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Hiking can be considered a hobby, but for the serious hikers out there, it’s considered a lifestyle – a way to keep them fit and healthy. In order to make the best of any hiking experience, wearing the right hiking boots is important.
Hiking boots are designed to take on various terrains, with each of them having its own set of features and specifications that will cater to every hiker’s needs. One of these needs is budget. Fortunately, there are actually a few hiking boots out there which you can buy at a relatively affordable price. Without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the best budget hiking boots on the market.
Image | Product Name | Ranking | Rating | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II | BEST OVERALL | ||
 | Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot | BEST VALUE | ||
 | Skechers Men’s Relment Pelmo Chukka Waterproof Boot | RUNNER UP | ||
 | Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Hiking Boot | BUDGET FRIENDLY | ||
 | Vasque Men’s Juxt Multi-Sport Shoe | BUDGET FRIENDLY |
1. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II
Features:
These boots from Hi-Tec are designed for all hiker levels from beginner to expert. As it’s made of durable and long-lasting leather, you can assure that it will last for a very long time and keep your feet dry regardless of the environment’s condition. Apart from that, it has a rubber sole which offers a firm grip and cushion for your feet.
Despite being available at a very low price, the Bandera is considered an excellent option for light trail hiking or casual treks. It has a thick collar to offer ankle support and insoles which offer a comfortable amount of cushion for your feet.
One notable feature is the soles that feature air pockets. In case you’re wondering, these air pockets are essential for improving your overall comfort. Aside from that, they also work well on flat terrain. Unfortunately, they’re not ideal for rough and rocky terrains as they could get damaged easily.
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2. Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Features:
These boots from Hi-Tec are designed for all hiker levels from beginner to expert. As it’s made of durable and long-lasting leather, you can assure that it will last for a very long time and keep your feet dry regardless of the environment’s condition. Apart from that, it has a rubber sole which offers a firm grip and cushion for your feet.
Despite being available at a very low price, the Bandera is considered an excellent option for light trail hiking or casual treks. It has a thick collar to offer ankle support and insoles which offer a comfortable amount of cushion for your feet.
One notable feature is the soles that feature air pockets. In case you’re wondering, these air pockets are essential for improving your overall comfort. Aside from that, they also work well on flat terrain. Unfortunately, they’re not ideal for rough and rocky terrains as they could get damaged easily.
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3. Skechers Men’s Relment Pelmo Chukka Waterproof Boot
Features:
The Pelmo Chukka was created by Skechers to be both attractive and perfect for use in snowy conditions. This is after noticing the people’s distaste in most snow boots having poor and unaesthetic appearances that the company decided to manufacture custom and aesthetically appealing boots in the market.
While it’s not the most attractive Skechers shoe out there, it’s definitely a lot more appealing than most hiking boots you see on the market mainly thanks to its contoured sole and suede upper. Although it’s marketed as waterproof, it’s not 100% waterproof. It will no doubt keep your feet dry and comfortable during wet conditions but not if you spend too long in a knee-deep river.
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Nonetheless, it’s a solid choice for a waterproof hiking boot. It comes in a variety of sizes to choose from and has an ergonomic design to offer comfort and a secure fit.
4. Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Hiking Boot
Features:
The Ridge Walker boot from Propet is considered as an all-time favorite among backpackers of all age. It’s widely known for its superior versatility, allowing you to use it at work, trips, and even light trails.
It has a waterproof suede and mesh upper which makes sure your feet stay warm and dry all day long even in wet conditions. It has a rubber sole which can offer support to your feet during hiking as well as an EVA midsole to provide additional grip and cushion. Meanwhile, its shaft is approximately ankle-high to offer you more protection and comfort during your hiking trips.
There are plenty of size options to choose from, allowing you to pick the right fit for you. However, color choices are limited to only black and brown. Nonetheless, it still remains a great choice for a budget hiking boot.
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5. Vasque Men’s Juxt Multi-Sport Shoe
Features:
The Juxt Multi-Sport shoe from Vasque was reported to have been used by DEVGRU (SEAL Team 6) during their operation to hunt down Bin Laden. Therefore, it’s good enough for the Navy SEALS team to use this shoe for their campaign, then it could be good enough for you as well! But before that, let us first check its features.
As the name implies, the Juxt Multi-Sport shoe is a highly versatile product which you can use for your hiking adventures, trips, and even in the office. Its design and construction are centered around versatility and comfort.
It’s incredibly lightweight and offers excellent support for all types of activities. However, compared to the other products on this list, this one is not a hiking boot; rather, it’s a hiking shoe. That said, if you prefer using a hiking shoe, then it’s definitely one of the solid options out there.
Although its upper part is nothing exceptional, you can find that its soles and footbed are definitely a cut above the rest. The outsole is made using Vasque’s OTG (Off-The-Grid) technology which allows the shoe to take on even the harshest conditions. It also helps it last for a very long period of time. For added support, the Juxt Multi-Sport comes with a lightweight TPU plate in the midsole.
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Hiking Shoes Vs. Boots
Perhaps the biggest difference between hiking boots and shoes is height. Boots normally sit above the ankle while shoes have a low-top fit. Regardless, your choice will depend on personal preference. Hiking shoes are more preferred for their light feel, although hiking boots are more ideal for long hiking trips.
Final Thoughts
Before you decide which budget hiking boots to choose, you have to make sure they fit the criteria you’re looking for in a hiking boot. Specifically, you have to consider factors like comfort, sizing, waterproofing, weight, breathability, and traction.
Waterproof hiking boots are considered to be the best choice if you plan to go on a hiking adventure during rainy and snowy seasons or if your route involves crossing rivers. If you opt for a hiking boot with no waterproofing feature, you’ll find it quite uncomfortable to hike once moisture starts seeping on. Also, when moisture accumulates in your feet, it can cause them to smell.
Breathability is also a major factor to consider, and it’s one of the things most hikers look for in hiking boots. Since your feet will inevitably sweat a lot during a hiking session, particularly on warm days, it can lead to moisture buildup which will cause you to suffer from blisters.
We hope you find our reviews of the best budget hiking boots useful. There are indeed a number of hiking boots out there that offer more advanced features and better quality. However, if you are short on budget, then these budget boots are exactly what you need.