The best budget hiking boots give you the protection, comfort and stability you need for the trails but without the price tags seen on so many of today's leading models.
One of the great things about going for a hike is that, on the face of it, it's a low-cost activity. Sure, you've probably got the cost of getting to the trailhead, perhaps the cost of parking, while responsible hikers will seek to spend a little extra in a cafe, gallery or gift shop, all to support the local community. However, once you've got decent quality kit, you should have the freedom to enjoy many happy days in the hills, without it costing an arm and a leg.
The standard of outdoor kit has never been higher. In terms of performance, today's very best hiking boots are way ahead of what we were wearing just decades ago. It stands to reason that less expensive boots should still perform perfectly well on the mountain trails. However, go too cheap and you'll end up with an uncomfortable pair that don't adequately protect against the cold, the wet and blisters.
This is why we've tested many of the best value options in the rugged backcountry to bring you this guide to the best budget hiking boots, as well as a separate guide to the best cheap hiking boots for women. We rate the Haglöfs Skuta Mid Proof Eco as the best pair for day hikes, while the KEEN Explore Mid Waterproof is our pick of the lightweight options.
The best budget hiking boots
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
Budget boots for day hikes
This handsome boot offers instant comfort as soon as you get it out of the box and stick your hoof in it. On test, we found the leather upper to be soft and supple, while the moulded EVA midsole supplied good cushioning (complemented by the use of a gel insert in the heel). Unless you’re extremely prone to hotspots and blisters, there is no real need to wear these boots in before hitting the hills.
The open mesh design didn't fill us with confidence about their waterproofing credentials, but on test the Skutas stood up pretty well to being immersed in water during stream crossings and on coastal tracks. With a reinforced rand and a toe cap, the Skutas provide more toe protection than they first appear to. Robust without being overly chunky, they can be worn with hiking shorts or the best hiking pants, and look good with a pair of jeans for kicking back with a beer afterwards as well.
The Proof Eco membrane is entirely fluorocarbon-free and the premium leather in the upper is sourced from a tannery audited by the Leather Working Group, which endeavors to ensure ethical practices and supply chains are used in the production process of leather goods.
Read our full Haglöfs Skuta Mid Proof Eco review
The Berghaus Expeditor Ridge 2.0 is a mid-cut hiker that offers a good balance of immediate, out-of-the-box comfort and longer-term durability, thanks to a construction that combines quality leather uppers with a waterproof liner, plus plenty of ankle padding and generous underfoot cushioning. Unsurprisingly, given their affordable price tag, most of the technology here has been developed in-house by Berghaus. But on test the AQ membrane proved reliably waterproof, while the Opti-Stud lug pattern underfoot gave reasonable traction on all but the most treacherous surfaces.
They’re reasonably lightweight for leather boots. They’re generally well-built too, with solid stitching, though the finish perhaps isn’t the neatest we’ve seen, with traces of adhesive around the soles and uppers. The EVA midsole prioritizes cushioning over stiffness, which means these boots are more at home on well-trodden paths than technical terrain.
All in all, it’s tough to criticize these boots given their low price point. They outperform most other options at the entry-level end of the market and are likely to last far longer than rival fabric boots.
Read our full Berghaus Expeditor Ridge 2.0 hiking boots review
Decathlon’s hiking boots offer some of the best value for money around, and these no-nonsense boots are our top pick from their walking boot range. The Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 has a built-in waterproof membrane that we found offered enough protection from steady rain on shorter hikes or dog walks, and the good-looking leather outer material punches above its price point when it comes to suppleness and comfort.
A padded neck offers a nice sock-like fit around the ankles, and the soles offer good enough grip to see you through walks on flatter terrain in fair or foul weather. However, it's not the most breathable boot we tested and they're a bit hot for warm summer days.
To summarize, a very pocket-friendly choice for casual or new-to-the-trails walkers, and a decent second option if you already own a more rugged and expensive technical boot that’s capable of hoofing at a higher level.
Read our full Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 hiking boot review
Lightweight budget hiking boots
Described as a hybrid ‘trainer-hiker’, the KEEN Explore boots are designed to be lightweight, agile and versatile. With their chunky heel and mesh vamp, they certainly share some of the traits of cushioned running shoes, while utilising modern synthetic materials to add performance and durability on the trail.
As such, they feel light and bouncy, though still undoubtedly more like a boot than a trainer. This has the benefit of creating an overall sensation of all-round protectiveness, stability and durability, although it inevitably sacrifices a little of the flexibility and responsiveness underfoot that you get from a conventional trail shoe or regular trainer.
It’s worth bearing in mind they’re not designed to take on technical terrain, and as such they wouldn’t be our recommended pick for rock-hopping or scrambling. The waterproofing also did its job – at least, they didn’t leak on test. Overall, we liked the KEEN Explore boots. They feel sturdier and more boot-like than most trainer-inspired mid-cut hikers, while remaining lightweight.
Read our full KEEN Explore Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots review
The Eastrail Mid GTX is part of Adidas’s TERREX line-up, the outdoor-focused arm of the German sportswear giant’s vast product range. The synthetic uppers consist of mesh and PU panels, backed with a Gore-Tex liner for reliable waterproof breathability. On test, we found they were also very comfortable, with a well-padded tongue and ankle cuff, and a roomy toe box.
We also loved their lightweight, nimble feel on the trail. Weight-wise, they’re comparable to the lightest ‘trainer-hikers’ in this round-up, but were actually our favorite of all those that we tested – offering a little more structure than Columbia’s Trailstorm Mid, while feeling less cumbersome than KEEN’s chunkier Explore boot.
We did find the outsole occasionally clogged a little on particularly sticky, muddy paths but, that aside, our only other niggle was with the lacing system. We struggled a little to dial in a really tight fit, since it seems tricky to pull the boot closely into the foot, which led to heel slippage.
All in all, this was still one of the best affordable hiking boots, giving us confidence on the trail, while also keeping our feet dry, all day long. It seems reasonably durable for a fabric hiker too.
Read our full Adidas TERREX Eastrail Mid GTX hiking boots review
Columbia's Trailstorm Mid is a very attractive casual hiker with funky fresh, eye-catching styling. Described as a ‘multi-sport shoe’ for roaming from ‘town to forest’, the emphasis is squarely on day hikes rather than technical terrain. As such, we’d expect a lightweight, trainer-like feel with instant comfort and responsive cushioning. They deliver in all these respects, but unlike most trainers, you also get Columbia’s own Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable liner and a seam-sealed bootie construction to guarantee your feet stay dry in the great outdoors.
We weren’t so impressed with the Adapt Trax outsole. While it outgrips most trainers, the 4mm lugs aren’t that deep, which limits traction on slippery ground, and while the rocker sole delivers decent contact grip, the lack of a heel breast is a disadvantage on steeper descents.
Nevertheless, for quick hiking on groomed trails they are brilliant. That’s largely because they are super-light, with fabric uppers that are as immediately comfortable as your favorite trainers. Essentially, if you’re accustomed to hiking in trail shoes but want a little more waterproof protection and ankle support, without too much added weight, these mid boots are a great pick.
Read our full Columbia Trailstorm Mid hiking boots review
Three-season budget hiking boots
If you spend a lot of time tackling rough and rocky trails, you’ll likely love the rugged stability of the Oboz Sawtooth II Mid. They’re regarded as some of the best cheap hiking boots among US hikers and backpackers, and having tested them to the max, we can see why. The extended height of the ankle cuff offers more protection than most mid-cut boots, and though they’re not as nimble as the lightest trainer-hikers, they’re sturdy and comfortable.
Underfoot, a tread pattern of the brand’s own devising provides decent traction. Obviously, you don’t get the contact grip of a dedicated approach shoe nor the all-terrain bite of a fell-running shoe, but as an all-round hiker, these perform well.
Their other stand-out feature is how planted and sturdy they feel. The downside, of course, is that you lose a little responsiveness and flexibility compared to a lighter and less-structured boot. The Sawtooth has garnered an enviable reputation Stateside, which seems fully deserved. Though the chunky styling might be divisive, there’s no faulting the protection and support it offers for hiking and backpacking.
Read our full Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof hiking boots review
An all-leather mid-cut hiker, Merrell’s Forestbound Mid hiking boots are designed to prioritize comfort and protection, thanks to their quality leather uppers with a waterproof liner, plus plenty of ankle padding and generous underfoot cushioning. At under 500g in a men’s size nine, they’re lightweight for a leather boot too, which ought to further alleviate foot fatigue during long hikes.
On test, we particularly liked the protective toe cap and heel counter, which prevented the leather from picking up too many scuffs and scrapes, while warding off trail debris. Unsurprisingly given their affordable price tag, they make use of Merrell’s own in-house waterproof membrane and rubber sole compound. The former doesn’t always seem to have the best reputation, and some buyers have commented that their boots have leaked, but we didn’t experience any issues on test.
Overall, we reckon this would be a great boot for countryside rambles, long forest walks and the odd hill day. It’s fairly unusual to find a full-grain leather boot at this price point too, particularly one that is so light and comfortable.
Read our full Merrell Forestbound Mid Waterproof hiking boot review
The KEEN Circadia Waterproof Boot is from a US brand renowned for producing well-priced and practical outdoor footwear, from its perennially popular trail sandals to its wide range of hiking boots. On test, we found the Circadia to be flexible and instantly comfortable, just like most trainer-hikers, but with a burlier construction that offers a bit more durability and all-round protection out on the trail. They’re fairly big and chunky boots with a broad, high-volume fit that will best suit those with wider feet.
They score high for sustainability too, since the nubuck leather is sourced from a tannery certified by the Leather Working Group. And they’re finished with a water-repellent treatment that is free from harmful PFC chemicals.
All in all, a broad-fitting, beefy-looking day hiker, the Circadia is a classic KEEN boot that offers good protection, cushioning and durability for a mid-cut boot, while still feeling comfortable and flexible. The wide fit means they’re particularly great for hikers with broad feet. We found that the trade-off was that they’re not the most nimble or precise.
Read our full KEEN Circadia Waterproof mid hiking boot review
Best budget hiking boots comparison table
| Hiking boot | Price | Weight | Materials | Compatibility |
| Haglöfs Skuta Proof Mid | £150 (UK) | 475g / 16.8oz | Leather upper; EVA midsole; waterproof fluorocarbon-free Proof Eco membrane; Asics high-abrasion resistance rubber outsole | 3-season walking on most non-technical trails |
| Berghaus Expeditor Ridge 2.0 | £130 (UK) / €145 (EU) | 510g / 18oz | Leather upper with AQ waterproof breathable mesh lining, EVA midsole, OrthoLite footbed, super grip OPTI-STUD outsole | 3-season walking on most non-technical trails |
| Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 hiking boot | $90 (US) / £60 (UK) | 502g /1lb 1.7oz | Leather and PU upper; Polyester lining; Thermoplastic Polyurethane sole | A great first walking boot for day hikes and country bimbles |
| KEEN Explore Mid Hiking Boot | £71 (UK) | 340g / 12oz | Performance mesh upper with TPU overlays for durability and KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable liner, EVA midsole, KEEN.All-Terrain rubber outsole | Lightweight trainer-hiker that still works well on wet or muddy trails |
| Adidas TERREX Eastrail Mid GTX Shoes | £80 (UK) | 390g / 13.8oz | Mesh and synthetic uppers with Gore-Tex lining, EVA midsole, Traxion rubber outsole | A lightweight trail hiker for day walks, fast-paced trails and town to country escapes |
| Columbia Trailstorm Mid | $82.50 (US) / £60-80 (UK) | 347g / 12.25oz | Mesh uppers with Omni-Tech waterproof liner, Techlite+ EVA foam rubber midsole, Adapt Trax outsole | A lightweight trail hiker for day walks, fast-paced trails and town to country escapes |
| Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots | $155 (US) / £155 (UK) | 539g / 19oz | Suede and fabric upper with B-DRY waterproof breathable lining, dual-density EVA midsole with nylon shank, OFIT footbed, Sawtooth moulded outsole | Three-season hiking and backpacking adventures including easier hill and mountain walks |
| Merrell Forestbound Mid Waterproof | £120 (UK) | 456g / 16.1oz | Full grain leather upper with M SelectDRY waterproof liner, EVA midsole with nylon arch shank, M SelectGRIP rubber outsole | Three-season walking on most non-technical trails |
| KEEN Circadia Waterproof mid hiking boot | $145 (US) / £115 (UK) | 707g / 25oz | Leather upper, KEEN.DRY waterproof & breathable membrane, KEEN LuftCore lightweight foam midsole, rubber outsole | Day walking, hiking and trekking on non-technical trails |
How we test budget hiking boots
Our reviewers test budget hiking boots across varied terrain, including technical trails, in a range of conditions, with and without backpacks. We assess the materials used closely. Features (including foot and ankle support, toe and heel protection, cushioning, waterproofing, breathability, materials used, grip and general comfort) are tested against claims made by the brand, and we assess factors such as value for money, durability and environmental impact.
Meet the testers
An outdoors writer and editor, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about hiking and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest.
Writer, editor and enthusiast of anything involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing adventure stories. En route he’s climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He’s authored walking guides to Devon and Dorset, and once wrote a whole book about Toilets for Lonely Planet.
An award-winning travel and outdoors journalist, presenter and blogger, Sian regularly writes for The Independent, Evening Standard, BBC Countryfile, Coast, Outdoor Enthusiast and Sunday Times Travel. Life as a hiking, camping, wild-swimming adventure-writer has taken her around the world, exploring Bolivian jungles, kayaking in Greenland, diving with turtles in Australia, climbing mountains in Africa and, in Thailand, learning the hard way that peeing on a jellyfish sting doesn’t help. Her blog, The Girl Outdoors, champions accessible adventures.
How to choose budget hiking boots
Everyone loves the thought of bagging a bargain, but when it comes to the best budget hiking boots, if you intend to actually use them on trails, you need to know they’re going to walk the walk without failing or falling apart. The following features and factors are all well worth considering if you’re shopping around for a new pair of hiking or hillwalking boots on a budget.
It also goes without saying that, where possible, you should always try boots on before buying, since fit is the single most important factor when it comes to footwear (see also: how to choose a pair of hiking boots). If that isn’t possible, for example when buying online, look for a retailer with a fair exchange or returns policy, and wear the boots around the house for a couple of weeks to check the fit before venturing outdoors. If they’re not right, don’t compromise – send them back and keep hunting.
So, here are a range questions we're frequently asked about by those looking to bag themselves a hiking boot bargain.
What is a good price for hiking boots?
A standard pair of hiking boots can cost anything between $60 (£50) and $380 (£300). Factors that influence the overall cost include the quality of leather (or other materials) used; whether or not brands have collaborated with the likes of Gore-Tex for a waterproof membrane and Vibram for the rubber outsole; the size of the production run; and the amount of labor involved in the manufacturing process. For a glimpse of how much goes into a quality pair of the hiking boots, see our feature on how hiking boots are made.
Pricier boots tend to use top-quality leather and come equipped with durable Vibram soles and Gore-Tex membranes. However, many brands have their own technologies, while giants like Adidas, Columbia and Merrell can keep the cost of individual products lower because of the mass produced nature of their footwear.
So, for a budget pair of hiking boots, anything from $125 (£100) to $190 (£150) is about right and should have enough quality to last you for many adventures on the trail. For a premium pair, or a pair of highly protective winter hiking boots, you can expect to pay quite a bit more.
How do I find cheap hiking boots?
Although some of the top brands out there might seem unaffordable, a tight budget needn’t restrict you to the entry-level end of the hiking boot market. The secret to snagging a bargain is to shop savvy.
First up is the golden rule of buying outdoor kit: never pay full price. Ever! Always shop around for the best price. There are hundreds of outdoor boot retailers, from high-street chains and local independent shops to online web shops, so you should always be able to make a saving on the manufacturer’s RRP.
Secondly, look out for discount codes and vouchers, which often give 10% (or more) off full-priced items. Often, something as simple as signing up to a mailing list will give you a voucher code. You can also get a discount (normally 10-20%) at many shops if you’re a member of an organisation or group such as the National Trust, Ramblers, the BMC, Armed Forces or NHS. In addition, many outdoor retailers will price-match an item. You just need to prove that you can buy it cheaper elsewhere.
It’s also worth taking advantage of sales, since just like high-street clothing brands, outdoor manufacturers produce new ranges from season to season. Products are usually released in spring/summer or autumn/winter collections. Time it right and you can make big savings on outdoor kit, when end-of-season products make way for new ranges. Sometimes, the only changes to products will be new colorways. Look out for boot bargains in the January sales, mid-season sales in March, summer sales in August/September and the ‘Black Friday’ weekend in November.
How should hiking boots fit?
We said this up top, but it’s worth repeating again: make sure that your boots fit well. This is the single most important consideration when shopping for outdoor footwear. If you can, try before you buy, and if you’re visiting an outdoor shop, take a pair of hiking socks along with you.
A good retailer should be able to offer fitting advice and will usually encourage you to try on multiple pairs from different brands to find a pair that suits you. This is important, since boots are built on specific lasts (essentially, an artificial model of a foot), each of which will suit a different foot shape. However, general fitting advice for hiking boots is to ensure there is room in the toe box for your toes to flex and splay. Your toes shouldn’t hit the end of the boot when you walk, as this can cause bruising and blisters.
The midfoot should cradle and support the foot, without feeling too tight or constrictive. Equally however, there shouldn’t be too much space or volume inside the boots, as this can cause the boot to roll around the foot, reducing stability on uneven ground. Remember that the addition of a specialist insole can sometimes transform the fit of a boot, especially if you have particularly narrow or low-volume feet (see also: Hiking insoles: what they are and why you need them). Lastly, the heel of the boot should cup the foot without pinching. There should be minimal heel slippage when you walk.
One additional note: remember to lace your new boots up properly to get a sense of the ankle support they offer. A high boot provides maximum support and stability, ideal for technical terrain or backpacking, while a ‘mid’ boot balances ankle support and protection with freedom of movement.
Is it better to have tighter or looser hiking boots?
Everyone has their Goldilocks level of tightness, not too tight as to be uncomfortable and not too loose that your toes end up ramming into the front of the boot during long descents. As well as this, no two feet are the same shape, which is why no two boots are the same either. For example, KEEN are known for their accommodating fit and decent levels of toe wiggle room.
The key is trying a boot on to check it suits your foot and making sure that, while it's not uncomfortably tight, your foot is locked in enough that it won't slip around once you hit the technical stuff.
Are stiffer boots better for hiking?
This really depends on the kind of terrain you intend to tackle. The most technical terrain you can tackle in hiking boots is mixed snow, ice and rock during winter. Due to this, winter boots feature outsoles that are so stiff that you can't bend them. The stiffer the hiking boot, the greater comfort and stability they'll give you on technical terrain – plus they'll likely be more durable and protective too.
However, wander around at your local park or on easy trails in stiff-soled winter boots and you'll soon be uncomfortable, so there's definitely a balance to be struck.
Nevertheless, for hiking on backcountry and mountain trails, stiffer boots are generally better for the support, stability and comfort they provide.
What should I look for in a hiking boot's upper?
Most budget or entry-level hiking boots tend to be made from fabric or synthetic materials, since these are generally cheaper than using nubuck, suede or full-grain leather. The bonus of this is that fabric boots usually offer better out-of-the-box comfort than leather boots, with no breaking-in period required. They also tend to be lighter and require less care and maintenance.
If you’re buying boots for wet weather walking, it’s a good idea to look for a pair that feature some sort of breathable waterproof fabric. If you’re lucky, you might find a low-priced Gore-Tex boot, but most entry-level models use cheaper own-brand membranes or technology. These shouldn’t be discounted, as they can still do a great job of providing functional waterproof performance.
For added durability, look for a boot with reinforced panels in high-wear areas. Some more technical boots have a protective toe cap or even a wraparound rand at the lower wear edge of the uppers, designed to protect from scuffs and scrapes on rocky scrambles and scree slopes.
What should I look for in a hiking boot's midsole?
Technical hiking boots are constructed with a nylon, carbon fibre or metal shank embedded in a foam rubber midsole, made from either PU (polyurethane) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). This element is sandwiched between the outsole and the footbed, to which the uppers are stitched. It provides stiffness as well as cushioning and is the ‘heart’ of the boot. Entry-level boots usually prioritize cushioning, since they aren’t intended for highly technical terrain, and therefore don’t require such a stiff platform. This means you’ll usually get a short nylon shank or insert embedded in EVA foam – a combination that is known for providing trainer-like comfort.
What should I look for in a hiking boot's outsole?
Improved grip and traction underfoot are among the main reasons that hikers often opt for boots over trainers, particularly on wet, muddy trails or slippery, rocky paths. For maximum traction in varied conditions, look for a boot with deep, widely spaced lugs (the tread pattern on the underside of the boot). Most hiking boots will have a lug depth of at least 4mm. An undercut heel breast or heel brake (just like the heel section on a formal shoe or work boot) is also a useful feature that helps downhill control and braking on steeper ground.
When it comes to outsoles, premium boots usually employ a proprietary technology such as Vibram, while the best budget hiking boots tend to use own-brand rubber compounds and tread patterns. Softer compounds tend to provide more grip, but harder compounds typically wear better.
What's the difference between men's and women's hiking boots
Men's feet tend to be larger, wider and shaped differently to women's feet, so it's no surprise that there are hiking boots for men and hiking boots for women. Shape wise, women's feet are generally narrower at the heel and wider in the forefoot, plus they're also more flexible, which calls for different kinds of support.
Due to this, many women's hiking boots have a stiffer midsole than the male counterparts, as well as greater arch support. In the outsole, you can expect deeper, more aggressive lugs. This is because women are generally lighter than men and, therefore, don't plant their feet with as much weight, meaning enhanced grip is required for technical terrain.
What are the best hiking socks?
A quality pair of boots is only as good as the hiking socks you pair with them, so it's important to choose wisely here too. Most of the finest hiking socks are woven from a mixture of moisture wicking, fast-drying materials like polyester blended with merino wool. For winter, a high warmth to weight ratio is also important. As well as this, the best hiking socks feature a much higher stitch count than the norm and are often designed to be seamless to prevent chafing and blisters.
- Best hiking shoes: lighter footwear for those who don't want a full boot
