The Best Hiking Boots for Women
Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy nature. You get a nice walk in the fresh air and a workout, too. However, a great hike can go south pretty quickly if you do not have the right gear on your feet. We are talking about hiking boots. The wrong pair of shoes can ruin a good hike the minute the first blister hits. To avoid dealing with any shoe issues that could put a damper on your hiking experience, get yourself a pair of women’s hiking boots that will keep you comfortable and safe while adventuring. There is no shortage of boots to choose from, so we’ve made it easier for you by narrowing the list to a handful of our favorite hiking boots.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
The folks at Columbia are no strangers to the world of hiking. This company has brought us hiking gear and other outdoor products for as long as we can remember, so it’s no surprise that one of their boots made it on our list of bests. These Newton Ridge Plus boots are a favorite in large part because they are lightweight. (Heavy hiking boots are not something you want on your feet for very long — they will exhaust you over the course of long treks.) Also, these Columbias are made of waterproof full-grain leather and mesh, which won’t only keep water out, but will do so while still allowing your feet to breathe.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet durable
- Omni-Grip traction system allows you to use them in all terrains
- The midsole is great for impact absorption
Cons:
- Not ideal for those with wide feet
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
A trusted boot
Merrell is a well-loved hiking brand, and they’ve produced all kinds of boots to fit every hiking need. For over 10 years, Merrell’s Moab has been one of the most revered hiking boots on the market. The Moab is wildly popular for a few different reasons. For starters, MOAB actually stands for Mother Of All Boots, and it lives up to its name. The M Select DRY feature keeps water out while still allowing moisture to escape so that your feet don’t get sweaty or wet while hiking. (This is especially helpful if you step into a puddle or slip in a stream, because it means the boots will dry as you continue hiking.) The shoe also has a targeted heel cushioning that alleviates stress from being on your feet. And the ruggedness of the boot means that it is durable and will last you a long time through all sorts of adventures.
Pros:
- Vibram high-performance rubber sole provides slip resistance
- M Select DRY feature helps keep boots dry
- A protective rubber toe cap keeps your toes safe
Cons:
- You may need additional support if you have high arches
Salomon X Ultra 3 MID GTX W Hiking Boots
Slip-free
Another favorite and trusted name in the outdoor gear world created this pair of Salomon boots that will keep you safe while trekking through all sorts of terrain. The two different kinds of rubber provide intense grip thanks in part to their location on the sole. The heel area, for example, has patterned rubber that helps ground you on slippery terrain or when you’re moving at a fast pace. One of our favorite things about these shoes is that they were specially built to suit the anatomy of a woman’s foot, which, if you didn’t know is different than a man’s. This construction helps to keep your foot in place regardless of whether you’re going up a hill or down.
Pros:
- A protective mudguard protects the sides of the shoes from getting muddy
- The EnergyCell midsole helps absorb shock
- Features a GORE-TEX membrane to help keep your feet dry
Cons:
- Hard to break-in
Foxelli Hiking Boots
Keep your ankle game strong
You may not know the importance of ankle support in your boots until you don’t have any. All it takes is one twist of your ankle and you may never go without ankle support again. These boots from Foxelli go up high enough that they provide you with support to keep your ankles in place. They also feature a KingTex waterproof membrane that helps keep moisture out to keep your feet dry. A small feature that makes a big difference is the padded collar and tongue. This provides a greater level of comfort, especially when you’re wearing the boots for a long time.
Pros:
- Waterproof and breathable
- Good arch and ankle support
- Has a cushioned toe box that is wide enough for comfortable wear
Cons:
- Run a bit small
Hi-Tec Bandera Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boot
Don’t break the bank
It’s easy to drop a lot of money on hiking gear, especially boots. They are something you need to know you can trust to get you safely and comfortably through your outdoor adventures. With that said, this pair of Hi-Tec boots proves that you don’t have to spend a lot of cash to get the goods. They’re made from suede and nylon and they feature rustproof hardware to keep the boots from getting worn. The rubber sole provides great traction and the waterproof feature is something you’ll love. All in all, this is a great hiking boot at a competitive price.
Pros:
- Rustproof hardware keeps boots from rusting
- A waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry
- Rubber outsoles provide great traction
Cons:
- Not as waterproof as expected — more like water-resistant
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get hiking shoes or boots?
The type of hiking footwear you get depends on the hiking you’ll be doing. While hiking shoes are lighter, more packable, and easier to break-in, they don’t provide the level of support or protection that boots do.
Should I order my hiking boots true to size (TTS)?
While this may vary from boot to boot, it is better to err on the safe side and order ½ size up for your hiking boots. It is better for boots to be too big than too small. However, you don’t want the shoe to be too loose, because that can cause problems with your feet as well. When hiking, you tend to wear a pair of thicker socks, so that is something to take into consideration when choosing your hiking boot size.
How long does it take to break in hiking boots?
You should never take your boots out for the first time on a long hike. Shoes like these are something that you need to slowly break in one short hike at a time. The average length of time varies depending on the person as well as the boots themselves, but you should expect at least 2-4 weeks. This estimate lets you know that you need to plan ahead for your big hiking trip and get your boots with plenty of time to break them in before that big mountain trek.
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