Value Hiking Boots Under $150: Four Picks and Who Should Skip Them

Value Hiking Boots at a Glance

Four hiking boots priced in the budget category on US Amazon that independent outlets review. Tap a photo or the button to see the boot. For cheaper options see our best hiking boots under $100, and for other brands 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 Value Boots

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

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

Who should skip each boot

Value Boots the Outlets Review

All four boots below sit in our budget price category on current US listings. Two share a name and platform, the Merrell Moab line.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (Men’s)

Best for: budget comfort on maintained trails

OutdoorGearLab scores it 70 and gives it Best Bang for the Boot Buck, with comfort 8.0, support 7.0 and water resistance 7.0, and says the waterproofing kept feet dry through muddy meadows, stream crossings and snowy early-season trails. Switchback Travel rates it 4.6, calling it a standout price for a proven, very comfortable day-hiking boot. RunRepeat scores the GORE-TEX Moab 3 Mid 82 and names it a top pick for day hiking.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is a comfortable, good-value day-hiking boot, with limits on heavy loads and hot days.

Fit and sizing: Sources disagree: Switchback Travel says both testers fit their normal sizes, while RunRepeat says the GTX version runs half a size small. Wide sizes exist.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s model. OutdoorGearLab scores the women’s boot 74 against 70 for the men’s, and Switchback Travel lists the women’s weight at about 2 lb 0.5 oz for a size 8.5.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says traction is adequate but not strong on loose forest floor and the lugs clog with mud. Switchback Travel says the mesh absorbs moisture, dries slowly and runs warm. RunRepeat gives the GTX version a breathability score of 1/5 and advises against wearing it above 70 degrees F.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads or hike in heat.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (Women’s)

Best for: women’s day hikes and light backpacking on easy trails

OutdoorGearLab scores the women’s boot 74 and gives it Best Bang for Your Buck, with traction 8.0 and support 7.5, noting ample cushion, Vibram traction and regular and wide widths. Switchback Travel lists the women’s weight at about 2 lb 0.5 oz for a size 8.5.

What this means for you: a value-priced women’s boot for well-maintained trails.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab says regular and wide widths are available.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab lists durability concerns, limited ankle support, heavy weight, no padding near the Achilles and a lower flood height. In its bucket test water rose above the 4-inch ankle shaft, and it does not recommend the boot for extremely wet, muddy terrain.

Skip it if: your trips are very wet and muddy.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof (Men’s)

Best for: easy day hikes on a tight budget

RunRepeat scores it 71 and names it the second-best Columbia boot it covered. CleverHiker rates it 4.3 out of 5 at about 2 lb per pair, calling it affordable, durable and supportive with good traction. OutdoorGearLab scores it 51 and measured 2.20 lb per pair in size 11, calling it inexpensive with durable materials and an average performer.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is a low-cost boot for easy trails, and they disagree on how waterproof and how comfortable it is.

Fit and sizing: CleverHiker lists sizes 7 to 17 and a wide option. OutdoorGearLab lists regular and wide.

Watch for: CleverHiker says it is not fully waterproof, needs a break-in of about 25 miles, is stiff with minimal cushion and runs hot above 70 degrees F. OutdoorGearLab calls the waterproofing mediocre and says feet were wet within a couple of minutes of submersion. CleverHiker also saw the outsoles begin to separate at about 200 miles.

Skip it if: you hike wet, muddy or rugged ground, or carry heavy packs.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX (Women’s)

Best for: light, grippy waterproof hiking

Both outlets below reviewed the men’s Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX. OutdoorGearLab scores it 78, ranked 5th of 18 hiking boots, with traction 9.0, water resistance 8.0 and weight 8.6, at 2.10 lb per pair in size 14, and reports no leaks including stream crossings and rain. GearJunkie scores it 7.8 out of 10 at 1 lb 8 oz, praising comfort, excellent traction and a very waterproof GORE-TEX membrane.

What this means for you: two outlets agree the Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX is a light, waterproof, high-traction mid boot. The women’s version shares the name and design.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says its lightweight materials are less durable than heavier boots. GearJunkie says the lace loops frayed after several weeks and it is not very breathable. Both advise a sturdier boot for heavy packs.

Skip it if: you carry heavy packs or need maximum durability.

Our Value 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. The two Speed 2 reviews cover the men’s boot.

How to Choose a Value Hiking Boot

• Decide what the extra money buys. A step up from the best hiking boots under $100 often adds waterproofing that holds up and better traction.
• Check breathability. The Moab 3 Mid runs warm per RunRepeat and Switchback Travel. See best waterproof hiking boots.
• Check width. OutdoorGearLab lists regular and wide for the Moab 3 Mid and Newton Ridge. See best hiking boots for wide feet.
• Be honest about load. None of these four are heavy-pack boots.
• Compare brands. See best Merrell hiking boots, best hiking boots for men and best hiking boots for women.
• New to hiking? See best hiking boots for beginners.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Newton Ridge Plus II. CleverHiker rates it 4.3 out of 5 and RunRepeat scores it 71, while OutdoorGearLab scores it 51 and calls the waterproofing mediocre.

Moab 3 Mid fit. Switchback Travel says both testers fit their normal sizes, while RunRepeat says the GTX version runs half a size small.

Moab Speed 2 weight. GearJunkie lists 1 lb 8 oz, while OutdoorGearLab measured 2.10 lb per pair in a size 14, so the difference is mostly size.

Questions About Mid-Range Hiking Boots, Answered

“What is the best hiking boot under $150?”

OutdoorGearLab gives the Moab 3 Mid its Best Bang for the Boot Buck award at 70, and RunRepeat scores the GTX version 82.

“Is the Merrell Moab 3 worth it?”

Three outlets praise its comfort and value for day hikes. They flag heat and heavy loads as limits.

“Are these boots waterproof?”

The Moab boots are waterproof, but OutdoorGearLab says the women’s Moab 3 Mid let water over the ankle shaft in a bucket test. It calls the Newton Ridge waterproofing mediocre.

“Is a $150 boot much better than a $100 boot?”

The outlets give higher scores to the Moab boots than to the Newton Ridge, and OutdoorGearLab scores the Moab Speed 2 78. Compare with our best hiking boots under $100 picks.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Wearing a Moab 3 Mid in summer heat. RunRepeat advises against it above 70 degrees F.
• Trusting any budget boot in deep water. OutdoorGearLab saw leaks in two of these.
• Taking the Speed 2 on heavy trips. Both outlets advise a sturdier boot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hiking boot under $150?

OutdoorGearLab gives the Merrell Moab 3 Mid its Best Bang for the Boot Buck award.

Which is highest scored?

OutdoorGearLab scores the Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX 78 and the women’s Moab 3 Mid 74.

Which is lightest?

GearJunkie lists the Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX at 1 lb 8 oz.

Are they waterproof?

All four are sold as waterproof, but OutdoorGearLab calls the Newton Ridge waterproofing mediocre.

Do they come in wide?

OutdoorGearLab lists regular and wide for the Moab 3 Mid and the Newton Ridge.

Can I use them for backpacking?

The outlets advise a sturdier boot for heavy packs.

Do they suit hot weather?

RunRepeat advises against the Moab 3 Mid GTX above 70 degrees F.

Where can I compare cheaper boots?

See our best hiking boots under $100 guide.

The Short Version

Pick the Moab 3 Mid for a proven, comfortable day boot, the Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX for light weight and grip, or the Newton Ridge Plus II if cost is everything. Keep all four to day hikes.

Keep Reading

Sources

• OutdoorGearLab: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
• OutdoorGearLab: Merrell Moab 3 Mid women’s
• OutdoorGearLab: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX
• Switchback Travel: Merrell Moab 3 Mid
• GearJunkie: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX
• RunRepeat: Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX
• CleverHiker: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
• OutdoorGearLab: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
• RunRepeat: Best Columbia hiking boots