As an outdoor enthusiast myself, I understand how important it is to have the right gear for your next adventure. At the start of the pandemic back in 2020, hiking was my outlet. There’s nothing better than getting outside and exploring nature. The right pair of hiking boots will make your next outdoor adventure all the more comfortable. The best part is there are plenty of affordable hiking boots under $100 so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the outdoors.
Whether you’re buying your first pair or are looking for some cheap hiking boots to replace some old ones, this list of best hiking boots under $100 can help you make a decision. Each pair of hiking boots was carefully reviewed or tested by expert hikers to get the best opinion out there.
Table of Contents
Complete List
Name | Height | Waterproof | Prices |
Merrell Moab 2 Vent | Low and Mid | No | |
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 | Mid | Yes | |
Timberland White Ledge | Mid | Yes | |
Columbia Redmond V2 | Low and Mid | Yes | |
Columbia Crestwood | Mid | No | |
NORTIV 8 Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots | Mid | Yes | |
Timberland Mt Maddsen | Mid | Yes | |
KEEN Targhee 3 | Mid | Yes | |
KEEN Targhee 2 | Mid | Yes | |
Adidas Terrex Ax3 | Low | No |
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Top 10 Hiking Boots under $100
Merrell Moab 2
The Merrell Moab 2 is the best hiking boot under $100 if you tend to have hot feet. The combination of mesh and leather make this shoe very breathable. They offer both a low-top shoe (Moab 2 Vent) and mid-height hiking boot. The mid height hiking boot is a great option if you need some more ankle support. The Vibram sole also offers optimal traction and stability while hiking. Personally I’ve seen the Moab 2 Vent hiking shoe on sale for $55 and the hiking boot for $70! Merrell is a high quality brand, and at that price you’ll get your money’s worth.
- Pros:
- They offer wide sizing
- comfortable right out of the box
- Decent arch support
- Good traction
- Cons:
- More water-resistant than waterproof
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 is my runner up for best hiking boot under $100. This stylish hiking boot offers more than just great looks. It’s the best affordable hiking boot for snowy conditions and I love that they offer wide sizing as well. Unlike the Merrell Moabs, this hiking boot is completely waterproof. Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus 2 is the best waterproof hiking boot under $100.
- Pros:
- Waterproof
- They offer wide sizing
- Lightweight
- Good traction
- Stylish
- Cons:
- Can get hot
Timberland White Ledge
Made from 100% leather, the Timberland White Ledge is a great affordable hiking boot under $100 for those looking to be a bit more environmentally conscious. The leather is sourced responsibly, and the rubber sole is made from recycled materials. The lack of insulation is both a pro and a con for this hiking boot. If insulation is important to you, then I would recommend a different hiking boot under $100.
- Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Gusseted tongue means the tongue of the shoe is attached at the base and sides rather than just the base. Less of a chance for smaller debris to get into your shoe while hiking.
- No insulation means less sweaty feet in the summer.
- Cons:
- No insulation. Not the warmest hiking boot for colder climates.
Columbia Redmond V2
Similar in price to the Newton Ridge Plus 2, this shoe is different because of the material used to make the shoe. It’s made out of both leather and mesh. It’s advertised as waterproof but the mesh exterior means water will be let in at some point. If you’re looking for a waterproof hiking boot, I would recommend the Newton Ridge Plus 2 over the Redmond V2.
- Pros:
- Comfortable
- Good Traction
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- Not Waterproof
Columbia Crestwood
Similar to the Redmond, the Columbia Crestwood is made from a combination of mesh and leather making this a breathable, water resistant hiking boot. This mid-height hiking boot is comfortable right out of the box and offers great ankle support. With all the color options, the Columbia Crestwood is the best cheap hiking boot under $100.
- Pros:
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Good traction
- Offered as a low top shoe as well
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- Not waterproof
NORTIV 8 Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots
Priced at $65 and waterproof, these boots are one of the best hiking boots under $100. These might not last you years and years but for $65 you’ll get your moneys worth. Amazon reviews rave about NORTIV 8’s comfortability and soft insoles. This comfort usually comes at a cost of either added weight or lack of support, but that’s not the case here. These lightweight hiking boots have good ankle support. On the downside, the soft insoles will start to wear down after time. If price is a big factor in your decision, these affordable hiking boots under $100 might just be your best bet.
- Pros:
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Comfortable out the box
- Rubber toe box for extra protection
- Stylish
- Good ankle support
- Cons:
- After lots of miles, the soft insoles wear down
- can get hot in warmer months
Timberland Mt Maddsen
The men’s Timberland Mt Maddsen has been a top pick for years, with over 10,000 reviews on Amazon. They advertise an “anti-fatigue” mid-sole which helps for people who are on their feet walking for work or for longer hiking trips. For men, these are the best versatile hiking boots under $100. Plan for some time to break these boots in since they are made 100% out of leather. These are your typical hiking boot. If you need out of the box comfort, I recommend looking elsewhere.
- Pros:
- Waterproof
- 100% leather (sourced responsibly)
- Durable
- Recycled rubber sole
- Breathable
- Good ankle support
- Cons:
- Some reviews mention a break in period
- Fit wide
KEEN Targhee 3
Keen’s Targhee hiking boots are great for wide feet. Both the Targhee 3 and Targhee 2 are waterproof, made of leather, and advertise out of the box comfort. According to Keen’s website, the main difference between the Targhee 3 vs Targhee 2 is its “updated look with a slightly sleeker outsole and more of a sneaker feel.” The colors are pretty darn cute. This hiking boot is the most expensive on this list but you can often find it on sale for $100.
- Pros:
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Wide sizing
- Stylish
- Good ankle support
- Good for multi-day trips
- Cons:
- Retails for over $100 (you can find it on sale for $100)
KEEN Targhee 2
Made out of all leather, the KEEN Targhee 2 is sure to keep your feet dry. This mid-height waterproof hiking boot is comfortable, durable, and made to last. The protected toe may not be stylish but adds extra durability to your hiking boot. These are the best hiking boots for wide feet.
- Pros:
- Made in the USA
- 100% leather
- Waterproof
- Good ankle support
- Good for multi-day trips
- Cons:
- Retails for over $100 (on sale you can find it for $80)
Adidas Terrex Ax3
On the cheaper end of this list, we have the Adidas Terrex Ax3. This is the best hiking shoe under $100 for trail runners or people who are looking to move quickly and don’t need the ankle support. It’s a low-top shoe with good tread, and it’s stylish.
- Pros:
- Versatile. Can be used on and off the trail
- It’s often on sale
- Good tread
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Cons:
- Narrow toe box
- Not waterproof
How to Choose The Right Pair of Hiking Boots
Comfort
Your next pair of hiking boots should be comfortable. It doesn’t matter how stylish or durable your hiking boots are, if they’re not comfortable they’re going to collect dust. Comfortability is all about the right fit.
First and foremost, your toes should not touch the end of your hiking boot. There should be about an inch of space on your toes. This helps on hotter days when your feet naturally swell up and take up more space. The extra bit of space also helps when going downhill and your feet naturally push forward.
The best thing you can do is test your new pair of hiking boots around the house before taking them on the trails. If your hiking boots are too tight or too loose, return them and get the right size. Everyone’s foot is different, and what works for your friend might not work for you.
Support
Depending on your body, you might need more ankle support than your buddy in trail runners. No one knows this better than you do. If you need additional ankle support, then mid-height hiking boots are for you. I can’t tell you how many times my mid-height hiking boots have saved me from a twisted ankle.
Waterproofing
This depends on where you live and where your next adventure is. In San Diego, we don’t get much rain. It’s what I love about this place. On the other hand, a lot of my trips in the winter and spring are to colder climates or snowy terrain, so I personally opted for waterproof hiking boots. Leather is the best material in the long run for waterproofing, but it’s not the best for breathability.
Breathability
If you want hiking boots under $100 that are breathable, then look for something with a little bit of mesh. This will help your feet breath better while hiking, and ultimately keep your feet dry. This is especially helpful for people with hot feet.
This also depends on the climate/ season when you’re hiking. In the summer months, maybe you want a hiking boot with mesh to keep your feet from getting hot. Whereas in the winter months, the leather hiking boots will keep your feet both dry and warm. It’s all dependent on your personal preference and where you’ll be doing the most hiking.
Stability
When hiking, good traction is so important. The last thing you want to happen is slipping on a wet rock because your hiking boots failed you. All the hiking boots under $100 listed are advertised to have good tread on the bottom, and the reviews can back that up. Vibram soles are known for good tread as well as a few others.
The level of traction on the bottom of a shoe also varies. The deeper the rubber soles the better the grip of the shoe.
The Bottom Line
All in all the best hiking boot under $100 is the Merrell Moab 2 or the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2. Both hiking boots offer comfortability, stability, and durability. Depending on whether you want something waterproof or not should sway your decision.
Merrell and Columbia are brands known for making hiking boots at an affordable price without sacrificing quality. For these reasons, both of these companies’ shoes top the list for best hiking boots under $100.
I hope this list helps you decide which hiking boot is best for you.
For an additional list of hiking gear for beginners check out this post.
