Best Walking Boots Under £100 for UK Hiking Trails 2026

Can Budget Boots Handle UK Mountains?

Yes, within reason. You won't get the ankle support or sole stiffness of a £200 Scarpa, but for most day walks and weekend backpacking on paths and moderate terrain, a good sub-£100 boot is absolutely fine.

Where budget boots show their limits: scrambling, rocky terrain, heavy packs, and sustained wet weather. The waterproofing and sole grip are the first things to suffer at lower price points. But for the vast majority of UK walking — paths, moorland, gentle hills — these boots handle everything you'll throw at them.

The key is buying from reputable brands. A £60 boot from Berghaus, Merrell, or Decathlon will outperform a £100 boot from an unknown brand every time.

Top 5 Walking Boots Under £100

1. Berghaus Hillwalker II GTX — ~£95 (Best Overall, Often on Sale)

GORE-TEX lining, Vibram sole, proper leather/synthetic upper. RRP is around £120 but they're regularly available under £100. Comfortable from early on with a sensible break-in period.

Pros: GORE-TEX waterproofing, Vibram sole, trusted brand, good fit Cons: RRP above £100 (buy on sale), heavy, stiff initially

2. Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Leather — ~£55 (Best Value)

Genuine leather upper, waterproof membrane, decent sole grip. For fifty-five quid, the build quality is impressive. Heavy (800g per boot) but solid.

Pros: Excellent value, leather construction, waterproof, surprisingly well-made Cons: Heavy, needs more breaking in, soles wear faster

3. Hi-Tec Altitude V — ~£55

Affordable, comfortable and waterproof with Dri-Tec membrane. A popular first hiking boot that's comfortable almost immediately.

Pros: Comfortable quickly, waterproof, well-priced, good colour options Cons: Sole isn't great on wet rock, less durable than premium options

4. Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX — ~£95 (Best Trail Boot)

Lower-cut than traditional walking boots, lighter, more flexible. GORE-TEX lined with Vibram sole. Brilliant for fast hiking and mixed terrain.

Pros: Light and flexible, GORE-TEX, Vibram sole, comfortable immediately Cons: Less ankle support, softer sole not ideal for heavy packs

5. Karrimor Skiddaw — ~£60

Often dismissed because of the brand, but the Skiddaw is actually a capable budget boot. Waterproof, decent grip, comfortable fit.

Pros: Cheap, waterproof, comfortable, widely available Cons: Brand reputation, heavier than competitors, waterproofing fades faster

Boot Fitting Guide

1. Go in the afternoon — feet swell during the day
2. Wear your hiking socks to the shop
3. Try both boots on — feet are often different sizes
4. Walk downhill on the shop ramp — your toes shouldn't hit the front
5. Lace them up properly and walk for at least 10 minutes
6. A snug heel and roomy toe box is what you're after

A boot that fits your foot shape is more important than the brand, the price, or the specifications. Everyone's foot is different. Berghaus tends to suit wider UK feet. Salomon tends to suit narrower feet. Merrell falls in between. Try them all and buy what fits.

Breaking In

• Start with short walks — 30 minutes to an hour
• Increase gradually over 2–3 weeks
• Wear them around the house with your hiking socks
• Address hot spots immediately — add moleskin or adjust lacing before blisters form
• Don't hike 15 miles on day one in new boots — that's how you end up limping home

Modern boots need less breaking in than traditional leather boots, but they still need some. The Merrell Moab is comfortable almost immediately. The Berghaus Hillwalker needs 2-3 short walks. The Decathlon MT100 needs a good week of wear.

When to Upgrade

Your budget boots have served you well. Consider upgrading when:

• The soles are worn smooth — grip failure on wet terrain is dangerous
• Waterproofing has failed despite reproofing — you're walking in wet socks
• You're carrying heavier packs — budget soles don't support weight as well
• You're scrambling or walking rough terrain — stiffer, more supportive boots make a real difference

The natural upgrade path: Scarpa Terra GTX (£130) for traditional boot support, or Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (£130) for lightweight agility.