Last Updated on 21/08/2024
Finding the Best Hiking Boots For Women
Here is our pick of the 10 Best Women’s Hiking Boots to make your next walk easier on your feet. Choose between Leather or Synthetic and waterproof or breathable to help keep your feet in top condition.
When it comes to finding a new pair of hiking boots, you might look at over 100 different pairs before you find the pair that’s right for you. Yes, this takes a lot of time and effort, but the chances are you will end up with a comfortable pair of hiking boots you are happy with. On the other end of the spectrum, you might be the kind of person to buy the first pair of hiking boots that you see or even look for the cheapest pair available without even considering the high-quality boots. This would be a mistake.
Have You Ever Owned a Pair of Shoes that Rubbed or Gave You Blisters?
The best women’s hiking boots will feel comfortable straight out of the box, and the fit will improve over time. This is especially true with red laced leather hiking boots for women, which will naturally stretch and adapt to the individual and personal shape of your feet. Blisters are every hiker’s first nightmare and can turn a pleasurable walk into a pain endurance mission. It doesn’t have to be this way.
- Check out our related article: Woman’s Guide to Hiking Boots
Many of the biggest and best women’s hiking boots manufacturers have spent millions of dollars on research and development to provide long-lasting and reliable comfort over many miles. This is why a quality hiking boot will feel so comfortable, and a cheap boot will feel like every other pair of shoes you have ever owned. Quality trumps value every time when you are shopping for your feet, but I am sure you already know that.
Top 10 Best Hiking Boots For Women
Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: Leather, Abrasion-resistant Air Mesh Panels, Gore-Tex Comfort Lining, Vasque Exclusive Vibram Contact outsole with XSTrek Compound, Dual Density EVA footbed, Reflective piping for road safety
- Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz / 992 g
The Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Hiking Boots are a modern update on the original 2004 model. Lighter, more durable, and improved breathability make the Breeze 2.0 one of the best women’s hiking boots available today. With running shoe technology incorporated into the design, you can stay nimble on your feet when you need to move fast. Deep lugs give you a grip in mud and scree, and the tough Vibram soles will last for ages.
The Vasque Breeze 2.0 are available in narrow, medium, and wide options as well as being available in children’s sizes. These boots are comfy right out of the box, but once you break them in, you won’t want to take them off.
The abrasion-resistant mesh panels allow your feet to breathe, which helps avoid sweaty feet and stinky boots. Underneath the tough exterior is the extended comfort Gore-Tex lining which will keep your feet dry – all the time! The ultimate hiking boot for women worldwide.
Timberland Chocorua GTX Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: Waterproof Full-Grain Leather with Textile Mesh Panels, Gore-Tex membrane with Sealed Seams, Rubber Sole, Removable Dual-Density EVA Footbed, EVA Midsole
- Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz / 1077 g
The Timberland Chocorua GTX is a rugged and ready-to-go hiking boot for all outdoor activities. As well as the waterproof full-grain leather, the gore-tex membrane provides complete waterproof protection and allows your feet to breathe.
The toughness doesn’t stop with the uppers. The soles are also incredibly hard-wearing and allow the boots to last a long time over many miles. Comfort out of the box and a choice of medium to wide makes finding a good-fitting hiking boot a little easier. When you think about what the best hiking boots for women should be, the Chocorua’s come pretty close in my mind. Like most Timberland Boots, they are tough and comfortable but also totally waterproof and built for hiking long distances.
Lowa Renegade GTX Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: Nubuck Leather Upper, Waterproof Gore-Tex Membrane, Vibram Evo Sole, DuraPU with MONOWRAP Frame Midsole
- Weight: 1 lb 15 oz / 890 g
The Lowa Renegade GTX Hiking Boots have been updated with a new Monowrap frame construction to reduce weight, improve stability, and increase comfort over longer distances. Rugged and durable to the highest degree, these boots feel like a four-wheel drive for your feet.
Snug-fitting ankle support and shock-absorbent Vibram soles give you the confidence to make those big jumps and tough climbs without fear. Waterproofing is taken care of by the gore-tex lining as well as the nubuck upper, which also repels mud and debris very well. One of the best women’s hiking boots for rough trails around the world.
Asolo Stynger GTX Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: 1.6-1.8 mm Water-Resistant Suede and High Tenacity Nylon Uppers, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Lining, Asolo Syncro Rubber-PU Sole, Duo Asoflex Lasting Board
- Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz / 1100 g
The Asolo Stynger Hiking Bootsare the women’s version of the Asolo Fugitive and perform just as well but with a better fit for women. Lightweight and rigid, the dynamic support makes these boots great for hiking on unstable ground. The high-lacing system hugs your ankle without restricting movement and really feels like it cups your heel when flexed.
The spacious toe box lets you wiggle your toes when they are cold, and the abrasion-resistant rand protects you from loose rocks and stubbed toes. High-performance comfort without a long break-in period means you can buy these last minute and not worry about blisters. The water-resistant suede and Cordura uppers work with the gore-tex lining to provide complete waterproofing and good breathability.
Recommended by female hikers around the world, you are unlikely to be disappointed by the Asolo Styngers.
Salomon Quest 4D GTX Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: Nubuck Leather and Synthetic Panels, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Membrane, Non-marking Contagrip Sole, Moulded EVA Midsole, Ortholite, EVA Shaped Footbed
- Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz / 1120 g
The Salomon Quest 4D GTX Hiking Boots have one of the best reputations among the modern hiking community. Partly because they are one of the better-looking hiking boots on the list but also because they perform like champions. The rugged outsole provides expert grip and stability, while the upper construction gives you excellent support.
The ergonomic tongue is gusseted to stop dirt and small rocks from getting in the boot, and the rubber toe caps and heel protect you from abrasions. Again, the trusty gore-tex lining keeps your feet dry in wet conditions. Easy to get on and off your feet, the laces stay tight and secure for excellent ease of use. The only complaint I have about the Salomon Quest 4D is that they are slightly narrow fitting.
Scarpa R-Evolution Plus GTX Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: Calf Leather Upper, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Lining, Vibram® Fagus Sole, Revolution High-Density EVA Midsole
- Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz / 1134 g
The Scarpa R-Evolution Plus have tough nubuck calf leather uppers with thick rubber rand for taking on the most extreme challenges and adventures. The tough exterior is the key to protecting your feet against loose scree and sharp rocks as well as being very waterproof. On the inside, Protection Comfort Gore-tex lining provides total waterproofing and breathability.
For such a tough exterior, the boots do not feel bulky at all, and the comfort level is top-notch. SCARPA Sock-Fit XT and memory foam inners adapt instantly to the shape of your feet, and the fit only improves over time. Vibram soles are tough as nails, with advanced flexibility and a trek-specific tread for all kinds of mixed terrain and long-distance trails. A solid boot from a company with a solid reputation and many years of experience.
Ahnu Sugarpine Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: Leather and Suede Upper, Waterproof Mesh, Dual-density EVA footbed, Vibram non-marking outsole and slip-resistant lugs
- Weight: 1 lb 8 oz / 680 g
The Ahnu Sugarpine Hiking Boots will take on any trail in the world and still come out looking great. The Numentum Technology encourages your feet to work as nature intended, using a neutral position system for supported freedom of movement. Vibram soles are incredibly responsive and provide superior balance and comfort on unstable ground.
One of the lightest women’s hiking boots suitable for rugged exploration and adventures in the wild. Ahnu‘s waterproofing means your feet stay dry whether you are crossing streams or walking through wet grass for hours on end. The color combinations are like no other, and people often ask, “where did you get those boots?”. While looks and compliments may be important for some, the athletic feel and high performance on all terrains are the real benefits.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: Waterproof Full Grain Leather and Mesh Upper, OmniShield Water and Stain Resistant Treatment, Omni-Grip Non-Marking Traction Rubber, Techlite Cushioned Midsole
- Weight: 2 lbs 1 oz/ 922 g
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus are your classic ladies hiking boot made from full-grain waterproof leather and tough rubber sole. Your feet feel protected from all angles, and the fit is described as being like a pair of regular trainers. The Omni-grip soles give you lots of grip, and the Techlite™ midsole provides plenty of cushion with every step.
The Omnishield water and stain-resistant treatment give the leather a high level of waterproof protection but maybe not as much as other boots with a waterproof lining. Without a waterproof lining, your feet are able to breathe much more freely, which makes these boots ideal for hiking in warmer climates. Protective, breathable, and comfortable are three words I would use to describe these boots, which make them perfect for outdoor activities.
Keen Targhee Mid II Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: Waterproof Nubuck Leather and Textile Upper, KEEN.DRY TM Waterproof Breathable Membrane, Non-Marking Rubber Outsole, Dual Density Compression Molded EVA Midsole
- Weight: 1 lb 12 oz / 804 g
The Keen Targhee Mid II Hiking Boots are an easy entry to the top 10 best hiking boots for women, and the only reason it is not higher on the list is due to the stiff competition. Chunky 4mm deep lugs give you lots of traction in deep mud, and the ESS shank provides torsional stability. The mid-cut height gives you better support than a low-cut hiking shoe but not as much as other high-cut boots.
One of the comfiest women’s hiking boots on the market and is available worldwide and specially good value for money if you live in America. While comfort may be the main reason most women buy these boots, their performance with light loads makes them an excellent choice for intermediate hikers. At only 400 grams per shoe, the KEEN Targhee II is lightweight and robust enough for lengthy backpacking trips with lots of hiking.
La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 GTX Women’s Hiking Boots
- Materials: Nubuck Leather and 100% Recycled Mesh Upper, UreTech Lining: Gore-Tex / Dri-Lex Bristol 40% recycled Nylon, Vibram River with Impact Brake System Eco-Step, Dual-Density ECO Trailon Midsole, and a TPU shank
- Weight: 1 lb 14 oz / 864 g
The La Sportiva DC ECO 3.0 GTX Hiking Bootsare made from a mixture of natural, sustainable, and recycled materials. The uppers are made from tough nubuck leather with air vents and 100% recycled mesh, which both look great and provide excellent breathability.
Vibram Eco-step 30% recycled rubber outsoles provide fantastic grip on slick surfaces and also feature an impact brake system to absorb shocks. The stylish design is not just for looks but also creates a lot of flexibility for your feet to move naturally without sacrificing support. Their UreTech waterproof lining is made from a combination of gore-tex and Dri-Lex Bristol 40% recycled nylon for total protection against water.
The mid-cut allows you to stay lightweight while still providing ankle support which is great for female travelers out there.
Leather Hiking Boots Vs. Synthetic Hiking Boots?
Leather hiking boots have been around for a very long time because they are very tough, long-lasting, and often have waterproofing qualities before adding any sort of liner. Leather hiking boots normally take a bit of wearing-in to get the perfect fit and can be a little heavier and more expensive than their man-made counterpart. Synthetic hiking boots rely solely on the waterproof liner to keep your feet dry but offer comfort straight out of the box with very little wearing in.
Which Hiking Boots Are the Most Waterproof, the Comfiest, or the Most Lightweight?
Comfort, protection, and weight are the main deciding factors for me when hunting for a new pair of walking boots, but everyone is different, so why should you listen to me? I have searched and searched for hours and hours looking for the best women’s hiking boots and have found that there is no definitive answer to which pair of boots is the best.
Among this list are some of the highest-rated and most trusted women’s walking boots in the world. All have amazing feedback from their users, and the companies who build them are experienced and trustworthy. Click on the links below to read hundreds of user reviews before you buy, and don’t forget to check the returns policy (Amazon has a great return policy).
Final Points on The Finding Best Women’s Hiking Boots
- Break your boots in before making your first trip out!
- Buy new socks when yours are worn out.
- Love your boots and take care of them over time (such as maintaining their waterproofing.)
Thank you for reading this top 10 list of the Best Women’s Hiking Boots, and stay tuned for a list of the best hiking socks for long-distance treks.
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