Are you hoping to buy good hiking boots for cheap? It's not easy. Today's entry-level hiking boots now start around $150, and the best hiking boots typically cost $200 or more. That's more than many of us can afford. But budget-strapped hikers can find a few cheap hiking boots and some pretty good boots that slip under that $150 price point. Here are the best budget hiking boots for 2024 based on my first-hand hiking experience and experience managing footwear at Appalachian Outdoors:
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best budget hiking boots
Nortiv8 Armadillo
Best Cheap Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
The Nortiv8 Armadillo costs well below $100 while amassing many 5-star reviews from hikers hunting for affordable boots. To be honest, most budget-oriented hiking boots are glorified sneakers with limited support. But the Armadillo is a happy exception to that rule. It's a sturdy hiking boot with stiff soles and substantive ankle collars—enough support for backpacking and more difficult day hiking. Experienced hikers will be able to tell that it's not a premium hiking boot. But the Armadillo has more support than some popular hiking boots that cost twice as much. That means the Nortiv8 Armadillo 2 provides plenty of value—it's my pick for the best cheap hiking boot.
"I tried out the Nortiv8 Armadillo on a few test hikes and found it much more supportive than other hiking boots in the $100 range. It's one of the few budget hiking boots that actually offers hikers some support."
- jory, editor of hiking feet
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus
Best hiking boot for $100
Main Benefits:
Columbia is a popular brand for hikers on a budget, so it's no surprise that the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus ranks as one of the best budget hiking boots. This boot's coated leather uppers provide water resistance for muddy trails and rainy days, and its relatively light construction won't weigh you down on the trail. Another plus, it's available in both a medium and wide fit. That being said, the Newton Ridge doesn't provide much in the way of foot and ankle support. It may look like a traditional hiking boot. However, its build seems best suited for casual hikes and groomed hiking trails. If your budget maxes out at $100, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus may be a worthwhile upgrade from your sneakers or cross-trainers.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid
Most popular budget hiking boot
Main Benefits:
The Merrell Moab is by far the most popular hiking boot for budget-oriented hikers. Merrell markets the Moab as "the world's best selling hiker," stressing its "out of the box comfort" as a key selling point. The Moab doesn't have the best support, best waterproofing, or best track record for durability. However, it's a great choice for hikers with wide feet, uses quality Vibram outsoles, and indeed can claim that many men and women love its approachable feel. If you're a day hiker or looking for a cheaper hiking boot that you can wear from the summit to the sidewalk, the Merrell Moab Mid is one of the best budget hiking boots.
"I sold a ton of Moabs to budget-strapped hikers when I worked footwear at Appalachian Outdoors. Now that KEEN has raised its prices, Merrell is by far the most popular brand for hikers on a budget."
- jory, editor of hiking feet
KEEN Circadia
Budget hiking boot with wide toe box
Main Benefits:
Not too long ago, KEEN competed with Merrell for king of the budget hiking boot category. After several years of price increases, however, the Circadia is the last KEEN hiking boot remaining at the budget price point. Like other KEENs, the Circadia features plenty of cushioning, protective leather uppers, and a roomy fit capped by KEEN's wide toe bumper. That adds up to a comfortable day hiking boot for hikers with wider feet. The Circadia isn't KEEN's best hiking boot, but it's $30 less than the KEEN Targhee (which was on this list before KEEN priced it out of the budget category). If you're looking for a leather hiking boot with a wide toe box, the Circadia is one of the best budget hiking boots.
"The Circadia may have been the first hiking boot I ever bought. KEEN's comfort stands out, and I'm glad they still sell this boot for less than $150."
- jory, editor of hiking feet
adidas TERREX AX4
Most athletic budget hiking boot
Main Benefits:
If you're looking for a budget hiking boot with a more modern look, give the adidas TERREX AX4 a good look. The entry-level hiking boot from adidas TERREX, the AX4 has a more athletic build than the other boots on this list. It also boasts GORE-TEX waterproofing—which is great value for this price point—and a narrower fit than the other budget boots. Lightweight with moderate support, the AX4 Mid is best suited for fast hikers with light packs, day hikers, urban hikers, and trail to town use.
"adidas TERREX makes better hiking boots than most people realize. I sold several AX4s when I managed footwear at Appalachian Outdoors."
- jory, editor of hiking feet
Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Mid
Best overall hiking boot on a budget
Main Benefits:
Just sneaking in at the budget price point, the Salomon X Ultra Pioneer is the best hiking boot available for $150 or less. The X Ultra Pioneer is the cheapest boot in Salomon's popular X Ultra series—a series of lightweight hiking boots and shoes that almost match the support of midweight hiking boots and shoes. The X Ultra Pioneer is basically the award-winning X Ultra III—which many people considered the best overall hiking boot a few years ago—with Salomon's proprietary waterproofing replacing GORE-TEX to lower its price. That means hikers on a budget can score a premium hiking boot with good agility, stability, and aggressive traction for $25-50 less than other premium hiking boots. If you're looking for a versatile hiking boot that's both lightweight and supportive, the X Ultra Pioneer Mid is the best hiking boot on this list.
"The Pioneer lets budget-oriented hikers get into an affordable version of one of the best lightweight hiking boots. I have more than 2000 miles of first-hand experience in Salomon X Ultras and love their blend of agility and stability."
- jory, editor of hiking feet
buy the best budget hiking boots
If you're most concerned with budget, these are the six best budget hiking boots for men and women. They'll save you considerable money compared to the best hiking boots.
The other alternative—which is something I've done a lot—is to time sales to buy higher end hiking boots on deeper discounts. Savvy shoppers can afford the best hiking boots if they don't buy during peak season and instead target end of season and (especially) out of season closeouts on past seasons' styles and colors. Over the years, I've bought plenty of $200 hiking boots for around $100. Here's when and where to buy best hiking boots cheap.
You can also save money by shopping hiking shoes, which usually cost less than hiking boots. In many cases, the best hiking shoes will be as supportive, or even more supportive, than budget hiking boots (even though they are low cuts).
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