Best Hiking Boots for Women for Comfort on Every Trail (2021)

Having the proper footwear for any hike is necessary for staying safe and comfortable on the trails. There are so many options and styles out there, but the best women’s hiking boots will ensure your feet have the stability and protection they need to tackle any trail or terrain. After testing, researching, and evaluating dozens of products, we created this list of the best women’s hiking boots to help you choose the perfect pair for your outdoor adventures.

See Also: Best Women’s Hiking Sandals for Summertime Adventures

To narrow down our selection of the best hiking boots for women, we went through a rigorous research and testing process. Our investigation started with a list of dozens of different products and brands. Using a mixture of professional review websites, customer reviews, product pages, and our own hiking experiences and standards, we used a very informed and practical approach to narrow down our list and create this guide. We hope it helps you find the best women’s hiking boots for your budget and preferences!

Click here to jump straight to our list of the best women’s hiking boots

How to Choose a Pair of Women’s Hiking Boots

Height

A hiking boot’s height is one of the central pillars of comfort and function. Women’s hiking boots typically come in three different heights: low or below ankle, mid or ankle-height, and high or above ankle. Here are some of the common features of each ankle boot height range:

• Below ankle: Low-cut hiking boots fall below the ankle and fit similar to regular running shoes or sneakers. Trail runner styles would also fall under this category. These are the most comfortable and lightweight boots but generally offer the least ankle and foot support for uneven terrain. They’re best for warm weather and flat, even trails.
• Ankle/Mid Height: This is the most common height for hiking boots and hits right around the ankle area. These provide moderate ankle/foot support but are a bit bulkier and heavier than the lightweight, below ankle boots. Typically, mid-size ankle boots are great all-around options for a variety of terrain, but may not provide the most support on the rockiest or steepest trails.
• Above ankle: Above ankle hiking boots typically cover the ankle and provide the most support. They are the heaviest and most bulky kinds of boots. Popular with regular hikers, mountaineers, and backpackers, these heavy duty boots are designed to tackle any kind of terrain or scramble and are typically built to withstand any conditions. These are most common for hikers that typically tackle very rough terrain or spend a lot of time in the backcountry.

Weight

A boot’s weight is another important characteristic to consider – any unnecessary weight will definitely add up over miles and miles of hiking. Generally, the best hiking boots for women are lightweight but still provide good ankle support for rugged, uneven terrain. Of course, the smaller and shorter the boot, the lighter it will be. However, a boot’s materials, design, and sole can also contribute to how heavy a boot feels.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a common feature of the best hiking boots for women. Many hikers prefer boots with waterproofing to keep their feet dry during shallow stream crossings, rain, or snow. However, an added waterproof layer can make hiking boots a little heavier and significantly less breathable, and it takes forever to dry if it does get wet on the inside. That’s something to consider if you don’t often hike in wetter conditions. Waterproofing can be a basic lining or a more robust GORE-TEX construction that fully weatherproofs a boot.

Comfort & Fit

Though very subjective, comfort and fit are arguably the most important attribute when choosing women’s hiking boots. Boots typically come in medium and wide widths for different foot sizes, and the different heights of the boots may hit differently on different women. Every woman’s foot is different, and the best way to determine a boot’s fit is simply to try them on.

For women, hiking boot manufacturers generally make boots slightly narrower and lighter to fit more snugly on women’s feet and provide more comfort on the trails. Typically, men’s hiking boots are a bit heavier and burlier. There are also often differences in colors offered between men’s and women’s hiking boots within the same brand.

Durability

While comfy, sturdy hiking boots are fantastic, they’re not very useful if they don’t hold up over the course of many, many hikes. The best hiking boots for women are durable and last several years and hundreds of miles without ripping or breaking. Most brands offer some kind of warranty to cover manufacturer defects and damages within the first few years of purchase. When we can’t gauge durability over the course of miles and miles of hiking, we usually read customer reviews to figure out what others have to say.

Price

While you shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg to enjoy your favorite hiking trails, buying a pair of women’s hiking boots is an investment. Let’s face it: the best women’s hiking boots aren’t cheap, and you’ll want to shop around for a pair the not only falls within your budget, but also supports your feet comfortably.

Below, we’ve grouped the best hiking boots for women into the following categories:

• $ = Under $100
• $$ = $100 to $200 per pair
• $$$ = $200+ per pair

 

Our Picks for the Best Hiking Boots for Women

 

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
Overall Best Women’s Hiking Boots

There’s a reason why the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof boots are consistently praised as the best hiking boots for women. In addition to being some of the most popular women’s hiking boots, they’re also comfortable, versatile, and sturdy enough for a wide range of trails and terrain. With its mid-ankle height, it provides a good amount of ankle and foot support without being too bulky or heavy. Moreover, it’s one of the most affordable options on our list, meaning it’s more likely to fit into your budget than some of our higher-end recommendations.

On top of the Moab 2 Mid Waterproof boots, there are also low-height and GORE-TEX options of the Moab that are suitable depending on what your typical hiking preferences are. These boots have great tread for lighter hikes, wet conditions, or backcountry adventures. So many customers (us included) are sold on Merrell boots for a long time after hiking in the Moab boots.

While the Moab 2s are a versatile, comfortable boot, they aren’t without drawbacks. There are a few customer complaints of durability issues, and this doesn’t surprise us given the price point. But many users similarly comment that these boots have lasted hundreds of miles over several years. Additionally, they’ve got a little less ankle support than true backpacking or high rise boots. If you’re seeking the best hiking boots for women at the best price, we’d give the Merrell Moab 2s some serious consideration.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR MERRELL MOAB 2 MID WATERPROOF:

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Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
Best for Backpacking

If more lightweight and casual boots aren’t tough enough for your backcountry adventures, we’d recommend the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots. With the durable, sturdy support of traditional backpacking boots but a lightweight construction, the Renegades offer the best of both worlds for strenuous hikes, rugged terrain, and backcountry adventures.

The Renegade boots have an external frame (the Monowrap) that helps to reduce their weight and increase stability. With a GORE-TEX outer construction, they’re waterproof and weatherproof and hold up in any season or conditions. Grippy treads, comfortable fit, added support, and very little break-in time make these boots a great fit for backpackers and day hikers alike.

In reading customer reviews, there have been a few instances of these boots not holding up in wet or tough conditions. For the most part, however, they are extremely sturdy and have lasted many hikes for several hundred miles.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR LOWA RENEGADE GTX MID:

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Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
Best Budget Women’s Hiking Boots

We love Columbia gear because of its great value for the price, and the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof boots are no exception. These solid, waterproof mid-ankle shoes are some of the best hiking boots for women on a budget. Made of a leather upper with thick soles and plenty of in-boot cushioning, this affordable boot feels much nicer than you’d expect at the price point. It also comes in a few different colors you can choose between.

Despite being a great value, the Columbia Newton Ridge isn’t as supportive in the ankles as other boots on our list, nor is it as durable. Given the significantly lower price than any other boots on our list, we still think it is the best budget option for moderate or occasional hikers and those who want to spend less than $100.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR COLUMBIA NEWTON RIDGE PLUS WP:

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Altra Lone Peak
Best Lightweight Hiking Boots

Originally created as trail runners, we recommend the Altra Lone Peak as the best lightweight hiking boot option on our list. At just under 1 pound, 3 ounces, these shoes are made for minimalist hikers who want the lightest, most agile shoe possible. Best for mild weather and relaxed terrain, the Altra Lone Peak shoes are a fantastic low-height option for fast hikes in the warmer months.

With any lightweight boot comes two major drawbacks: less overall foot and ankle support, and less sole tread. This means that it’s not really suitable for uneven or rocky terrain, nor is it great for slippery or wet conditions. However, for sunny hikes and warm weather adventures, we love having a good lightweight shoe in our toolbox of the best women’s hiking boots, and there’s none we recommend more than the Altra Lone Peak.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR ALTRA LONE PEAK:

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Danner Mountain Pass
Most Stylish Hiking Boots

Recently known for their appearance in the movie rendition of Wild by Cheryl Strayed, Danner has been around in the outdoor industry for decades with leather hiking boots that have a very classic look. And while their Danner Mountain Pass boots do have a cute, rugged aesthetic to them, they are also great, waterproof mid-height boots to take on any trail.

I’ve used the Danner Mountain Pass boots several times in rain and snow, hiking as far east as Acadia National Park and as far west as Idaho. While they have gotten a few external scuffs along the way, they’ve protected my feet from snow, ice, rain, and rocks on hundreds of miles of trails. The Mountain Pass boots are extremely comfortable and stylish hiking boots for women that we absolutely couldn’t leave off our list, despite their very high price point.

While these boots are fantastic, they do have a few drawbacks. The most obvious? The price. At nearly $400, you could buy 3-4 pairs of hiking boots for the price of these. They’re certainly catering to the luxury, fashion-forward segment of the market. Second, they do scuff and scratch quite easily on the outside, which we don’t mind but others may find disappointing. But, if you’re willing to pay more money for hiking boots that are classic, comfortable, and durable, these are a fantastic splurge option.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR DANNER MOUNTAIN PASS:

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Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Honorable Mention

Salomon makes some really tough outdoor gear, and the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX boots are a favorite of hikers and backpackers alike. With GORE-TEX, lightweight construction, and lots of cushion from the EVA midsole and OrthoLite sock liner make this an extremely comfortable and supportive boot.

Despite their stellar set of specifications on paper, a large number of reviewers and customers had complaints of durability issues, especially when it came to the waterproofing. We read a LOT of reviews that these shoes began to leak after just a few months of wear. While Salomon does offer a 2-year warranty, it won’t help if you’re mid-hike in wet and freezing conditions. While it doesn’t happen to everyone, you may want to consider this before you buy.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR SALOMON X ULTRA 3 MID GTX:

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Hoka One One Kaha Gore-Tex
Honorable Mention

Hoka One One is famed for its ultra functional running shoes, but they’re beginning to make a name for themselves in the hiking industry as well. The Hoka One One Kaha Gore-Tex is one of their most popular shoe in this arena, making an appearance on many lists of the best women’s hiking boots. People love how comfortable these shoes are, both for running and hiking, and they’re equipped with GORE-TEX outers as well as Vibram soles to tackle a variety of terrain.

Despite being lightweight, these shoes are very pricey and don’t provide the same level of support and cushion as traditional hiking boots. There have also been complaints about durability issues on rougher terrain and more strenuous hikes/backpacking trips. Based on our evaluations, given the price of the Hoka One One Kaha boots, there are definitely more practical options for women’s hiking boots.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR OBOZ SAWTOOTH II LOW:

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Oboz Sapphire Mid BDry
Honorable Mention

Made of leather uppers and tough materials, the Oboz Sapphire Mid BDry is one of the best women’s hiking boots for backpackers and hikers who frequent rocky terrain. These boots are super durable and supportive, with strong frames that provide some of the best ankle support of any boots on our list. The cushioning and high quality materials make these a beloved choice for avid hikers, and their BDry waterproofing provides a breathable yet weatherproof hiking experience.

The tradeoff for the support and sturdiness of the Opoz Sapphire BDry boots is their weight and bulkiness. These boots are some of the heavier ones on our list, which may not be the right choice for everyone. Additionally, many reports say that the medium (standard) width of the Oboz Sapphires runs narrow, so be aware of this before making a purchase.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR OBOZ SAPPHIRE MID BDRY:

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Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof
Honorable Mention

An extremely popular and durable hiking boot, Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof is an excellent choice for those seeking a solid all-around boot. With a leather construction and good sole treads, this is a fantastic boot for more moderate trails and rocky terrain. Its price falls on the lower end of our spectrum, making this a great choice for the budget-conscious hiker looking to make an investment in a pair of boots that will last several miles and years on the trails.

One of the things that confuses us about the Keen Targhee II and III models is the discrepancy in fit. Overall, it seems like the Targhee II is built to fit a little wider, while the III fits more snugly and narrowly around the foot. However, this has caused many sizing issues for those seeking a boot that fits their foot build (especially when buying online). Additionally, it’s a little less breathable than its main competitor, the Merrell Moab 2s, so those ended up winning us over.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR KEEN TARGHEE III MID:

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La Sportiva Saber GTX
Honorable Mention

Our last honorable mention is the La Sportiva Saber GTX, one of the best women’s hiking boots for rugged trails and rocky summits. They’re lightweight for backpacking-style boots, at 1 pound, 10 ounces, and they’ve got great weatherproofing with their GORE-TEX construction. Thick treads, solid inner cushioning, and breathable design offer a great experience on any trail or weather. Many customers say they’ve got the more grippy, sticky traction on slick surfaces of any other shoes they’ve owned.

Because of their construction, they’re not as versatile as a mid-ankle boot, and are more suited for backcountry adventures or multi-day backpacking rather than more moderate, even terrain. Even so, these are a fantastic option for those looking to tackle some harder hikes with rocky underfoot areas.

CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES FOR LA SPORTIVA SABER GTX:

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Additional Resources

• Best Hiking Socks for Comfort on Any Trail
• What to Wear Hiking: The Best Hiking Clothes for Any Season
• Best Men’s Hiking Boots to Conquer Any Trail
• 35 Awesome Gifts for Hikers (That They’ll Actually Use)