Budget Footwear and Socks for Backpacking

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Sweet Spot Recommendations

For most budget backpackers, I recommend trail-running shoes. They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and have low stack heights that provide stability. However, they might not be ideal for your specific backpacking conditions. If you’ll be scrambling over scree and talus with a heavy pack, a sturdier pair of hiking boots may be the better choice. If you’ll be hiking in snowy or slushy subfreezing conditions, you’ll need insulated waterproof boots.

In my non-expert opinion, hiking shoes are less suitable than both trail-running shoes and hiking boots. Compared with trail-running shoes, hiking shoes tend to have a higher stack height, which can reduce stability and increase the risk of ankle rolls. At the same time, they generally don’t offer as much ankle support as high-cut hiking boots with stiff uppers and torsionally rigid midsoles.

For details about choosing footwear, see Beginner’s Guide to Footwear and Socks for Backpacking.

If possible, buy footwear at a bricks-and-mortar store so you can try it on first. If this isn’t possible, or if you already know what footwear is right for you, below are some mid-price options designed for rugged terrain.

Stack Height and Heel-to-Toe Drop

Stack Height is the maximum height of the midsole.

Heel-to-toe drop (aka drop), is the difference between the height of the cushion at the heel and the cushion at the forefoot.

Trail-running Shoes

Saucony Peregrine 15

Men’s

Women’s

Weight: 9.4 oz
Size: True to size
Width: Medium
Toebox width: Narrow
Heel stack: 29.5 mm
Forefoot stack: 25.8 mm
Heel-to-toe drop: 3.7 mm
Lug depth: 4.7 mm
Arch support: Neutral
Stiffness: Flexible
Torsional rigidity: Flexible
Midsole softness: Soft

Pros

Reasonable price
Lightweight
Deep lugs

Cons

Narrow toebox won’t suit all feet

ASICS Gel Venture 11 Trail Running Shoes

Men’s

Women’s

Weight: 11.4 oz
Size: Slightly small
Width: Narrow
Toebox width: Narrow
Heel stack: 35.3 mm
Forefoot stack: 23.3 mm
Heel-to-toe drop. 12.0 mm
Lug depth: 3.7 mm
Arch support: Neutral
Stiffness: Moderate
Torsional rigidity: Stiff
Midsole softness: Medium

Pros

Excellent value
Highly durable

Cons

Heavy
Only for narrow feet

Brooks Divide 5 Trail Shoes

Men’s

Women’s

Weight: 10.1-10.4 oz
Size: True to size
Width: Medium
Toebox width: Medium
Heel stack: 35.5 mm
Forefoot stack: 25.5 mm
Heel-to-toe drop: 10.0 mm
Lug depth: 3.0 mm
Arch support: Neutral
Stiffness: Medium
Torsional rigidity: Stiff

Pros

Highly durable
Comfortable upper

Cons

Limited toebox height

Altra Lone Peak 9

Men’s

Women’s

Weight: 10.4-10.9 oz
Size: True to size
Width: Wide
Toebox width: Wide
Heel stack: 25 mm
Forefoot stack: 25 mm
Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm
Lug depth: 3.8 mm
Arch support: Neutral
Stiffness: Medium
Torsional rigidity: Medium
Midsole softness: Medium

Pros

Not a budget shoe
True zero drop
Low stack
Spacious toebox
Stable
Durable

Cons

Heavy for its size
Poor airflow for a trailrunner

My Thoughts

This shoe isn’t for everyone—its zero drop, low stack height, and wide toe box are ideal for some feet and unsuitable for others.

As a pigeon-toed hiker, I used to roll and sprain my ankle frequently. I switched to Lone Peaks about 6 years ago and haven’t rolled an ankle since. I attribute this to the stabilization provided by the zero drop, low stack height, and wide toe box.

Nortiv 8 Wide Toe Box Trail Running Shoes

Men’s

Women’s

Toebox width: Wide
Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm

My Thoughts

I haven’t tried this shoe, but it looks like it may be a budget-friendly alteranative to the Altra Lone Peak 9.

Hiking Shoes

Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe

Men’s

Women’s

Weight: 16.2 oz
Size: True to size
Width: Medium
Toebox width: Medium
Heel stack: 31.7 mm
Forefoot stack: 20.5 mm
Heel-to-toe drop: 11.2 mm
Lug depth: 4.8 mm
Stiffness: Medium
Torsional rigidity: Medium
Midsole softness: Firm

Pros

Inexpensive
Comfortable
Not much break-in needed
Good support
Good stability
Good traction
Fits various foot shapes

Cons

Relatively heavy

Columbia Crestwood Hiking Shoe

Men’s

Women’s

Weight: 12.3 oz
Size: True to size
Width: Medium
Toebox width: Medium
Heel stack: 32.7 mm
Forefoot stack: 19.0 mm
Heel-to-toe drop:
Lug depth: 3.2 mm
Stiffness: Medium
Torsional rigidity: Stiff
Midsole softness: Medium

Pros

Excellent value
Comfortable padding
Well-cushioned midsole
Excellent breathability
Durable
Good traction

Cons

Inner lining not durable

Hiking & Backpacking Boots

Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot

Men’s

Women’s

Weight: 13.6 oz
Size: Half-size small
Width: Medium
Toebox width: Medium
Heel stack: 36.1 mm
Forefoot stack: 22.6 mm
Heel-to-toe drop:
Lug depth: 5.0 mm
Stiffness: Stiff
Midsole softness: Firm

Pros

Good stability
Comfortable
Good traction on hard terrain
Durable

Cons

Mediocre impact protection
Mesh panels easy to tear
Poor traction on mud or soft terrain

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot

Men’s

Women’s

Weight: 15.9 oz
Size: True to size
Width: Medium
Toebox width: Narrow
Heel stack: 33.7 mm
Forefoot stack: 23.9 mm
Heel-to-toe drop:
Lug depth: 4.7 mm
Stiffness: Stiff
Midsole softness: Firm

Pros