Best Budget Hiking Boots 2025 | Real Testing, No Hype!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. We update the links to give you the lowest possible price!
In this article, I am going to share my Best Budget Hiking Boots of 2025. After testing over 70 hiking boot models over the past 10 years, I've compiled a list based on objective testing criteria, along with a detailed case study for each boot.
I have spent hundreds of hours testing each boot on the trail, specifically against rough and technical terrain. My aim in this post is to provide you with the best budget hiking boots, for those looking for a reliable yet budget friendly hiking boot.
I have compiled the top 4 best budget hiking boots of 2025 after testing over 30 pairs just this year alone.
If you are interested in our other “best of” hiking boot articles check out : The Best Hiking Boots Of 2025, & Most Comfortable Hiking Boots of 2025.
Best Budget Hiking Boots List
Selecting the right budget hiking boot ensures comfort, support, and performance, with options tailored for specific conditions and your current budget.
Best All-Around Budget Hiking Boot: Merrell Moab 3
Best Budget Boot For Durability: Timberland Mt Maddsen
Cheapest Hiking Boot: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
Best Budget Boot For Technical Terrain: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Merrell Moab 3 - Best All-Around Budget Hiking Boot Of 2025
Price: $110
Our Overall Rating: 9.1 / 10
Order The Merrell Moab 3 - Tap The LINK FOR THE LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE ON MARKET!
Specifications:
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Waterproof
Vibram outsole
Pros
Great Cushioning/Comfort
Excellent Ankle Support
Reliable Traction
Great Shock Absorption
Cons
Weight
More On Expensive Side, When Considering Budget Hiking Boots
The Merrell Moab 3 emerges as the premier choice for the best budget hiking boot in 2025, at a price of $120 it provides one of the best values we have ever rated a hiking boot.
With a remarkable comfort rating of 8.5 and generous cushioning, it's an excellent choice for hikers seeking comfort without breaking the bank.
The incorporation of a Vibram outsole bolsters its functionality by delivering increased traction across diverse landscapes, thereby confirming its adaptability to various outdoor settings.
One of our favorite features of the Moab 3 is the sleek sock liner. It provides a little cushioning between the top of your foot and the boot itself. The ankle cuff features more padding than most hiking boots, and boasts a well-padded tongue.
The waterproof feature in the Moab 3 is notably impressive due to its integrated waterproof membrane that ensures feet remain dry amidst soggy conditions. We felt the Merrell Waterproof membrane performed better than Gore-tex, in terms of water resistance and breathability.
Read More: Merrell Waterproof vs Gore-Tex
The stability and support of the Moab 3 is undeniable. The Merrell Moab 3 has one of the highest scores we have ever rated a hiking boot for stability and support. Its nice wide and functional base allows for an excellent foundation while hiking on technical terrain.
I conducted a case study comparing the Merrell Moab 3 vs Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX. Surprisingly, the Moab 3 performed on par with the X Ultra 4, despite being $60 cheaper. It held up impressively well against the competition, making it a strong contender at a much cheaper price.
Overall, for a price tag of $110 the Merrell Moab 3 is easily the best budget hiking boot universally. The undeniable traction, comfort, stability, and overall value is indisputable. If you want a budget hiking boot that will last, The Moab 3 should be at the top of your list.
Overall Budget Value 9.7 / 10
Read More: Merrell Moab 3 Review | WORTH IT in 2025?
Timberland Mt Maddsen - Best Budget Boot for Durability
Price: $99
Our Overall Rating: 9.1 / 10
Order The Timberland Mt Maddsen for the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE
Specifications:
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Waterproof
Wide-fitting
Pros
Very Voluminous
Very Durable
Excellent Waterproofness
Great For Hiking In The Snow
Cons
Traction Is Decent
Long Break-In Period
Breathability issues
For those who value long-term use, Timberland Mt Maddsen stands out as an excellent budget-friendly pick. With a price point $99 these boots boast a sturdy leather construction designed for enduring the challenges of uneven terrains and harsh conditions.
The Mt Maddsen offers an EVA midsole, with decent cushioning and comfort. The midsole and comfort is definitely not a stand-out feature of the Mt Maddsen, we rated the comfort a mediocre 7/10.
If the comfort level does not get you excited about the Mt Maddsen, the performance level will. The traction and grip is excellent for a price point under $100, I was able to traverse uneven terrain easily with these hiking boots.
The boots have an extremely wide base, helping adhere to tough terrain, and give you that unwavering support and stability you need while on trail.
Be prepared to commit some time for them to properly break in the Mt Maddsen. They typically require traversing 20 miles before reaching peak comfort levels.
The Timberland Mt Maddsen has great durability compared to other hiking boots at higher prices. We rated the Mt Maddsen to have better durability than the Salomon Quest 4, which is $120 more expensive than the Mt Maddsen!
Overall, consider the Timerbland Mt Maddsen if you want a durable, high-performance, budget hiking boot that is under $100.
Overall Budget Value: 9.3 / 10
Read More: Timberland Mt Maddsen Review
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II - Cheapest Hiking Boot
Price: $80
Our Rating: 6.7 / 10
Order The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II for the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE
Specifications:
Weight: 2.2 pounds
PU-coated leather
Techlite midsole
Pros
The Cheapest Budget Hiking Boots Of 2025
Lightweight
Good Traction
Cons
Less durable than more expensive options
Stability and support questionable
Not Durable
Should you be seeking an affordable hiking boot without sacrificing quality, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II stands out as a cost-effective option at merely $80. While they are not as durable as their counterparts, they have a great value for what you pay.
I can personally attest that I have tested the Newton Ridge for over 5 years now, so to say I am well versed on their long-term use and durability is an understatement.
Their specialized Techlite midsole ensures your feet are cushioned against shock from rough terrain while the Omni-Grip outsole provides reliable traction across diverse surfaces such as sand, mud, and snow.
The Omnigrip outsole is a little soft, comparable to the Salomon Contagrip outsoles. I felt it was difficult to hold an edge while hiking up steep terrain with the Columbia Newton Ridge.The outsole seemed to also flatten out after a year of use, rendering it more difficult to maintain stability on trail.
The comfort of the Newton Ridge was lackluster. While the outsole is soft, the PU coated leather is very stiff. I felt a few areas of compression on my toes and feet with these boots. The midsole itself underperforms on cushion level.
Despite their lightweight nature and appealing price point, there is a compromise on long-term durability when compared to pricier models. These boots may also offer less support for carrying heavier weight, such as backpacking.
Nevertheless, if your adventures typically involve day hikes or trails that aren’t too challenging, choosing the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II would mean securing a budget-friendly pair of lightweight boots equipped with features like effective shock absorption and solid grip essential for enjoyable trekking experiences.
Overall Budget Value: 8.5 / 10
Read Review: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Review
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX - Best Budget Boot for Technical Hikes
Price: $165
Our Rating: 8.6 / 10
Order The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX for the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE
Specifications:
Weight: 14 ounces
Textile materials
ActiveSupport straps
Pros
Lightweight
Excellent Support & Stability
Great Cushioning
Cons
Higher price within budget category
Durability over long term use
For those embarking on hikes with challenging paths, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX stands out as an excellent choice in this budget-friendly segment. These boots are available at a cost of $165 and are lauded for their featherlight build, tipping the scales at roughly 14oz!
They feature Active Support straps that provide increased stability to secure your feet during excursions off beaten tracks, while the Advanced chassis provides further stability while backpacking.
The comfort of the X Ultra 4 Mid is exceptional for a budget hiking boot. They feature a soft, conforming midsole that is still stiff enough to conquer rough terrain.
I compared the Salomon X Ultra 4 to the Hoka Kaha 2 (one of the highest-rated hiking boots), and found that the X Ultra 4 performed exceptionally well against its competitor. This is noteworthy since the Kaha 2 costs $80 more, making the X Ultra 4 a very strong value choice.
Read More: Hoka Kaha 2 vs Salomon X Ultra 4 | Which Is Better?
Despite being lightweight, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX ensures substantial protection against jagged landscapes without compromising on comfort levels. Its relatively higher price point within its category and somewhat lesser flexibility may not appeal to every hiker’s preference.
Still, for avid day hikers who like quick paces, minimalist backpackers or long-distance thru-hikers seeking performance-oriented hiking boots adept at managing technical terrain will find it difficult to find a better performing boot within the price category it is in.
Overall, The X Ultra 4 Mid may be more expensive than its budget friendly counterparts. However, the value that they provide at their price point is incredible.
Overall Budget Value: 9.0 / 10
Read Review: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Review
How to Choose the Best Budget Hiking Boots
Selecting appropriate hiking boots and shoes involves weighing up their comfort level, robustness, supportive nature, how well they match your hiking requirements, and VALUE.
The primary concern should be comfort. Your boots must offer a snug fit without cramping toes while still being flexible enough for movement. Try them on in the afternoon or evening when your feet have naturally expanded to confirm an accurate fit. Feel how conforming the midsole is to your foot, and the amount of shock absorption.
In terms of durability and support, it’s essential to choose footwear constructed from superior materials like suede coupled with mesh that grants both endurance against wear-and-tear and breathability for long treks. Also, look for additions such as the active support wings of Salomon hiking boots.
A design featuring a broad base aids in distributing weight evenly, which is particularly beneficial for stability across uneven ground—vital for those engaged in extended hikes or carrying substantial loads who need additional foot support.
Features such as waterproofing and traction cannot be overlooked either. Boots equipped with GORE-TEX membranes or equivalent features are crucial to keep moisture out during excursions on wet terrain, ensuring dry feet inside waterproof footwear options.
Outsoles engineered to provide solid grip are indispensable for navigating diverse terrains including rocky paths as well as slippery muddy trails effectively.
Value
The final and most important category is value—how well does the price align with performance based on objective testing standards?
For example, the Salomon X Ultra 4 offers superior stability and support compared to the Columbia Newton Ridge. However, when factoring in price—$165 vs. $80—it’s clear that the Newton Ridge provides impressive stability and support within its price range.
Essentially, value comes down to whether you're getting the best performance for your money. Every hiking boot featured in our guide represents the highest value we've tested across all models, ensuring you get top-tier performance at the best possible price.
How We Analyzed The Best Budget Hiking Boots Of 2025
Our thorough examination of the most affordable high-quality hiking boots in 2025 was a detailed process aimed at guaranteeing only premium selections for our audience.
Methodology
Our initial step involved examining various hiking boot models that have the lowest price and best value. We tested these on a variety of terrains, such as lofty summits and soggy paths, evaluating crucial aspects like comfort levels, support features, and resistance to water.
At the end of the testing we considered the value of each individual hiking boot, and who it’s best tailored for. We considered the price point, and whether it is tailored to a budget-value hiker. At the end of our testing, we were able to compile this list of the 4 best budget hiking boots available in 2025.
Team of Testers
Our evaluations were powered by a committed team made up of mountain guide experts. However, we have one tester to ensure all objective testing is the same standard each and every single time . This extensive period allowed for comprehensive insights into long-term performance of the hiking boots under varying conditions.
By adopting this all-encompassing strategy, we can provide reliable recommendations that support the budget-friendly hiker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best all-around budget hiking boot for 2025?
The Merrell Moab 3 is the best all-around budget hiking boot for 2025, offering an excellent combination of comfort, durability, and affordability.
Which budget hiking boot offers the best durability?
The Timberland Mt Maddsen is your best bet for durability in budget hiking boots, offering robust construction and excellent water resistance.
What is the cheapest hiking boot without compromising quality?
Priced at approximately $80, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is recognized as a budget-friendly hiking boot option that offers outstanding grip and a light build without sacrificing overall quality.
What factors should I consider when choosing budget hiking boots?
When choosing budget hiking boots, prioritize comfort, durability, support, waterproofing, and traction.
A proper fit is essential to suit your specific hiking needs.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. We update the links to give you the lowest possible price!