There are few things we love more than heading out hiking into the mountains or the forests. It’s always such a fun adventure and you get to enjoy spectacular views, fresh air, and wildlife, and you get your legs pumping. Keeping your feet happy is an essential part of enjoying your hike and we wanted to share the absolute best hiking boots under $100.

When you think of the best hiking boots, cheap isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. But the great thing is you don’t actually have to spend hundreds of dollars on a super fancy pair of boots to actually get you out on the trails. The best cheap hiking boots will offer you great support and comfort whether you are hiking for 3 kilometres or over 30.

Skip ahead to the best hiking boots under 100 dollars!

We spend every spare moment we have out exploring, hiking and backpacking and we have put some of the best hiking boots on a budget through their paces. In fact, we still use our top pick regularly as we think they are the best value hiking boots on the market right now. You really don’t need to break the bank to get something decent on your feet.

We’ll also look at some of the best hiking shoes under $100 and compare the difference between hiking boots and hiking shoes/trail runners so you can pick what’s right for you (we actually own both).

Our guide for the best hiking shoes under 100 dollars is designed to help you find the right pair for you. The good news is there are a lot of options and we are confident you will find a great pair of boots that will work for you.

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Our #1 Pick for the Best Cheap Hiking Boots

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is our top choice and we think they are the best hiking boots for the money. These are the best women’s hiking boots under $100 and the best men’s hiking boots under $100. We love that they make these for both men and women and they take the top spot in both categories.

Having worn them for several years we can attest to their comfort, durability, and style. Whether it’s a short day hike through the forest, a tough slog up the side of a mountain, or a multi-day hike in the backcountry, these boots can take anything you throw at them.

We can confirm this as we have done all of the above while wearing them, including one monster day of 34 kilometres and over 1,000 meters of elevation gain. Safe to say these have been truly tried and tested on our feet. The high comfort level in these boots is partly due to the lightweight midsole, which provides great cushioning for lasting comfort.

These boots are made from a combination of suede and leather and are fully waterproof which makes them great for wet and muddy terrain, or even in the snow. Columbia has created what they call Omni-grip traction for the soles of these boots and this provides great traction across all terrains, including loose gravel, snow, and ice (we’ve tried all these terrains and can confirm they offer excellent grip).

Considering these are the best hiking boots for under 100 dollars, we have also been really impressed by the durability of these boots. They haven’t fallen apart and they are still waterproof after several seasons of heavy use.

This isn’t to do with the functionality but we also think they are great-looking boots as well as being the best hiking boots for the price. While it may not matter to some, getting a pair of boots you like the look of is important for a lot of people and we think the Elk/Mountain Red combo is a winner.

The one thing to be wary of with these hiking boots is that they run slightly narrow so if you have wider feet make sure you purchase the wider size that they offer. Other than this there isn’t much we can fault these boots for at this price.

What we like:

• Comfortable and durable
• Waterproof
• They look great

What we don’t like:

• The regular fit is quite narrow (order the wide version if you have narrow feet)

The Best Hiking Boots Under $100

Name	Waterproof	Fabric	Weight	Price
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II	Yes	Leather and mesh upper	794g (28oz)	See Prices
Merrell Moab 2	No	Leather and mesh upper	767g (27.1oz)	See Prices
Columbia Crestwood Hiking Boot	Yes	Leather and mesh upper	323g (11.4oz)	See Prices
Timberland White Ledge	Yes	Leather	437g (15.4oz)	See Prices
Skechers Trego Alpine Trail Hiking Boots	Yes	Suede, synthetic and mesh upper	420g (14.8oz)	See Prices
Foxelli Hiking Boot	Yes	Suede leather and mesh	510g (18oz)	See Prices
Timberland Mt Maddsen Mid Hiking Boot	Yes	Leather	907g (32oz)	See Prices
Columbia Redmond Hiking Boot	Yes	Suede leather and mesh	680g (24oz)	See Prices
Adidas Terrex Ax3 Hiking Shoe	No	Synthetic and mesh	312g (11oz)	See Prices
Salomon Outbound Prism GTX Hiking Shoe	Yes	Synthetic	249g (8.8oz)	See Prices

Merrell Moab 2

Another pair of really good hiking boots under $100 are the Merrell Moab 2 Vents. As the name suggests these are the perfect boots if you tend to have hot and sweaty feet. These Merrell hiking boots are mesh-lined so they are extremely breathable. They really do a great job of helping to keep your feet cool on warmer days and the mix of mesh and leather means that they are still durable and won’t fall apart even with the mesh construction.

The contoured footbed also provides great arch and heel support for your feet and the heel cushioning, which Merrell refers to as their “air cushion”, does a nice job of absorbing shock on each step. This helps to reduce the stress on your feet and helps with comfort on longer hikes.

While the venting does allow you to keep cool on warmer days it does mean that they are almost unwearable in wet weather. The vents let water pass through easily so you’ll end up with damp feet very quickly. But if you are just looking for a summer boot to keep your feet cool, these are perfect.

What we like:

• Mesh material keeps your feet cool
• Very comfortable for long hikes

What we don’t like:

• Mesh material means they are not good for wet weather
• The laces aren’t the most durable

Columbia Crestwood Hiking Boot

If you are looking for the best hiking boots on a budget, then consider the Columbia Crestwood hiking boots. They offer full waterproofing with a mixture of full-grain leather and mesh bootie construction. This gives you some breathability while still keeping this boot waterproof. The mid-rise also gives you great ankle support as you clamber over uneven terrain.

One of the nice things about this, other than they are one of the best cheap hiking boots for women, is that they offer a wide range of colour options so you can choose something to really match your style. Not a lot of hiking boots offer this so it is really nice to see.

While they do claim full waterproofing there are other boots that offer better protection in wet conditions but these will do the job in most scenarios. Like most Columbia hiking boots these are really comfortable and are great for long days out on the trails.

What we like:

• Very comfortable
• Great traction

What we don’t like:

• Waterproofing could be better
• Sizing runs a bit small

Timberland White Ledge

Another tried and tested company that makes some of the best price hiking boots that are still high quality is Timberland. Their White Lege hiking boots are an excellent choice and we really like the look of the all-leather construction. These are definitely the best Timberland boots under $100.

This construction will also help with solid waterproofing to keep your feet dry on the trails. In fact, we think these are the best waterproof hiking boots under $100 as they will keep your feet dry in pretty much any conditions.

These boots have great insulation so they are ideal for colder conditions and will keep your feet warm as well as dry. This makes them our top recommendation for the best hiking boots for winter and the best hiking boots for snow as well. The deep treads will give you great traction on slippery and snowy trails making this an all-around winner.

What we like:

• Extremely waterproof
• Warm so great for the winter

What we don’t like:

• Padding round the ankles is a little uncomfortable at first
• Not great for summer hiking as they are so warm

Skechers Trego Alpine Trail Hiking Boots

Skechers are well known for making some of the most comfortable shoes on the market and these hiking boots are no different. While there are better technical boots on this list we think these are one of the comfiest boots on the list. This is mainly due to the memory foam cushioned insole and their lightweight construction.

Like most hiking boots, they will take a bit of breaking in but once you have broken them in you can wear them all day with no issues. One minor complaint that we have is there is less arch support so if you usually look for this in your boots then you may want to try something else.

What we like:

• All-day comfort
• Lightweight

What we don’t like:

• Not the most robust waterproofing
• They run a bit small

Foxelli Hiking Boot

For those looking for the best hiking boots for wide feet, check out the Foxelli hiking boot. They generally offer quite a wide fit and they even offer a wide size fit alongside their normal sizing which is great. You’ll find these lightweight boots to be very comfortable so they are perfect for wearing on long days on the trail.

While the colour and style aren’t our favourites, we realize that this is very subjective and lots of people seem to love them. The well-padded collar and tongue and the soft foam insoles are what keep these comfortable. Your feet will be kept dry from their waterproof design too.

What we like:

• Great for people with wide feet
• Very comfortable

What we don’t like:

• Design is not for us (but we realize this is just a matter of opinion)
• Not good for narrow feet

Timberland Mt Maddsen Mid Hiking Boot

Another great pair of Timberland hiking boots are the Mt Maddsen mids. This is a robust and waterproof pair of hiking boots that will keep you on the trails all day long. The leather construction makes them durable and the deep tread on the soles will give you excellent grip.

One thing to be aware of is that these boots do run quite narrow so we wouldn’t recommend them for people with wider feet. But for those with narrow or regular-sized feet, these will be very comfortable out on the trails and require minimal breaking in.

The heavier construction with the leather makes this one of the best hiking boots for cold weather paired with a pair of thick socks. We are a big fan of these boots practically and we also really like the way they look. Plus they are available in a range of colours so you can find something that works for you.

What we like:

• durable leather construction
• Lots of grip

What we don’t like:

• Narrow fit so not good for those with wide feet

Columbia Redmond Hiking Boot

If you want the perfect mix of a leather and mesh hiking boot then look no further than the Columbia Redmond hiking boots. They have a 50/50 construction and even with all that mesh, they are still waterproof. Although we must say these won’t top our list for the most waterproof boots on the list. With the 50/50 materials, these do let in some water. On the flip side, it does make them quite breathable so they are nice for warmer weather.

You’ll find these boots to be very comfortable and they require very little time to break-in. There is moderate arch support and good ankle support. The tread on the bottom isn’t the deepest so these aren’t quite as grippy as some of the boots on this list but they will still do the trick for most types of terrain. Overall this is another excellent boot from Columbia and it is offered in a couple of different colours.

What we like:

• Comfortable
• Brethable

What we don’t like:

• Not the most waterproof boot
• Could use deeper treads

Adidas Terrex Ax3 Hiking Shoe

While we are huge fans of hiking boots, usually with midrise ankles to offer great support, we also love a great hiking shoe or trail runner. The Adidas Terrex Ax3’s might just be the best hiking shoes under $100. They are super comfortable and extremely lightweight meaning so they are built for some serious speed on the trails.

If you enjoy a little bit of trail running during your hikes, you’ll absolutely love these hiking shoes. They are very lightweight but offer excellent traction with decent treads on the soles. They are made of 100% textile synthetics and the material is tough and durable so it can take a beating on the trails.

The major downside of these hiking shoes is that they are not waterproof but we think that is worth the sacrifice in terms of weight. If you don’t need the ankle support and you want to move fast on the trails, these are a great option for you.

What we like:

• Lightweight
• Breathable

What we don’t like:

• Not waterproof
• No ankle support

Salomon Outbound Prism GTX Hiking Shoe

Another of our favourite hiking shoes is the Salomon Outbound Prism GTX. Salomon make some of our favourite hiking boots but they are usually on the more expensive side of things but we were delighted to be able to include this hiking shoe.

The flat lace system reduces pressure points and the mesh construction makes them super comfortable. The breathable liner will also keep your feet feeling fresh on long hot days on the trail. These are ideal for covering long distances and moving quickly and we’re impressed with the deep tread on the bottom that gives you great grip.

As these are low-rise shoes, they won’t give you the best performance in wet weather as water can get in around your ankles much easier than mid-ankle boots. However, these shoes have a GORE-TEX membrane to give you complete waterproof protection around your foot so when they get wet below the ankle your feet will be kept dry.

What we like:

• Breathable
• Lightweight

What we don’t like:

• No ankle support
• Not the best for wet conditions

What to Look For When Choosing Your Hiking Boots

There are lots of things to consider when buying a new pair of hiking boots. While we have our top recommendation, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II, you might need something a little different than that depending on the terrain you want to tackle, the temperature, the speed you want to move at and so much more.

Here are the top things to look for when choosing your next pair of hiking boots.

Comfort

We think this reigns supreme as the most important factor to consider when looking for new boots. They could provide the best ankle support or be the most waterproof but if they aren’t comfortable you’ll never wear them, or you’ll be miserable when you do.

While we are confident all of the recommendations we have made are comfortable in reality, each person’s foot is different so you will need to find something that works for you. When you buy a pair of boots, try and wear them around the house as much as possible before going on the trails. This will help you gauge how comfortable they are, without getting them dirty so you can return them if you want.

You should also consider the shape of your feet. Some boots fit narrow and snug, while others will be wider at the toes or ankle. Find a boot that will work for your foot shape.

Hopefully, you’ll be putting lots of miles on these boots so you want to be sure you will be comfortable wearing them all day long and on longer trails.

Waterproofing

Consider the type of terrain and weather that you will be covering. If you live in a wet part of the world (like we do in Vancouver), or you will be hiking in the snow a lot, then a pair of boots with excellent waterproofing will be essential to keep your feet dry.

There are many different materials used in the construction of hiking boots but we have found that leather generally tends to work best for long-term waterproofing. Combine this with higher ankles so you can splash through puddles with no issue and you’ve got a great wet weather set up.

Ankle Support

This can often come down to personal preference but you should also consider the terrain you plan to hike in. Generally, we recommend getting boots that support your ankles as it is so easy to roll your ankle, even if the terrain isn’t that uneven.

It’s incredible how much support you actually get from your hiking boots and it has saved us many rolled ankles, or worse when we are out on the trails. That being said, we do own trail runners/hiking shoes that we will often wear on hikes where we know the trails are very flat. If this is the type of thing you are mostly tackling then you may be ok without the support.

Weight

Hiking boots have come a long way over the last few decades and they are no longer super heavy and clunky boots. We are always surprised by how light hiking boots are nowadays and it makes them much more comfortable to wear over long distances.

However, there is still quite a range in the weight of hiking boots and you can go much more lightweight with a pair of hiking shoes instead. This doesn’t matter as much over short distances but if you plan to hike longer distances, heavy boots will become more and more noticeable and will make you and your legs tired more quickly.

If you plan on tackling longer hikes more often than not, then opt for a pair of boots on the lighter end of the scale. And if you plan on trail running, or just enjoy hiking really quickly, a pair of trail runners or hiking shoes may be the best lightweight hiking ‘boots’ for you.

Grip

If you are planning to hike along trails full of loose gravel and dirt, or along snowy and icy trails, then look for a boot with excellent tread on the bottom. The tread on hiking boots is another thing that varies quite widely. While all hiking boots come with a decent level of grip you can get boots with much deeper treads to help you keep your grip across a range of terrains.

For these types of trails, look for a boot with a deeper tread that will offer the extra grip that you need.

Temperature

Depending on their construction, hiking boots over a wide range of breathability. If you plan on hiking in very hot places, or you just want a pair of boots for the summer, then you’ll probably want a boot with at least a partial mesh construction.

Mesh material is much more breathable and it will help your feet from getting too hot and sweaty on warmer and sunnier days. While leather may keep your feet the driest, they also tend to be the warmest boots as well. We haven’t had any major issues with our feet overheating, but it can still affect your comfort level.

The opposite is also true, in that if you are looking for a boot for colder weather and for epic winter hikes, you’ll want a much sturdier construction and ideally something that is at least partially insulated. Again, leather is often a good choice for the best hiking boots for cold weather.

Crampon and Microspikes Compatibility

If you plan on hiking in ice and snow and you think you’ll need crampons or microspikes (read here to see the difference between microspikes and crampons and which is best for you) then look for a boot that is compatible.

Most sites will have a filter to show compatibility with crampons (microspikes are generally much easier to fit on any boot) so you should consider this carefully before selecting a boot for your winter excursions.

Don’t Forget the Socks

Buying a great pair of hiking boots is obviously the most important thing for your feet but don’t forget to grab a really great pair of hiking socks. A lot of people think finding a great pair of thick, woolly socks is ideal (and it can be a good choice for winter) but you’ll actually want to get a thinner, compression type of sock.

Merino wool is an excellent choice. They generally are quite thin and most importantly they are moisture-wicking so they will keep your feet dry for longer. This results in fewer blisters and much happier feet.

We highly recommend anything from Smartwool and our favourites are the Performance Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Sock. Pair these with a great pair of hiking boots and you’ll never have to worry about sore feet again.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of great hiking boots out there and you really don’t have to spend lots of money to get something you feel comfortable with to hit the trails. But the Columbia Newton Ridge II hiking boots really do stand out above the rest as the best hiking boots under $100 for us due to the comfort, sturdy construction and style.

We hope that this list has been helpful and that you are able to grab a pair of hiking boots that you absolutely love!