Buying hiking boots can be pretty stressful. This is because you don’t know what you’re in for until you get them out on the trail. No one wants a pair of hiking boots that aren’t up to the job. Nothing will ruin your hike faster than foot pain. Hopefully, with our list of the best hiking boots under $100, you will be able to choose a pair of boots that will suit both your foot needs AND your wallet.
You can get various types of hiking boots, from lightweight models for short hikes and hot weather, ranging to robust, chunky boots designed for long expeditions. So it’s a good idea to do some homework before you buy hiking boots.
That’s why we compiled a list of what we consider to be the best hiking boots under $100 available right now. Whether you just like to stroll around the countryside or go on day-long hikes, there will be something for you. Here they are:
- Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
- Skechers Men’s Relment-Pelmo Hiking Boot
- Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Amped Hiking Boot
- Columbia Crestwood Hiking Show
Skechers Men’s Relment-Pelmo Hiking Boot
The Sketchers Relment-Pelmo hiking boots are middle of the range and at a great price. These are an excellent choice for the casual hiker looking for a good level of warmth and waterproofing.
Hikers who wear the Sketchers Relment-Pelmo hiking boots like how they have great traction. This is helped by the flex grooves, which allow you to articulate your feet comfortably, along with the rough and outer soles. This enables you to tackle steep inclines and descents without too much trouble.
Best Seller
Pros:
- Range of colors and styles
- Amazon “Best Seller”
- A good value
Cons:
- Durability is a common complaint
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These boots are very comfortable thanks to the cushioning and midsole, which is thicker at the heel, absorbing shock. They also feature a memory foam insole, which enhances support and cushioning for longer hikes.
Sketchers has equipped these boots with a suede leather upper and sealed seam construction. This ensures your feet stay dry when splashing through streams. We believe these hiking boots are great for people hiking in cold weather and on difficult terrain.
However, they are pretty heavy and take a while to break in due to their stiffness. But if you are prepared to break them in correctly, you will have a great pair of boots at an affordable price.
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Merrell Moab 2 is a classic hiking boot that has been a favorite of hikers worldwide for many years. The Merrel Moab 2 is an updated version and is still worthy of legendary status.
As soon as you slip into these boots, you will see why they have been so popular over the years. The great thing about them is that they are comfortable straight away with a padded collar and tongue. The footbed provides excellent support, and the boot’s flexibility means that you can head to the hiking trail without having to break them in too much.
Top Pick
Pros:
- A Lightweight boot
- High-quality boots and durable
- One of the best options without buying a high-end boot for the serious hikers
- Very comfortable
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a nimble feel
- Too flexible for very rough terrain and carrying a heavy load
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These hiking boots give great support and stability, especially when compared to a trail running shoe. You will undoubtedly notice this when hiking rocky terrain. The softer flexibility makes them incredibly comfortable. However, if you carry a lot of weight in your backpack, these may not be the best boots.
The sole provides excellent grip thanks to the unique tread pattern and Vibram rubber. This makes the Moab 2 from Merrell a great choice for day hikes.
You could buy these hiking boots in waterproof and non-waterproof versions. The non-waterproof version is more breathable and is better for warm temperatures. As long as you don’t mind getting wet feet. However, the waterproof Moab 2 does an excellent job keeping your feet dry when crossing streams and puddles.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Amped Hiking Boots
The Columbia Newton Ridge Women’s Hiking Boots are some of the most comfortable you can buy straight out of the box. This is surprising as they have a rugged aesthetic and leather construction. However, they are not the best choice for long days on the trails.
You’ll like the amount of ankle support these boots provide. They are reasonably flexible but have just enough rigidity to support you on uneven surfaces. The Columbia Newton Ridge offers excellent traction; as long as you are not too ambitious in terms of the terrain you hike. These boots are better for shorter jaunts on moderately tricky surfaces.
Comfort Option
Pros:
- Good value
- Comfortable
- Suitable for hikers with wide feet
- Look great
- Good beginner hiking boot
Cons:
- Not great for long distances
- Not the best choice for experienced hikers
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Columbia is a reputable brand in the outdoors world. Therefore you can expect good durability from these comfortable hiking boots. Columbia has minimized the number of seams within the boot’s construction. They have also sealed the boots as much as possible to make them incredibly waterproof.
These boots are great value and are amongst the most comfortable hiking shoes on the market. We wouldn’t recommend them for long expeditions. Still, the Columbia Newton Ridge hiking boots are ideal for beginner hikers at this price point.
Columbia Crestwood Hiking Shoe
The Columbia Crestwood hiking shoe is popular with casual hikers. This is because they are lightweight and have good traction and durability. They are also among the best value hiking boots on the market.
The Columbia Crestwood’s characteristics mean they feel great during long hikes. They are also well-waterproofed and keep your feet warm while providing excellent traction. The exceptional grip you get from the Columbia Crestwood boots comes from the Omni grip sole. This is a result of optimized rubber compounds and tread patterns to help you scramble over varied surfaces. You will find them helpful in the winter season, as they excel on snowy ground and slippery trails.
Best Value
Pros:
- Excellent waterproof boots
- Durable build quality
- Excellent traction
- Fantastic boots in this price range
- Extremely comfortable
Cons:
- Relatively narrow at the toes, which may cause some hikers problems
- Little ankle support
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If you have narrow feet, there’s a good chance you’ll get a comfortable fit with the Columbia Crestwood. Comfort is enhanced by excellent shock, absorption, and cushioning. A lot of people who wear these shoes love the soft feel from the midsole and the feeling you would typically get with a lighter and stiffer shoe.
Columbia has made these shoes with suede leather and mesh fabric. This makes them look great but also durable and waterproof. The waterproof membrane is breathable. This is great for heat management while ensuring water doesn’t get in giving you soggy socks.
Wrapping Up the Best Hiking Boots Under $100
These great hiking boots offer a lot for their price range. You can expect comfort, traction, and durability. But it would be best if you were realistic about their capabilities. For example, these are not the type of hiking boots for multi-day alpine expeditions. They’re best suited to daylong hikes and casual strolls in the countryside.
Our top pick for Best hiking boots under $100 would have to be the Merrell Moab 2. We like the versatility that comes from exceptional comfort, support, and traction for this level of hiking boots. If you hike in warm climates and don’t mind getting your feet wet, opt for the non-waterproof version.
However, the waterproof version is an excellent option if you want complete protection and don’t mind a compromise in breathability.
Tom Fortune
Tom is an outdoor enthusiast and writer based in the French Alps. Most days, you can find Tom shredding the slopes on a snowboard or splitboard, exploring the mountains on a hike, or hitting the trails on a mountain bike.
