Don’t worry; the Gear Guy knows the deal with hiking boots. You need cool-looking boots that are comfortable and sturdy enough to tackle long days on tough trails. And your feet are growing fast, so your parents probably don’t want to keep spending a big wad of cash for boots you’ll soon outgrow. With that in mind, we did the shopping for you to find eight great boots that won’t break the bank.
Cabela’s Backcountry Hikers
($60; cabelas.com)
These waterproof boots have leather uppers with nylon side panels and plenty of padding in the ankle and tongue for extra support. At $60, they’re also the most affordable waterproof boots in our roundup, and we even saw them on sale online for $40! Approx. 3 lbs. per pair.
Hi-Tec Mokala Mid
($55; hi-tec.com)
With a combo of suede leather and breathable mesh and a steel shank in the sole, the Mokalas provide good support, especially for a mid-ankle cut boot. While not waterproof, this boot has a moisture-wicking lining to pull sweat away and keep your feet dry. Approx. 2 lbs. 8 oz. per pair.
L.L. Bean Waterproof Trail Model Hikers
($89; llbean.com)
Though these boots are considered mid-cut hikers, they are cut quite high and offer enough ankle support for a multiday trip carrying a moderate load. They are made with a combo of nylon and suede leather and feature a waterproof, breathable membrane. If wet feet aren’t a concern, check out the nonwaterproof version of this same boot for just $59. Approx. 2 lbs. 12 oz. per pair.
Merrell Moab Ventilator
($95; merrell.com)
By far the lightest-weight true boots in our roundup, these mid-top Ventilators feel like a pair of comfy running shoes. The breathable mesh uppers have leather strapping that provides extra support without making the boots too heavy. They have nice Vibram-brand soles and are a good choice for summer hiking. Approx. 1 lb. 15 oz. per pair.
Columbia Coremic Ridge 2
($65; columbia.com)
The Coremic Ridge 2’s uppers are breathable mesh with suede leather overlays to give your foot more support. Though they aren’t waterproof, these boots are treated with Columbia’s Omni-Shield for water and stain resistance. We found them cheaper online and in stores, for around $50. Approx. 2 lbs. 10.5 oz. per pair.
Vasque Ranger GTX
($110; vasque.com)
An entry-level boot from well-respected boot maker Vasque, the mesh and suede leather Ranger has features, like waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex and a durable rubber rand around the toe, you usually find only on higher-priced boots. We saw the Ranger GTX discounted on Amazon.com for just 89 bucks. Approx. 2 lbs. 14 oz. per pair.
Timberland White Ledge Hiker
($85; shop.timberland.com)
These waterproof boots have an almost entirely full-grain leather upper with fewer seams for greater durability. A mid-cut, well-padded nylon ankle provides support while a moisture-wicking interior does its best to keep your feet from getting wet with sweat on hot days. Approx.
2 lbs. 5 oz. per pair.
Helly Hansen Trackfinder
($75; hellyhansen.com)
Low-cut hikers like these are a great option for those times when you’re not carrying a backpack and don’t need extra ankle support. They are comfortable like a sneaker but still provide enough shock absorption for rocky, rugged trails. Approx. 1 lb. 11.5 oz. per pair.
SHOP SMART … with these five smart boot-buying tips.
Try before you buy. Put them on and hike around the store for at least 10 minutes to check proper fit.
Bring socks. Always bring a pair of your own hiking socks to the store for trying on boots.
Lace ’em up. Make sure the boots are laced up correctly and snug for best fit.
Shop late. Your feet are largest in the afternoon, so shop then.
Fit right. Yes, your feet are still growing, but buy boots that fit right now; never buy them large so you’ll grow into them. Loose-fitting boots can be dangerous and uncomfortable on the trail.
Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment?
Somebody from my church who was in the military gave
me a pair leather army boots once
you are my inspiration , I own few blogs and sometimes run out from to brand : (.
Make sure they fit right. Comfort, comfort, comfort. If something doesn’t feel right in the store, it will be torture on the trail. Wear the same socks or sock combination that you will wear hiking for fitting. I like fabric / leather combination uppers because they don’t take no time at all to break in.
Timberland boots, buy them for life.
Merrell Chameleon Mid Waterproof Boots are super comfortable boots that I got at REI for $65. I used them on a week long backpacking trip (31 Miles) in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness and they were very comfortable under a 30 pound pack.
November-Now is a great time to buy hiking boots: season close outs. I can usually buy the boots I want at a 40-50% off discount. Great time to suggest to parents for a Christmas gift.
I have the ones from Cabelas they work great if you have been to Quivira Scout Ranch the trails there are rough and these worked fine.
keens are awesome
i think that they all look pretty cool.
they may look cool, but do they fit you,are they durable,do they fit your style,or are they comfortable enough to walk for a long time?These are questions you need to ask yourself when buying any type of shoe,boot,or sandle.
(: think twice about EVERYTHING!!!!!
I just got a new pair of Merrel heavy duty hikers.
I got the same boots; Wal-mart for $22.95.
We are not talking about the same boot. I got my Merrels for $180 (but it was 100 dollars off) at sportsmans warehouse. sounds like you got a cheap nock off. I dont think any merrel boots are priced below $50.
Yup, same boots. Cheap too. Happy hiking!
NO NOT THE SAME!!!
Mine are all leather and have blue laces, I doubt highly we have the same boot!
I got the same deal! Mine are brown leather.
brahma hiking boots are very comfortable but they are a little heavy but i got used to them and they are cheap bought mine at walmart on sale for about 10 bucks or so
No boot is ever waterproof. The brand “Snow Seal” is the best waterproofer there is for LEATHER.
I agree. Been using it for years and have never had a problem. Good call MT scout.
Well actually as long as the boot says WATER-PROOF they should be water proof enough to last a while. As for Rewater proofing them I use good ol’ mink oil.
I used to use mink oil, a lot. Only problem is if you plan on keeping the same boots for more than 5 years, mink oil breaks down the boots glue seals and stitching where as Snow Seal does not. Mink oil is also a scent product meaning animals are attracted to it. Not a good thing for wilderness camping. It’s a-number-one for soccer shoes though.
Hmmmmmm… is that personal experance or just internet hype?
Timberland’s are great and very universal because they are very light in weight.
Oakley “HellBound” Para-boots are what I used and they saved my feet on more then one occasion.
Wow I wish I had enough money that I could waist it on boots too. Anyways I have a really nice pair of Timberlands now. why spend $600 on boots when you can get a perfectly good pair for a few bucks?? sounds like overkill to me.
Ha-Ha good one. But you cant get a good pair for just a few bucks. and for your information they where ISSUED to me so I did not buy them, the government did. My boots had to be bullet resistant as i was a Para rescue-man for 8 years in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now I use light weight Merrel’s when scouting with the boys and when hunting.
@ delta. Your boots sound really tough but I could never afford them and I dont think any other scout could afford it either. Thank you for preserving my freedom though!
I bought a Pair of Steel toe Combats at my friendly neighborhood Military Surplus store , if you have a big foot ( Im size 10 and a half) then go to a surplus store , i got these for like 20$ and wore then for 3 years and they still fit.
im a size 13 at 12 so they would be great
I just bought a pair of Timberland woodland boots that weigh about the same as my tennies; very nice. Cost was $90.00. Just a suggestion.
Paratrooper combat boots are the best.
I love sports, I love nature, I love the Vibram Five Fingers!
I bought some imitation boots and they work perfectly!
I was looking for combat boots, ya know jungle or military style.
I hope you have a lot of $$$ because combat boots cost up to $700!! the cheapest I have found them is $400! good luck with that!
the ones from cabela look nice
KEEN hiking boots are even better!!!
Is the L.L Bean all Leather
My Hi-Tec are the best!!!!!!!!!
I think that they look pretty cool. The first one from Cabela’s have great quality.
I love my boots!
THEY LOOK HORABLE. I/M ONLY TEN I COULDNT EVEN FIT IN THEM
A few years ago I’d have to pay someone for this informaotin.