13 Best Hiking Boots for Women : Happy Feet, Happy Hiking

Written by Ankita Kandade, Certified Fashion Expert
Updated on Feb 20, 2024
Hiking Boots for Women
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Adventurous lovers or just casual hikers, one of the most common factors between them is choosing the right pair of hiking boots. You need to have a pair of boots that give you maximum protection, support, and comfort on the trail. Selecting the best hiking boots for women is no easy task. With the ever-increasing love of adventure in women, their hiking boots are no longer just the smaller version of men's boots. Tailored to their specific needs and foot shapes, companies have been doing a lot of research to meet all the criteria that make a pair of hiking boots just right for women.

The famous Jennifer Pharr Davis, who is the record holder of the Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail, wrote in her book The Pursuit of Endurance: Harnessing the Record-Breaking Power of Strength and Resilience that "Hiking is not escapism; it's realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong."

 So the time is now ladies! With so many options to choose from, picking up women's hiking boots is not easy. Various factors need to be considered while selecting the type and style that make them the perfect hiking boots for you. Based on our first-hand experience, here are some good options for women's hiking boots.

13 Best Hiking Boots for Women

To help in your search for that perfect pair of hiking boots, our team did some research and found these thirteen great pairs of womens hiking boots that you might like:

The Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Shoe Hiking Boot is designed to be your perfect companion on the trail. Combining seamless comfort, durability, lightweight, and style, these boots are made with advanced technology. These are just perfect for multi-terrain traction in rock, dirt, and gravel in both wet and dry conditions. The special twin-band pattern helps with keeping a solid footing on ice and snow. While the leather and textile upper add to its looks, enhanced impact absorption and high energy return make sure there is no compromise on comfort.

Pros
  • Waterproof
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Stylish
  • Good for wet and dry terrain
Cons
  • Narrow
  • Best Overall Hiking Boot

    Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

    Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
  • The one thing we always look for in hiking boots is sturdiness. These merrell hiking boots women boasts of sturdiness as well as a metal hook traditional lace closure that makes it very comfortable. These boots have an air cushion in the heel that not only absorbs shock but also adds stability. The lightweight EVA midsole gives you comfort. The advanced waterproof membrane gives an escape to moisture while keeping the water sealed out. A protective toe cap works as protective gear for your toes in case you kick or hit any hard surfaces.

    Pros
    • 100% Leather
    • Waterproof
    • Let the moisture escape
    • Breathable mesh lining
    • Air Cushion
    • High-performance rubber sole
    Cons
    • Limited ankle support
  • Best Relaxed-Fit Hiking Boots

    Skechers Women's Relaxed Fit Trail Hiking Boots

    Skechers Women's Relaxed Fit Trail Hiking Boots
  • If you are more of a trail runner, these wide-toed and relaxed-fit boots could just be perfect for you. They are waterproof, air-cooled, and have a rubber sole. With a soft sport suede, synthetic, and mesh fabric upper with almost no break-in time needed, you may find them quite comfortable. Its all-terrain rubber traction outsole gives a good grip. The air cooled memory foam insole supports the arch.

    Pros
    • Relaxed fit
    • Wide fit
    • Waterproof
    • Rubber sole
    • Air-cooled
    • Memory foam insole
    Cons
    • May not be perfect for people with narrow feet
  • Best Shock Absorber Hiking Boots

    Ariat Women's Terrain Leather Outdoor Hiking Boots

    Ariat Women's Terrain Leather Outdoor Hiking Boots
  • Terrain women's hiking boots from Ariat are the perfect choice for trekkers, adventure lovers, and women who love the outdoors. Its ATS technology offers durability and comfort. The EVA midsole of these beautiful boots absorbs shocks and offers cushioning for your foot. They will keep you comfortable, even on horseback. Its moisture-wicking inside lining and waterproof outside PRO keep your feet dry while you are busy hiking. They are super easy to clean; you just have to wipe them with mild soap and water.

    Pros
    • 100% Leather
    • Rubber sole
    • All-day comfort
    • Easy to clean
    • Superior shock absorption
    • Advanced technology for more comfort and durability
    • Keep your feet dry all-day
    Cons
    • High-arch
  • Minimal break-in time

    Timberland Women's Norwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

    Timberland Women's Norwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
  • These sleek, trail-ready waterproof leather boots come in rich brown leather with pops of red. While its waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry, the fully gusseted tongue stops debris from entering when you are busy achieving your hiking goals. Its special compression-moulded EVA midsole offers cushioning and shock absorption. The rubber sole gives the shoe great grip.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • EVA midsole for shock absorption
    • Minimal break-in time
    • Removable in-soles
    • Excellent grip
    Cons
    • Limited warranty
  • High Traction Grip

    KEEN Women's Terradora 2 Waterproof Mid Height Hiking Boot

    KEEN Women's Terradora 2 Waterproof Mid Height Hiking Boot
  • Made from 100% textile and synthetic with a waterproof, breathable mesh lining, these boots offer good arch support even on uneven surfaces for long-lasting comfort. The all-terrain rubber outsole gives you a higher traction grip. These mid-height hiking boots have been specifically designed for women's specific foot forms and offer a narrow and precise fit.

    Pros
    • Mid-height
    • Waterproof
    • Rubber sole
    • Higher traction grip
    • Dual-density EVA footbed
    • Locked-in feel
    • Breathable and removable mesh lining
    Cons
    • Narrow fit
  • Best Trail Boots

    Salomon Women's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX W Hiking Boots

    Salomon Women's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX W Hiking Boots
  • Combining the finest attributes of traditional old-school boots with new-school trail boots, these mid-height salomon women's hiking boots offer maximum traction on all terrains. Specially designed with descent control technology, these boots can efficiently tackle all the technical hikes while also giving good support on tough descents, even in wet conditions. This one pair of boots is good for both trail running and hiking.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Mid-height
    • Designed with Descent Control Technology
    • Good for trails and hiking
    • Rubber sole for good grip
    • 5 color options
    Cons
    • None
  • NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots

    NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots
  • Made with a combination of suede leather and suede ankle boots structure, these Nortiv 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots are waterproof. The shoe has an advanced traction rubber sole, which makes it slip-resistant on rugged terrain. Its mesh tongue offers breathability for comfort and safety. Good looks and durability in a series of contrasting color combinations, make these your perfect partner not only for hiking but also for outdoors, trails, trekking, and camping.

    Pros
    • Internal waterproof membrane
    • Slip-resistant rubber outsole
    • Ankle protection
    • Padded collar and tongue
    • Good for rough roads, muddy tracks, and jungle trails
    • 2 color combinations
    Cons
    • Slightly heavy: 2.18 pounds
  • Hash Bubbie Women Mid Hiking Boots

    Hash Bubbie Women Mid Hiking Boots
  • Comfortable and water-resistant, these Hash Bubbie Women Mid Hiking Boots offer superior cushioning and no-slip movement with advanced traction rubber soles, even on wet or muddy surfaces. Their very long shoelaces make adjusting the shoe easy, even if you wear thick socks. You can use them not just for hiking but also for trekking, walking, fishing, leisure, camping, and outdoor sports.

    Pros
    • Great cushioning
    • Advanced traction rubber sole
    • Does not slip on wet or muddy surfaces
    • Long shoelaces
    • Suitable for various outdoor activities
    • Fashionable
    Cons
    • Not fully waterproof
  • BEARPAW Women's Corsica Hiker Boots

    BEARPAW Women's Corsica Hiker Boots
  • Bearpaw's Corsica hiking boot with a 3.5-inch shaft height is made with suede leather, heavy-duty nylon, and faux leather. Its mesh footbed with memory foam provides additional softness and reduces foot fatigue. Perfect for rainy or snowy days, these waterproof hiking boots are treated with NeverWet technology, which is designed to withstand up to 40 wash cycles.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Rubber sole
    • EVA midsole with memory foam
    • NeverWet technology
    • 6 single solid colors and 2 color combinations
    Cons
    • Limited ankle support
  • Oboz Women's Sapphire Mid B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Boot

    Oboz Women's Sapphire Mid B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Boot
  • These rugged-looking hiking boots with rubber soles provide excellent grip. Oboz's insoles are designed to match specific shapes and offer a great fit and feel. Oboz Women's Sapphire Mid B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Boots' midsole has been combined with a TPU chassis and ESS plate in the forefoot, which is quite helpful in preventing stone bruising. B-DRY, the proprietary waterproofing system of Oboz, allows sweat to escape, keeping you dry.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Breathable
    • Arch support
    • Comfortable for all-day wear
    • Lightweight
    • Good insole padding
    Cons
    • Narrow fit
  • OUTVENTURE Women's Mid Lightweight Outdoor Hiking Boots

    OUTVENTURE Women's Mid Lightweight Outdoor Hiking Boots
  • A perfect combination of good looks, comfort, and affordability! These lightweight, waterproof boots come with a metal lace-up design, which allows secure and easy adjustments. The removable and washable EVA insole gives your feet much-needed cushioning and padded comfort. The enhanced traction and rubber outsole offer more surface contact and multi-directional lugs, making it a good choice for multi-terrain. Choose between black or brown.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Metal lace adjusters
    • Extra wear protection around the toe and heel
    • Multi-directional lugs
    • Tough boot
    • Breathable
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • None
  • SHULOOK Women's Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Boot

    SHULOOK Women's Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Boot
  • These rugged-looking hiking boots are both lightweight and waterproof. Its closed-cell tongue stops muck, sand, or rain from entering. Its removable memory foam insole gives good arch support. The padded neckline provides much-needed support for the ankle. The multi-directional traction synthetic rubber sole gives a good grip on various surfaces. While the combination of style, durability, and performance makes it your best companion for hiking and trails, you can wear these SHULOOK hiking boots for various other activities like cycling, running, trekking, climbing, etc.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Waterproof
    • Good arch support
    • Ankle support
    • Anti-slip
    • Good for multiple activities
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • Need break-in time

    Selecting the perfect pair of biking boots, especially when you might be alone out there, is not an easy task. To make things a little easier for you, we will guide you through what to look for and how to select a shoe that fits all your criteria.

    How to Choose Best Hiking Boots for Women?

    Looking for the perfect hiking boots can be overwhelming because various factors play their part in making a pair of boots just right for you. It is very important to do thorough research, taking into consideration all the important factors like fit, support, traction, durability, weight, waterproofing, insoles, etc., before zeroing in on a particular shoe. Let us find out how to choose hiking boots for women:

    • Fit: The first and foremost important factor to consider while buying hiking boots is the fit. When you check the fit of your boots, wear the type of socks that you will be wearing while hiking. Make sure there is enough wiggle room for your toes. Always try on the boots in the afternoon, or better yet, in the evening. Our feet generally swell up a little by the evening, and trying the boots then would give you a better idea of the fit. 
    •  Support: Hiking boots should offer ample support for your ankles and feet to help prevent injuries. The insole, midsole, and outsole should give enough underfoot support and comfort. Ankle-length boots may prevent sprains while hiking.
    • Upper: The upper part of the boot should be water resistant and allow breathability. Opt for abrasion-resistant materials like synthetic leather, leather, etc. Although solid uppers may last a long time, they might need a lot of time to break in.
    • Lining: The support and comfort of the boot depend a lot on the lining and the insole and how they work together. Always check if the lining material is waterproof and breathable.
    •  Insole, Midsole, and Outsole: The insoles are commonly removable, and your foot rests on them. It should provide you with enough arch support. The midsole and outsole provide much-needed support for the whole foot. Dense EVA soles will provide better support for your foot.
    • Toe Protection: Make sure your boot comes with a toe cap to protect your toe in case you bump or kick into any hard surfaces.
    • Breathability: We tend to sweat a lot while hiking. If the sweat remains inside, it might make your foot slippery, thereby compromising your security. Therefore, make sure that the fabric used in your boot allows for breathability.
    •  Weight: While you may choose the boot keeping the trail conditions in mind, make sure that the boot is not very heavy for you as you will be wearing it for a long time.

    Apart from the above, trail conditions, environmental considerations, terrain, seasons, etc. also need to be factored in.

    Choosing the right hiking boots is crucial for a comfortable and safe hiking experience. Consider fit, support, traction, durability, breathability, style, and comfort while selecting the boots. The right hiking boots for you will depend on your specific hiking needs and preferences. Whether you are a day hiker or a backpacker, there is a pair of hiking boots out there that will perfectly fit your needs and match your style. A lot of research and development is being done by major manufacturers to create the best hiking boots for women. Remember that hiking boots are an investment in your experience and safety. It is worth investing in a high-quality pair that will give you comfort and also last for a long time to give you value for your money.

    FAQ's

    What shoes do women wear for hiking?
    Lightweight and waterproof, with an anti-slip sole and a good fit, they will make your perfect companion for hiking.
    What is the difference between a hiking boot and a hiking shoe?
    Hiking boots typically have a high-cut design that covers the ankle and provides more stability and protection on rugged terrain. Hiking shoes, on the other hand, generally have a low-cut design that stops below the ankle. They are also lighter and more flexible than boots.
    Is a walking boot better than a hiking boot?
    If you are going hiking, it would be a good idea to wear hiking boots, as they will provide better comfort and support than walking boots.
    Can I wear running shoes for hiking?
    If you are going for a short and less challenging trail, you could wear running shoes. However, hiking shoes will be better suited for the purpose.
    Should hiking boots be tight or loose?
    Hiking shoes should fit well on your foot, neither too loose nor too tight. They should leave some room to wiggle your toes.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    As hiking has caught momentum among adventure-loving youngsters, the need for chunky, active boots has stirred up. And Ankita, the author of this article believes that such footwear should offer specialized comfort and support, which is exactly what she looked for when hunting for products. While she came across a plethora of boots, she prioritized the ones that provided shock absorption, a comfortable and relaxed fit, breathability, fantastic grip, and durability. Then, she filtered out her favorite ones based on their style quotient and reviewed them on this list.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Ankita Kandade
    Certified Fashion Expert

    Ankita is a budding journalist and a certified fashion expert. If the Fashion police were an official organization, A More