Best Hiking Boots for Women: Reviews & Guide

If you’ve got some hardcore outdoor adventures planned on your next trip, packing a pair of the best hiking boots for women is a must.

Compared to low-cut shoes, hiking boots provide the extra support you need to protect your feet and ankles when tramping through uneven terrain.

Ready to take your hikes to the next level? Get better support and comfort on your outdoor getaway with these reviews for the best women’s hiking boots…

Top-rated women’s hiking boots reviews

Let’s talk for a second about hiking boots. Sure, they aren’t the most stylish footwear out there for travellers, nor are they overly convenient. And, for minimalist packers, these clunky things will weigh down your pack more than you might be prepared for.

But if negotiating rougher terrain is in your travel plans, you simply need a sturdy pair of hiking boots.

Unlike ordinary hiking or walking shoes, hiking boots skirt up higher on the ankle to provide extra support and minimize the possibility of injury. At the expense of added weight, they also often feature thicker soles designed for better traction and to lessen impact on uneven surfaces.

To solve the dilemma of figuring out which hiking boots are right for your adventure, we’ve narrowed the massive field of contenders down to just 12.

Of these recommendations, you’re bound to find a pair of boots that’ll fit your ideal adventure. Bon voyage!

In a rush? Here are the 12 best women’s hiking boots compared…

  Product Weight Our Rating More Info
The North Face Ultra Fastpack II Mid GTX 0.8 lbs. 4.0/5
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R Mid GTX
Best For Sports
1.1 lbs. 4.0/5
Vasque Talus Trek UltraDry
Best Waterproof
2 lbs. 4.5/5
New Balance WW1400V1 0.8 lbs. 3.5/5
Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX
Best Support
1.4 lbs. 4.5/5
KEEN Durand Mid WP 1 lb. 4.0/5
Ahnu Montara WP 1.8 lbs. 3.5/5
Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX 0.97 lbs. 4.0/5
KEEN Targhee II Mid WP
Best Overall
0.8 lbs. 4.5/5
Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid
Best Lightweight
1.4 lbs. 4.0/5
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus
Best Value
1 lb. 4.0/5
Ahnu Sugarpine II 1.4 lbs. 3.5/5

The North Face Ultra Fastpack II Mid GTX

Weight: 0.8 lbs.

Best Use: Fast-paced walks and runs in warmer climates

Take your day hikes to a whole new level with The North Face Ultra Fastpack II Mid GTX.

The lightweight upper construction speaks to the ability of these hiking boots to provide all-day comfort in hot weather. With the mesh and Gore-Tex membranes, it is not only waterproof, but provides proper airflow to keep your feet dry. You’ll love it as much in summer as in spring.

Embedded cables along the side of the upper are a remedy for stabilizing the lightweight Ultra Fastpack II Mid GTX.

Tagging along with the extra side support is a dual-density EVA midsole. It’s injection-molded to adapt to the curves of your feet. The Ultra Protect Cradle Guide technology in these hiking boots also gives a snug fit to the heel and ankle to protect against torsion injuries.

The North Face Ultra Fastpack II Mid GTX Hiking Boot is, however, not the best pick for price-conscious hikers. For a more budget-friendly option, give the Columbia Newton Ridge a try.

Pros:

  • Reliable weather protection
  • Good arch support

Cons:

  • Not as budget-friendly as other options

Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R Mid GTX

Weight: 1.1 lbs.

Best Use: Long-distance trail runs in hot weather

Best For Sports

Inspired by track athletes rather than the outdoors, the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R Mid GTX is a sure fit for women ready to get active on the hiking trails. Its sporty design, accented with a pop colour, appeals to athletically- and aesthetically-minded hikers alike.

The boot’s unique Adidas Gore-Tex upper helps prevent water entry while keeping the interior dry. The upper’s mesh dishes out good airflow to whisk sweat away from your feet.

To provide extra forefoot and heel cushioning, Adidas has thrown their proprietary shock-absorbing adiPRENE insole into the boot’s lightweight EVA midsole. It gives off a springy feeling that propels your steps forward, preventing foot fatigue and inspiring longer hikes. With the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R Mid GTX, you can also power through uneven terrain with confidence—even when wet—thanks to the high traction rubber outsole.

Although the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R Mid GTX is a great all-around performer, it’s not without its faults. For women with wider feet, the fit of the Terrex might be a little snug. The narrower toe cap also makes this hiking boot a questionable choice for “wilder” hiking on more off-beat trails.

Pros:

  • Excellent ankle support
  • Good traction on uneven surfaces
  • Eye-pleasing sporty design

Cons:

  • Narrow fit
  • Minimal toe protection

Vasque Talus Trek UltraDry

Weight: 2 lbs.

Best Use: Backpacking trips in frigid weather conditions

Best Waterproof

Looking for a boot that’ll last a decade? The Vasque Talus Trek UltraDry is the real deal in classic comfort. It’s built to withstand heavy usage and still look as good as the day your bought them.

Even when the weather is unfavourable, the Talus Trek begs you to get outdoor. Thanks to its robust all-leather upper, colder temperatures have nothing on this hiking boot. Warmth stays in without feeling stuffy as the mesh lining on the upper allows for optimum perspiration.

When it comes to the Vibram Nuasi outsole, the Vasque Talus Trek UltraDry builds in extra strength for rough trails. It’s molded with XSTrek rubber and features multi-directional lugs to keep you centred.

Perhaps even better yet is the dual-density molded EVA midsole designed for athletic handling. Even when walking for hours with a heavy backpack, there’s little extra stress on the knees and feet.

Unfortunately, for a ladies hiking boot, there’s little aesthetic appeal. With only two colour options to choose from, the selection is quite limiting.

Pros:

  • Robust upper
  • Excellent traction with Vibram Nuasi outsole
  • Athletic cushioning

Cons:

  • Available in only two colors

New Balance WW1400V1

Weight: 0.8 lbs.

Best Use: Long walks in cold weather

A newer offering from an old favourite, the New Balance WW1400V1 tells a tale of modernity meeting the wild.

This trail walking boot is equally at home on the city hiking trails as it is on mountainous paths. It bears a completely watertight upper with Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet toasty on cold fall and winter days.

On the flip side, the mesh tongue and collar of the New Balance WW100V1 lets air in to improve interior breathability when it gets too warm.

Taking on steep hills and valleys is no problem with the ROLLBAR Posting system that helps cradle the rear foot fully and prevent unwarranted shifting to minimize injuries. Plus, the laces provide a safe lockdown of the ankle.

As budget-friendly as these hiking boots, it comes at the expense of a less robust construction. The upper and the outsole are not as rugged as other models. This boot, for example, wouldn’t be suitable for carrying a heavy backpack on a multi-day hike.

Pros:

  • Versatile in both in the wild and well-maintained parks
  • Budget-friendly

Cons:

  • Not robust enough to carry heavyweight gear

Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX

Weight: 1.4 lbs.

Best Use: Long backpacking trips in tough weather

Best Support

Searching for serious comfort in a women’s hiking boot is no longer a struggle when you trust your feet to the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX.

With the molded EVA footbed and 4D Advanced Chassis on these hiking boots, you’ll get the support you need without dealing with any added stress to your feet—even when carrying heavier backpacking gear.

For the truly hardcore hiker there’s another big plus: the waterproofing. Equipped with a Gore-Tex upper, the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX keeps moisture out without sacrificing breathability. Whether in rainy or dry weather, you’ll be able to negotiate everything from muddy trails to rocky path thanks to the boot’s Contragrip technology on the outsole.

Despite its tremendous performance on the trail, the one downfall of the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX is its aesthetics. With relatively dull colours combination and an undeniable outdoorsy look, women keen on fashion may wish to search elsewhere for a hiking boot.

Pros:

  • Superior foot support
  • Robust build
  • Great traction over a variety of surfaces

Cons:

  • Limited color options

KEEN Durand Mid WP

Weight: 1 lb.

Best Use: Short hikes in crisp weather

For those who stick to well-maintained trails, the KEEN Durand Mid WP are made especially for you.

These hiking boots are incredibly lightweight, suiting day hikers and travellers alike. The Nubuck leather and mesh upper combine to provide both superb weatherproofing and some breathability. It’s keen (no pun intended!) on giving you interior comfort so you can power through steep paths and downhill trails effortlessly.

A unique property of the KEEN Durand Mid WP is the heel cushion and removable dual-density EVA midsole. You can wash it to maintain freshness without sacrificing form. While wearing the boot, you’ll also fall for its underfoot cushioning as it provides maximum shock absorption over rough terrains on your hikes.

As much as the KEEN Durand Mid WP feels nimble and ready for action, it favors hikes in the cooler spring, fall and winter months over summer. The leather upper is almost entirely sealed (it is waterproof after all) and leaves little room to get rid of all the sweat during summer treks.

Pros:

  • Well-padded and comfortable
  • Full ankle support
  • Excellent waterproofing

Cons:

  • Not suited for hot weather

Ahnu Montara WP

Weight: 1.8 lbs.

Best Use: Short day walks in the heart of winter

Unparalleled support is the name of the game with the Ahnu Montara WP.

This hiking boot is one of the more stylish & colourful hikers around and viable for day hikes in town or on more distant hiking trails.

The all-leather upper on these hiking boots speaks to its full weatherproofing, making it a great choice for both wet days and in cooler winter months. Even in milder temperatures, side eVents allows for proper air inflow to help you enjoy breathable protection.

In terms of support, Ahnu Montara WP cradles the foot from the ankle all the way to the toes for durable, all-day support. A heavily-padded collar adds extra ankle support to protect against sprains and twists. In rough terrain, the lightweight dual-density EVA midsole helps you rack up some serious miles without major foot fatigue.

For all-day wear, however, the tongue on the Ahnu Montara WP is a small bone of contention. It’s a bit heavier than on most hiking boots, and may cause some discomfort with certain foot sizes when worn for a extended period of time.

Pros:

  • Well-insulated
  • Excellent ankle support

Cons:

  • Heavier than other models
  • More suitable for shorter day hikes than extended wear

Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX

Weight: 0.97 lbs.

Best Use: Long-distance trail runs in all weather conditions

A revolutionary boot, the Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX caters to ladies who love walking or running longer distances with a solid mix of style, comfort, and performance. The X Ultra features a leather and mesh that oozes with durability and breathability.

The mid-cut design allows the collar to wrap around the ankle for excellent support. You don’t need to worry about it rolling when you are out for a fast-paced run.

For waterproofing, the Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX includes a classic Gore-Tex liner fitted with  polyester to wick sweat to the outside. Even after a long day of hitting the trails, you can expect to feel dry and comfy.

Although its comfortable and durable, the Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX falls on the lighter side. It’s not the best choice for carrying a heavy backpack for long distances and may not adequately protect the knees or cushion the feet under heavier loads.

Pros:

  • Cradles the ankle for optimum support
  • Excellent waterproofing & breathability

Cons:

  • Too lightweight to carry a heavy load over extended distances

KEEN Targhee II Mid WP

Weight: 0.8 lbs.

Best Use: Trail runs in hot weather

Best Overall

Designed to mimic trail runners, the KEEN Targhee II Mid WP is perfect for enhancing agility on your hiking expeditions. It’s built in a minimalistic style, but it does not skip out on any of the important features you’d expect among the best women’s hiking shoes.

The mid-height of the KEEN Targhee II Mid WP is essential for wrapping around your ankle to give a snug fit when motoring through the bush. Combined with the Nubuck leather and mesh uppers, this boot provide all around support while keeping the fit lightweight and airy for speed & comfort.

Support on the KEEN Targhee II Mid WP is further enhanced by a EVA midsole that absorbs impact and provides extra cushioning. The rubber outsole likewise features multi-directional lugs for traction and stability. Whether you are on rooty paths or walking on sliding rocks, this hiking boot stands strong.

As great at the Targhee II is for most female hikers, some sizes are cut a bit narrow and will need breaking in to feel comfortable.

Pros:

  • Excellent arch & ankle support

Cons:

  • Narrow, tight fit on some feet

Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid

Weight: 1.4 lbs.

Best Use: Long hikes & runs in hot weather

Best Lightweight

From its reasonable price to its air cushioning, the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid is in a league of its own among the best hiking boots for women. Its breezy upper features an equal balance between leather and mesh, making it a popular choice in warmer weather.

For fussy feet, the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid features a full-length molded EVA midsole. The heel is well-cushioned and the toe area’s well-protected with rubber caps. Enduring hours—or days—on the trails is no problem; this is a hiking boot made to withstand heavy usage.

With its Vibram outsole, the Moab Ventilator Mid powers through mud and sharp rocks without hesitation. The one situation where this boot falls short is in snow, puddles, and rivers. The mesh is ideal for ventilating your feet, not keeping moisture out!

Pros:

  • Comfortable and airy fit

Cons:

  • Not ideal for winter and wet spring & fall months

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus

Weight: 1 lb.

Best Use: Hikes and backpacking trips on snowy days

Best Value

To all the ladies who hate skimping on quality features, let the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus grace your feet. This hiking boot features an exceptional design, starring a full-grain leather upper that lets you explore the trails come rain or shine. Its waterproof and durable construction is complimented by molded EVA footbed that conforms comfortably to the contours of your feet.

What’s more, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus carries nylon shanks along the outsole to stabilize the foot entirely. Whether you find yourself on gravel paths or wilder trails where roots hug your feet, you’ll always be safely planted in this hiking boot. Combined with superior cushioning using Techlite technology, you’ll always be confident in turning your steps into high energy strides.

The one area that the Newton Ridge Plus could use improvement is in breathability. The leather upper—designed to protect you from downpours, showers or the morning dew—wears quite warm. You’d do best to skip out on this hiking boot in tropical or sub-tropical climates.

Pros:

  • It has a construction from high-quality materials, budget-friendly

Cons:

  • Not well-ventilated

Ahnu Sugarpine II

Weight: 1.4 lbs.

Best Use: Covering heavy miles rain or shine

An attractive price tag isn’t the only thing that makes the Ahnu Sugarpine II so popular among female outdoor enthusiasts. These kicks fall in as one of the most stylish of the bunch, flexing its muscle with an array of bright eye-popping colours to choose from.

The hit parade doesn’t end at its looks. The Ahnu Sugarpine II bears incredible protection, starting with a leather and synthetic upper blend that brings stability to the boot. The rubber toe caps are very functional along tough & beaten paths that protect you from digging into roots and rocks as you run or indulge in active walks.

Rounding out the durable upper of the Ahnu Sugarpine II are the supportive dual-density EVA midsole and fiberglass shanks for maintaining traction on difficult surfaces.

For hikers with wider feet, the Sugarpine II may feel a tad cramped. Move at least half size up to leave some extra room for the toes.

Pros:

  • Durable, stable & weatherproof leather upper

Cons:

  • Narrow fit on wider feet
Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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