water protection than a regular mid-rise hiking boot
Adidas Terrex Ax3 Hiking Shoe
Adidas Terrex Ax3 Hiking Shoes are one of the best affordable choices under $100 for hikers or trail runners who don’t want to deal with heavier hiking boots. Built for those who want speed on the trails, these hiking shoes are designed to be lightweight, weighing in at only 12.5 ounces.
While they may look like a regular sneaker, there’s much more to these hiking shoes than first meets the eye. Built with speed in mind, they still stand up to the test on rugged terrain thanks to their high-performance grip, whether it’s wet or dry.
Not only are they lightweight, but these top cheap hiking shoes are also breathable. So, when you’re working up a sweat out on the trail, your feet will stay dry! Inconspicuous in plain black or grey, they’re also an ideal shoe for day-to-day use, and are as perfect for urban wanderings as they are for trail hikes.
The trade-off for their light weight is the lack of ankle support that you’d find in a classic hiking boot. As well, they aren’t waterproofed — your feet will definitely get wet if you go through any puddles! However, if you love train running, these are an excellent choice for the price.
What We Like
- Very lightweight compared to a full hiking boot
- Good multi-purpose shoes
- Perfect for train runners
- Breathable, comfortable, grippy, and durable
What We Don’t Like
- No ankle support
- Water resistant but not waterproof