Best pair of hiking boots for under $100.00

M

MedOpsPogue

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Jan 24, 2003
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I'm looking for a good pair of durable/waterproof boots for under $100.00.

I have access to a Sportsman's Warehouse and Cabela's and wondered if anyone here with experience had any recommendations. I don't do mail order when it comes to clothing items so if you know of anything that these guys carry it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
 
Don't take this the wrong way, but 100 bucks doesn't seem like much to spend on boots. What kind of use will they see ?

For that price, I'd forego the 'waterproof' bit and get the heaviest (leather weight, not boot weight) leather you can find. There are many good leather treatments available and (especially with Norwegian welted boots) they can be resoled pretty easily. Because of your waterproof point, try and find something with a gusseted tongue so you won't have that as a leak point. If you expect only periodic 'soakers' like stepping in a puddle or stream, full length gaiters like OR Crocs (love 'em!) are great and can be bought later.

Good call on buying something local. Buying something like leather boots online is dumb IMO unless you are prepared to send them back until you get the right fit. Speaking of fit, when I bought my Raichles years ago, I heeded the advice of trying them on in the store while wearing a backpack loaded with a sandbag. Walk around with that setup while looking at other toys and try out stairs, wheelchair ramps, etc.

/ My .02
 
Yes - if you double your price range you can expect to keep your boots for triple the time you would with cheaper ones as well as get fewer blisters. I like heavy, very supportive boots my self. I like Zamberlan's myself for comfort and durability.
 
You get what you pay for. I wouldn't be too worried about them being waterproof however (but if you do then get GORE-TEX). One idea is to get regular GOOD boots like the Rocky S2V Special Ops Boot--AF ABU SAGE. Copy and paste that in a search engine because every time I post the link, the image is gone. They are $170, and you might need to break them in (some people said they didn't have to but I was blistered up a little for two weeks). After they are broken into, they are AMAZING comfortable. They are sturdy as Hell too. The first two days I wore them it rained really hard, so I decided to walk to work instead and wore my poncho and sloshed around in the drainage puddles. I always get strange stares but whatever. It helped break them in quicker and I didn't have to deal with the soggy feet because I was wearing Sealskinz socks which are tough as nails too. You can even check out Cabela's waterproof and snake bite proof boots that go up to your knees. I saw one for under $100, but they don't have Vibram soles, so to me, that is a severe - cool point.

Despite the rambling, if you want waterproof boots under $100, check out GORE-TEX hunting/hiking boots. If you can also find one with Vibram soles, that is the way to go my friend. Anything with Vibram is the ticket. SERIOUSLY. You WILL feel the difference, especially after 10 miles compared to regular boot soles. Why do you see the military and police force getting boots made with them?

Hoped that helped.
 
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I have 3 pairs (2 models) of Asolo's and they are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. Fit perfect and were comfy right out of the box. One model I use for 3 seasons (Fugative), the other model for Winter (TPS 520 GV). Not $100 or less, but well worth the extra money. I have had one pair of Fugatives for almost 4 years now and they look and feel brand new still.

Yeah, I know not within the $100 parameters, but after years of going on the cheaper side, and having to replace boots every year or two, I have since changed my mind set. Yup takes longer to save up, but in the long run, I have spend less money...

Fugative (~$185):
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TPS 520 GV (~$230)
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For $100, the durability is going to be an issue. Unless you're going to need warmth, I would look for boots that drain and dry quickly instead of being waterproof. That could get you closer to the $100 mark. If you plan on using these in the colder climates, then go with the waterproofing. I find Gore-Tex does well in waterproofing, but it also makes my feet sweat a lot. Take a look at Keen Voyageur. If you insist on waterproof, take a look at the Danner, Asolo, Vasque, and Lowa. This might help as well: http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/
 
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Thanks for all the info.

I see I need to save a bit more $$ before taking the plunge.

I say waterproof as I live in and would do most, if not all of my hiking in the Pacific Northwest. The terrain is not all that bad mostly brush, dirt and some rocks.

I agree about the vibram soles and that would be a prerequisite as to the waterproofing, it's not a deal breaker but I do want to be confident that my feet will remain dry over the long haul as it rains alot and the terrain tends to stay moist.

I'll be checking all of the links provided and wish to express my gratitude for the info.
 
Try Cabela's Grand Mesa Hikers, 69.95. Come in high and low styles. I have two pairs, rotate and wear them everyday on my three mile walk on a park trail. Do not have any foot problems with them. Since boot making went overseas I have to buy them at the store because of size variations. I went to the store with the intention of buying a much more expensive boot and found that these had everything I wanted for a much lower price. Have worn them for over two years now.
 
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