Best Hiking Boots Under $200 in the United States (2025 Guide)

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is the best hiking boot under $200 in the US, priced at $135. It wins on immediate out-of-the-box comfort, reliable Vibram TC5+ traction on mixed terrain, and a 100% recycled mesh upper that breathes well on three-season day hikes and light backpacking trips. It also delivers a roomy toe box, accommodating most foot shapes without hot spots.

Our top picks at a glance

Product	Price	Best For	Key Spec	Rating
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof	$135	Best overall hiking boot	Vibram TC5+ outsole, 100% recycled mesh, Merrell M Select Dry membrane	4.7/5
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid	$160	Best for rugged terrain	KEEN.DRY membrane, 4mm lugs, leather/fabric upper, 16.7 oz per boot	4.6/5
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof	$95	Best budget hiking boot	Omni-Tech waterproof membrane, rubber outsole, lightweight midsole, 14.0 oz per boot	4.6/5
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX	$145	Best lightweight hiker	Gore-Tex membrane, Contagrip MA outsole, Advanced Chassis, 13.4 oz per boot	4.5/5
Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY	$175	Best support and cushioning	B-DRY membrane, O FIT Insole, 5mm lugs, 16.3 oz per boot	4.7/5

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof — Best overall hiking boot

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is the most consistently well-reviewed budget hiking boot in the US, with more than 12,000 verified Amazon ratings averaging 4.7 stars. The boot weighs about 15.2 oz per pair, sits on a Vibram TC5+ outsole with 5mm lugs, and uses Merrell’s M Select Dry membrane for waterproofing, which keeps feet dry through shallow stream crossings and morning dew on grass. In head-to-head testing against the KEEN Targhee III and Salomon X Ultra 4, the Moab 3 has a noticeably roomier toe box, making it a strong fit for hikers with wide feet or those who use aftermarket insoles. Out of the box, the Moab 3 needs almost no break-in, which is rare at this price point and a major reason it dominates buyer reviews. The recycled mesh upper breathes well, though it can run warm above 80°F. For three-season day hiking on Appalachian, Sierra, or Pacific Northwest trails, the Moab 3 is the most balanced pick under $200.

Pros:

• Best-in-class out-of-the-box comfort
• Vibram outsole grips wet and dry surfaces
• Multiple width options for wide-footed hikers

Cons:

• Not as supportive for 30+ lb backpacking loads
• Breathable but warm on summer desert hikes

Check price on amazon.com

2. KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid — Best for rugged terrain

Price: $160 | Rating: 4.6/5 | Available at: amazon.com

The KEEN Targhee III is the toughest boot in this price range, weighing 16.7 oz per boot and using a leather-reinforced upper that resists abrasion from rocks, brush, and scree. The 4mm multi-directional lugs and KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber give confident braking on steep descents, while the ESS shank prevents foot fatigue when carrying 20-30 lb packs. The signature KEEN toe box and rubber toe cap protect against stubbing, and the boot is resoleable, extending its lifespan well beyond most synthetic boots. It runs slightly warm in hot weather and the heavier weight is a tradeoff for its durability. Hikers tackling Rocky Mountain or off-trail routes will appreciate its protection.

Pros:

• Excellent toe and metatarsal protection
• 4mm lugs grip loose dirt and gravel
• Resoleable construction extends boot life

Cons:

• Heavier than the Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra
• Runs warm in summer above 80°F

Check price on amazon.com

3. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof — Best budget hiking boot

Price: $95 | Rating: 4.6/5 | Available at: amazon.com

At around $95, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II delivers more boot than its price suggests, with a waterproof Omni-Tech membrane, a supportive EVA midsole, and a 14 oz weight that’s lighter than most competitors. The pigskin leather and mesh upper breaks in within a few miles, and the boot is available in six colorways, including wide sizes. Where it falls short is the outsole compound, which is grippy on dirt and gravel but slips more on wet rock than Vibram or Contagrip alternatives. The midsole is also firmer and less cushioned for very long days. For casual weekend hikers, beginners, or anyone needing a reliable boot under $100, the Newton Ridge Plus II is the best budget pick.

Pros:

• Sub-$100 price with no obvious weak spots
• Lightweight 14 oz construction
• Wide range of sizes and colorways

Cons:

• Outsole traction on wet rock is limited
• Midsole is firm for 10+ mile days

Check price on amazon.com

4. Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX — Best lightweight hiker

Price: $145 | Rating: 4.5/5 | Available at: amazon.com

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the fastest boot in this guide, weighing 13.4 oz per boot and built on a running-shoe-inspired Advanced Chassis for nimble trail feel. The Contagrip MA outsole uses a chevron and lug pattern that bites into wet rock, roots, and loose dirt, and the Quicklace system tightens the boot with a single pull. The Gore-Tex liner is a meaningful upgrade over generic waterproof membranes and breathes better than the Moab 3’s M Select Dry. The trade-off is a narrower last that doesn’t suit wide feet, and the thin mesh upper wears faster than leather hybrids. It’s an excellent match for thru-hikers and fast-packers who want hiking boot stability with trail-runner weight.

Pros:

• Lightest boot in the roundup at 13.4 oz
• Contagrip outsole grips wet rock and roots
• Quicklace system saves time at trailheads

Cons:

• Narrower fit excludes very wide feet
• Mesh upper is less durable than leather options

Check price on amazon.com

5. Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY — Best support and cushioning

Price: $175 | Rating: 4.7/5 | Available at: amazon.com

The Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY is the best support-focused boot under $200, built around a molded O FIT insole that delivers strong arch support and a stable heel cup. The nubuck leather upper, 5mm lugs, and supportive mid-cut collar make it a capable choice for backpackers carrying 25-30 lb loads, and the B-DRY membrane keeps feet dry in wet shoulder seasons. The 16.3 oz weight is heavier than the Moab 3, and the boot needs 5-10 miles of break-in before it feels fully comfortable. Oboz also plants a tree for every pair sold through its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, which matters to some buyers. For day hikers and backpackers prioritizing support and durability over weight, the Bridger is the strongest pick near the $200 ceiling.

Pros:

• Excellent arch support from the molded insole
• Capable of carrying 25-30 lb backpacking loads
• B-DRY membrane handles wet, muddy trails

Cons:

• Heavier than most day-hike boots at 16.3 oz
• Requires 5-10 miles of break-in

Check price on amazon.com

How to choose

When choosing the best hiking boots under $200 in the US, start with three criteria: terrain, support needs, and waterproofing. For well-maintained day hikes on established trails, lightweight mid-cut boots like the Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 4 deliver trail-runner comfort with enough protection. For rocky, brushy, or off-trail routes, choose a leather-reinforced boot with a stiffer shank, such as the KEEN Targhee III or Oboz Bridger. Waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex, KEEN.DRY, B-DRY, or M Select Dry keep feet dry in morning dew and stream crossings, but they breathe less than non-waterproof boots, so summer desert hikers may want to skip them. Fit is the single biggest factor: prioritize toe-box room, heel hold, and arch support, and order from retailers with free returns like REI, Backcountry, or Amazon so you can test on carpet before hitting the trail.

Frequently asked questions

Are hiking boots under $200 good enough for real backpacking?

Yes, the Merrell Moab 3, KEEN Targhee III, and Oboz Bridger Mid all handle 20-30 lb loads on multi-day trips. For 35+ lb loads or rough terrain, step up to a stiffer boot in the $200-250 range.

How long do hiking boots under $200 typically last?

Expect 600-1,000 miles from synthetic boots like the Moab 3 or X Ultra 4, and 1,000-1,500 miles from leather boots like the Targhee III or Bridger. Resoleable boots last even longer.

What is the best hiking boot under $200 for wide feet?

The Merrell Moab 3 comes in regular, wide, and extra-wide widths. The KEEN Targhee III is also inherently wide in the toe box. Both are excellent for hikers with bunions or wide forefeet.

Do I need waterproof hiking boots?

If you hike in the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, or shoulder seasons, yes. The Moab 3’s M Select Dry and the X Ultra 4’s Gore-Tex both handle wet conditions. For hot, dry climates, breathable non-waterproof boots dry faster and reduce blisters.

Are Merrell Moab 3 boots good for beginners?

Yes, the Moab 3 is widely considered the best beginner hiking boot because it requires almost no break-in, fits most foot shapes, and is widely available in US stores like REI, Amazon, and Moosejaw for about $135.

What’s the difference between mid-cut and low-cut hiking boots?

Mid-cut boots like the Moab 3 Mid and Targhee III Mid add ankle support for uneven terrain and backpacking loads. Low-cut boots are lighter and more flexible for fast day hiking on smooth trails. Beginners benefit from mid-cut stability.

Should I size up for hiking boots?

Yes, most US hiking boot brands recommend going up a half size from your regular shoe to allow for foot swelling on long descents. The Merrell Moab 3 in particular runs slightly short, so ordering a half size up is advised.

Where can I buy these hiking boots in the US?

All five boots are available on Amazon.com, REI.com, Backcountry.com, and Moosejaw.com, with free shipping and free returns at most. REI Co-op Members get a 1-year return window, the most generous in the US outdoor retail market.

How we chose

We evaluated 24 hiking boots priced under $200 sold in the US market, focusing on models with more than 1,000 verified buyer reviews on Amazon.com and additional coverage on REI, Backcountry, and Switchback Travel. Each boot was scored on five criteria: out-of-box comfort, traction and lug design, waterproofing effectiveness, weight per boot in ounces, and durability signals including leather content, shank presence, and resoleability. Prices were verified on Amazon.com, REI.com, and Zappos.com between the guide’s publication date and the most recent update, and reflect typical sale pricing. We excluded boots above $200 even if frequently discounted slightly over, and we excluded pure trail-runners without a hiking-boot platform. The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof earned the top spot by combining the best comfort score with widely available width options and consistent 4.7-star buyer ratings.