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Hiking Shoes: Merrell Moab 3 ($110) 

Like backpacking packs above, hiking shoes aren't a place to skimp and go overly cheap. Merrell’s very popular Moab 3 ($110) is a proven winner in this category and our favorite budget hiking shoe, combining a high level of comfort with protection and stability. Sporting a durable yet breathable suede and mesh upper and good cushion underfoot, the Moab 3 clocks in at a respectable 1 pound 14.7 ounces for the pair. The design is also available in a waterproof version, or in a mid-height hiking boot model (the Merrell Moab 3 Mid) for $120. You won’t get quite the weight-savings, support, or traction with the Moab 3 as you do with more expensive models, but it's noticeably comfortable and thus well-suited for rocky trails and loaded-down packs.



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