7 Best Hiking Boots for Women

Buying hiking boots isn’t like shopping for everyday shoes. Factors that go beyond aesthetics and comfort come into play in the decision-making process.

And while choosing the best hiking boots can sometimes feel like a complicated matchmaking spectacle, there are a few tips that you can use to help you find the one.

We created this buying guide to help you navigate the all-too-confusing world of hiking gear. Hunting for the best hiking socks or the perfect hiking backpack is challenging enough. As much as possible, we want you to end up with the right hiking boots at first try!

Why invest in hiking boots?

You probably already heard this before, but adults are supposed to take 10,000 steps every single day.

And if you’re a hiker, it’s easy to see how your lifestyle will regularly have you walking way more than 10k steps. Knowing the amount of walking that comes with this activity really puts the importance of footwear choice into perspective.

Hiking boots are specifically made to make your hikes as safe and comfortable as possible. Here are the top reasons why investing in your own pair is a smart move:

• Hiking boots are a lot more durable than regular walking shoes.
• They protect your feet against rough terrain.
• You’ll enjoy better ankle support, which is important especially when you’re carrying heavier loads.
• Hiking boots provide better protection against animals that you might encounter on the trail, like snakes and big spiders.
• If you have waterproof boots, they’ll keep your feet and ankles dry should you have to cross rivers and creeks.
• They have stronger and thicker soles that are specifically designed for maximum traction and stability.
• Wearing the right pair of hiking boots can help you avoid twisting your ankles or tweaking your knees while walking on uneven terrain.

Get yourself a pair if…

While hiking boots are among the most popular types of footwear for avid hikers, you might hear that some people prefer to use trail running shoes or hiking sandals instead.

You can certainly get away with these types of footwear. At the end of the day, it all depends on your experience level and the type of terrain you’re trying to tackle.

That said, hiking boots are still the most recommended hiking footwear if:

• You’re a hiking beginner.
• You’re hiking on rough, uneven, and generally harsh terrain.
• You’re carrying a heavy load.
• You frequently like to go on longer hikes.
• You’re susceptible to twisting your ankles or your knees easily buckle.
• Your leg muscles aren’t used to bearing the stress of hiking.

Hiking boot anatomy

Hiking boots are made up of four main parts: the upper, outsole, midsole, and toecap.

The Upper

As you may have already guessed, the upper is—well—the upper part of a shoe. That said, its construction will influence a lot of your hiking boots’ features, such as water resistance, durability, looks, and weight.

The upper is usually made of either one of three materials: natural leather, synthetics, or vegan leather. Some hiking boots, however, have uppers that are made using a combination of two different types of materials.

A leather upper will typically be very durable. Many people also prefer leather hiking boots because of aesthetic reasons.

Synthetic uppers, meanwhile, are known to be lightweight and affordable.

Lastly, vegan leather is a great option if you like the look and feel of leather but are against animal products.

The Midsole

The midsole comprises the part of the boot in between the outsole and footbed. The midsole is responsible for cushioning your feet and protecting them from stress caused by your steps and rough terrain.

Midsoles are usually made using either polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The former is firm, rigid, and durable. Polyurethane is also a lot harder to break in.

Meanwhile, EVA is lighter and more flexible. Boots made with EVA are typically more affordable, as well.

The Outsole

Hiking boots usually sport a rubber outsole. Unlike the upper and midsole, there really isn’t a lot of variety as far as the outsole is concerned.

This really isn’t surprising given that rubber is widely recognized as the best material because of its durability.

But this doesn’t mean that all outsoles are the same! Instead of taking materials into consideration, look into the heel break and lug pattern.

The heel brake is an important part of the boot as it helps improve downhill stability and control. The lug pattern, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in the amount of traction and grip you’ll get. We highly recommend getting a pair of hiking boots whose lugs are spaced widely enough for easier mud removal.

Factors to consider when choosing the right pair

The three main factors you have to consider when selecting the best hiking boots for women are style, fit, and terrain. Special features, such as a waterproof lining and insulation, are also available.

Style

There are two main categories of hiking boots: day hiking boots and backpacking boots.

Day hiking boots are the usual mid- to high-cut models that are meant for day hikes and short hiking trips. They usually cover at least half the ankle and are ideal if you frequently bring light to medium loads.

Day hiking boots are a bit more flexible than backpacking boots. They’re also easier to break-in.

Backpacking boots, meanwhile, typically go up above the ankles for extra support. They’re better suited to more heavy-duty use, such as when you have a multiple-day trip or are planning to bring a heavy load.

Backpacking boots may be used for both on-trail and off-trail travel. They’re a bit heavier than day hiking boots, but they’re typically more durable and supportive.

Fit

Getting the right fit is important regardless of shoe type, but it becomes even more crucial when it comes to hiking boots.

Hiking boots have a very rigid structure. The toe box doesn’t soften or expand like what happens in a normal shoe. This is why getting a pair of boots that fit right and feel comfortable from the very beginning is a must.

And because of the general stiffness of hiking shoes, you’re more prone to getting aches and blisters if you end up wearing the wrong size. Other unsightly and unpleasant consequences of wearing the wrong hiking boots are:

• Joint stress
• Blackened toenails
• Corns and ingrown nails
• Heel stress
• Plantar fasciitis

A nice-fitting pair of hiking boots will not squash the sides of your forefoot. In addition, boots shouldn’t be so tight that they affect your circulation. However, they should still feel snug enough such that your feet aren’t sliding forward while you’re walking.

Also, it will be mightily helpful to do the index finger test when trying on a pair of hiking boots for the first time.

First, wear your boots, leave them unlaced, and then stand upright. Slide your foot towards the toe box until you can feel the front part of the shoe. At this point, you should be able to comfortably slip your index finger in between your heel and the back part of the shoe.

Terrain

Where do you plan to hike? Will you be hiking on rough but flat ground? Or do you see yourself going up and down a sloping terrain?

These are important considerations because the type of terrain you want to conquer will play a big role in determining the best hiking boots for you. Rigid soles with an extra grippy lug pattern will do wonders on unstable ground, while hiking on flat ground will enable you to get away with softer and more flexible boots.

Special features

Waterproof boots

If you want to keep your feet protected from water and mud, hiking boots that are fitted with a waterproof upper are your best bet. The downside? The reduced breathability of the waterproof upper also reduces ventilation. As a result, your feet are more likely to sweat during hot weather.

Insulated hiking boots

Some hiking boots for women feature synthetic insulation to help keep your feet warm. These boots are useful when you’re hiking on snow or glaciers.

Hiking boots shopping: Do’s and don’ts

DO:

• Go shoe shopping in the afternoon. Our feet expand during the day—and more so in warm weather. This is why afternoons are the best time to try on shoes.
• Wear your hiking socks when fitting hiking boots. Many people wear their regular socks when trying on hiking boots for the first time. This is counterproductive, so always try to simulate your actual hiking outfit when picking out a pair of boots.
• Shop as early as possible. If you’re buying hiking boots online, make sure to order them well in advance. You don’t want them to arrive at your doorstep the day before your hiking trip—only to discover that they don’t fit well at all.
• Buy hiking boots that are made for women. Simply put, men and women have different foot shapes. Women usually have narrower heels and high arches. As such, buying a pair of hiking boots that had been designed for men might not work in your favor.

DON’T:

• Don’t size down. If you find yourself in between sizes, always go for the bigger pair. Remember: your toes should have enough wiggle room in the toe box.
• Don’t forget to try on a pair with the boots laced up. Simply putting on hiking boots isn’t enough. When you’re out shopping, lace hiking boots all the way up and take your time walking around in them. This way, you’ll be able to accurately assess their fit and comfort level before you head out on your first adventure.
• Don’t rely completely on size charts. Online size charts may not be the most reliable reference, so don’t feel obligated to stick to your usual size if it doesn’t feel 100% right.
• Don’t forget orthotics. If you wear any orthotics, use them while trying on hiking boots for the most accurate fit.

Caring for your hiking boots

Hiking boots can be pretty expensive depending on the make and brand. As such, it’s only natural for us to want to get the most out of our investment.

Your hiking boots will last longer if you take care of them properly. Boot care is a bit different than normal shoe care, but that doesn’t mean that it’s difficult.

That being said, here are a few tips and tricks that you can follow to prolong the life of your hiking boots.

• Avoid heat-drying your hiking boots. After a long, tiring adventure out in a wet climate, it might be tempting to “speed dry” your hiking boots by using a blow dryer or space heater. Avoid this at all costs! Excessive heat can actually cause leather and material to shrink, crack, and eventually split.
• Take time for leather care. Natural leather will last you a long time if you take good care of it. That being said, you should nourish and condition your leather hiking boots regularly.
• Clean your hiking boots after every use. Thoroughly remove all mud and debris to help your shoes stay in tip-top condition.
• Avoid overstuffing. If you’re the type who likes to stuff their shoes with paper to help speed up the drying process, make sure to avoid overstuffing as this can misshape the boot.