Hiking is one of the most enjoyable pastimes you can have. You spend time in fresh air, you get to see some great scenery, and climbing up and down trails keeps your mind challenged while forgetting all your stresses and worries of work and life in the fast lane.
However, because hiking is a physical activity, you also need to have the right equipment. You would never dream of jogging in a hiking boot! Unfortunately however, people often think that a trainer is sufficient footwear for a hike. That couldn’t be further from the truth!
If you choose correctly, the right hiking boot will support your feet, allow you to climb and prevent moisture from getting into your shoes, whether you’re crossing a stream or chasing your dog through early morning dew.
A good pair of boots will not only come in handy when you are hiking on holiday, if they are comfortable enough, you’ll want to wear them while walking around the neighborhood or doing yard work.
Choosing the right boots for your feet is very important, and to help you with that decision we have scoured the marketplace and come up with the best women’s hiking boots – no matter what our specific needs are.
The Quick Answer
The best women’s hiking boots in our opinion are the Clorts HKM822 women’s hiking boots. These boots are waterproof, easy to clean and provide excellent support for both your foot bed and your ankles.
Plus, as every girl knows – colors also matter!
Our Women’s Hiking Boots Comparison
Women’s Hiking Boots Reviews
1. Timberland Women’s White Ledge Hiking Boots (Best for Wide Feet)
These boots are some of the best women’s hiking boots on the market. They are rugged enough to wear while hiking through mountains but attractive enough to wear when going to the store or dinner after a hike with a pair of jeans.
They are constructed from full grain leather; in other words, leather that has been minimally treated and will retain its breathability and natural strength. Timberland works the additional waterproof treatment into the leather while tanning and adds a seam-sealed waterproof membrane to ensure that you stay dry, no matter what the weather.
Metal rustproof D-rings and speed lacing secure the laces quickly and efficiently. The tongue is padded enough that you don’t feel the pressure of the laces no matter how tightly they are fastened, with thick padding around the rim of the boot as well
The shaft rises 4.5” from the arch, enough to supply sturdy ankle support while climbing in difficult terrain. The multi-directional lugs provide grip and traction for all kinds of hiking.
These boots have been constructed with removable dual-density EVA midsoles which provide superb cushioning of the whole foot. The midsoles are also perforated to provide additional air circulation.
Who It’s Best For
Ladies who want to purchase the best women’s hiking boots that are versatile, as well as durable, should consider the Timberland White Ledge. The leather is timeless and shrugs off dirt and water and the high shaft ensures that your ankle is well supported throughout your hike.
The EVA foot bed allows the shoe to support your whole foot and mold itself into the shape of your foot.
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2. Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Boots (Best for High Arches)
When you have high arches, you tend to place more weight on the ball and heel of your foot. Since this can lead to pain and discomfort, it becomes extremely important to wear the correct shoes for hiking. Your heel needs to be properly supported to avoid injury and discomfort.With Ahnu’s Numentum Technology and TPU heel support, you will find hiking a much more pleasurable experience.Despite looking more like sneakers than hiking boots, the Ahnu Sugarpine boots are sturdy enough to help you conquer any trail you want to be on. You can purchase them in a variety of arresting color combinations, with such a large range you are sure to find the color you love.The uppers are constructed from mesh, leather and suede and are completely waterproof and lightweight. However, because they are waterproof they might become too warm in the summer.These boots are very easy to clean, you just need to wipe them down or, if they are very stained, just run them under a tap before a wipe down.The shaft is 5.75” from the arch, with a 1” heel. Ahnu constructs this shoe with Numentum Technology, which centers your foot and promotes balance.In addition, these boots are manufactured with TPU heel support to fully balance your heels. Mid-cut design helps for carrying a backpack and keeps your ankle secure when traveling over rough terrain.EVA padding ensures that the ball of your foot is supported and always comfortable.Unfortunately, these boots tend to be a bit of a tight fit. It might be worth your while considering buying half a size larger, or even a full size to accommodate thick hiking socks.
Who It’s Best For
If you need a hiking boot that supports your arches as well as your heels, the Ahnu Sugarpine is the one for you. These boots supply good support for your ankles and heels and are not too heavy to become a strain if you are hiking long distance.
The EVA padding also ensures that the ball of your feet is properly cushioned when walking.
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3. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots (Best for Narrow Feet)
This attractive boot combines the durability of leather with mesh for breathability and comes in two colors: brown and grey. The full grain leather is protected with Omnishield to attain maximum waterproofing and stain resistance.However, to ensure waterproofing over the long run, we recommend that you waterproof them again yourself after a while.The shaft measures about 5.25” from the arch. The midsole is supported with compression-molded EVA foam with Columbia’s Techlite technology for absorption and cushioning over rough terrain.This boot has a narrow cut and might be too tight for people with wider feet. However, if you have narrow feet, your feet will be nicely supported and won’t slip around in the shoe, making it a comfortable hike.Unlike some other boots, these fit true to size. Order the same size that you use for trainers and these boots will fit well, even if you wear thick socks.The shoelaces are secured with triangular D-rings and clamshell lacing, which makes it easier to take the shoes off or put them back on again. The mesh tongue ensures that the boot stays cool in hot weather.
The rubber outsole with Omnigrip lugs has amazing grip on any terrain and absorbs shock very well.
Who It’s Best For
These are the best women’s hiking boots for ladies who have narrow feet and enjoy classically styled boots. They will work for hiking, but also for people who need sturdy shoes in a work environment such as nurseries and warehouses.However, they might start to show a bit of strain if continuously exposed to water.
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4. Merrell Women’s Capra Bolt Hiking Boots (Best for Overpronation)
These sporty looking boots come in two color variants: dark green and black or lilac and grey. The upper of the boot is made from synthetic material and mesh, which makes the boot lightweight and breathable.
These are one of the best women’s hiking boots and is also a good boot for overpronation, as the foot bed is not too arched, but supportive enough to ensure that you are not uncomfortable while walking.
If you are doing summer camping, your tent mate will thank you for choosing these boots! Merrell developed the long-lasting M Select Fresh system which allows sweat and moisture to dissipate quickly.
In addition, antimicrobial agents disrupt the reproduction of odor-causing microbes.
Traveling over tough terrain becomes easier with the Select Grip lugs that allow the shoe to grip over the slippery or tough terrain.
The M-Select FIT.ECO contoured foot bed is stiffer than that of a sports shoe, but not as stiff as a traditional hiking boot. There is a slight arch in the shoe, not high enough to be uncomfortable, but not so low as to be painful or putting too much stress on your feet.
The metal hooks and lacing tighten the boot securely, and the bellows tongue keeps out debris, ensuring that you don’t take anything from your hike home with you! Especially small stones!
As with some other hiking boots, these sizes run a bit small and might be too tight if you have wide feet.
Who It’s Best For
These pretty and fashionable shoes will be perfect for someone who has overpronation and needs a slight lift in the arch of the foot, but not so high as to be while the rest of the foot is securely cushioned.
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5. Clorts HKM822 Hiking Boots (Best for Plantar Fasciitis)
The brand name Clorts is a combination of “Climbing” and “Sports.” The company was started in 2006 and specializes in making all-weather shoes for outdoor enthusiasts. These boots are designed to mix fashion and practicality.Fans can’t stop raving about the combination of colors and ruggedness – these boots easily earn you street cred! Select from various colors to suit every mood. The shoes are constructed from 60% leather and 40% mesh.The suede upper is tough enough to handle the most strenuous tracks and terrains and wipes down easily with a damp cloth if you have to get the mud and dirt off.The breathable Uneebtex waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry and ensures that your feet stay cool, even on the hottest days.For someone suffering from plantar fasciitis, ankle support and midsole comfort are of key importance. The Clorts HKM822 EVA midsole cushions the foot and the rubber outsole provides impact cushioning, anti-twist and skid-proof performance, keeping your ankle stable.As we have so often seen with hiking boots, the sizes run small, so it might be better to get half a size larger than you would normally buy, perhaps even a full size larger to make sure that you are comfortable.
Who It’s Best For
If you are looking for a boot with a lot of all-around support for your foot and ankle, this is the boot for you. The fashionable colors and ease of cleaning also make this a shoe that can be worn outside of the city, and just as comfortably in the city as well.
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What to Look for When Buying Women’s Hiking Boots
Considering which boots to buy for hiking is a very personal decision. You might need boots just for hiking, or you might need tough shoes that can handle a lot of moisture because you work in such a setting. Or, you might walk through the city a lot and need a shoe that looks fashionable as well as practical.
Choosing the right hiking boots is like trying to find the perfect relationship. The best pair of hiking boots for you need to sync with how and where you hike.
Before committing to a long-term relationship, you have to be sure they’re a perfect fit. Here are some of the things you need to consider when deciding what to buy.
Determine Your Requirements
Your hiking boots are a tool. As with the successful use of any tool, make sure you know exactly what you need.
Understanding your own personal needs will go a long way in helping you to choose the right shoe. If you just see someone wearing a boot that you like, and you just buy the same – you could be letting yourself in for a world of trouble. Take the time to consider your own needs. In this case, fashion is not going to be your friend!
Do you have problems with your ankles and need extra support? Perhaps you need a shaft that goes higher from the arch and ties securely around the ankle?
Narrow your choices down by establishing what you need, then move on to the next step.
What Kind of Materials Should Your Boot Be Made From?
Once you have decided what your requirements are, you need to establish whether they will be met with natural or man-made materials.
Each type of material has its advantages, and you need to be sure that the boot you choose makes full use of those benefits.
If you are a vegan, leather boots are never going to work for you. Confirm that you are comfortable with the manufacturing process of the shoe; if you buy anything that makes you uncomfortable – you’ll never wear it and you would have wasted your money
A city girl that walks miles and miles through parks that is going for dinner with friends after might be more comfortable with a classic leather boot with laces.
Where Will You Be Using the Boots Most of the Time?
Once you have determined your own requirements, it is important to understand the needs the environment you will be hiking through.
A hike through a canyon needs a different shoe than a hike up a mountain in mud and water. Again, if you do a lot of city walking you might not need the same ankle support that someone needs who is hiking over loose stones and gravel.
If you take the time to think your purchase through carefully, you will seldom be disappointed when you open the box of your new shoes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my feet never comfortable in hiking boots?
We usually reach adulthood with a particular size shoe and then stick with that size until we shuffle off (with painful feet!).
Your feet change throughout your life and usually as you get older your shoe size will change too. Typically, your feet broaden as you get older – never mind the injuries you sustain that take a toll on your feet.
If your shoes are constantly uncomfortable, check your shoe size! It might be time to make a change.
Also, a boot that is usually warn in summer might be a bit snug in winter with two pairs of socks. When you try the shoes on for the first time, make sure that you are wearing the kind of sock you would most often wear.
What is the difference between hiking and work boots?
Many people buy a hiking boot for work, as they spend a lot of time on their feet and feel that a hiking boot can offer them more comfort. However, if you are choosing a hiking boot to work in, there are some considerations that you need to keep in mind.
A work boot usually has a steel-capped toe to protect your toes if something falls on your foot. Although hiking boots do have toe caps, these are not sturdy enough to protect against a heavy box falling on your foot.
Hiking with steel-capped toes will eventually tire you out and add a lot to the weight of the shoe – you will not win in either scenario.
Work boots are often more rigidly structured and have less traction on the soles. Hiking will involve constantly changing the position of your foot on the ground, and unless you are climbing up and down boxes the whole day, your work boots will not be as flexible as they need to be for hiking.
Is it better to buy the most expensive pair I can afford?
The prices of hiking boots travel through the whole range of price brackets.
The most important thing to remember when buying a pair of boots is that they need to be comfortable and fit your feet correctly. If you buy a pair of boots that is expensive but does not have the heel support you need, you will be buying another pair shortly after.
Always take your needs into account first, and then consider the price. If you can afford one expensive pair and it fits, buy it. But perhaps in your research you will two more reasonably priced pair that meet different needs.
When you are looking for the best women’s hiking boots, remember that you are looking for a piece of equipment and not a fashion item. If you keep that in mind you will be sure to make the right choice for you.
p.s. Don’t need boots for women? Check out our complete hiking boot recommendations here.