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I think most hikers believe fall is peak season—between the crisp air, beautiful foliage, and general dryness of the ground, it is arguably the ideal time to hit the trails. But just because the other seasons may offer more challenges doesn't mean we aren't still getting out there. If you want to get the most out of your hike, and leave feeling like you want to come back for more, the most important piece of gear you should invest in is a quality pair of hiking boots.
The more technical your trails get, the more crucial good boots become. Whether you are new to hiking, or a seasoned vet looking for a new pair of dirt kickers, we gathered up our favorite hiking boots for women below. Check out our top picks, and some tips on how to choose the right ones for you.
The 6 Best Hiking Boots for Women
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How to Choose a Hiking Boot
When looking for a new hiking boot, the most important things to consider are your personal shoe preferences and the types of trails you will be hiking on. To start, consider what type of shoes you like to wear. Do you prefer a softer, squishier feel? Then you may want to opt for a more shoe-like sole. Options made by running shoe brands like Hoka and Altra will be softer and more flexible than traditional hiking shoe brands. If you want something more supportive and stiffer, a traditional hiker will be good for you—if you suffer from plantar fasciitis or achilles pain, a stiffer option is usually the way to go.
Also consider your climate and terrain. Unless you live in the desert or only hike in summers, you will probably want to opt for a waterproof boot. If it has Gore-Tex, even better—that will help protect your feet from wind and cold temperatures as well. When it comes to terrain, you want a boot that will best protect and serve you on the surface you are hiking on. If you have a rock-heavy area with lots of scrambling, make sure you have a grippy rubber sole, and rubber toe protector. If it is a very rooty and gravelly area, a soft sole may work better, allowing your feet to flex and move with the uneven ground.
How We Selected
To find the best women's hiking boots among the many options out there, we looked at expert-tested reviews from trusted sources. We then took into account price, design, comfort, safety, and color options. Finally, we consulted reviews, written by people who’ve bought these boots on sites like Amazon, to settle on the products you'll find below.
Check out some more of our favorite hiking gear, trail shoes, and rain jackets.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Great for summer hikes
Cons
- Not great for cold, wet environments
The Lone Peak is one of the most popular trail-running and hiking shoes out there, but the low top may not provide enough ankle support for some. This model has the sole and upper of the original model with the addition of a boot-like upper.
This is a great option if you want a hiker that is lightweight and on the softer side, and is great for everything from thru-hikes to day hikes.
Key Specs
| Colors | 3 |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | No |
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Best Traditional Boot
Merrell Moab 2
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Best Traditional Boot
Merrell Moab 2
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Pros
- Very supportive
- Protects feet and ankles
Cons
- Can feel a bit clunky
This midrange model is great for women who prefer a sturdier, stiffer boot. It is waterproof, which makes it great for damp, muddy hikes and cooler weather, and has great grip that can get you through some technical scrambles. It is a mid-height boot that hits just above the ankle, giving support without feeling restrictive.
Key Specs
| Colors | 10 |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes |
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Best for Budget
Columbia Newton Ridge
Pros
- Cute colors
- Basic, supportive boot
Cons
- Not the best for technical hiking
Affordable, comfortable, and durable, this boot is great for beginner and casual hikers. It is waterproof and has a decent tread on the bottom. It has a cute, outdoorsy design, and lots of color options, which makes it great for those who want to take aesthetic hiking pics.
Key Specs
| Colors | 14 |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes |
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Pros
- Grippy, flexible sole
- Water-, wind-, and cold-proof
Cons
- Expensive
If you are a woman tackling cold, wet, and technical terrain, you need a boot that can keep up with you. This one by Salomon is up to the task. It features a grippy, flexible sole that stays comfortable all day long. It is made with Gore-Tex, which means that it is not only waterproof, but wind- and cold-proof as well, making it an ideal winter boot.
Key Specs
| Colors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes |
Pros
- Supportive and grippy
- Good toe protection
Cons
- A bit stiff
If you love rocky, scrambly routes on your hikes, you will want something with a protected rubberized toe. This will help you safely and comfortably shove your foot in tiny holds, and also give you the grip you need to prevent slipping. The boot has a low-medium height, and is waterproof so it will keep your feet dry. It also comes in five colors, so you have some options to choose from.
Key Specs
| Colors | 5 |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes |
Pros
- Very cushioned
- Sleek design
Cons
- May feel too bulky to some
If you find that most hiking boots are too hard or stiff for you, you will love this boot option from Hoka. It offers great ankle support, and is waterproof, and it also features the signature Hoka sole, which is incredibly soft and cushioned. But despite feeling like walking on a cloud, it has a leather upper and Vibram outsole that makes it durable and protective.
Key Specs
| Colors | 3 |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes |
Gabrielle Hondorp
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
