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The 6 Best Hiking Boots Under $100
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Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the great outdoors, and the right footwear can help you do so safely and comfortably. You can even find a solid pair of boots on a budget. The best hiking boots under $100 are heavy-duty enough to suit your terrain yet light enough not to weigh you down, and have the cut you want for your desired level of support. A nonslip rubber sole is also key for stable trekking.
Your boot’s upper material should suit the kind of environment you’ll be hiking in. Synthetics, like nylon, are easy to break in and are lightweight and quick-drying — but they’re not usually waterproof unless they are treated with a special coating that protects them against water. A split-grain leather boot uses part-leather and part-synthetics for a mostly waterproof boot that is more breathable and durable than fully synthetic styles. Full-grain leather boots are worth the extra weight for avid hikers needing support on uneven, potentially rougher terrain; plus, these boots are very durable. Leather is water-resistant, though not always completely waterproof, though many leather boots have been designed and treated to keep your feet dry. No matter which boot material you choose, a slip-resistant rubber sole is best for traction on a hike.
Boots range from low-cut to high-cut with increasing ankle support as the shoe’s shaft gets higher; choose a lightweight lower cut for more casual hikes on well-kept terrain and mid-rise to high-rise hiking boots for improved balance on more adventurous hikes.
You'll be ready to hike for miles wearing any of the shoes below. Each of these six best hiking boots under $100 is highly rated on Amazon, including several picks with thousands of reviews.
1. The Overall Best Hiking Boots Under $100, All Things Considered
- Weight: 13.4 ounces (single boot)
Take these waterproof hiking boots on your next trek for a secure and dry fit mile after mile. And with an impressive 4.7-star rating on Amazon and more than 27,500 reviews, shoppers commented these mid-cut boots are super comfortable right out of the box.
The full-grain leather and suede construction of these boots completely resists water, and they have a durable mesh tongue for added breathability. The insoles are cushioned for long-term comfort, and there are grooves for traction in the nonslip rubber sole to ensure sturdy steps on your hike.
The classic camel-brown hue of this pair looks stylish, but they're also available in more than two dozen colors, including a dusty gray and peat moss green. They come in wide sizes, too.
A helpful review: “These are my second pair of these boots and I love them. The first pair I wore rightout of the box 16 miles round trip up Mt. LeConte and the second pair I wore rightout of the box 23 miles on the Sheltowee. My feet feel happy and cushioned [...]The first pair lasted me almost a year and I estimate I hiked 300 miles. If you’re a casual hiker these will last you a long time. If you’re a more experienced hiker, these will last quite a while and are priced well to replace. [...]”
- Available sizes: 5 — 12 (wide sizes available)
2. The Warmest Hiking Boots
- Weight: N/A
If you're hiking where there might be snow, stay warm in these insulated hiking boots. Their synthetic construction is designed to keep feet warm in subfreezing temperatures up to -13 degrees Fahrenheit, plus they are waterproof.
These boots have rubber soles with deep grooves and extra-high rubber toe caps for a strong grip on rocky terrain, and the high cut on the boots will keep you stable with added ankle support, too. Inside the boot, a mesh lining wicks away moisture and an EVA midsole provides cushioned comfort.
Choose from four colors in these highly rated boots with over 2,800 reviews.
A helpful review: “These boots are very comfortable right out of the box! Wore them scouting in the rain & snow, my feet stayed warm and dry! I bought a half size bigger because I will be wearing heavy socks for hunting. Love the boots! [...]”
- Available sizes: 6 — 11
3. The Most Breathable Hiking Boots
- Weight: 13.5 ounces (single boot)
Here's a pair of breathable hiking boots that will keep you comfortable while exploring drier and warmer climates. These suede boots are made of genuine leather with many mesh panels for better airflow. The padded footbed and cushioning at the mid-cut ankle make for a comfortable and secure fit; they also help with shock absorption.
These boots have rubber outsoles that offer hikers a good grip even on slick rock trails, and though they're designed for hikes on warm days, reviewers report they're comfortable hiking boots on snowy trails, too. Choose from three colors.
A helpful review: “Very comfortable from the first step. Used on a very wet and muddy route feet bone dry. Waterproof and breathable boots at a very good price.”
- Available sizes: 5 — 12
4. The Most Lightweight Hiking Boots
- Weight: 10 ounces (single boot)
For more casual hiking, consider these lightweight hiking shoes. They're low-cut boots with high-performing rubber outsoles and synthetic nylon construction that is vegan-friendly and tested on trails with mud, dirt, sand, and rock. The heel is designed to provide added stability when making descents or sharp turns on a trail, and the flexible, shock-absorbing EVA midsole allows more agility.
They come in some great colorways, including some with neon accents.
A helpful review: “Great fit; bendable enough to feel hiking rough spots, trees roots etc. but still sturdy enough for hiking.”
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
5. The Most Affordable Hiking Boots
- Weight: 1.5 pounds (single boot)
These affordable hiking boots have a sporty look with a suede and synthetic leather construction, with some breathable mesh accents. They have rubber soles and a cushy EVA midsole and at the ankle, a 3.5 shaft height. These boots are coated with the brand’s proprietary waterproof membrane so you can confidently wear them in wet conditions, plus they come with sturdy nylon laces.
A helpful review: “I bought this product so that I could help with some conservation projects. These were reasonably priced and waterproof. I got them in the mail much sooner than expected, which I was very happy about. For me, the fit was about average to slightly snug. The label mentioned that the leather does adjust over time.Anyway, so far I am very happy with this purchase.”
- Available sizes: 5 — 13
6. A Hiking Boot Just Over $100 That’s A Total Workhorse
- Weight: 15.4 ounces (single boot)
For hiking boots that function as well as they look, this Timberland pair is for you. They're made of full-grain leather, so they're totally waterproof, and they have shock-absorbing cushioning inside the boots.
A padded collar and tongue make the boots extra comfortable, and grooved rubber outsoles are tested for sturdiness in rugged outdoor terrain. Plus, the hardware is rustproof. These mid-cut boots are highly rated with over 4,000 reviews, and they fit the bill for one shopper who commented they "needed a comfy shoe that could withstand rain and snow and look cute and fashionable." They come in wide sizes as well.
A helpful review: “OMG. THESE.BOOTS. I am active outside and have purchased 100's of pairs of boots over the years. These are amazing. By far THE BEST I have ever bought. There are wide widths available, so I was acutally able to purchase my true size. When I put them on, they were like wearing an old pair of the most comfortable boots that I ahve had forever. I have worn them hiking, and just as a daily wear. [...]”
- Available sizes: 5 — 11 (wide sizes available)
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