The Best Affordable Hiking Boots

Choosing the right hiking boots can make or break your experience on the trail.

A solid pair will give you the support, comfort, and durability you need to tackle the miles ahead—without draining your bank account.

That’s why I’ve rounded up a list of the best affordable hiking boots available on Amazon.

From lightweight options for long treks to waterproof boots for rainy days, and even pairs with extra ankle support, there’s something here for every type of hiker.

Take a look to find the pair that matches your needs and budget, so you can walk those trails with confidence and comfort.

Best Affordable Hiking Boots by Category

Best Overall: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Good for: Hikers looking for reliable all-around performance.

Best Overall

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

CHECK PRICE Men’s CHECK PRICE Women’s

Product Highlights

• Waterproof membrane to keep feet dry.
• Vibram outsole for strong traction on multiple surfaces.
• Comfortable cushioning and arch support.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable right out of the box with minimal break-in.
• High durability.
• Superior traction on varied terrains.

Cons

• A bit heavier than similar models.
• Limited color selection.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a versatile, well-rounded boot that balances comfort, durability, and waterproofing, the Merrell Moab 3 is a solid choice for all types of hiking conditions.

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is my go-to, and it’s earned that spot for a reason.

Merrell has been my favorite brand for years, and this boot shows why: it gets the essentials right—waterproofing, durability, and comfort—all in one package.

The Vibram outsole grips like a champ, even on slick trails, and the breathable mesh lining keeps my feet cool, even during long hikes in warm weather.

It’s a reliable choice I can trust, whether I’m trekking through rain, mud, or rocky paths.

Best Budget: NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Boot

Good for: Hikers who want a reliable, budget-friendly boot.

Best Budget

NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Boot

CHECK PRICE men’s CHECK PRICE women’s

Product Highlights

• Waterproof upper to keep feet dry.
• Durable rubber outsole for rough terrains.
• Lightweight design, making it easy to wear.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fantastic value for the price.
• Lightweight and comfortable.
• Works well across various terrains.

Cons

• Not as long-lasting as premium models.
• May require a break-in period.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a solid choice that won’t break the bank, the NORTIV 8 is a great pick for budget-minded hikers seeking essential hiking features.

If you’re a hiker keeping an eye on your budget, the NORTIV 8 is worth considering.

It delivers solid essentials like waterproofing, a comfortable insole, and a tough rubber outsole—without the high price tag.

You get what you need for the trail without spending a fortune, making it a smart choice if you’re looking to save without sacrificing too much on quality.

Best Lightweight: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot

Good for: Hikers seeking a lightweight option for extended wear.

Best Lightweight

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot

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Product Highlights

• Omni-Grip rubber outsole for stability.
• Lightweight Techlite midsole that provides comfort.
• Suede and mesh construction for breathability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable for long hikes.
• High breathability to keep feet cool.
• Dependable grip on various surfaces.

Cons

• Less suited for extremely rugged terrains.
• Sizing can run small; consider going up a half size.

Bottom Line

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is a comfortable, lightweight option that’s great for moderate trails and extended hikes where every ounce counts.

Built with lightweight materials, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is ideal for longer hikes where heavy boots just get in the way.

Its Techlite midsole cushions your steps without weighing you down, and the Omni-Grip outsole gives you solid traction you can count on.

Best Waterproof: KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Good for: Hikers who need dependable waterproofing for wet trails.

Best Waterproof

KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

CHECK PRICE men’s CHECK PRICE women’s

Product Highlights

• KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane to keep
  feet dry.
• Durable leather and mesh upper
  construction.
• All-terrain outsole for reliable grip.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional waterproofing performance.
• Comfortable, roomy toe box.
• Secure ankle support for rugged trails.

Cons

• Heavier than some other models.
• Needs a break-in period for maximum comfort.

Bottom Line

For those rainy day hikes or muddy conditions, the KEEN Targhee III offers excellent waterproofing and stability, making it a reliable choice for more challenging environments.

If you often find yourself trekking through wet or muddy trails, the KEEN Targhee III is a boot you can count on.

Its KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry, and the rugged design provides solid ankle support and dependable traction, even in slippery conditions.

Best for Wide Feet: Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Good for: Hikers with wide feet who want a comfortable, durable boot.

Best for Wide Feet

Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

CHECK PRICE men’s CHECK PRICE women’s

Product Highlights

• Waterproof leather upper to keep feet dry.
• Seam-sealed construction for added durability.
• Grippy rubber outsole for varied terrain.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable fit for wide feet.
• Made from long-lasting materials.
• Waterproof and breathable.

Cons

• Limited ventilation can cause feet to feel warm.
• Heavier than some other hiking boots.

Bottom Line

If you have wide feet and need a spacious, durable boot, the Timberland White Ledge is a great choice that will keep you comfortable without sacrificing toughness.

The Timberland White Ledge is a solid choice if you need a roomier fit, especially for hikers with wider feet.

Its seam-sealed waterproof leather upper and durable rubber outsole offer dependable protection and comfort, so you don’t have to worry about durability on rough trails.

Best for Ankle Support: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Good for: Hikers who need strong ankle support on challenging trails.

Best Ankle Support

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

CHECK PRICE men’s CHECK PRICE women’s

Product Highlights

• Gore-Tex waterproof membrane for weatherproofing.
• Advanced Chassis for stability and support.
• Contragrip outsole for extra traction.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional ankle support for rough trails.
• Durable and waterproof.
• Comfortable for long hikes.

Cons

• Price is on the higher side.
• Slightly heavier than other models.

Bottom Line

For those who need extra stability and ankle support, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is a top-notch boot that offers great comfort and protection.

If ankle support is high on your list, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is a great pick.

Made for rough, uneven terrain, it has a mid-cut design and Advanced Chassis technology to keep your feet steady on rocky trails.

Plus, the waterproof Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet dry when the weather turns wet.

Best Traction: Adidas Outdoor Terrex AX3 Hiking Boot

Good for: Hikers who prioritize grip on challenging terrains.

Best Traction

Adidas Outdoor Terrex AX3 Hiking Boot

CHECK PRICE men’s CHECK PRICE women’s

Product Highlights

• Continental rubber outsole for excellent traction.
• Lightweight synthetic upper for flexibility.
• EVA midsole for added comfort.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Outstanding grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
• Lightweight and flexible for easy movement.
• Comfortable for extended hikes.

Cons

• May wear out faster than heavier models.
• Not fully waterproof, so avoid deep water.

Bottom Line

For those who need top-notch traction on tricky surfaces, the Adidas Terrex AX3 is a fantastic choice. Its grippy outsole and lightweight build make it ideal for challenging hikes.

The Adidas Terrex AX3 is a strong choice if traction is a top priority.

With a Continental rubber outsole, it grips confidently on both wet and dry surfaces, making it reliable for slippery or uneven trails.

Its lightweight design also helps you stay comfortable and agile on the move.

Conclusion

Finding affordable hiking boots that don’t skimp on quality or comfort is absolutely possible—I’ve tested plenty over the years.

Each of these options has its own strengths.

The Merrell Moab 3, for instance, has been a reliable choice for me on all kinds of trails with its great balance of comfort and durability.

For budget-friendly hikes, the NORTIV 8 holds up surprisingly well without hitting the wallet hard.

And when I know I’ll be on tougher, rocky paths, the Salomon X Ultra 4 has the ankle support I need.

Figure out what works best for your hikes, and you’ll be set to tackle your next adventure with confidence.

Looking to gear up for your next adventure?
Check out The Ultimate Beginner Hiking Equipment Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of all the essentials you need to start your hiking journey!

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The Anonymous Nomad

The Anonymous Nomad is a digital nomad, software engineer, and traveler who traded the office life for the freedom to work and explore on his own terms. He writes about earning a location-independent income through freelancing, passive income, and self-reliance, while also diving into the world of adventure. From reviewing reliable gear to uncovering hidden destinations, his work is about helping others find the tools and inspiration to embrace a life of exploration—whether it’s through travel, work, or both.