Best Hiking Boots Under $100

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If you want to find the best hiking boots under $100, then this guide is for you. We’re here to show you that being on a budget definitely doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the outdoor life!

Buying the best hiking boot under $100 doesn’t have to mean missing out on big brands, either. A number of the best outdoor companies offer some of the best men’s and women’s hiking boots for under 100. Including Columbia, Timberland and Merrell hiking boots.

Best hiking boots under $100 – Our Best Pick

We’ve selected the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus range as the best hiking boots under $100 because it offers great value, durable, and stylish hiking boots for both men and women. Whichever you go for, this option features great traction, water-resistance and comfort in a good selection of sizes. In a choice of colors, it looks good too.

Women’s Columbia Newton Ridge Plus

Men’s Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II

If you want the best waterproof hiking boots under $100 – from a leading brand and with some of the best hiking boots reviews around – we can help.

So read on to discover the best hiking boots under 100 that will take you on short treks or longer walks – and will even allow you to hike the trails in comfort and style. Some are also dual purpose, as they’re suitable for everyday wear too.

Compare the best hiking boots under 100

Take a look at this comparison table for a quick at-a-glance guide to the best hiking boot under $100.

Choosing the best men’s or women’s hiking boots under $100

Buying the best hiking boots for women or men under $100 still involves an investment, so here are some key features to consider when choosing.

Fit

Getting a good fit is often paramount when it comes to having comfortable feet, especially on longer hikes or uneven terrain.

Many of the top outdoor brands offer half sizes and wider fittings to help make sure you get the best hiking boots on a budget.

It’s one of the main reasons why a lot of people tend to stick with a brand they know well – such as Merrell. If it’s new to you, reading the latest reviews carefully can help pinpoint any potential issues according to the shape, size and width of your feet.

Comfort

Getting a good fit can certainly contribute to comfort, but matters can be improved further if the manufacturer has designed the walking boots you want with the wearer’s comfort in mind.

Look out for features like memory foam insoles, shock absorption and EVA padded footbeds which can make the shoes feel lighter with every step.

Purpose

How often you intend to wear your hiking boots might determine the style you want and how much you’re prepared to pay.

For longer or more frequent walks such as in our great National Parks, the toughest, most rugged products will often make the best hiking boots for men or women.

If you want them for everyday wear as well, take a look at the Skechers for men and women as well as the men’s Columbia Crestwood and the women’s Keen Elena.

Traction

Good grip can be key when hiking, especially on slippery or uneven ground. Check out the user reviews to see if they mention how good the level of traction is.

Top brands also tend to have invested heavily in getting this right, which is why we’ve included products from makers like Columbia, Merrell and Timberland.

Waterproofing

The product descriptions for most of the boots detailed here do state that they’re waterproof, but we’d advise you to think of it as water resistance.

Again, reading recent customer reviews can shed some light on just how water resistance you can realistically expect during very heavy rain or when crossing water.

In some cases this has been highlighted by existing owners during our research, so we’ve included it under ‘cons’ for that listing.

Best hiking boots under 100 dollars – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best budget hiking boots?

Even when you’re on a budget, quality can be everything when it comes to supporting and protecting your feet.

If you aren’t comfortable, then you’re not going to enjoy the exploration, fresh air and exercise that the hiking experience offers.

For us the best budget hiking boots are those offered by leading outdoor and footwear brands, who’ve spent a lot of time and money in getting things right. That’s why we feature only top branded hiking boots here.

What are the best beginner walking boots?

Getting comfortable, supportive footwear that fits well is essential for a beginner. You’re unlikely to ever become an experienced hiker if you’ve been put off by inadequate or ill-fitting footwear!

If you are just starting out and don’t want to spend too much money, we’d advise purchasing a pair of boots that are also suitable for everyday wear.

That way you won’t waste your hard-earned dollars, even if you don’t have the time or inclination to take to the trails too often.

What are the best waterproof hiking boots under $100?

As mentioned above under what to look for when choosing, many hiking boots should be considered water resistant rather than waterproof.

Walking through deep water or during a heavy downpour may mean some moisture makes its way in. If you want true waterproofing, you may need to flex the budget a little, but even then it will never be 100% foolproof!

Best hiking boots under $100 reviews

Merrell Moab 2 waterproof hiking boot

• Men’s hiking boots
• Mid height

Although it can vary according to the exact size and color selected, it can be possible to buy these Merrells for less than $100. When that’s the case, these are a serious contender as best men’s hiking boots under $100.

The fact that they come in 14 colors is a testament to the popularity of one of the best hiking boots for men on the market. They are waterproof, and this mid-height boot is also designed to keep dirt, dust and debris out.

With lugs 5mm deep, good grip is assured, while an air cushion heel and Vibram sole provide long lasting comfort. There is also a toe cap to protect the front of the foot.

Pros:

• Comfortable, reliable boots
• Leading brand
• Waterproof

Cons:

• Water resistant rather than waterproof
• Price varies by color & size

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus hiking boot

• Women’s hiking boots
• Mid height

Again the price varies a little according to which size and color you order this Columbia footwear in, but it’s pretty easy for most to get them for under $100. This is also among the best hiking boots for women out there.

Depending on availability, there are up to 23 colors to choose from and this product attracts plenty of very positive reviews. It looks pretty neat too – rugged, yet stylish enough for casual wear even when off the trails.

Columbia’s OmniGrip system provides assurance that you’ll remain sure-footed wherever you roam, while the durable and comfortable construction means this pair of the best budget hikng boots is built to last.

Pros:

• 23 colors
• Stylish and durable
• Dual zone OmniGrip system

Cons:

• Limited toe space
• Cost depends on size & color

Timberland White Ledge hiking boot for men

• Men’s hiking boots
• Full height

Timberland is another outdoor brand that can be relied upon to offer consistently stylish and high quality outdoor footwear. This full height option also receives some of the best hiking boots for men reviews on Amazon.

You can pick between light and dark brown and black, though again the price does vary depending on exactly which options you select. The boot has a smart full-grain leather upper that not only looks good, but it also keeps out water too.

Sealed seams also guard against moisture seeping in, while rustproof hardware helps to make sure this pair of Timberland men’s hiking boots looks good for a long time to come. The brand even use leather from environmentally responsible tanneries.

Pros:

• Stylish looks
• Good waterproofing
• Environmentally responsible leather

Cons:

• Some have reported eyelet issues
• Price determined by color & size

Skechers Trego Base Camp hiking boot

• Women’s hiking boots
• Mid height

It’s hard to go past Skechers when it comes to comfort, and this pair of women’s hiking boots under $100 is no different. The sole is made with the brand’s air cooled memory foam, making every step easier than ever before.

With a relaxed fit, this pair of Skechers is pretty good for everyday wear as well as hiking, so they’re great if you want all-purpose footwear. There are some attractive color combinations too, with contrast trim to add interest.

Like other Skechers, these are ultra-comfortable and lightweight and offer the ideal balance between feeling and looking good.

Pros:

• Ideal for everyday use
• Air cooled memory foam
• Nice color options

Cons:

• Water resistant rather than waterproof
• Some sizes & colors more costly

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II hiking boot

• Men’s hiking boots
• Mid height

We’ve already covered a pair of Columbia hiking boots for women, and now we turn to the male version. This time we’ve selected the Newton Ridge Plus II, which is one of the best lightweight hiking boots under $100 for men.

An impressive 30 color options is yours to choose from, and a lightweight, padded TechLite midsole makes sure your feet stay comfortable all day long. Again this contender as best waterproof hiking boot has Columbia’s own OmniGrip traction system.

The toe and heel are reinforced for durability and a water resistant, seam sealed build should mean staying dry even when the weather’s not. Columbia also provide a handy sizing chart to help ensure a good fit.

Pros:

• 30 colors
• TechLite midsole
• Reinforced heel & toe

Cons:

• Not the most waterproof
• Cost determined by size & color

Merrell Moab 2 Vent hiking shoe

• Women’s hiking shoes
• Low height

There are many people who always buy Merrells, and if you want to join them how about getting the best hiking shoes under $100 rather than a higher rise boot? A low-height shoe like this certainly has its advantages.

Simply because there’s less material, it’s lighter in weight, and it’s also easier to slip in and out of. Another bonus is that low-rise hiking shoes are often better suited to everyday wear. Not everyone who travels wants to carry a lot of luggage, and buying hiking shoes can help with that when you go on a lot of trips. Why pack two pairs when one will do?

Despite being lower profile, these Merrell hiking shoes under $100 for women come with outdoor-ready features like 5mm lugs for superior traction, a tough toe cap, a Vibram outsole and a cosy EVA contoured footbed.

Pros:

• Lighter in weight
• EVA contoured footbed
• Vibram outsole

Cons:

• Not as supportive as mid or high rise
• Can cost more than $100

Skechers Relment-Pelmo hiking boot

• Men’s hiking boots
• Mid height

The Skechers brand offers something a little different for those seeking the best hiking boots for men under $100. If it’s comfort you want, the memory foam sole inside this pair of Skechers hiking boots for men has to be worn to be believed.

There’s a nice range of color options to please those also searching for stylish footwear, and the soft suede finish also looks good. With a relaxed fit, these are great boots for everyday wear as well as light to moderately active use.

Skechers has firmly established itself across the world as a brand successfully combining style and comfort, and the men’s Relment-Pelmo is certainly a contender as best walking boots under 100.

Pros:

• Memory foam insoles
• Style & comfort combined
• Ideal for everyday wear

Cons:

• Not as rugged as others
• Price may vary by size & color

Timberland White Ledge hiking boot for women

• Women’s hiking boots
• Mid height

We’ve covered the men’s version of the Timberland White Ledge above, and the female fit are also very good hiking boots under $100.

These dark brown hiking boots for women have a more rugged look than some and are built for outdoor action with rubber lug outsoles and inner cushioning to provide shock absorption.

Like the male White Ledge, the full-grain leather is sourced by Timberland only from tanneries that meet strict environmental responsibility criteria. Good to know when you enjoy spending time in the outdoor world.

Pros:

• Rugged outdoor boots
• Environmentally sound leather
• Shock absorbing inner padding

Cons:

• Only one color option
• Price varies slightly by size

Columbia Crestwood hiking boot

• Men’s hiking boot
• Mid height

Another of the most affordable hiking boots for men comes from Columbia. The Crestwood offers a more relaxed fit than the Newton Ridge Plus II, so like the Skechers option, it’s well suited to everyday wear as well as walking.

Despite this, it has all the sort of features that make Columbia walking boots so popular, including a non-slip traction outsole and lightweight, cushioned inner. Again for those who want everyday footwear that will also let you take to the trails, this is perhaps the ideal product.

Once more these best lightweight hiking boots under 100 attract a good number of positive customer reviews as well as being made by a well-established outdoor brand.

Pros:

• Relaxed everyday style
• Lightweight cushioning
• Traction outsole

Cons:

• Some report small sizing
• Cost can vary by color & size

Keen Elena hiking boot

• Women’s hiking boot
• Full height

Our final pick as best affordable hiking boots is the Elena from Keen. Keen boots normally cost over $100, but this sneaker-style footwear is a little more pocket-friendly. It also comes from a particularly eco-conscious brand.

It may not look like the most rugged footwear out there, but there are some tough features hidden beneath that soft leather exterior. Happy owners adore them, especially for the comfort and support they offer.

There is an EVA midsole and even integral insulation designed to keep feet cozy even when the temperature dips as low as -4° F. Making these a contender as best winter boots under $100 too. The grip is also good, and for wear in warmer weather, the breathable mesh lining helps to combat overheating.

Pros:

• Sneaker style
• Insulated yet breathable
• All terrain traction outsole

Cons:

• Not a traditional hiking boot
• Certain sizes may cost $100+

Best hiking boots under $100 Summary

We hope you liked this guide to the best hiking boots under $100. If you want to know more, why not check out our posts on the best shoes to wear at Disney, hiking Ohio’s Brandywine Falls or exploring Rockbridge State Nature Preserve?