Hiking Boots for the Money

I f you enjoy spending time in nature, trekking or hiking, then you know you need the proper equipment to be able to leisurely and safely indulge in your hobby. Especially your footwear plays an important part in your outdoor experience as without the proper one your feet might suffer serious damage according to what time of year you decide to plan your trip. There are several hiking boots already on the market, ranging from cheap to expensive, from color to color, and from model to model. However, expensive gear doesn’t always necessarily imply a good quality and neither does a cheap one imply poor quality. So, knowing how difficult it might be to find the right equipment at the right price, we offer you our best recommendations.

Top 9 Hiking Boots Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Upper	Sole	Closure System	Waterproof	Sizes	Price
Best Overall	1. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II	Leather, Suede, and Mesh	Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber	Lace		7 M US – 17 M US, 7 W US – 16 W US, 9XW	Check Price
Our Choice	2. adidas Terrex Eastrail	Mesh and Synthetic with GORE-TEX lining	Rubber Traxion	Lace		6 M US – 14 M US	Check Price
	3. Merrell Moab 2	Water resistant suede leather and mesh	TC5 Vibram	Lace		7 M US – 15M US	Check Price
Best For Winter	4. Timberland Men’s Flume	Full-Grain Waterproof Leather	Solid Rubber with Multidirectional, Strategically Placed Lugs	Lace		7 M US – 15 M US, 7 W US – 15 W US, 42M EU	Check Price
	5. NORTIV 8 Ankle High Boots	Waterproof Cross Weave Nylon	Rubber with multi-directional lugs	Lace		6.5 M US – 15M US	Check Price
Best For Women	6. Xpeti Thermador	Hydroshield Membrane Waterproof Mesh	Rubber	Lace		6 M US – 11 M US, 6 W US – 11 W US	Check Price
	7. Skechers Relment Pelmo	Waterproof Suede Leather	Flexible, rubber high-traction lug patterned	Lace		6.5 M US – 16 M US	Check Price
	8. Hi-Tec Bandera	Waterproof Suede Leather and Mesh with Striped Nylon Straps	Steel Shank and Rugged Rubber Cupsole	Lace		7 M US – 14 M US, 8 W US – 14 W US	Check Price
	9. Hi-Tec Skamania Mid	Dri-Tec Waterproof Suede Leather with Nylon	MDT, Rugged Rubber With 5mm Lugs	Lace		7 M US – 14 M US, 8 W US – 13 W US	Check Price

1. Columbia Mens Newton Ridge Plus II

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They come in two models, standard or wide, each model available in several sizes for you to fit it to your needs. They have 5 colors available – mud sanguine, collegiate navy, cordovan squash, silver sage, and black – and they feature a waterproof, seam-sealed construction, which allows no rain, muck or puddle to stay in your way.

Design

The upper part is made from a mixture of suede leather, and mesh, with metal hardware to keep the laces secured and tight, while the midsole is made for long-lasting comfort, superior cushioning and high energy return thanks to the Techlite EVA technology they come with. Additionally, the outsole is made from gripping rubber, made to be able to resist rocks, grass, gravel, and roots, thanks to their Omni-Grip non-marking traction. Moreover, they are a stable and safe choice even in winter because of the dual-zone winter tread pattern which ensures solid footing on slippery surfaces like ice and snow.

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2. adidas Terrex Eastrail

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It is available in two different colors schemes, carbon/black/grey five and grey four, black, grey three, thus you can easily pick the one that you like best. The upper is made from a mixture of mesh and synthetic, which provides you with breathability during your hikes. It has a durable and lightweight EVA midsole, which provides comfort, while the molded sock liner along with the high shaft will provide you with stability and ankle cushioning.

Moreover, it has a GORE-TEX lining, which means that it provides you with a waterproof experience, so you don’t have to worry about puddles or rivers. Additionally, the rubber Traxion sole will not only provide optimal grip, thus you won’t have to worry about slipping, but it also offers you high-traction, thus you’ll have more stability and control as you hike. It has a lace closure system, to allow you to easily tight it up and adjust it according to your needs, and it measures 13.8 oz, thus you don’t have to worry about the boots weighing you down.

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3. Merrell Moab 2

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They are available in 3 different colors: walnut, black night and black, so you can easily pick the one that you like best, and the sizes range from 7 up to 15, therefore you won’t have to worry about not having your size. They are made from a mixture of suede leather and mesh, thus they will provide you with breathability while keeping your feet comfortable.

They have a closed-cell foam tongue which will make sure to keep moisture and debris away from your feet, and breathable mesh lining to provide you with increased comfort during your trek. Additionally, they come with a protective rubber cap, which will protect your toes from impact, while the molded nylon arch shank and heel air cushion will help absorb shocks while adding stability.

Moreover, to increase your comfort and help relieve the fatigue feeling, they have EVA midsoles, as well as a mix of Fit Eco and blended EVA footbeds, with added zonal arches. The soles are made from TC5 Vibram, to provide you with stability and durability even on rough terrains, while thanks to the 5mm deep lugs, you will have better traction. They come with a lacing closing system, so they will fit tightly on your feet.

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4. Timberland Men’s Flume

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They come with a waterproof, seam-sealed overall design, and have full-grain waterproof leather uppers which protect your feet from rain, mud, and puddles as you hike, while the fully gusseted tongue keeps away any type of debris that might get stuck. It has compression-molded EVA midsoles and footbeds which provide you with lightweight cushioning and shock absorption, making your journey easier and more comfortable. The solid rubber outsoles come with multidirectional, strategically placed lugs for increased traction, allowing you to grip rocky trails and crave elevation all while keeping you comfortable and protected. They feature strong lace hardware which will keep your feet tightly secured, while the strong-padded collar will make sure your feet will never get tired. Additionally, they are able to resist to elements wrath, being able to keep your feet warm at -15 ° F, even though they don’t exactly feature a thermal system. They come in 2 colors: dark brown and black, and in several sizes.

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5. NORTIV 8 Ankle High Boots

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Available in 3 color schemes, black/grey, olive green/black/orange and brown/black/tan, so you can choose which color you like best, they are made from durable and waterproof material. Thanks to their water isolating lining, you won’t have to worry about your feet getting wet regardless if you pass through a puddle or mud, while thanks to their premium waterproofed upper, your boots will stay dry throughout your hiking.
Additionally, they are oil and slip resistant, thus they will increase your safety as you hike, while thanks to their durable rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs, you will have better traction on a variety of terrains .Moreover, they come with cushioned EVA footbed, for additional supportive comfort as you trek, so your feet will stay comfortable, and thanks to their lace closing system, your feet will remain secure and tight during your trip. The 4-inch boot shaft will keep your ankles safe, while their flexibility and resistance to weather climate seasonal changes, will allow you to use them all year round.

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6. Xpeti Thermador

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They are one of the lightweight versions of hiking boots for women, as they are made from a mixture of synthetic and fabric. The shaft measures approximately 8 inches from arch, while its molded TPU ankle support and heel, along with the moisture-wicking mesh lining makes them perfect for hiking snowy trails. If you worry about your feet not being warm or dry, you don’t have to, as it has 200-gram Thinsulate insulation, specially designed to make it resist temperatures up to -30 ° C, and an EVA-made midsole for more stability and comfort. It has a waterproof mesh upper with a Hydroshield Membrane waterproof design which will protect your feet from rain, mud, and puddles. Additionally, it has a rubber top cap and rubber outsoles for optimal trail grip, providing you with enough traction even on slippery ground. They feature a lace closure system, and come not only in a variety of sizes, but in 5 colors, as well: black, camouflage, light grey, off white/orange, and charcoal grey/blue. However, you should pay attention to the size as they are slightly smaller than comparable brands.

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7. Skechers Relment Pelmo

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They come in 3 different colors for you to choose from: gray, khaki, and tan, and they have a waterproof, suede upper. They have stitching accents with embossed suede side details and a mesh fabric collar for a cooling effect during your hike. It has a padded collar for increased comfort and tight fit, while thanks to the gusset, padded, tongue there will be no water coming inside your boots. They feature a Relaxed Fit design for a roomy yet comfortable and supportive fit and a memory foam full-length insole. The seams are also waterproof, while the midsole comes with a shock absorbing feature to attenuate shocks, and a protective rubber toe cap to allow you to move around easily, without worrying about bumping into different types of debris. They have 1-1/2-inch heels to provide you with support during your hike, and they come with a flexible, rubber high-traction lug patterned outsole for increased and strong traction, preventing any potential slips, and for a better grip. They feature a lace closure system, measure around 4 inches from shat to arch and go high, over your ankle for increased support and safety.

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8. Hi-Tec Bandera

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They have the upper made from a mix of waterproof suede leather and mesh with striped nylon straps running alongside it. The collar of the boots is very thick, providing cushioning and comfort while right under it, they feature a breathable yet waterproofed membrane which keeps your feet dry while allowing moisture out, and a removable molded insole, so you will be comfortable regardless of the season. They have an EVA midsole that provides you with good stress and impact resistance. Additionally, they have rustproof lacing hardware which will keep the laces secured around your foot, and the steel shank and rugged rubber cupsole ensure your foot stays stable when hiking on uneven grounds, providing you with traction in any conditions. They are available in 8 color combinations: brown/bone/mustard, camo, taupe/gold, brown/olive/snow, dark chocolate/orange, black, brown, and charcoal/black/steel grey, and several sizes, so you can easily pick the one that fits you best.

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9. Hi-Tec Skamania Mid

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They are made from Dri-Tec waterproof suede leather with nylon upper which offers you durability, breathability, and comfort during your hikes. They have a soft padded collar which will offer you prolonged comfort throughout the entire day, and a 5.5-inch shaft with a 1.0-inch platform. Additionally, they have a rustproof hardware lacing system, to allow you to securely and tightly fit them to your feet while the highly cushioned and shock absorption EVA midsole will reduce strain on your body. Moreover, it comes with a removable molded EVA footbed which delivers underfoot cushioning for easier hiking. It comes with a steel shank to provide support and stability with every step while thanks to its MDT, rugged rubber outsole with 5mm lugs your grip will improve regardless of what terrain you choose to explore. Moreover, it comes with a protective toe bumper and heel guard for increased protection. They come in several sizes and in 5 color combination: brown/gold, smoky brown/olive/snow, smoky brown/olive/snow/black, brown/gold, and choc/DK.taupe/orange.

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What Should Never Miss From Your Footwear

While going on a hike, you will need footwear that can complement your equipment, footwear that is comfortable enough for you to keep going without getting tired. So, in order for you to choose a pair that will improve your nature-reconnecting experience, there are certain factors you should keep in mind, as they can be a major turning point.

• Comfort and fit. Find a pair that can offer you the support you need. They may differ from person to person according to their preferences: wide or narrow, with arch support or with special heel support, and others. So, be sure to find a pair that fits your feet or your trip might become quite painful.
• Weight. You might be surprised, but depending on your hike, you will need a different weight for your boots. The most favored one is the lightweight type, as your backpack might pack a few extra pounds, so you’d want to compensate with feather-like footwear. However, if you plan on venturing in the nature in not-so-friendly conditions, then you might have to reconsider your choice because a heavier type will offer you more grip and more stability.
• Waterproof. Nowadays almost all types of hiking boots have one kind or another of a waterproofing system. You don’t know when you’ll have to pass through a puddle or a muddy place, nor will you know if the rain will pour down on you. If your boots are waterproof, you don’t have to worry about wet feet, as the boots will keep you comfortable and warm.
• Traction. It is an essential feature that you should really pay attention to when you choose your boots. Good and strong traction means fewer chances for you to fall and hurt yourself. Regardless of what type of area or terrain you plan on tackling, it will make you feel better to know your feet are secure and there are no chances for you to slip.
• Ankle support. There is a heated debate on whether hiking boots do really need ankle support. For some, it might be an impending element, while for some it might be just what they’re looking for. So, pick the one that fits your condition best.
• Laces. Last but not least, it plays an important role in your trip. If your boots have poor lacing, which is prone to quick loosening, you risk injuring yourself when you least expect it. If the laces are the problem, you can simply replace them with better ones. However, if the entire closing system is at fault, if it doesn’t hold your foot or if it doesn’t fit you very well, then you should consider changing your boots.

To sum up, all it comes down to is your preferred footwear style and your hiking location and conditions. Try them out first and choose a pair that fits your preferences, your necessities, and your overall hiking style, and you won’t regret it.

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Cleaning Tips

If you’re an adventurer that loves to go hiking, alone or with friends, then surely you know how important the right equipment is – especially your boots. Regardless of season, summer or winter, your hiking boots should be comfortable enough for you to be able to walk long distances in them without getting blisters, yet they should be sturdy enough to protect your feet.

So, to use them for a lengthy time, you have to take good care of them and keep them in top shape. Therefore, we’ve compiled a few tricks about how you can keep them clean without damaging them.

Handy tools:

• A specially made boot brush – if you don’t own one or can’t find one at your local store, an old toothbrush can also do the trick.
• Special boot cleaner – saddle soap or a mix from dishwasher and water can also be used in case of need.

Instructions:

Uppers – remove the laces, take the brush and gently get to work. Firstly, remove the dust, dirt or hardened mud with the brush. Next, use the cleaner and spread the solution over the entire surface. Last but not least, rinse them with lots of water.

Outsoles – to make sure your boots maintain good traction during your hikes, you have to carefully remove the hardened mud or stuck-in pebbles.

Inside – depending on how long you’ve been using your boots from, their interior might also require cleaning. Hardened salt can damage leather in the long run, reducing their overall breathability. The best way to clean the insides is by using mild soap and lukewarm water. Gently rub the interior with soap, rinse with water until it’s clean, and leave the water inside them, for the night, to make sure the salt has been removed. Remove the water and let them air dry completely.

Maintenance

While cleaning them regularly will help prolong your boot’s overall lifespan, maintaining them is also a key factor. Make sure after every wash you’ve applied, or reapplied, the waterproof treatments. Additionally, leather requires conditioning, so make sure you’re using the right type for your boots.

All in all, if you take care of your hiking boots correctly, by washing them regularly as well as maintaining them accordingly, you can rest assured that they will remain comfortable, as well as strong enough to keep your feet safe and secure during hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Verdict

Owning and using the right type of shoes when hiking is crucial if you want to be able to avoid any possible injuries or discomfort. While we’re sure that by now you’re sure which pair fits your needs best, in case you’re still not convinced, let’s review them quickly:

Best Overall : Columbia Mens Newton Ridge Plus II
Therefore, Columbia Mens Newton Ridge Plus II is a great choice, for whenever you decide to head into nature. They are waterproof, thus you won’t have to worry about puddles or rivers, while their high neck, will provide you with ankle support.

Our Choice : adidas Terrex Eastrail
If you’re looking for a lightweight pair of boots with high durability and enhanced ankle support, then you should consider adidas Terrex Eastrail. The upper will provide increased breathability while making sure water won’t come inside, while the lightweight midsole will offer comfort. Even more, for increased ankle cushioning and support, it features a molded sock liner, while the rubber sole will provide optimal grip during any type of terrain

Best For Winter : Timberland Men’s Flume
If the area you’re going hiking has a bumpy terrain, then you need a pair of boots that have high traction, to prevent you from slipping. Timberland Men’s Flume has multi-directionally-placed lugs which will increase the traction, allowing your feet to remain stable on different types of terrains. They also have compression-molded EVA midsoles and footbeds, which will increase your comfort, as they will cushion the shocks and absorb the impact as you step. Additionally, they are perfect for cold weather, as they can keep your feet warm even at temperatures that reach -15 ° F.

Best For Women : Xpeti Thermador
Who says women can’t take part in the adventure that hiking represents? Xpeti Thermador caters to the comfort women needs when venturing on rough mountain terrains. The rubber sole will make sure you have high traction, regardless of how slippery the ground might be, while the waterproof design will keep your feet dry. Lightweight, they feature molded TPU ankle and heel support, for increased comfort while their insulation makes them a perfect choice if you plan on venturing into the wild during cold days.