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Getting a quality hiking boot should be one of your top priorities whether you are a serious or casual hiker. Hiking on a trail with the wrong boots can be catastrophic. You’ll encounter a number of terrains when hiking. The terrains could be rocky, muddy, wet, or slippery. And hiking boots protect your feet and reduce the probability of blisters.
Also, there’s an increased risk of twisting your ankles on uneven terrain. And quality hiking boots will provide excellent ankle protection and stability. You’ll also get good traction and won’t be slipping or falling on wet trails.
A couple of years ago it’ll be almost impossible to get a quality hiking boot with a budget of or below $100. But manufacturers of hiking boots now offer functional hiking boots in the $100 range. And as you’d expect, not all hiking boots under $100 are the same. Some are better than others.
It is in light of this that we compiled the list of the very best or as the French would say, the crème de la crème, hiking boots under $100. And these boots will meet your hiking needs.
So we’ll be talking through the best hiking boots under 100 dollars. After that comes a buying guide so you know what to look out for in hiking boots. Here we go.
The 7 Best Hiking Boots Under 100 Dollars for 2024
Columbia Men’s PeakFreak Venture Boots
Columbia Men's Peakfreak Venture Boot , Shark, Mountain Red 9.5 Regular US
We kickstart our reviews with a stylish hiking boot. The Men’s PeakFreak has a stylish and sleek appearance. The upper part is made of high-quality leather and textile. And it’s very durable as well as waterproof. And this allows you to navigate on wet terrains without getting your feet wet.
This hiking boot is also lightweight and very comfortable to wear. The midsole also provides cushioning for extra comfort. The outsole is made of durable rubber and provides excellent grip and traction. The OmniGrip design has specially formulated compounds and treads for extra grip. And this allows you to move on slippery grounds without falling. You also get a stable base that supports your balance.
The upper materials of this hiking boot are breathable and bring about proper air ventilation. Your feet will remain dry and won’t smell. The lace-up closure allows this boot to fit snugly with your feet. And the versatile design means you can wear this boot when hiking, camping, mountaineering, or use it as a snow boot. The high-quality materials make this hiking boot rugged and durable.
Quick Specifications
- Upper material: Leather and textile
- Outsole material : Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Stylish.
- Comfortable to wear.
- Breathable.
- Water-resistant.
- Excellent traction and stability.
- Versatile.
- Durable.
Cons
- Sizes may run a bit wide.
Other Buying Options:
Camel Crown Men’s Hiking Boot
CAMEL CROWN Men's Hiking Boots Full Grain Leather Non-Slip Mid Outdoor Backpacking Trekking Trails Boots Black 10
Camel Crown kind of pulled a rabbit out of a hat with this hiking boot. For one, the appearance is aesthetically pleasing. And the upper part is made of superior nubuck leather that is durable and water-resistant, allowing you to use this boot in wet conditions.
There is also good air ventilation in this boot thanks to the breathability of the leather materials. Your feet remain dry. Also, both your feet and the boot will not smell due to the proper ventilation.
This hiking boot is padded with foam for comfort and proper ankle support. Rubber patches can be found on the heel and toe cap for protection and extra stability. And this boot will keep you stable even when the terrain is uneven. The outsole is made of durable and non-slip rubber. There are lugs and grooves on the outsole for extra traction and groove. And this allows you to take on any terrain without fear.
The midsole is made of low-density PI for added comfort and cushioning. This hiking boot is also versatile and suitable for activities such as hiking, climbing, or long-distance walking. And this hiking boot is one of the most durable you’ll get in the $100 price range.
Quick Specifications
- Upper material: Leather.
- Outsole material: Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing.
- Very comfortable.
- Breathable.
- Excellent traction and support.
- Water-resistant.
- Durable.
Cons
- No major shortcoming.
Other Buying Options:
XPETI Men’s Ridge Hiking Boots
XPETI Men’s Ridge Thermal Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Trekking Insulated Outdoor Boot (12) Black
This is yet another quality hiking boot you should take a look at. And it is designed to make your hiking adventures go smoothly. And it provides comfort all day long.
The upper part is made of quality synthetic material with superior stitching for durability. There’s also a breathable and flexible mesh collar for comfort and air ventilation. The synthetic material used also makes this hiking boot water-resistant and allows you to go through wet trails with your feet remaining dry and comfortable.
The midsole is integrated with EVA material for superior cushioning and extra comfort. And this makes this hiking boot very comfortable to wear. The outsole, which is made of non-slip and high-quality rubber, provides excellent grip and traction. There are even multi-directional lugs on the sole for added traction. And this allows the XPETI Men’s Ridge to provide you with all the support you need.
Quick Specifications
- Upper material: Synthetic.
- Outsole material: Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Eye-catching design.
- Comfort-fit design.
- Super comfortable.
- Well-ventilated.
- Superior support and stability.
- Water-resistant.
- Long-lasting.
Cons
- Slightly bulky.
Free Soldier Men’s Hiking Boots
FREE SOLDIER Outdoor Men's Tactical Military Combat Ankle Boots Water Resistant Lightweight Mid Hiking Boots (Coyote Brown, 7 US)
Experience all-day comfort with this quality hiking boot. The military color of this hiking boot is wickedly cool. Just take a look at the pictures. The full-grain Suede/polished leather material, as well as the mesh construction, provide full protection. This hiking boot is also durable and scratch-resistant making it a product that will provide value for your money.
The moisture-wicking lining makes this boot breathable as it allows sweat to permeate out, thereby effectively keeping your feet cool and dry. The outsole, which is made of rubber, is slip and abrasion-resistant. And the outsole will provide excellent grip and traction allowing you to navigate on any terrain.
The EVA midsole provides a cushion for maximum comfort and also absorbs impact/shocks. This particularly protects your ankles and ensures you don’t twist them. Even the insole is padded for extra comfort.
The lace-up system allows you to easily wear and take this hiking boot off. And it can be used for a variety of outdoor activities – hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, fishing, jungle, running, and mountaineering. High-quality materials confer durability.
Quick Specifications
- Upper material: Leather.
- Outsole material: Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- The design is wickedly cool.
- Scratch-resistant.
- Very comfortable.
- Excellent support and traction.
- Breathable.
- Versatile.
- Water-resistant.
- Durable.
Cons
- Slightly bulky.
Foxelli Women’s Hiking BootsOur Top Pick | Women
Foxelli Women’s Hiking Boots – Waterproof Suede Leather Hiking Shoes for Women, Breathable, Comfortable & Lightweight Hiking Boot Grey
All hiking boots from Foxelli are designed to make your outdoor activities more interesting. This boot is stylish and has an eye-catching design. The upper material, which is made of suede leather and a mesh, is comfortable, breathable, and durable. These are essential features that a hiking boot must have.
This hiking boot is waterproof thanks to the KingTex waterproof membrane which keeps moisture out and keeps your feet nice and dry even in the harshest weather conditions. Both the breathable mesh and gusseted tongue bring about proper ventilation.
This hiking boot provides excellent ankle support thanks to the padded material in the ankle region. The insole, which is removable, is made of soft foam and provides superb cushioning. And the shock absorbent midsoles protect your joints from impacts.
The outsole is made of rubber and will provide excellent support and stability on any terrain. Say bye-bye to slipping or falling on wet or muddy trails. This hiking boot is very rugged and will withstand anything you throw at it.
Quick Specifications
- Upper material: Leather.
- Outsole material: Rubber
- Weight: 1.15 lbs each
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing.
- Super comfortable.
- Great support and stability.
- Well-ventilated.
- Waterproof.
- Rugged and durable.
Cons
- No major shortcoming.
Clorts Women’s Hiking Boots
Clorts Women's Pioneer Hiking Boots Waterproof Suede Leather Lightweight Hiking Shoes Dark Grey/Pink US Women Size 7.5 Medium Width
With this hiking boot, you never have to make a choice between aesthetics and functionality. You can have it all as the Clorts Women’s hiking boot is a perfect blend of aesthetics and top-notch functionality. And you are guaranteed comfort and protection during your adventures.
The upper part is made of suede leather. This material is durable and waterproof thanks to the Uneebtex waterproofing technology used. And you’ll walk through wet or muddy terrain without getting your feet wet. Also, this hiking boot is waterproof as it lets moisture out, keeping your feet dry when you are on the move.
The superior lacing system holds your feet and ankle in place. There are also paddings around the ankle for increased comfort and support. And your ankle will not twist or get sprained. The insole is made of polystyrene foam for added comfort.
The outsole is made of anti-slip rubber and provides great traction and stability. Also, this hiking boot is lightweight and allows you to cover long distances with ease. High-quality materials confer durability.
Quick Specifications
- Upper material: Leather.
- Outsole material: Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Sleek and stylish.
- Super comfortable.
- Great traction and support.
- Breathable.
- Waterproof.
- Rugged and long-lasting.
Cons
- No major shortcoming.
Other Buying Options:
Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 Hiking BootsOur Top Pick | Men
The Redmond V2 is a quality hiking boot. Using advanced technology, Columbia has produced quality outdoor footwear that provides top-notch comfort and protection. The upper material is made of 100% leather and textile which makes this hiking boot lightweight and comfortable to wear.
This waterproof is also water-resistant, meaning you can use it on any terrain. And it’s also breathable as it allows proper air ventilation. The midsole is lightweight and designed to provide cushioning for extra comfort.
The rubber outsole is designed with Columbia’s Omni-GRIP design. And it provides excellent traction and comfort allowing you to navigate through any trail with ease. There are also toe and heel barriers for added protection. And the high-quality materials ensure you’ll be using this hiking boot for a long time.
Quick Specifications
- Upper material: Leather.
- Outsole material: Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Comfortable.
- Excellent support and stability.
- Proper ventilation.
- Waterproof.
- Durable.
Cons
- N/A.
Other Buying Options:
Best Hiking Boots Under 100 Dollars – The Guide
Now that you know what are the best hiking boots under 100 dollars you can get today, we’ll be taking you through a buying guide. In this guide, we will talk about the different features of hiking boots and know what to look out for when buying one. Let’s go.
Hiking boots vs Hiking Shoes
It’s possible you’ve come across some forums online where people are arguing about the better footwear between hiking boots and hiking shoes. And more often than not, the partakers of this argument cannot come to a clear conclusion that makes total sense.
This is because the choice of hiking footwear you choose will depend on the terrain and expected weather conditions. Hiking boots provide better stability and ankle support than hiking shoes. And you’ll need these features if you’ll be navigating on rocky or uneven terrain.
Beginner hikers even need hiking boots more because they are unused to walking on uneven terrains as well as carrying a backpack. Hiking boots help ensure they enjoy more stability and the risk of injuries is greatly reduced.
You also get more traction from hiking boots due to the rubber sole and deep lugs underneath. And this will help you navigate better on wet and slippery trails.
If you want to move faster and the terrain is fairly smooth, say a forest trail, then go for hiking shoes by all means. Also, if your backpack is light, you can also go for a pair of hiking shoes. So none of the two is necessarily better than the other. It depends on the terrain you’ll be hiking on as well as your preferences.
How To Choose Your Hiking Boots
Materials
The material of your hiking boots determines its durability, waterproofing, and breathability. Usually, hiking boots are either made of nylon, nubuck leather, or full-grain leather.
Nylon is very lightweight and breathable. However, it’s not as durable as the other materials. Nubuck or suede leather is more durable than nylon. Also, it is also more waterproof but less breathable. Only thing is that suede leather is not as lightweight as nylon, so hiking boots made of this material may be a bit bulky.
Full-grain leather is the best as it’s more durable, waterproof, and robust. But it’s heavier and less breathable than the rest.
Durability
We’ve pretty much covered this above but we’ll still quickly go through it again. Hiking boots made of full-grain leather are the most durable, followed by suede leather and lastly nylon.
The quality of the rubber material used to manufacture the outsole also plays a part in your hiking boot’s durability. The better the rubber, the more durable your hiking boot is.
Waterproofing
Waterproof hiking boots keep water out and keep your feet cool and dry. This is particularly beneficial if you’ll be navigating wet or muddy terrains. Some people hold off their hiking trips because they are wary of unpredictable weather. Well, not with waterproof hiking boots combined with a quality water-resistant backpack.
The truth is that most hiking boots below $100 are not truly waterproof. They are actually water-resistant. Waterproofing is achieved with fabrics such as Gore-Tex, eVent, Sympatex, NeoShell, KeenDry, and Outdry. And these fabrics are usually found in higher-end hiking boots.
But the hiking boots on our list can withstand being submerged in puddles and streams. They have a good water-resistant capacity and will give you peace of mind.
Breathability
Breathable hiking boots allow air into the boots for proper ventilation. This prevents your feet from sweating and keeps them cool and dry. Breathable boots will also not have any offensive odor after using them for some time.
The common trend is that the more waterproof a hiking boot is, the less breathable it comes and vice versa. However, advanced technology is changing this and you can enjoy the best of both worlds now. No need to compromise one for another.
Support & Stability
Isn’t this what the whole fuss is about? Your hiking boot must have good traction, support, and stability. This will let you take on any terrain without fear. Also, your hiking boot must have good ankle support so you don’t twist your ankle.
You don’t have to worry about the traction and support of the boots on our list. We handpicked hiking boots with the best traction that will support you on any terrain.
Comfort and Fit
No matter how eye-catching the features of a hiking boot are, it won’t perform optimally if it doesn’t fit you correctly. In fact, the first requirement of any footwear is for it to snugly fit your feet. Thankfully, hiking boots are available in various sizes. Be sure to choose one that fits you correctly.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the best hiking boots under 100 dollars. These boots have superb functionality and will definitely make your outdoor adventures more pleasant. You don’t have to break the bank to get a functional hiking boot.
I hope this guide was valuable to you and that you feel armed with enough knowledge to make a perfect choice and buy your ideal hiking boots within your budget.
