Whether you enjoy going for the occasional day hikes, or you’re the adventurous type that enjoys steep terrains and mountaineering, one’s thing for sure, having the right hiking can make or break your hiking experience.
The best hiking boots for women should first and foremost be comfortable. You want to be blister-free at the end of your adventures. They should also be waterproof, lightweight, and breathable. In addition, they should have grip and traction, affording you stability regardless of your terrain. Lastly, they should have ankle support.
So before you set on those hike trails, have a look at these 5 best-hiking boots for women and the features you should definitely consider before buying them.
Best Hiking Boots For Women
1. Salomon Women’s Quest Hiking Boot
- Gusseted tongue locks out debris
- Rubber heel and toe rand
- Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex Performance...
- Waterproof bootie
- Non-marking Contagrip outsole
If you’ve got on an intense hike coming up, these may be the best women’s hiking boots.
The Salomon women’s hiking boots feature an upper made of suede leather and textile. It features a molded EVA midsole designed to be lightweight, allowing for stability while you’re on your hike. In addition, the boots have a tall shaft that protects against ankle injuries.
They also feature a rugged non-marking Contagrip outsole that contains an ascending lug pattern in the front and a braking pattern in the rear to provide extra traction for rough terrain. In addition, the 4D advanced chassis between the midsole and outsole enhances stability by reducing ankle strain and controlling flex.
The Salomon hiking boot is designed with breathable, seam-sealed Gore-Tex lining that reduces hot spots allowing, your feet to stay comfortable in warmer temperatures and cold, wet conditions. Additionally, the OrthoLite footbed is designed with cushioning foam to reduce friction, keeping your feet comfortable as you go on your hikes. Finally, EVA in the heel provides extra cushioning for heel striking.
Lastly, the Gilly lacing ensures a customized fit for a wide variety of feet. Also, the gusseted tongue relieves lace pressure and keeps trail debris out of your boot, while rubber toe and heel caps protect sensitive areas from abrasion.
These Salomon boots are ideal for hikers who enjoy adventures and hikes that include steep climbs and descents and off-trail adventuring while carrying a full pack.
Pros
- Comfy boots
- Stable and lightweight
- Have a good toe room
- The lacing system allows you to customize how tight fit you’d like the shoes to be
- No break-in required
- Great arch support
- Waterproof
Cons
- Some reviews noted that the boots are quite stiff
2. Lowa Women’s Renegade Mid Hiking Boot
- Leather hiking boot with corded lace-up vamp and...
- Padded tongue and collar
- Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane
- Breathable Climate Control footbed
- Full-length nylon stabilizing shank
The Lowa Renegade, at first glance, gives the impression of a traditional hiking boot but what makes it feature in our list of best hiking boots for women is how stunningly lightweight it is.
The women’s hiking boots are made purely (100%) of leather, making them durable and sturdy. In addition, they feature a rubber Vibram sole that’s thick and non-slip. As a result, these boots are ideal for activities that require traction and grip.
The Lowa Renegade footwear is equipped with a climate-control footbed that keeps your feet cool, dry, and blister-free. In addition, the boots feature perforations in the lining that allow air to circulate and wick moisture away from your foot, minimizing friction and fatigue.
The leather boots feature breathable, waterproof GORE-TEX lining that reduces hot spots allowing your feet to remain comfy in warmer temperatures as well as in cold, wet conditions. The boots are designed with a full-length nylon shank for extra stability on rough terrain. Additionally, the derby-style lacing on the boots ensures a customized fit for a wide variety of feet.
Pros
- Comfortable and extremely lightweight
- Waterproof boots
- Durable and sturdy
- Perfect for both wide and narrow feet
- Good arch support
- Wide toe box
- Great traction and grip
Cons
- Some reviews noted that the midsole easily falls apart
3. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Hiking Boot
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, exceptional...
- Bellows tongue keeps out debris Protective toe cap...
- Molded nylon arch shank Merrell Air Cushion in the...
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and...
If you’re planning on going on easy/light to moderate hikes, these are the best hiking boots for women.
The Merrell women’s hiking boots are made from durable synthetic leather. In addition, they feature a Vibram rubber sole; hence you’re guaranteed slip resistance, stability, and durability.
The Merrell women’s hiking boots are designed with a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane which provides great breathability, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. They also feature waterproof performance Synthetic leather and mesh upper Metal hook traditional lace closures.
The Merrell women’s hiking boots feature a bellows tongue that aids in keeping the debris out. Additionally, the boot has a protective toe cap and removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for overall support. The Merell air-cushioned insole absorbs shock and adds stability while hiking.
Pros
- Comfortable hiking boot
- Has plenty of toe box room
- Features a tough sole
- Waterproof
- Great arch support
- Made of vegan materials
- Lightweight and breathable
- Great for wet hiking
Cons
- Some reviews noted that they are quite high. This can be a challenge when hiking on uneven trails
4. Salomon X Ultra 3 Women’s Hiking Boots
- WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS: Whether you are hitting...
- A BETTER WAY DOWN: Designed with Descent Control...
- ADVENTURE AWAITS: Whether you love a local day...
- TIME TO PLAY: Whether you are into trail running,...
- SINCE 1947 Salomon has used our passion for...
Considered to be one of the best brands for hiking footwear, it’s not surprising that one of their products would appear on the list of the best hiking boots for women.
The Solomon X Ultra is built like a trail running shoe but features additional ankle support and protection.
The Salomon women’s hiking boots are designed to be lightweight and don’t sit as high on the ankle. The shaft measures approximately mid-top from the arch.
The waterproof hiking boots offer a stable chassis, solid protection, and a lug design that grips really well.
Pros
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Comfortable and sturdy
- Have a good traction
- Extremely lightweight
- Good arch support
- Stylish
Cons
- Some reviews found the toe box too ‘roomy
5. Danner Women’s Adrika Hiking Boot
- Danner Dry waterproof protection. Two lace...
- Cushioning open-cell OrthoLite footbed
- Danner Plyolite rubberized EVA midsole for support
- Danner Adrika outsole with multi-direction lugs
- Ash [30130], Sienna [30131], Plum [30132], Plaza...
The Danner Women’s hiking boots feature uppers made of rich, durable suede. What makes the best hiking boots for women is that they are so lightweight and comfy.
The footwear is designed to be versatile. You could be easily running errands and, the next thing, ending your day with the hike. The boots feature a rubber sole and shaft that measures approximately 4.75 inches from the arch.
The Danner boots offer two lace options and are equipped with a waterproof membrane that ensures your feet are dry regardless of what you might encounter, be it a puddle or the weather.
Lastly, the boots are designed around the shape of a woman’s foot; hence the boot has a lower profile while still providing room for all-day comfort. In addition, the three-layer construction of the removable ortholite footbed provides superior cushioning and support.
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight boots
- Offers two lace options
- Don’t require breaking in
- Waterproof boots
- Plenty of room in the toe box
- Breathable boots
- Good ankle support
- Stylish
Cons
- Requires more ankle support for rocky terrain
Features To Consider When Buying Best Women’s Hiking Boots
a) Type of Uppers Material
When searching for the best women’s hiking boots, it’s important to pay attention to the different materials the uppers are made of as they impact a boot’s weight, breathability, durability, and water resistance.
- Full-grain leather: This material offers exceptional durability and abrasion resistance. It also has very good water resistance. Its mostly used in boots designed for extended trips, heavy loads, and rugged terrain. This type of leather is not light or breathable compared to the nylon/split-grain leather combination. You’ll require sufficient break-in time before wearing boot footwear with this uppers material.
- Split-grain leather: This material is normally paired with nylon or nylon mesh to create a lightweight boot that offers excellent breathability. Though shoes made from this material tend to be cheaper, they offer less resistance to water and abrasion even though they may feature waterproof lining.
- Nubuck leather: This is full-grain leather that has been buffed to resemble suede. It is very durable and resists water and abrasion. It’s also generally flexible but requires adequate time to break in before an extended hike.
- Synthetics: This generally includes polyester, nylon, and so-called “synthetic leather,” all commonly found in modern boots. They tend to be lighter than leather, break in more quickly, dry faster, and are more affordable. The downside is that it may show wear and tear sooner due to more stitching outside the boot.
- Waterproof membranes: Boots and shoes referred to as “waterproof” feature uppers constructed with waterproof/breathable membranes (such as Gore-Tex® or eVent®) to keep feet dry in wet conditions. The downside tends to be reduced breathability created by a membrane which may encourage feet to sweat on summer days.
- Vegan Friendly: These are shoes and boots made without any animal ingredients or byproducts.
- Insulation: This refers to synthetic insulation that’s added to some mountaineering boots for warmth when hiking on snow and glaciers.
b) Hiking Boot Sole
Every hiking boot has three soles. Each sole is specially designed to support your foot while hiking.
i) Insole
This refers to the soft and cushioned portion that you feel right beneath your foot when you slide your foot into your boot. It can be removed and replaced with one that’s better suited for the shape of your foot. Hence, it’s essential to know how much arch support you require and what kind of insole supports your foot best.
If you have collapsed arches or high arches, it’s important to have an insole that can offer ankle support and allow your weight to be evenly distributed. This will prevent you from suffering from foot pain and other foot conditions resulting from distressed feet.
ii) Midsole
This refers to the second later of the cushioning placed in between the insole and outsole. It helps in shock absorption while walking on hard and rocky surfaces. In addition, the midsole is often attached to a piece known as the shank, which provides extra sturdiness and is often made out of composite or steel. This is a common feature in boots but not trail shoes.
There are two types of midsoles you’ll come across:
- EVA: This tends to be a tad cushier, lighter, and affordable. Midsoles use varying densities of EVA to provide firmer support where needed (e.g., around the forefoot).
- Polyurethane: Generally a lot firmer and more durable, so it’s commonly found in extended backpacking and mountaineering boots.
iii) Outsole
This refers to the thick, rubbery outer portion on the very bottom of your shoe or boot.
Most boots feature dense outsoles with treads (also called lugs) that make for good all-terrain footwear, thanks to the traction and grip they provide on slippery surfaces. A hiking boot with widely spaced lugs also offers good attractions and aids in shedding mud easily.
Ideally, when searching for the best women’s hiking boots, you’ll want to have bigger treads as they provide better traction. A good example is Vibram which is, a patented form of treads that is found on a lot of brand-name hiking boots.
The best women’s hiking boots should also have a clearly defined heel brake distinct from the forefoot and arch. This will minimize the chances of sliding during steep descents.
c) Hiking Boot Internal Support
There are two elements to pay attention to when deciding on the best women’s hiking boots. These are the parts that both protect and provide support for your foot.
- Shanks: Generally, shanks are 3–5mm thick inserts that are sandwiched between a boot’s midsole and outsole to add load-bearing stiffness to the midsole. They tend to vary in length; some cover the entire length of the midsole, while others only cover half.
- Plates: These are thin, semiflexible inserts positioned between the midsole and the outsole and below the shank (if included). They protect the feet from getting bruised by roots or uneven rocks.
d) Type of Cut
While searching for a pair of the best women’s hiking boots, you may have noticed that they come in different cuts. This is majorly because they are designed to be tailored to your type of trekking. Buying the wrong hiking boot cut could cause a rolled ankle or rocks in your shoes. There are three cuts to consider:
- Low-cut: These tend to be similar to running shoes. Though they are perfect for lightweight, casual hiking, the cut leaves you vulnerable to ankle injuries. Boots in this cut are best worn on well-maintained trails.
- Mid-cut: This style of cut offers more ankle support and balance and a better buffer from debris along the hiking trail.
- High-cut: It offers optimal balance and ankle support and is best for the adventurous hiker who is going on and off the trail and is likely to be traversing potentially dangerous terrain.
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