Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes Under $100 (2026)
Dependable, dry, and grippy waterproof hiking shoes on a tight budget: tested picks that sell at or below $100, and what you give up there.
Dry feet don’t have to cost a fortune. Plenty of dependable waterproof hikers regularly sell at or below $100 - you just trade a little weight, cushioning, and longevity for the lower price. Below are the sub-$100 picks that genuinely hold up, with honest notes on where they cut corners.
A note on prices: we don’t show live prices (the retailer sets those), and prices change often. We chose shoes that regularly land at or under $100 - always tap Check price at Amazon to confirm the current price. Want a bit more shoe? See our best under $200 picks, or the budget roundup. At this price a waterproof trail running shoe is often the better buy, since the money goes into the shoe rather than the ankle.
How we picked
We looked for the most performance per dollar under $100: reliable waterproofing, safe traction, and real comfort. Every shoe was held to our standard five-criteria test below - a low price never excused a shoe that soaked through or slipped on wet ground.
How we test waterproof shoes
Every pick is scored on the same five criteria and cross-checked against real owner feedback - so the ranking reflects how a shoe holds up, not its spec sheet.
Waterproofing
How well it seals - GORE-TEX, eVent, or a quality liner, with gusseted tongues and taped seams.
Traction
Outsole compound and lug pattern, and real grip on wet rock, gravel, and slick mud.
Support
Midsole stiffness, torsional rigidity, and stability on uneven ground and under a pack.
Comfort
Fit and width options, cushioning, break-in, and weight over long days.
Durability
Upper toughness, toe and heel protection, and how it holds up season after season.
Best overall
Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof
The value benchmark: the world's best-selling hiker regularly slips under $100 and delivers out-of-the-box comfort, a roomy fit, and dependable waterproofing. Nothing else at this price is this well-rounded.
Pros
- Comfortable with almost no break-in
- Roomy fit, wide sizes available
- Durable for the money
Cons
- Heavier than trail-runner styles
- Sometimes creeps just over $100
Best all-rounder
Columbia Redmond III Waterproof
A comfortable, dependable everyday hiker that comfortably sits under $100. The seam-sealed Omni-Tech membrane keeps water out, Techlite foam keeps it light, and the Omni-Grip outsole handles most trails.
Pros
- Reliably under $100
- Seam-sealed Omni-Tech waterproofing
- Light and cushioned
Cons
- Grip is trail-moderate
- Not for rough, technical terrain
Best cheap classic
Columbia Crestwood Waterproof
A long-running budget favorite with a suede-and-mesh upper, Omni-Tech waterproofing, and Omni-Grip traction. Simple, durable, and one of the most affordable waterproof hikers you can trust.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Durable suede-and-mesh build
- Reliable Omni-Tech waterproofing
Cons
- Basic cushioning
- Heavier, traditional feel
Best lightweight budget
HI-TEC Apex Lite Low WP
HI-TEC has made affordable outdoor shoes for decades, and the Apex Lite keeps things light and breathable with a Dri-Tec waterproof membrane - a nimble budget pick for warm-weather day hikes.
Pros
- Light and breathable
- Dri-Tec waterproof membrane
- Genuinely low price
Cons
- Less durable materials
- Modest support
Best cushioning
Columbia Facet 75 OutDry
A plush, modern-looking hiker that often lands right around $100. The seamless OutDry membrane and cushy Techlite Plush foam make it feel more premium than its price, with grippy 5mm lugs.
Pros
- Plush, comfortable cushioning
- Seamless OutDry waterproofing
- Grippy 5mm lugs
Cons
- Sometimes edges just over $100
- Average outsole durability
Most comfortable
Skechers D'Lux Journey Waterproof
If you want cloud-like comfort under $100, Skechers' Air-Cooled Memory Foam and Relaxed Fit deliver a waterproof hiker that feels like a walking shoe - best for easy trails and long, flat days.
Pros
- Extremely cushioned and comfortable
- Roomy Relaxed Fit
- Affordable and easy to wear
Cons
- Soft, low-support ride
- Best for easy trails, not rough terrain
Cheapest pick
NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
The rock-bottom-price option that still keeps your feet dry. A waterproof leather-and-mesh upper, a roomy fit, and capable 4mm lugs make this a lot of hiking shoe for very little money.
Pros
- Extremely cheap
- Waterproof upper, roomy fit
- Surprisingly capable lugs
Cons
- Budget materials
- Less durable and supportive
Also worth considering
Strong, well-reviewed shoes that just missed our ranked list - worth a look if the picks above aren't quite right for you.
- adidas Terrex AX4 GORE-TEX - Just over budget on sale, but worth knowing: a light, grippy waterproof hiker with a Continental outsole - a big grip upgrade if you can stretch.
- Oboz Sawtooth X Low B-DRY - A supportive, durable waterproof hiker with a firm molded arch and PFC-free membrane - a step up in support and longevity.
- Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof - A well-priced, comfortable waterproof leather mid with a grippy outsole - great value if you want ankle support too.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get a good waterproof hiking shoe under $100?
Yes. Brands like Merrell, Columbia, and HI-TEC sell dependable, genuinely waterproof hikers that regularly land at or below $100. You mostly pay more for lighter weight, plusher cushioning, and premium materials - not for basic dryness and grip.
What do you give up under $100?
Usually a brand's own membrane instead of GORE-TEX, simpler outsole rubber, heavier weight, and shorter lifespan. For casual and moderate hiking, those trade-offs are easy to live with.
Are these prices guaranteed?
No - prices change constantly, and we don't display live prices (that's set by the retailer). We chose shoes that regularly sell at or under $100, but always tap 'Check price at Amazon' to see the current price before buying.
Is GORE-TEX worth paying up for at this price?
Not necessarily. Quality proprietary membranes like Columbia Omni-Tech, HI-TEC Dri-Tec, and Merrell's own liner keep feet dry too. Under $100, a solid proprietary membrane is a smart way to save.
How do I make budget hiking shoes last longer?
Rinse off mud, air-dry them away from direct heat, and refresh the water-repellent finish when water stops beading. Expect roughly 300–500 miles from a well-cared-for budget shoe.