Whether you like easy weekend hikes or have a big trek coming up, good hiking boots will help you enjoy the scenery without distractions.
A mid-height build epitomizes hiking boots to offer much-needed stability on all terrains or while carrying heavy loads. However, finding the right boots can be daunting, so we have compiled a detailed review of the best hiking boots for women.
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1. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Material: Synthetic/textile
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 1 Pound
Price: $175
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX boots are all about comfort. They are flexible and feel great right from the start. Plus, they are lightweight for boots, making them an excellent choice for backpackers.
This is the fourth version of Salomon’s modern X Ultra line, and it’s popular for day hikes and lightweight backpacking. Salomon has made it even sleeker and updated the laces and chassis. The sole is a bit stickier for better grip.
These boots might not be as sturdy as some others, but they strike a good balance between protection and comfort. The flexible collar allows your ankles to move, but the midfoot wing gives stability on uneven ground.
In short, we are impressed with the X Ultra 4 GTX boots, and we recommend them to anyone who wants comfy, lightweight hiking boots for long trips with a lighter load.
Pros
- No break-in needed
- Has excellent traction
- They are durable
Cons
- Less ankle support compared to other shoes on this list
2. Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot
Material: Pigskin leather/mesh
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 1.8 Pounds
Price: $97
The Merrell Women’s Moab 3 boots are tough, but they still feel light. When you put them on, your ankles and feet feel secure, and they have good arch and ankle support for long hikes. We liked the colorful design, especially the limited edition ones they made with Unlikely Hikers.
If you want an excellent trail boot that won’t cost you a lot, the Merrell Moab 3 is a great choice. It’s both comfortable and performs well, all without breaking your wallet. The leather on top is tough, and mesh panels keep your feet cool in the heat. It also has good traction and grips well on different types of terrain. Plus, it’s comfortable, thanks to the EVA foam cushioning EVA foam in the midsole.
One great thing is that dirt and water don’t stick to these boots, so you don’t need to worry about mud or wet conditions. No matter the hike, these boots are up for the challenge.
Pros
- Has great traction
- Great ankle support
- The mesh allows your feet to cool
Cons
- They are a bit stiff and need time to break in
3. Salewa Pedroc Pro Mid PTX Boot
Material: Suede leather
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 1.2 Pounds
Price: $175+
Salewa Pedroc Pro Mid PTX Boots are really comfy. They’re made from strong, good-quality material, so your feet stay safe during long hikes. You can wear thinner socks because these boots have lots of padding. They also give your arches good support without going overboard.
Salewa believes speed hiking is about moving quickly at your own pace in the mountains. The Pedroc Pro Mid PTX shoe is light, protective, and versatile. It works in different places, like rough terrain or the city. It keeps you safe in the mountains with its strong mesh and TPU. It also supports your ankles and stability. The sole is good for mud, grass, and rocks and is also comfy. Salewa made this shoe responsibly and eco-friendly. It’s a modern speed hiking boot from Salewa.
These boots are comfy from the start and stay in good shape after many hikes on different terrains. They keep your feet cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. The ankle part of the boot isn’t super high, but it’s still supportive and comfy. Surprisingly, these boots are light, even though they look tough, and grip the ground well.
Pros
- Offers great ankle support
- They have great traction
- They are comfortable
Cons
- They are not as durable as other boots on the list
4. Oboz Women’s Bridger Mid B-DRY Hiking Boot
Material: Nubuck leather
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 2.56 Pounds
Price: $165+
The Oboz Bridger BDry boots are built to give you strong support and versatility. They have special insoles and a unique tread pattern for a good grip on any terrain. These boots fit your feet snugly with a secure heel, mid-foot shape, and roomy front area.
These boots are an excellent choice for hikers because they have a sturdy heel and a stability feature to keep your feet safe from rocks. No matter where you hike, these boots are ready with their waterproof technology and tough outsole.
These boots take longer to break in than others, but they make up for it by lasting a long time. They are a bit stiff, which is good for extra support so you won’t slip or twist your ankle. If you’re a backpacker with a heavy load or enjoy challenging hikes on rugged trails, these boots are a reliable choice.
Pros
- Have excellent traction
- Great support and stability
Cons
- Take time to break in
5. La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boot
Material: Nubuck leather
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 2 Pounds
Price: $224+
Hikers who often go on challenging trails will like the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots because they have better grip and are not too heavy. These boots are surprisingly strong for their lightness and are somewhat breathable, even though they are waterproof.
The high collar around your ankle gives good support, but they stay light and comfortable for wearing all day. Whether you are going on a long hike or just a short one, these cool-looking boots are ready for any adventure.
The upper and sole are a bit stiff, so if you prefer a softer, cozy feel, you might want to add extra insoles. But overall, we find the Nucleos very comfy and recommend them to hikers who want boots that are a mix of tough, old-school style and modern lightweight footwear.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great traction
- Breathable
Cons
- Very expensive compared to boots on our list
- Hard to break in
6. Topo Athletic Trailventure 2
Material: Tear-resistant ripstop mesh
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 2.14 Pounds
Price: $179+
The Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 boots are among the most comfortable ones available. They have a spacious toe area, which is excellent for everyone, especially those with bunions or who tend to get toe blisters.
These boots are inspired by trail running and have become quite popular lately. They combine the comfort of running shoes with the ankle support of traditional hiking boots. Topo Athletic has improved the first-generation model with the Trailventure 2 WP, offering a better fit, more structure, and enhanced protection.
These boots are perfect if you like having room for your toes to move naturally. However, it’s worth noting that they may not last as long as leather boots. Nonetheless, the tradeoff is worth it for the added agility on the trail. You can use these boots for various activities, from fall and spring hikes to snowshoeing. The Trailventure 2 boots also have a bit more cushioning in the sole and the ankle area and a slight incline from heel to toe (5mm).
Pros
- Offer more toe space
- Very light
- No breaking required
Cons
- Not as durable as other shoes on our list
7. KEEN Women’s Targhee 3 Mid-Height Waterproof Hiking Boots
Material: Waterproof leather
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 1.75 Pounds
Price: $65+
If you prefer boots with extra room for your toes, the KEEN Targhee III Mid WP might be just what you need. These boots have a wider toe box and are comfortable from the start.
The Targhee line from Keen has been popular for day hiking, and the “III” version offers the same comfort and quality. However, these boots aren’t meant for tough, rocky trails or carrying heavy loads all day, but they are great for easy to moderate day hikes and occasional overnight trips.
These boots have a unique lacing system that locks your feet in place, giving you stability on uneven ground. The sole’s unique pattern also offers excellent grip on different types of trails. If you like a lot of ankle support, these boots might not be as protective as others, but they balance support and flexibility well. Overall, if you want wide-fitting boots at a great price, you will be satisfied with the Targhees.
Pros
- Little break-in required
- Has great traction
- Has beefy toe cap
Cons
- Not suitable for rough terrain
- Ankle support is not as good as other boots on the list
How to choose hiking boots for women
Hiking boots are a great choice if you want more breathability and lightness, so you might not need as much support. Some hikers choose hiking boots because they like the minimal, close-to-the-ground feeling, even when carrying a backpack.
Others pick hiking boots because they work well for trail running and everyday walks. Overall, hiking boots dry quickly and pack nicely, making them suitable for travel, especially in hot, humid places. They also pair well with hiking sandals. However, some factors must be considered before whipping out your card and making a payment. These include;
Sizing
Your feet might get bigger during long hikes, so it’s smart to get hiking shoes that are half a size larger than your regular ones. To check if your boots fit right, loosen the laces, put your foot so your toes touch the front, and make sure you can fit your index finger between your heel and the back of the boot.
This will stop your toes from getting squished when going downhill. Also, consider the socks you will wear and if you’ll use extra insoles when picking the size. It’s better if your shoes are a bit big instead of too small.
Break-in period
You will cover a lot of ground when you go backpacking or hiking. So, it’s important to make sure your shoes fit comfortably and won’t give you blisters while on the trail. We suggest getting your boots a few weeks before your long hiking trips and wearing them as much as possible.
This way, your new hiking boots will feel more comfortable when you eventually go hiking. Also, if you incur any problems, you have plenty of time to fix them before you go on your trip.
Traction
A good grip is super important for hiking shoes. When hiking, your boots must help you stay steady on narrow and rocky paths, when crossing slippery water areas, and on loose gravel. It’s really important to know your shoes won’t let you slip, especially on tricky parts of the trail. We made sure all our footwear picks have excellent grip.
Waterproofing
Most hiking boots are designed to keep your feet dry when you walk through puddles or rivers along the trail. They do, thanks to a special layer inside that keeps out water. The most common one is called Gore-Tex. However, some of these boots might not let your feet breathe well. Besides Gore-Tex, many boots also have a special coating on the outside that makes water roll off.
It’s important to choose the perfect boots for your hiking trip. While items like trekking poles or daypacks can improve your time on the trail, the right shoes are the foundation of everything. If your shoes don’t fit well, they can easily mess up your plans or dream adventure. Hopefully, our guide points you in the right direction.