Best Reviewed
Hiking Boots
- Summer hiking shoes Keen Voyageur Low *Est. $100
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- Budget light hiking boots L.L.Bean Trail Model Hikers II, Mid-Cut *Est. $60
- Lightweight waterproof hiking boots Vasque Breeze GTX XCR *Est. $120
- Heavy-duty leather backpacking boots Asolo TPS 520 GV *Est. $225
- Women's hiking boots Asolo Stynger Gtx *Est. $210
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- Under $100
- Excellent traction
- Comfortable for most
- Lightweight
- 90-day warranty
- Not made for maximum support
Owner-written reviews at six different sources recommend the Hi-Tec Altitude IV boots as an excellent value. Quite a few users report hiking in them for several years, then replacing them with the same model. Though there's no waterproof lining, the leather is treated for water resistance, and most owners report that their feet stay dry. In fact, some experts prefer water-resistant boots over those with waterproof linings, since plain leather lets sweat escape better. The boots are lightweight (1.5 pounds for an average men's pair), so they're not made for maximum support and durability. The main drawback is the short 90-day warranty. If you want even cooler hiking shoes for hot weather -- especially in a dry climate -- reviews recommend the Keen Voyageur Low (*Est. $100) .
We didn't find any professional comparison tests of these budget hiking boots, but we found lots of owner-written reviews and ratings, especially at Zappos.com, Amazon.com and OnlineShoes.com. Buzzillions.com consolidates reviews and ratings from quite a few sites, and reviews at TrailSpace.com are especially useful for evaluating traction.
Keen Men's Voyageur Trail Shoe
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| Hi-Tec Men's Altitude IV WP Hiking Boot,Dark Chocolate,11 M | |
(170 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. Zappos.com
One hundred men review the Hi-Tec Altitude IV at this popular online shoe retailer, with about 95 percent giving these boots at least a 4-star rating (on a 5-point scale). The handful of women reviewing the women's version (built on a women's last) give it even higher ratings.
Review: Hi-Tec Altitude IV, Contributors to Zappos.com, As of Sept. 2011
2. Amazon.com
More than 100 men and a handful of women review the Hi-Tec Altitude IV hiking boots. Most report that it's comfortable, and amazingly durable for its price.
Review: Hi-Tec Men's Altitude IV Hiking Boot, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Sept. 2011
Almost 50 men and about a dozen women review the Hi-Tec Altitude IV here, praising its comfort, durability and overall value. One woman praises the traction even on slippery wet logs.
Review: Hi-Tec Altitude IV, Contributors to OnlineShoes.com, As of Sept. 2011
This site consolidates owners' reviews and ratings from many websites, finding more than 140 for the Hi-Tec Altitude IV. The majority of feedback is quite positive, with a few complaints about durability or poor waterproofing.
Review: Hi-Tec Altitude IV (Men's), Contributors to Buzzillions.com, As of Sept. 2011
More than a dozen users review the Hi-Tec Altitude IV here, but it's still one of the top-rated hiking boots at this site. Hikers say they're waterproof, and one notes that traction is excellent even on wet rocks.
Review: Hi-Tec Altitude IV, Contributors to TrailSpace.com, As of Sept. 2011
Less than 10 owner-written reviews cover an earlier version of the Hi-Tec Altitude, giving it a positive average rating of 4 stars (out of 5). One reviewer says they can't be resoled, but because of the low price, users seem happy to just buy a new pair when needed.
Review: Hi-Tec Altitude Review, Contributors to TheBackpacker.com
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