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Best Hiking Boots Under $100 for Women & Men

Best Hiking Boots Under $100 for Women & Men

When preparing for a big hike, its important to choose a great pair of hiking boots. Now it’s time to stop overpaying for them. I’m here to tell you that you can get a perfectly good pair of boots all while “ballin’ on a budget”.

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PRODUCT

PRODUCT DETAILS

OUR #1 RATED FOR WOMEN

Columbia
Women's Newton Ridge Plus

Sturdy, lightweight and hold up in all climates. They’re waterproof so whether you’re hiking through rain, mud, or snow your feet will stay dry.


OUR #1 RATED FOR MEN

Columbia
Men's Newton Ridge Plus II

These men’s boots are durable and great for your next difficult uphill trek through mud, rain and snow.

What to Look for in a Boot

What to search for in a hiking boot has a lot to do with where you will be hiking. For example, if you’re hiking through cold weather, you’re going to want boots with a ton of insulation. But, if you’re hiking only in warmer climates, you’re going to want to go with a more lightweight option.

The first thing to consider when buying a pair of boots is whether or not the material is waterproof. This is important for hiking in snow, through mud, and in rainy climates. If you’re looking for a pair of heavy-duty winter hiking boots, this is a must. 

The weight of your boot is another important thing to consider. A lighter boot will keep you more nimble on your feet when hiking, but usually means they're a little less sturdy. Remember, the weight carried on your feet can make your pack feel pounds heavier, something you should try your best to avoid.

Finally, you've probably heard about trail runner, lightweight hiking shoes that are a hybrid between sneakers and boots. The biggest benefit your boots will have over a trail runner is its support. So, you’ll want to make sure that the boots you buy cover your ankle. This will help prevent your ankle from rolling or twisting on tough, long hikes. 

Ultimately, your hiking boots should be durable, comfortable and supportive.

Our Top Value Picks

We chose these shoes based of comfort, durability and versatility. If you’re looking to get a pair of boots for a couple years of day hikes, or for your next backpacking trip, these options will work great for you.  

Women

Okay, ladies, you're up first. Check out these awesome boots you can get while sticking to your budget.

Women's Newton Ridge Plus

Columbia

Quality

Price

Our rating

These boots are great because they’re sturdy, lightweight and hold up in all climates. They’re waterproof so whether you’re hiking through rain, mud, or snow your feet will stay dry. The Survival Tech Shop team loves that they go above your ankle giving you the extra support you need. Another great feature these boots have is the grip on their rubber soles. The body of these boots are made out of leather and the insides have comfortable cushions to keep your feet hurting less throughout your hike. Not only are these boots practical and loved by thousands, the women’s edition has an aesthetic feminine look to them. But, if you’re looking to buy these boots, make sure to go a half-size up to ensure a comfortable fit when wearing your nicest hiking socks.

PROS

  • Waterproof.
  • Rubber soles with a great grip.
  • Check
    Works well in all terrains.

CONS

  • Takes a little longer than usually to break in.
  • Feet get warm.

Women's Klondike Waterproof Hiking Boots

Nevados

Quality

Price

Our rating

The Nevados Women’s Klondike Hiking Boots are great because they’re a little more heavy duty than the pair of Columbia boots above. This is great if you’re going to be hiking through rockier terrains. The soles are thick and have a ton of grip. They're also waterproof and will keep your feet warm through, mud, rain and snow. These boots are extremely comfortable and have a built in sock liner that helps prevent blisters. Also, the laces that come with these boots are great. They don’t untie easily and the tread is build to last. Overall, great boots at a great value.

PROS

  • Comfortable.
  • Low price.
  • Check
    Waterproof.

CONS

  • Heels don't have a lot of padding.
  • Front toe seams are fragile.

Women's Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots

Hi-Tec

Quality

Price

Our rating

Hi-Tec is a brand trusted by many tried and true hiking enthusiasts. These boots are great because they are both breathable and waterproof. This means that your feet will stay dry without getting extremely warm (nobody likes sweaty feet). This is perfect if you’re looking to use these boots in both snowy and warm climates. These mid-rise boots cover your ankle with their padded collar and are extremely comfortable. Because these boots are padded, you can wear lighter socks for your summer hikes or warmer hiking socks for your winter hikes.

The soles on these boots are made of rubber and have great grip technology while the body is made of suede and mesh. These shoes are also great for people with flatter feet because they come with a steel shank under the arch of your foot to keep it stable on uneven terrain. Overall, these boots are comfortable, lightweight and consistent. If you’re looking to order these boots, you might want to consider buying a half a size larger than you’re used to.

PROS

  • Waterproof.
  • Breathable.
  • Check
    Good traction.

CONS

  • Sizes run small.
  • Takes a little extra time to break in.

Women's Voyageur Mid Hiking Boots

KEEN

Quality

Price

Our rating

Here’s the deal, sometimes extremely waterproof boots are NOT the best for warmer weather. These books are water resistant, meaning your feet won’t get soaked from some rain, but they’re not the best for snowy or wet climates. These boots have ventilation to keep your feet cool and are extremely lightweight, which is great for backpackers. The ankle supports on these boots are a little lower than some other boots but do the job just fine. They have a wider front area where your toes go, giving you the option to wear thicker socks in cooler climates. Overall, we recommend these boots to people looking for a lightweight hiking boot to use in hotter climates.

PROS

  • Good arch support.
  • Lightweight.
  • Check
    Extremely comfortable.

CONS

  • Not waterproof.
  • Lower ankle support.

Men

Okay guys, now it's your turn. Here are our top value picks for men.

Men's Newton Ridge Plus II

Columbia

Quality

Price

Our rating

Just like the women’s version, these Columbia boots are great. That's why they're our number one option for both men and women. These men’s boots are durable and great for your next difficult uphill trek through mud, rain and snow. They’re on the slightly heavier side but extremely consistent. Because of their consistency, customers have said they would buy this product again. The heel on this pair of boots is extremely padded. They also have a thick rubber bottom that protect your feet and keep you from tripping easily. They have a thick sole for long-lasting comfort and a high-traction grip. We recommend these boots because they are versatile and can be used in a number of different terrains.

PROS

  • Consistent.
  • Durable.
  • Check
    Comfortable.

CONS

  • Heavy.
  • Extremely warm.

Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot

Timberland

Quality

Price

Our rating

Not only are these boots stylish, but they can adapt to a number of different trails, climates, and terrains. They’re extremely waterproof and great for any type of weather including snow, mud and rain. They have a thick heel which is great for people who need a little extra support. Also, these boots rise above your ankle offering that extra bit of support. They’re made of leather and don’t have ton of padding which means the boots keep you warm from the snow but not overly hot if you travel to warmer places. They’re well made and true to size so what you see really is what you get. Unfortunately, the soles are not made with as much traction as some of the other boot options. 

PROS

  • Stylish.
  • Waterproof.
  • Check
    Ankle support.

CONS

  • Heavy.
  • Not a ton of traction.

​Men's Chameleon 7 Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Merrell

Quality

Price

Our rating

The Merrell Chameleon 7 Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoes are both lightweight and flexible. This is great because waterproof boots are usually made to be on the bulkier side, meaning heavier. Now, the reason these boots are so lightweight is because they have a little less ankle support. On the other hand, these boots have thick enough soles to keep you stable throughout your hike. The laces on these shoes get the job done but are made of plastic which is something you should consider since you may need to get yourself a new pair of laces to use with these boots. We recommend these boots to people hiking through uneven terrains and in rocky places where they may need to be a little quicker on their feet.

PROS

  • Lightweight.
  • Flexible.
  • Check
    Waterproof.

CONS

  • Less ankle support.
  • May need to buy new laces.

​Redmond Waterproof Boot

Columbia

Quality

Price

Our rating

Another great Columbia boot. Whether you're backpacking for days or just out for a quick day hike, these boots are great. They are a wonderful winter boot because they are both waterproof and have great grip to them. When you put these boots on, your feet will instantly feel the cushioning on the inside. One of the best value options for someone looking to use these boots in the snow. They also don’t require a ton of breaking in and slip-on easily. Their mid-length tongue makes them comfortable around the ankle. Unfortunately, they do seem to make your feet a little extra warm. Overall, a great bang for your buck product.

PROS

  • Waterproof.
  • Comfortable.
  • Check
    Wear out of the box.

CONS

  • Extremely warm.
  • Slip-on laces means they're not as adjustable as other options.

Conclusion

We hope this helped you pick your next pair of hiking boots. You'll want to get a pair of boots that work for your needs. Make sure they're durable, comfortable and offer you some ankle support. And before you go hiking in your new boots, make sure you break them in first. 

BONUS TIP: Wear a great pair of hiking socks for ultimate comfort.