8 Best Budget Hiking Shoes Under $70 (Tested on Trail)
You don't need $200 boots for a great hike. After testing 20+ pairs of budget hiking shoes on real trails, we found 8 that actually perform without breaking the bank. From easy nature walks to moderate day hikes, these shoes will keep you comfortable and confident.
🥇 Best Overall
1. Merrell Moab Ventilator (Past Season)
The Moab is legendary for a reason. When last season's colorway goes on sale under $70, grab it immediately. Great traction, solid support, and out-of-the-box comfort. The ventilated upper keeps feet cool on warm hikes, and the Vibram outsole grips surprisingly well on wet rock.
✅ Pros
- Vibram outsole
- No break-in needed
- Great ventilation
❌ Cons
- Not waterproof
- Past season colors only
2. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
Columbia's classic hiker offers waterproof protection at a price that's hard to beat. The leather and mesh upper provides decent durability, while the Techlite midsole offers surprisingly good cushioning for the price point. Perfect for wet trails and rainy day hikes.
✅ Pros
- Waterproof
- Good grip
- Comfortable for all-day wear
❌ Cons
- Runs narrow
- Stiff initially
3. Salomon Speedcross (Previous Gen)
Trail runners are lighter, faster, and often more comfortable than boots. The Speedcross is Salomon's iconic aggressive trail runner with deep lugs that grip loose dirt and mud like nothing else. Previous generation colors often drop well below $60. Not ideal for pavement, but on trail, they're incredible.
✅ Pros
- Exceptional traction
- Lightweight
- Quicklace system
❌ Cons
- Narrow fit
- Not for casual walking
Keen is famous for its roomy toe box — a godsend for hikers with wide feet. The Targhee III Low offers waterproof protection, great arch support, and durability that far exceeds its price point if you shop last season's colors.
✅ Pros
- Roomy toe box
- Waterproof
- Good arch support
❌ Cons
- Heavy for a low shoe
- Limited colors on sale
Yes, Skechers makes hiking shoes. And they're surprisingly good for the money. These trail hikers come with a memory foam insole that feels like a sneaker, a solid rubber outsole, and a comfortable relaxed fit. Perfect for casual hikers who prioritize comfort over technical performance.
✅ Pros
- Memory foam comfort
- Great price
- No break-in
❌ Cons
- Limited traction on mud
- Not for technical hikes