Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof ($80 – $100).
- Mid-cut boots suit most day hikes.
- Waterproof membranes keep feet dry on wet trails.
In this article
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Cheap hiking boots can be a smart buy or a false economy. We picked the lowest-priced models in the US that still earn a buy or consider verdict from us.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof | Buy | 8.0/10 | $80 – $100 |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Buy | 8.7/10 | $145 – $160 |
Budget picks in detail
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.0/10 · Typical price: $80 – $100
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof is one of the hiking boots we would buy in the US. It scores 8.0/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $80 – $100.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $145 – $160
For most people, Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is worth its usual price of $145 – $160. Our score: 8.7/10.
How to save money
Mid-cut boots suit most day hikes.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Waterproof membranes keep feet dry on wet trails.
Common mistake: Buying boots without trying them with hiking socks.
Compare more options
Search hiking boots on Amazon See top-rated hiking boots on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap hiking boots in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof, typically $80 – $100.
Are cheap hiking boots worth it?
Mid-cut boots suit most day hikes. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Waterproof membranes keep feet dry on wet trails.
When are hiking boots cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.