Updated October 17, 2026. Prices checked October 17, 2026.
Three hiking shoes cost less than $120 and have an independent test behind them. The NORTIV 8 is the cheapest at $69.99 and Switchback Travel names it its best budget hiking shoe. The Columbia Crestwood costs $80 and is OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy. The ASICS GEL-Venture 11 is a trail runner that RunRepeat names its best budget hiking shoe, though RunRepeat found weak cushioning. All three suit easy trails more than technical ground.
How these scores are built. Hiking shoes are judged mainly on traction, which counts for 45% of the score. Comfort and cushioning counts 25%, and the other two criteria count 15% each. Based on: Independent tests by RunRepeat, OutdoorGearLab and Switchback Travel, manufacturer specifications and prices read on Amazon, Columbia and ASICS. Each shoe rests on one independent test source. We do not test products in person. 8 source pages are linked under the 3 products so you can check each finding. How we score.
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Product
Best for
Traction
Score
1
NORTIV 8 Armadillo FieldLite
Lowest price
6
6
2
Columbia Crestwood
Best Buy
5
5.7
3
ASICS GEL-Venture 11
Best durability for the price
5.5
5.7
01
NORTIV 8 Armadillo FieldLite
Lowest price, $69.99
6/10
Traction 45%
6/10
Comfort and cushioning 25%
7/10
Weight 15%
4.5/10
Durability 15%
5.5/10
Pros
Switchback Travel names it its best budget hiking shoe and calls it a great value, very comfortable and well built.
Amazon lists it at $69.99 with 283 ratings averaging 4.4, and a sale price of $62.99.
Cons
Switchback Travel says it is not built for technical terrain, and lists it at 2 lb 1.2 oz a pair. Men's and women's models differ.
Switchback Travel is the only independent test we read for the shoe, so traction and durability scores are estimates. RunRepeat's test covers the mid boot.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
02
Columbia Crestwood
Best Buy, $80.00
5.7/10
Traction 45%
5/10
Comfort and cushioning 25%
6.5/10
Weight 15%
6.5/10
Durability 15%
5.5/10
Pros
OutdoorGearLab (64) gives it its Best Buy and praises great value, a comfortable fit and breathability.
Columbia lists the men's shoe at $80, and Amazon shows 15,500 ratings averaging 4.5.
Cons
OutdoorGearLab found average traction, no waterproofing and a roomy fit that is not ideal for technical use.
OutdoorGearLab is the only independent test we read, and it did not rate durability in detail, so that score is an estimate.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
03
ASICS GEL-Venture 11
Best durability for the price, $90.00
5.7/10
Standout strength. Trail runner used for hiking. RunRepeat names it its best budget hiking shoe, with a durable outsole and upper.
Traction 45%
5.5/10
Comfort and cushioning 25%
5.5/10
Weight 15%
5/10
Durability 15%
7.5/10
Pros
RunRepeat scored it 78 out of 100 and found a durable outsole and upper, a wide base, a beginner-friendly feel and good value.
ASICS lists the men's shoe at $90 original price, with a sale at $69.95, and Amazon shows 1,500 ratings averaging 4.4.
Cons
RunRepeat found weak energy return and shock absorption, a heavy shoe at 11.3 oz and a fit that is not ideal for wide feet.
RunRepeat is the only independent test we read, and it did not rate traction in detail, so that score is an estimate.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
How we picked
Each score comes from independent tests (RunRepeat, OutdoorGearLab and Switchback Travel), manufacturer specifications and the price on a retailer or brand page. RunRepeat earns commissions on shoes it recommends, so each shoe rests on one independent source. We do not test shoes in person. Ratings are our assessment from what the reviewers report, and fit varies by foot.
What we left out
Merrell Tempo EXP ($80): owner reviews only, no independent test.
Merrell Moab 3 and Moab Speed 2 ($145): they belong in the mid-range ranking.
What to look for
Traction: budget shoes often have shallow lugs, which suits dry and easy trails
Weight, because the cheapest shoes can weigh as much as a light boot
Waterproofing: only the NORTIV is sold as waterproof
Questions
Why only three shoes?
Only these three had a regular price under $120 and an independent test. The Merrell Tempo EXP ($80 on REI) has owner reviews but no test.
Why does the ASICS list a trail runner here?
ASICS sells the Venture 11 as a trail running shoe, and RunRepeat tested it as a budget hiking shoe. Trail runners sit in the hiking shoe ranking with a standout line that says so.
Where do the prices come from?
The regular price on Amazon, Columbia and ASICS on October 17, 2026. Sale prices are ignored. The NORTIV price is the list price Amazon shows.