Our guide to the best hiking boots for women is to keep your feet happy and blister-free on any trail conditions. You know you need a good pair of hiking boots, but it’s confusing to know the best ones.
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That’s why I’ve written this guide. Throughout the years, I’ve tested dozens of pairs of hiking boots. I’ve chosen wisely in many cases and less wisely in other cases. I’m sharing my expertise so that you don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Here are my top picks of the best hiking boots for women, no matter whether your favorite terrain is easy hikes, hiking mountains, challenging backpacking treks, or river crossings.
Top 3 Best Overall Quality Hiking Boots for Women
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX for women feature a waterproof membrane and a durable rubber outsole. The cuff height is over-the-ankle height, protecting the ankle bones, perfect if you need more ankle support or prefer to hike on technical terrain or on rough trails. They're also great for backpacking trips. They have rubber toe caps and heel slings to help guard against abrasion and rough contact.
The Salomon X Ultra are lightweight boots (~1 pound, or 490 grams per boot. They also have removable "Ortholite" shock-absorbing footbeds. The lug pattern terrain has a deep tread and grippy soles perfect for slippery or technical terrain.
MAIN MATERIAL: Leather
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Yes
Related Reading: 14 Best Hiking Sandals for Women
The Moab 2 features a breathable mesh upper that helps keep feet dry, reducing the chance of blisters on hot days. And when wet weather strikes, these boots offer great traction thanks to their rugged tread pattern.
Plus, the mid-height design makes them ideal for hiking and running through rough trails. I appreciate that the platform measures about an inch and the heel is about 1.5 inches, as I find it gives more support.
These boots are lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, so can handle hikes in inclement weather. The best thing about the design of these hiking boots, however and what makes them unique is their fit system which lets you adjust the fit of the boots after every wear. This reduces the chance of getting blisters, especially if you're wearing them for a multi-day trek.
MAIN MATERIAL: Leather
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Water-resistant
Related Reading: Hiking for Beginners: The New Hikers’ Guide to Having an Amazing Day
Whether you're hiking through rocky terrains or climbing up steep hills, KEEN's Women’s Targhee II Mid Water Proof Hiking Boot's footbed design provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot, while the rubber sole offers excellent traction on wet and slippery surfaces, leaving no marks or traces when you walk inside.
These boots are revamped with the KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane for breathability. The mid-cut design provides support where you need it most. They're designed to fit comfortably over socks and have different levels of traction. They're available in 7 different colors so you can look stylish.
MAIN MATERIAL: Fabric/Leather
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Yes
Top 3 Best Mid-Priced Women’s Hiking Boots
The VOJO 3TEXAPORE Mid is the brand's best-seller. This classic waterproof shoe is a great option for hikers who enjoy walking on uneven and variable terrain. The sole offers excellent traction and support, helping you stay comfortable mile after mile. With a durable rubber outsole, you'll get superior traction on any surface. Plus, the waterproof TEXAPORM® lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
The cuff height reaches up to 4.7 inches (12cm) which offers excellent ankle support. There are several different types of these boots, like the classic Vojos (with their iconic red laces). I do suggest ordering a full size up, especially if you have wider feet.
MAIN MATERIAL: Oiled Nubuck Leather
TRACTION: Good on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Yes
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My favorite hiking boot from Skechers is definitely Skechers Women's Relaxed fit Trego Alpine Trail Hiker. It's lightweight and fits true to size, making it perfect for walking, running, and climbing. The lacing system makes getting them on and off super simple, and the waterproof zipper keeps water out.
It features an air-cooled memory foam full-length cushioned design and a removable comfort insole. The mesh fabric panels at the tongue and the collar provide breathable comfort while the rubber all-terrain traction outsole is great on any mixed terrain. I suggest ordering one size up though.
MAIN MATERIAL: Synthetic
TRACTION: Good on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Yes
Related Reading: The 35 Best Hiking Jackets To Keep You Comfortable in Any Weather
These traditional boots are comfortable, durable, and stylish. They're great for hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, hunting, and any outdoor adventure. The Isodry waterproof membrane is an extremely water-resistant and breathable material made from a highly permeable polyester mesh. It allows sweat to evaporate quickly without letting any water inside. While the mesh lining improves breathability to help keep your feet dry in wet weather conditions.
The rubber outsole and deep lug pattern provide traction and protection against rocks and tree roots. And the adjustable laces let you tighten them just right to fit your foot comfortably. My pair of hiking boots didn't even take a long break-in time I just love them! Another thing I love about these hiking boots is that they're available in 7 different colors. They're also good for casual wear on a day-to-day basis.
MAIN MATERIAL: Synthetic Leather
TRACTION: Good on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Water-resistant
Best Value Ladies Hiking Boots
If you're looking for comfortable women's hiking boots, JABASIC Women's Mid Hiking Boot is a great value-priced option. These lightweight water resistant outdoor trekking boots feature a durable rubber outsole and a breathable mesh lining that keeps feet cool, and in dry conditions. This boot with ankle protection has a padded collar providing extra comfort and support.
These hiking boots are made of premium leather uppers with synthetic suede linings and soft microfiber footbeds for added comfort. The waterproof nylon fabric protects against moisture and trail debris. They feel like traditional hiking boots but were also very comfortable for walking on rocky ground, pebbles, across sandy beaches, and up steep inclines. They provided good ankle protection.
MAIN MATERIAL: Premium Leather/Synthetic Leather
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Water resistant
Related Reading: 16 Best Hiking Backpacks: Our Top Picks for Every Budget
Most Versatile Boot for Women
Inspired by the classic mountaineering style, these bulkier, sturdier, and higher-tread boots provide great traction and comfort. These classic Columbia sturdy hiking boots for women always have been super reliable in my personal experience. My pair of the previous model even held up in all kinds looser terrains for several years of constant use. They have endured all my waterfall, mountain, sand, and snow adventures.
Along with its Techlite lightweight midsole, you'll find superior cushioning and comfort for any time on a hiking trail. The full-grain leather boot features a mesh tongue for breathability to avoid sweating. These boots are very comfortable and great if you plan on hiking on variable terrain.
MAIN MATERIAL: Synthetic Leather
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrains
WATERPROOF: Yes
Best Boots for Women with Wide Feet
These pair of hiking boots are super roomy. I would 100% recommend these to you if you have wider feet. This shoe features a thermoplastic elastomers sole that provides excellent traction on different types of terrain. Plus, the padded collar helps keep feet warm during cold weather hikes.
These are some of the lightest boots out there. Treated with Neverwet technology, they're specifically engineered to stand up to 40 washes and still deliver excellent water repellency. You can wear these hiking boots anywhere—even in wet conditions. These are some of my favorite boots simply because of the extra room and movement I get from them. Do check boot sizes since sized are not universal.
MAIN MATERIAL: Synthetic Materials
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Water resistant
Related Reading: Best Hiking Socks
Best Ladie’s Lightweight Hiking Boots
Best Hiking Boots For Women
I am always looking for durability but weight is also a big factor. I recommend checking out the Altra Lone Peak All-WTR Mid Trail Running Shoe if you're someone who values lightweight. This model weighs only 12 ounces and provides excellent support while keeping your feet cool during long hikes.
These boots are made with a durable synthetic upper material that keeps your foot protected and provides plenty of traction as you hike. Additionally, the midsole offers moderate cushioning and a stack height of 25mm. Altra shoes are built to last, so you can count on them to hold up over time.
MAIN MATERIAL: Synthetic
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Yes
Best Waterproof Hiking Boots for Women
While Columbia calls this a "hiking shoe," it's really more of a "hiking boot".While many hiking boots are water resistant, they're not waterproof, meaning your feet won't be completely dry in wet conditions, which can cause blisters. Not to mention it's not comfortable hiking with wet feet! These Columbia women's hiking boots are comfortable, durable, and keep feet dry when hiking through rainstorms.
Whether you are hitting the trails or looking for extra durability and super waterproof, these mid-height hiking boots are designed for women and offer maximum traction on all terrains. Their signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain, and versatile three-season use, especially in wet conditions.
MAIN MATERIAL: Leather and Textile
TRACTION: Maximum Traction on All Terrains
WATERPROOF: Very much
Related Reading: Winter Hiking Gear: How to Stay Warm and Dress for Cold Weather
Best Supportive Ladies Hiking Boots
The shaft measures approximately 8" from the arch providing exceptional support. They are smaller than others, so I recommend ordering a full size up from your usual size. Integrated is an inserted EVA midsole. These waterproof hiking boots feature a lightweight, durable midsole for long-lasting comfort, and superior cushioning.
A neat feature of these boots is the molded TPU ankle support with snowshoe strap ridge. The snow boots combine durability and comfort seamlessly while remaining lightweight and stylish for all your outdoor adventures.
MAIN MATERIAL: Synthetic
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrains
WATERPROOF: Yep
Related Reading: The Best Snowshoes and Our Guide to Finding the Right Ones
Best Women’s Hiking Boots for Traction
Yes, here they are again. Time and time again, this pair of boots prove that they are worth their price. The rubber outsole provides high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces making them amazing on all types of terrain.
With its excellent out-of-the-box comfort and fit feel, the KEEN Targhee III is one of the most popular boots for day hikes and easy-to-moderately difficult backpacking trips. The Targhee III is lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for active lifestyles. I just love them.
MAIN MATERIAL: Fabric
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Very much so
Best Full-Grain Leather Women’s Hiking Boots
Timberland's waterproof leather boots rank on a 10/10 scale for comfort. They're designed to be durable enough to withstand rugged terrain and keep you comfortable throughout long hikes.
The boot features a removable insole that provides cushioning and support, scratch rubber heel overlays, multi-terrain traction, enhanced impact absorption, and full-grain leather and sued. They're available in black, brown, and tan.
MAIN MATERIAL: Leather
TRACTION: Great on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Yes
Related Reading: Trekking Gear List: What to Pack When You’re Staying in Mountain Huts
Best Women’s Backpacking Boots (for Multi-Day Trips and Heavy Loads)
Getting ready for an awesome hike like the Tour du Mont Blanc, or the Appalachian Trail, Salamon has another winner for ya! An ultralight backpacking boot that draws on the lightweight and flexible design of the Salomon quest model. The patent-pending ADV-C (Advanced Dynamic Control) technology provides stability in variable conditions and uneven terrain.
If you're planning an adventure, you'll want a hiking boot designed for backcountry travel. With premium nubuck leather, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and a higher cut, Quest Element GTX boots protect you from the elements and provide stability when you're walking through rough terrain. Lightweight construction keeps you agile at every stride.
MAIN MATERIAL: Nubuck Leather
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Yes
Best Stylish Hiking Boots for Ladies
As a woman hiker, you want comfortable footwear that won't let you down when you're out exploring the great outdoors. Forsake Patch boots are designed specifically for women, like you and me, who hike, backpack, camp, climb mountains, and explore nature. They offer superior traction and durability, along with a cushioned footbed and breathable nylon mesh lining.
These boots are ideal for women who want to be able to walk comfortably in dressy clothes, but still feel confident when wearing hiking boots. Women who hike often find themselves in situations where they need to switch between casual and rugged styles. So these boots are perfect for you! I know I love them, paired with a knee-length dress, I can slay a 2-hour hiking excursion or walk through the park easily!
MAIN MATERIAL: Leather
TRACTION: Excellent on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Yes
Related Reading: The Best Hiking Gaiters for Every Outdoor Activity
Best Crossover for Trail Running for Women
Crossovers are great because they're versatile enough to wear when running errands, walking the dog, or just going out for a casual stroll through firsthand experience. They're comfortable and breathable, making them perfect for long walks and hikes. These Joomra Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes are available in 31 colors, the girly girl in me is screaming in excitement!
The rubber outsole offers the best combination of traction and durability while providing a responsive feel on uneven surfaces. Circular lugs provide traction when moving across an irregular surface. They provide arch support and don't put too much pressure on the balls of the feet. They're also ideal for trail running because they offer stability and support, yet still, allow freedom of movement.
MAIN MATERIAL: Fabric
TRACTION: Great on All Terrain
WATERPROOF: Sadly not
Related Reading: Day Hiking Packing List: The Essentials To Bring On Every Hike
Tips for Buying the Best Women’s Hiking Boots For You
Hiking boots are one of the most important pieces of hiking gear that you need. Whether you’re planning a weekend hike or a weeklong backpacking trip, having the right boots is key to enjoying yourself safely and comfortably.
- Comfort: Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Look for a snug fit that allows you to walk freely while keeping your feet warm and dry. Also, avoid shoes that pinch your toes or ankles. I almost always buy a 1/2 size to one size bigger than my regular shoe size since my feet swell after a full day of hiking.
- Durability: Invest in durable footwear made of leather, wool, natural rubber, recycled plastic, or a blend of fabrics that can withstand rocky terrain. Look for sturdy soles and uppers that offer protection against rocks and other debris.
- Stability: When walking over uneven surfaces, stability is critical. Choose a pair of hiking boots that provide support and comfort while allowing you to balance evenly. Test these in an outdoor store. Most have rock sections that you can try.
- Traction: When you’re on tough trails or on rough terrain, traction is vital. Look for a shoe with a grippy lug pattern. The deeper the grooves on the outsoles the better grip you’ll have to climb steep inclines, descend rocky paths, and other types of technical terrain.
- Waterproof Protection: While you may not need full waterproof boots, depending on where you hike, always look for water-resistant hiking boots. This helps prevent moisture from entering the boot, which keeps your feet dry and comfortable and prevents you from getting blisters – one of the key things that will wreck your trek.
- Balance Weight with Support. Heavier often means sturdier hiking books that will provide more support, while lightweight ones will provide less. I personally prefer mid-weight and mid-support hiking boots.
However, if you have very weak ankle bones, you’ll want excellent ankle support, which will mean heavier hiking boots, but the extra support is worth it. If you don’t have any special join concerns and will usually be doing easier day hikes you don’t need the extra support and can choose lighter hiking boots. - Fit: Finally, choose a pair of hiking boots based on your foot type. For example, if you have wide feet, look for a wider toe box comfort. Wide toe boxes give you extra room for your toes, reducing your chance of getting blisters. Some boots are made in a wide size, others are designed for narrower feet, so check this out for a better fit.
Related Reading: The Best Hiking Footwear for Every Hiker
Frequently Asked Questions About Purchasing Ladies Hiking Boots:
What is the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots?
Hiking shoes are designed specifically for walking around town or on easy hiking trails. They’re lightweight and comfortable, but they aren’t meant to withstand rugged terrain. Hiking boots are heavier-duty versions of hiking shoes, and they’re made to handle rough conditions.
Some hikers prefer to wear both types of footwear during different parts of their hike. While hiking shoes are great for casual hikes, hiking boots are ideal for serious adventures.
Are Shoes or Boots Better for Hiking?
It depends on the type of hiking you do. Hiking shoes are great if you mainly do easy hikes on even terrain that are relatively short. They’re also more lightweight and tend to be more comfortable than hiking boots. However, they aren’t ideal for certain activities like scrambling on rocks and climbing steep inclines.
On the flip side, hiking boots are designed specifically for hiking. They protect your feet from sharp objects and rough terrain. While they’re heavier than shoes, they provide more support so they’re the best choice if you’re backpacking and carrying a heavy load or love doing scrambles or hikes on uneven terrain. Or tend to do longer hikes. Hiking boots are also a better choice if you have weak ankles and require more support.
I have both hiking shoes and hiking boots but hike in my boots 90% of the time. I only use the hiking shoes if I’m doing an easy hike of 3 hours or less (just my rule not a hard and fast rule).
Both options have their pros and cons. It really depends on the hikes and terrain that you’ll be doing.
What Material Is Best for Hiking Boots?
Hiking boots are made of leather, canvas, nylon, mesh, and rubber. Leather is the traditional choice for outdoor footwear, but it’s also the most expensive option.
Nylon is a good alternative to leather since it doesn’t crack or split as leather does. Mesh is another popular type of boot, especially for hikers who prefer breathability. Rubber is great for traction, but it tends to wear down quickly.
There are many different materials available for hiking boots, so experiment until you find something that works best for you. I personally like a mix of upper leathers and mesh, but it’s a matter of personal preference.
How to Choose the Right Size When Buying Hiking Boots?
One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying hiking boots is choosing the wrong size. A good rule of thumb is to go half a size larger than your normal shoe size. So if you wear a 7 1/2 shoe, try on an 8 or 8 1/2 hiking boot.
Also, look for boots that have a wide toe box, meaning that the space around the toes is large enough to accommodate thick socks without feeling constricting. Another tip is to avoid boots with hard plastic soles. These tend to be uncomfortable and slippery on uneven terrain. Instead, opt for leather uppers and rubber outsoles.
Also, check that the heel counter fits snugly against your foot. Don’t worry too much about the height of the heel; it should be comfortable, but not so high that it causes blisters.
The best tip I can give you for finding the right size of hiking boots is to buy them at the end of the day when you’re feet are more swollen and to try them on with the hiking socks that you normally wear hiking.
I bought my first pair of hiking boots in the morning and they fit perfectly, but they caused me blisters every time I hiked as they became too small as my feet swelled while hiking. Don’t make this mistake, always buy later in the day, ideally after you’ve been on your feet for a file.
How do you break in your hiking boots?
Hiking boots should always be broken in before going for a hike.
The best way to break in your hiking boots is to wear them around the house for a few days, and then venture out wearing them for short walks, gradually increasing the amount of time you wear them until you’re ready to hike in them.
How do you keep water-resistant hiking boots waterproof?
You’ll need to use a waterproof spray regularly on your boots to keep them water resistant. Check the instructions to see how often you need to reapply.
How do you care for suede or leather hiking boots?
Use a damp cloth to learn your leather hiking boots and a soft brush on suede ones. You’ll also want to apply a waterproof spray designed specifically for Nubuck and suede material.
Related Reading: The Best Hiking Boots for Men
Conclusion
Now you know the best hiking boots for women to keep your feet happy, whether you’re hiking on easy, moderate terrain or doing a challenging backpacking trip. Happy trails!
