Budget Hiking Boots Under $100: Three Picks and Who Should Skip Them

Budget Hiking Boots at a Glance

Three budget hiking boots that independent outlets review, each listed on Amazon at a budget price. Tap a photo or the button to see the boot. For pricier options, see our best hiking boots guide.

Price category reflects current US listings: budget is roughly under $150, mid-range roughly $150 to $200, premium above $200. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.

Reported Scores and Weights for Budget Boots

These are the scores and weights each outlet published. The scales differ, so compare within an outlet, not across them.

Which Budget Boot for Which Hiker (and Who Should Skip Each)

Who should skip each boot

Budget Boots the Outlets Review

These three boots are the ones we could match to a current budget-priced Amazon listing and to an outlet review of the same line.

Columbia Trailstorm Mid Waterproof (Men’s)

Best for: fast day hikes on tidy, groomed trails

Advnture picks the Trailstorm Mid as its best budget boot for speed hiking, at 12.25 oz (347 g) per boot. It lists an Omni-Tech waterproof liner with a seam-sealed bootie, a very light feel, comfort out of the box and good cushioning.

What this means for you: a light, dry and comfortable boot for quick day hikes. The same outlet says it is not robust enough for technical use.

Watch for: Advnture says it is not robust enough for technical hiking and has limited grip on steep descents. It was not impressed by the Adapt Trax outsole, which has shallow 4 mm lugs and no heel breast.

Skip it if: you hike steep, loose or technical ground.

Merrell Accentor 3 Mid Waterproof (Women’s)

Best for: supportive, roomy women’s hikes on moderate terrain

RunRepeat scores the Merrell Accentor 3 79 out of 100 (“Good”), praising strong support, comfort, a roomy toebox, good grip on moderate terrain, cold-weather performance and a budget-friendly price. Note that RunRepeat reviewed the low-cut Accentor 3; the boot here is the mid-cut Accentor 3 Mid.

What this means for you: a comfortable, roomy Merrell at a budget price. Breathability is its weak point.

Watch for: RunRepeat lists weak breathability, the lowest score in its smoke test, and does not recommend it for summer. It also says the boot could be lighter and the laces are awkward.

Skip it if: you hike in hot weather or want the lightest boot.

adidas Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.RDY (Men’s)

Best for: light, grippy hikes in wet or shoulder-season weather

RunRepeat scores the adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.RDY 80 out of 100 (“Good”) and lists 12.7 oz (360 g). It praises a stable, grounded platform, good grip on smooth and wet surfaces, a secure lockdown, durability for the price and warmth in transition seasons. RunRepeat reviewed the low-cut Anylander Rain.RDY; the boot here is the mid-cut Anylander Mid.

What this means for you: a light, stable trainer-style hiker with effective Rain.RDY water resistance. Check the toe box if your feet are medium or wide.

Watch for: RunRepeat lists a pointed, tight toebox (medium or wide feet may need to size up) and poor breathability.

Skip it if: you have wide feet or hike in hot weather.

Also named

Advnture also names the KEEN Explore Mid Waterproof (12 oz per boot, the lightest in its guide, sturdier than most fabric boots but needing more break-in) and the Merrell Forestbound Mid (16.1 oz per boot, full-grain leather, with a mixed reputation for membrane leaks among buyers). It also lists the adidas Terrex Eastrail Mid GTX at 13.8 oz per boot with Gore-Tex, its favorite of the lightweight trainer-hikers. We have not matched these to a current budget-priced US Amazon listing, so there are no buy buttons.

Our Budget Boot Evaluation Framework

We score each boot on five questions using only what the named outlets published.

1. Source agreement. How many outlets cover it?
2. Support. Reported stability and cushioning.
3. Weight. Reported weight.
4. Weather. Waterproofing and breathability.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints the outlets raise.

Source agreement counts outlets that reviewed the boot. Two of the three were reviewed by the outlet in a low-cut version, which we say in each entry.

How to Choose a Budget Hiking Boot

• Match the boot to the trail. Budget boots suit groomed and moderate trails. Advnture says its picks are not for technical terrain.
• Check breathability. Both RunRepeat picks score poorly here. See best waterproof hiking boots for the trade-off.
• Check the toebox. The Anylander runs tight per RunRepeat and the Accentor runs roomy.
• Consider a shoe. A low-cut shoe can be a cheaper, lighter alternative. See hiking boots vs hiking shoes, best hiking shoes for men and best hiking shoes for women.
• New to hiking? See best hiking boots for beginners and best lightweight hiking boots for men.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Light versus protective. Advnture prizes the 12 to 12.25 oz boots for speed, but says they are not robust enough for technical ground, while it rates the 16.1 oz Merrell Forestbound Mid for everyday durability.

Waterproof reliability. Advnture says the KEEN Explore Mid did not leak in testing, but notes buyers report leaks in the Merrell Forestbound Mid membrane even though its reviewer had no issues.

Questions About Cheap Hiking Boots, Answered

“What is the best hiking boot under $100?”

Advnture names the Columbia Trailstorm Mid its best budget boot for speed hiking. RunRepeat scores the Anylander 80 and the Accentor 3 79.

“Are cheap hiking boots worth it?”

For groomed day hikes, the outlets rate several budget boots as comfortable and dry. For technical ground, Advnture says to look elsewhere.

“Are budget hiking boots waterproof?”

The Trailstorm Mid uses an Omni-Tech liner and the Anylander uses Rain.RDY, which RunRepeat calls effective. The Accentor 3 Mid is sold as waterproof.

“Should I buy boots or shoes on a budget?”

Shoes weigh less and often cost less. Boots add ankle height and splash protection. See our hiking boots vs hiking shoes guide.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Taking light boots onto rough ground. Advnture says the Trailstorm Mid is not for technical use.
• Wearing the Accentor in summer. RunRepeat does not recommend it for summer.
• Ignoring toebox shape. RunRepeat says the Anylander may need a larger size for medium or wide feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hiking boot under $100?

Advnture names the Columbia Trailstorm Mid its best budget boot for speed hiking.

Which budget boot is lightest?

Advnture lists the KEEN Explore Mid at 12 oz per boot and the Trailstorm Mid at 12.25 oz.

Which scores highest?

RunRepeat scores the adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.RDY 80 out of 100.

Are they waterproof?

The Trailstorm Mid has an Omni-Tech liner and the Anylander has Rain.RDY water resistance.

Can I use them for backpacking?

The outlets position these boots for day hikes on moderate terrain, not heavy loads.

Which suits wide feet?

RunRepeat calls the Accentor 3 roomy and the Anylander tight.

Do they suit summer?

RunRepeat does not recommend the Accentor 3 for summer, and rates the Anylander poorly for breathability.

Where can I compare pricier boots?

See our best hiking boots guide.

The Short Version

Pick the Trailstorm Mid for speed on groomed trails, the Accentor 3 Mid for support and a roomy fit, or the Anylander Mid for wet-weather grip. Keep all three to day hikes.

Keep Reading

Sources

• Advnture: Best budget hiking boots
• RunRepeat: Best cheap hiking shoes