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We’ve rounded up the absolute best hiking boots under 100 dollars for both men and women.
We’ve proven that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get a quality, waterproof hiking boot.
So if you’re in the market for the best affordable hiking boots, you will definitely find them here. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, then it doesn’t exist.
Table of Contents
- What to Look for in a Good Boot
- Editor’s Choices
- Men’s Best Hiking Boots under 100 Dollars
- Women’s Best Hiking Boots under 100 Dollars
What to Look for in a Good Boot
Weight
Some cheap boots look nice and may be comfortable but are big and bulky. A little extra weight can make a huge difference on the trail. You might find yourself more tired and not realize that it’s because your boots are weighing you down.
When you have to put extra energy into every step and then you take thousands of steps during a hike, you’re going to be more tired.
Make sure to choose a hiking boot that is a reasonable weight. The lighter, the better.
Waterproofing
Depending on the weather condition you will be hiking in most often, waterproofing may or may not be one of the most important things to you. Almost all boots claim to be waterproof boots but not all waterproofing is equal. Just because a boot says “waterproof”, doesn’t mean it is. You should check the reviews to see if people say they actually are waterproof.
Lucky for you, I did that for you. In each boot review below, I’ll tell you how well the waterproofing holds up to the boot’s claims.
Breathability
It’s hard to make something waterproof and breathable. Some boots do a better job than others. With too little breathability, your feet will end up sweaty and stinky which will make you uncomfortable.
Pay special attention to breathability if you intend to hike in warmer climates.
Durability
It’s a bit harder to know how durable a pair of boots are going to be in the long run because by the time someone has worn them for a long time, they usually don’t think to go back and review them.
Whenever I look at a pair of boots, I check to see if anyone has commented about a boot’s durability. It’s great to see if a backpacker that does long distances (i.e. a thru-hiker) has commented on the durability because boots that can take that kind of treatment will be great for day hikes too.
Editor’s Choices
Men’s Best Hiking Boots under 100 Dollars
Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot
The Timberland White Ledge boots are a solid choice at a great price.
There is extra padding around the collar and tongue, making them very comfortable and a snug fit around the ankles for extra support.
They are made with seam-sealed leather uppers to be completely waterproof. The footbed is specially designed to allow air to circulate and wick moisture away from your feet. This is accomplished by using dual density EVA – a durable, rubber-like plastic.
Timberland boots are known for great traction and these boots don’t disappoint. Built with their BSFP (Brake, Support, Flex and Propel) system, the soles feature “grippy lugs” that work great in rough conditions.
The Timberland White Ledge Boots have certainly earned their place in the best hiking boots under 100 dollars.
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Keen Targhee II are made to be light-weight, comfortable, water-resistant, and have great traction.
They offer slightly more ankle support than many other boots.
Constructed with a breathable leather lining, these hiking boots have a reputation for providing some of the best ventilation compared to similar boots.
It’s recommended by Keen that you order half a size larger than what you would normally wear.
Only expect the Keen Targhee II to be water-resistant, not fully waterproof. They are made with waterproof leather and textile fabric but not treated with any waterproofing chemicals.
Men’s Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Mid
Merrell’s Moab 2 Ventilator Mid is the big brother to their popular Moab 2 Ventilator hiking shoe which may be one of the best hiking shoes.
Moab is not just a town in Utah. According to Merrell, it stands for Mother Of All Boots. Merrell certainly has put a great effort into designing and marketing these boots to still be able to keep them at such a low price!
They are made of suede leather and mesh. The mesh vents on top will let in water but also keep your feet nice and ventilated while hiking.
Beyond being well ventilated, these boots are built with Merrell’s FRESH system that eliminates odors.
These boots feature a removable insole and Vibram sole. There is also a built-in air cushion in the heel to adsorb shocks.
The Moab Ventilator is a great boot for hiking in hot weather and keeping your feet less sweaty.
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
Columbia’s Newton Ridge is the third best seller men’s hiking boot on Amazon regardless of price. This definitely puts it among the best boots under 100 dollars as other top sellers are well over that price.
The uppers are made from PU (polyurethane) coated leather and seem-sealed so this boot is truly waterproof.
The midsoles are made from Columbia’s patent-pending TECHLITE which reduces the weight of the boot and provides good cushioning.
The soles are made of rubber and feature Columbia’s Omni-Grip tread for hiking in rough terrain or rocky terrain.
All-in-all, you can’t go wrong with the Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II. They are great hiking boots.
Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera is a mediocre boot but will suit you if you’re looking for a very affordable hiking boot.
The upper parts of these boots feature a breathable membrane that Hi-Tec claims is waterproof, but is more water-resistant than waterproof.
The soles are made of rubber except for a steel shank that is added for stability.
These boots are a bit heavier than most – weighing in at 3.3 pounds while some slightly more expensive boots are typically less than 2 pounds.
Many customers complain that the lace eyelets break and that they are not very waterproof. Some complain that they are not durable long term.
Despite these complaints, the majority of customers are satisfied with these boots.
Overall, the Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera is a descent hiking boot for the price and will likely serve you well for occasional hikes. But if you’re an avid hiker or looking for a boot to last long term, you’re better off with Timberland’s White Ledge or Columbia’s Newton Ridge.
Merrell Moab 2 Mid
Merrell Moab 2 Mid is an excellent hiking boot, all around. Many of the features of these boots are similar to Merrell’s Moab Ventilators, but the Moab 2 Mid is built to be more waterproof.
Update: Recently the price has climbed to over $100
The uppers are constructed from Suede leather and mesh for ventilation. The extra foam on the tongue does a good job of keeping debris out.
The sole is Vibram which is lighter than rubber, contributing the light weight of these boots (under 1 pound!). They boast a 5mm lug depth which gives tons of traction on rugged terrain and uneven terrain.
All-in-all, these are great leather boots.
Hi-Tec Men’s Logan Waterproof Hiking Boot
Another good value for the price from Hi-Tec, the Logan Waterproof hiking boots may be right for you if you’re looking for budget boots.
They have a textile and leather upper while the sole is rubber. Despite having a rubber outsole instead of the lighter weight Vibram, the Logans only weight 1.2 pounds.
Weight is saved with the lightweight midsole made from the synthetic materials, EVA (same material yoga mats are made from). Also, these boots have a nylon instead of metal shank (a shank is a long thin material that goes from the heel to toe in a boot).
Most customers are very satisfied with the degree of waterproofing these boots offer.
Before you buy, some customers do complain about the arch not providing enough support and that the fit is too wide. So if you are particularly concerned about those issues, these might not be the boots for you.
The vast majority of customers are completely satisfied with these boots. All-in-all, the Hi-Tec Men’s Logan hiking boots are a great value and I would put them above Hi-Tec’s Bandara as far as budget hiking boots go.
Hi-Tec Men’s Altitude VI i Waterproof Hiking Boots
These may be the best hiking boots under $50 dollars you can find. Another solid value from Hi-Tec.
The uppers are entirely leather and treated with Hi-Tec’s I-shield treatment which is a proprietary formula that repels both water and dirt. The inside of the boot is Hi-Tec’s proprietary Dry-Tec technology which is both breathable and waterproof.
The soles are rubber but the midsole is made from molded EVA (a compressible, lightweight polymer).
Weighing in at 1.2 pounds and fully waterproof, combined with a great low price, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Hi-Tech Men’s Altitude VI i.
Ariat Men’s Terrain H20 Hiking Boots
The Ariat Terrain H20 is one of the most heavy-duty hiking boots on this list.
I will emphasize the “heavy” in heavy-duty. These boots weigh over three pounds and are quite bulky.
But with the weight and bulk comes strength and durability. These boots are tough and meant to last. They are also a comfortable fit. Right out of the package, most customers report little to no break-in period.
The uppers are all leather and the sole is rubber. There is also a waterproof lining on the inside. Nearly all customers are happy with the waterproofing. In fact, nearly all customers rate this boot at 5 stars out of 5.
Disclamer: Most sizes and colors come in at right around $100 but some may be slightly over $100.
Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Boots
Timberland has a reputation for great boots and the Mt. Maddsens don’t disappoint.
These boots are made with 100% full-grain leather that is waterproof and a synthetic Vibram sole. They come with anti-fatigue cushioning in the midsole and although there’s not much explanation as to what that means, many customers report wearing them all day comfortably.
These boots aren’t just great for hiking, they are also a great working boot for those on their feet most of the day.
A waterproof membrane lines these boots for added waterproofing using Timberland’s trademarked TimberDry™ eco-conscious technology. It is “eco-conscious” because the membrane is made with 50% recycled water bottles.
You can’t go wrong with Timberland boots and coming in at under $100, the Timberland Mt. Maddsen are really a great choice!
Timberland Men’s Flume Waterproof Hiking Boot
Another winner from Timberland, the Flume’s are a totally solid hiking boot. These are actually more geared towards hiking (whereas the Timberland Mt. Maddsen is considered a great work boot…that you could also hike in).
The Flumes are made from 100% wholegrain leather and are seam-sealed for extra waterproofing.
The sole is rubber and they have an EVA midsole (a compressible, lightweight polymer) which tends to be quite comfortable.
The only downside of these boots are the weight. Each boot weighs a little over a pound so it’s over two pounds for both, which is not too terrible but not the lightest boot around.
Despite the above-average weight, I still consider the Timberland Men’s Flume to be a great choice for hiking boots under $100.
Women’s Best Hiking Boots Under 100 Dollars
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Amped Hiking Boot
These boots are probably the most popular Woman’s hiking boots available. Amazon alone sells between 6,000-7,000 pairs every month.
Not only that, the boots average 4.8 out of 5 stars with thousands of reviews. Very few products on Amazon maintain that high of a rating with thousands of reviews.
These boots are made from leather and mesh to be waterproof and breathable (they deliver on both).
They feature Columbia’s trademarked Techlite™ lightweight midsole and weigh only a pound!
The soles also feature another Columbia trademark, the Omni-Grip™ non-marking traction rubber.
In this price range, the Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Amped are undoubtedly the best women’s hiking boots under 100 dollars.
Clorts Women’s Hiker Leather Waterproof Hiking Boot
Clorts is a very descent choice for an affordable pair of hiking boots if you don’t want to go with Columbia’s Newton Ridge. They are slightly cheaper and a great value for the price.
These boots are known for their breathability while still maintaining their waterproofing. Clorts special Uneebtex membrane lines the inside of the boot and provide the extra waterproofing while adding ventilation.
The boots are lower-cut than many hiking boots so they don’t offer as much ankle support. They are best suited for the casual hiker.
Clorts Women’s Hiker hiking boots aren’t our top choice but If you’re looking for a budget pair of hiking boots for short hikes, these are not a bad choice.
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot
Merrell’s Moab 2 Ventilator Mid is the big sister to their popular hiking shoe by the same name.
The Mother Of All Boots (Moab) Vent is made of suede leather and mesh for uppers. With the mesh you get excess ventilation to help keep your feet stay cool and less sweaty while you hike.
Besides keeping your feet less sweaty (and stinky!), these boots are built with a FRESH system that eliminates odors.
However, with the excess ventilation, you do give up a little waterproofing. These boots are better described as water-resistant than totally waterproof.
These boots feature a removable insole and Vibram sole. There is also a built-in air cushion in the heel to adsorb shocks.
Overall, these boots are a great value for the price and are highly recommended, especially for those concerned about sweaty feet.
Hi-Tec Women’s Bandera Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Hi-Tec Woman’s Bandera is a mediocre boot but will suit you if you’re looking for a very cheap hiking boot.
The uppers feature a breathable, water-resistant membrane. Hi-Tec claims the membrane is waterproof but many customers have said otherwise.
The rubber sole is supported with a steel shank, adding a little more weight to the boot.
Weighing in at 3.3 pounds, these boots can feel a bit bulky and heavy. They have issues with durability in the long-term, and several customers complain that the lace eyelets are prone to break.
I must emphasize that despite these complaints, the majority of customers are satisfied with these boots.
Overall, the Hi-Tec Women’s Bandera is not bad as one of the cheaper pairs of boots on this list. They are probably best for the occasional hiker. As you get more serious and do longer hikes, you might want to upgrade to Timberland’s White Ledge or Columbia’s Newton Ridge.
Merrell Women’s Azura Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
These boots are built for comfort without giving up any other features you love like waterproofing or breathability.
The uppers are made from waterproof nubuck leather, suede, and mesh. They are lined with a GORE-TEX® liner which is breathable and waterproof.
The liner is also treated with Merrell’s trademarked M Select™ Fresh odor control to keep your feet from stinking after long hikes.
These are especially comfortable boots because the footbed is made from another Merrell trademarked feature, the Remember Me Foam™ memory foam. This memory foam is made from 70% recycled material.
Adding even more comfort, is an airbed in the heel that adsorbs shocks.
The soles are rubber and feature M Select™ GRIP tread with 4mm lug depth so they have good traction on difficult terrain and in slippery conditions.
Merrell Women’s Azura is our runner up when it comes to the most comfortable women’s hiking boots. It was beaten by Timberland White Ledge by a narrow margin.
Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine 2 Hiking Boot
Teva’s Ahnu Sugarpine is a good boot if you are looking for a bit of extra ankle support.
The uppers are made from leather and textile while the soles are Vibram. This boot is nice and lightweight, coming in under 1 pound.
Even though the weight and ankle support are the most outstanding features of these boots, they do not disappoint in other areas. Most customers are very satisfied with the comfort, waterproofing, and durability.
Price disclaimer: many of the size/color combinations come in under $100 but some will be slightly over $100.
With the good ankle support and light weight, the Ahnu Sugarpine 2 will serve you well on long hikes and are suitable for a serious hiker.
Timberland Women’s White Ledge Hiking Boot
The Timberland Women’s White Ledge boots are a great choice at a very affordable price.
The boots are a little low cut so don’t offer serious ankle support but the extra padding around the collar and tongue give a little extra support. It also makes them very comfortable and snug around the ankles.
The uppers are made with seam-sealed leather that is completely waterproof. The footbed is made from a dual density EVA (a compressible polymer) that is specially designed to wick moisture away from your feet and allow air to circulate.
Timberland boots have a reputation for great traction and these boots hold true to that. The soles are made with “grippy lugs”, part of Timberlands BSFP (Brake, Support, Flex and Propel) system, that works great in rough conditions.
The Timberland Women’s White Ledge Hiking Boots are very comfortable and certainly deserve to be found among in the best hiking boots under 100 dollars.
Hi-Tec Ohio Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boot
Hi-Tec’s Ohio satisfies most customers who buy them.
Made with suede and mesh for the uppers and rubber for the soles, these boots are reported to be quite durable. The waterproofing also holds up well.
The boots are stiff out of the box and require some breaking in but are nevertheless still comfortable.
Hi-Tec is consistent in delivering descent quality boots that are at a lower price point than others. They are typically not the highest quality boots under 100 dollars, but they will save you a little money.
The Hi-Tec Ohio hiking boots are not as popular as Hi-Tec’s Banderas but you likely won’t be disappointed with your purchase.
Vasque Women’s Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
The Vasque Breeze hiking boots are pushing the price limit of $100 for this post but I am including them because they are really worth the money (even if they’re a little over $100).
The uppers are 100% leather but the best part is that these boots are double-lined with a layer of Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane and a layer of nylon. This lining is both waterproof and breathable.
The soles are Vibram and the boots are very lightweight.
The majority of customers are satisfied with their purchase of Vasque Women’s Breeze 2.0 hiking boots.
Teva Ahnu Montara III Event Boot
Teva’s Ahnu Montara is often priced well over $100 but I’ve seen a lot of deals lately offering these great boots at a smoking price well under 100 dollars.
The uppers are made from full-grain, waterproof leather and the insides sport a waterproof-breathable eVent membrane.
The soles are Vibram and these boots are super light at 14 ounces each.
The vast majority of buyers love these boots! They are impressed with the waterproofing and light weight. These boots are comfortable straight out of the box.
The Teva Ahnu Montara III hiking boots, when discounted, are some of the best hiking boots under 100 dollars.
Final Thoughts
What you may choose as best hiking boots under 100 dollars depends on what you’re looking for. You may prefer lightweight and durable over good waterproofing, in which case Columbia’s Newton Ridge is your boot. Or perhaps you want a breathable boot because you don’t want sweaty feet in which case the Merrell Moab Vents are a great bet.
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