Do you like hiking? Some of the best hiking boots will allow you to cover any difficult trails when you are on the go without worrying much. Therefore getting the best hiking eniably hiking is therapeutic and healthy. It’s even a lifestyle to some. Even with the ongoing COVID -19 pandemic, nothing seems to stop hikers. According to the 2020 North American Camping Report, it has positively impacted hikers’ views towards outdoor excursions and nature. 43% of leisure travelers claimed that spending their time outdoors has increasingly become vital because of the pandemic. And that’s understandable – this activity brings a number of benefits, and having the best hiking shoes will allow you to enjoy these benefits without any drawbacks.
However choosing the right pair might be a bit confusing, especially if you want the best affordable hiking boots, which will be a great mix of quality and price. So, if you need a significant, reliable review of the best in-budget hiking boots, then we’ve got you covered! Here we’ll discuss various products and aspects that you need to consider when choosing your best hiking boots under 100!
What Are Hiking Boots And What Are Their Benefits?
Hiking boots are footwear, designated for outdoor activities and excursions like hiking, mountaineering, and camping.
Having some of the best budget boots on your camping checklist is essential. Why? Because they have so many benefits:
- Their durability and quality make hiking a lot more comfortable
- They protect feet and support ankles
- Sturdy and can withstand any weather conditions
- Provide cushion and warmth
- They’re versatile and can be used in other activities. Also compatible with various orthopedic soles
- Waterproof membrane keeps feet ultimately dry
Hiking Boots Under $100: Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re shopping for men’s shoes, or interested in some of the best hiking boots for women options, there’s a couple of thing you need to keep in mind, and tay attention to:
Correct size
Amongst the crucial aspects of selecting a hiking boot is ensuring that they perfectly fit you. The best time you can try on your hiking boots is in the afternoon because feet tend to enlarge at that time. Also try on your shoes in socks of different thickness, this will help pick the ideal size. Remember – your hiking boots need to fit snugly, but not tight, since an ample toe section room is crucial.
Materials
Hiking boots’ materials are crucial for determining breathability, water-resistance, and durability. Typically hiking boots are curated from nubuck, nylon, or even full grains leather. While inexpensive models can be made from low-quality material, don’t think that all cheap hiking boots are bad. Just pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer and the customer’s feedback. Cheap not always means bad!
Also, when purchasing some hike boots under 200, you need to consider some components. For instance it’s very important to know the materials of the outsoles, midsoles, and uppers of the boots.
Hiking boot uppers
As mentioned earlier, boots are made of either synthetic or leather materials. Synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester are lightweight and breathe well but are less durable than leather. Leather aims at providing customizable feet by molding them. The uppers aren’t water-resistant, and should they be, then there’s an invisible waterproof bootie within. This waterproof bootie membrane makes a boot pricey yet less breathable, so if you don’t hike in wet areas there’s no need for this membrane.
Hiking Boot midsoles
Boot midsoles are made to absorb shock, provide support, and cushioning. These are either made of PU or EVA. EVA is comfortable and softer but not durable. On the other hand, PU may not be that comfortable but it has sufficient support, is durable, and tougher too. With rigid shanks underneath the midsole, they make boots sturdier from toe to heel and all sides. Stiff midsoles are meant purposely for mountainous hikes or steep slopes. Sometimes extra layers might be interpolated strategically underneath your foot’s balls to safeguard you from rock bruises.
Hiking boots outsoles
Your main goal is always to stay up and put on your feet regardless of where you’re hiking, which is only possible thanks to rubber outsoles. Yes, traction emanates from the outsoles’ lugs that look like awkwardly shaped bottom bumps. These angular deep lugs provide perfect grip whilst shedding off debris. Heel brakes are extensions on some heel’s parts or the outsole’s back area wherein these lugs are perfectly pronounced, reducing skidding and giving support. Unlike stickier soft rubber, hard rubber tends to be durable, but unexpectedly mid soft rubbers are used in boots.
Arch length and ankle support
If you decide to go for lengthy hiking, you’ll need to look for the best hiking shoes under 100 with sturdy ankle support and heightened arch length. The latter offers extra protection and a foot shield, that will keep you safe from injuries. Also, the high shaft will help you protect your ankles.
Waterproof
If you go on a hike to wet places, then getting waterproof hiking shoes is crucial. Water-resistant hiking boots are versatile as they can be worn in any weather condition.
Breathability
Proper ventilation is a key aspect to pay attention to while you’re looking for the best hiking boots under 100. Breathable hiking boots allow for air circulation and that allows some proper ventilation. Breathability curbs your feet from sweating and bad smell.
Nonetheless, it’s noteworthy that if your best inexpensive hiking boots are more waterproof, they are going to be less breathable, and vice versa.
Traction
Sometimes hiking trails tend to be slippery, uneven, and rocky. That is why the best inexpensive hiking boots are manufactured with various traction levels and sole types. If you’re hiking in a well maintained and even trail, then a lightweight hiking boot will do the job just fine. On the other hand, heavyweight lug soles may come in handy when you hike through more dirty, muddy places.
Added technologies
Apart from the above-discussed factors to consider in the hiking boots market, outdoor tech manufacturers have incorporated crucial huge stride technologies and innovations in their boots to satisfy clientele’ needs. Here are some of these best budget hiking boots added technologies and their purposes in 2023:
- Gore-tex for enhanced breathability and waterproofing
- Vibram Megagrip to improve traction
- CleanSport NXT to clear out odor
- NestFit for comfort bio mapping
- Thermo Tech Application technology to increase support
- Shanks to provide support and stability
- Padded collard for a supportive and comfy fit
- Detachable insoles to increase support, cushioning, and comfort too.
- Gusseted tongues to prevent debris, stones, and water too.
FAQ
How should a hiking boot fit?
Even the best hiking boot won’t be any good if you don’t have the right size. And not having the right size is rather serious. According to a study, about 10% of Americans experience hazardous heel pain caused by tight hiking shoes. In addition to some potential side effects.
Wearing tight hiking boots may lead to the following problems:
- Crossover or hammertoes
- Corns and blisters
- Tendon stress
- Ingrown toenails
So be attentive when shopping!
It’s also noteworthy that the hiking boots need to snug everywhere but not tightening. They need to offer sufficient room for you to wiggle your toes. As mentioned earlier, try them in the afternoon to give you the best fit. Should you possess orthotics, you may want to bring them along too.
How do hiking boots for men and women differ?
The women’s hiking boots have narrow heels since women have shorter yet narrower heels compared to men’s. They also possess thicker ankles, the big toe is not that eminent, and calves are thicker. Thus the arches and balls of women’s feet determine which shoes are for men and women.
Do hiking boots stretch out?
Not necessarily. However, they tend to break in, meaning that they become flexible after some time of use. Nonetheless, you can have yours stretched out if you want a perfect fit.
Also, stretching out depends on the materials used, and good quality boots don’t stretch out. So it’s advised to purchase a perfect fit to curb the need to stretch out.
Conclusion
As you see, picking the best hiking boots under 100 in 2023 is not that hard, if you know the proper tips on how to do it. And we would like to hope that the tips we provided helped you make up your mind. Correct size, materials, arch length, and ankle support, waterproof, breathability, traction as well as other interpolated technologies – keep these things in mind and you’ll get some of the best budget hiking boots in no time.
And of course, who says that the best hiking boots must necessarily be expensive? There are plenty of inexpensive hiking boots options out there, that will surely leave you satisfied!