Hiking boots are an essential piece of outdoor gear. Not only do they protect your feet from the elements, they provide cushioning and support to help your body through each mile of your trek. The best hiking boots for women will check every box off your list. Whether it means waterproofing, heavy durability, extreme support, cloud-like cushioning, or ultra-lightweightedness, find what your feet crave. All feet are different; listen to yours and discover your specific needs in a hiking boot. Our recommendations are here to provide insight and help you along your journey of discovering your dream boot. So, let’s dive into our favorite budget hiking boots for women.
Finding Budget Boots
There are three ways to purchase cheap hiking boots: buying typically expensive boots that are on sale; buying budget boots that still offer great quality; and buying cheap boots with cheap quality. We obviously recommend the two prior. And in order to avoid getting stuck with the latter, do research ahead of time so you know exactly what type of boot and what boot features you are looking for. For help with choosing a boot – Choosing the Right Hiking Boot. Depending on your hiking experience, the type of terrain you hike, and the weight you carry on your back, you may be able to get away with sticking to a cheaper boot. But, once you go high-end and discover the glory in quality hiking boots, it’s hard to look back.
Shopping for budget hiking boots does not have to mean you sacrifice durability and comfort. One of the best ways to purchase new boots while on a budget is to look for last season’s models and colors. Whenever new boots are released, old models are tossed onto the clearance rack to make room for the new inventory. When good sales are hard to find, look towards companies that offer inexpensive yet quality boots. Merrell, Oboz, and Keen are three staples.
The Best Budget Boot for Women in 2022
Merrell Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX
Weight: 2.1 lbs (pair)
Sizes: Women’s 5-11
Width: Standard and Wide
Pros: Durability, Breathable Mesh Lining, advanced shock absorption and cushioning
Cons: Bulky, wider-fitting boot
Review
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX is a staple hiking boot for women hikers of all levels. They are incredibly durable and hold up to anything thrown at them, from steep, rocky climbs to long days on well-groomed trails.
The Gore-Tex waterproofing and mesh upper work together to keep feet dry and comfortable, even when it’s raining or the trail is muddy. The Gore-Tex does add some weight to the boot, making it one of the heavier boots in our review. But, this waterproofing doesn’t inhibit breathability; the Moab 3 Mids feature a suede leather and mesh upper, allowing those feet to expel sweat. And the deep lug, Vibram outsole provides great traction, keeping hikers velcroed to slick rocks.
Merrell curated a boot that is straight out-of-the-box comfortable. The suede leather and mesh upper don’t require any serious break-in period. This boot offers high arch support with a nylon arch shank, which we found to be well-fitted for different types of feet. It is closer to a high-volume boot, so hikers with super flat feet may want to look elsewhere. With a contoured footbed and heel cushioning, these boots are like walking on clouds.
The Moab 3 Mids feel on the bulkier side and tend to run a little wide, which may not suit all hikers. They come in 3 different colors, all of which feature a shade of gray that doesn’t stay looking brand new for long. But, for anyone who is looking for a cheaper boot that doesn’t compromise quality, the Mid GTX is a great pick. Merrell Moabs have been a favorite among hikers for years, and the cushioning and support they provide is certainly to thank.
The Best Budget Boot Runner Up
Oboz Sapphire Mid
Weight: 1.79 lbs (pair)
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Width: Standard and Wide
Pros: Lightweight, waterproof nubuck leather upper, Traction
Cons: Long break in, not very adjustable, low breathability
Review
We couldn’t pick just one best budget hiking boot for women, so we chose two. The Oboz Sapphire Mid is a well-rounded runner-up for those who don’t want to break the bank while maintaining high quality. This durable, traction-rich, and waterproof boot features a nubuck leather upper and Oboz’s signature Swiftcurrent outsole.
Traction, traction, traction! Oboz hit a home run with the Swiftcurrent rubber sole on their Sapphire Mid. The outsole features a unique lug pattern with deep, aggressive lugs, helping any hiker stick to dry, or wet, terrain like glue. The lugs don’t punch out, keeping a slick look to the boot.
With the EVA cushioned midsole, the Sapphire scores high on our scale for comfort. Nubuck leather requires a heavy break in which dreadfully lasts for miles. Similarly to other nubuck leather models, the boots’ comfortability increases once properly broken in, but pushing through the break in before hitting the trails is a must. We found the rock plate in the forefoot couldn’t be felt through the midsole when trekking over uneven ground. The nubuck leather also provides intense waterproofing and high-end ankle support.
These boots have a women’s specific fit; they run narrow and slightly small, which may not be the best option for wide-footed women. The Sapphire declares a standard volume fit, but we find they run closer to a low-volume boot with minimal arch support. We definitely recommend trying these stompers on in the store before getting down on one knee.