Coming from someone with extensive experience hiking and running countless miles, I can confidently say that having good shoes is not just important, but absolutely crucial. The quality of your hiking boots can make or break your experience, turning a day filled with adventure and fond memories into one that you’d rather forget. Naturally, our goal is to have an enjoyable and memorable outing.
Given that finding the appropriate shoes is of great significance, this guide aids in selecting the most suitable hiking boots for women, tailored to your preferences and the hiking trails you enjoy. With my extensive experience and numerous hiking endeavors, I am certain that at least one of these recommendations will be suitable for your outdoor activities.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
When it comes to hiking boots, forget everything you think you know. These Columbia boots show that you don’t have to compromise on weight, comfort, or appearance for your next hiking trip. With their cushioned soles and waterproof membrane, they ensure your comfort and safety on any terrain or during any water crossings.
The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof hiking boots have received over 1,800 five-star reviews on Columbia.com because they are soft and comfortable, provide excellent ankle support, and have a responsive rubber outsole that allows for easy navigation over rocks and rivers.
The only drawback is that these boots are solely offered in standard and wide sizes, which might be excessively wide for individuals with narrow feet. However, overall, hikers concur that the Newton Ridges are an exceedingly comfortable, medium-width choice for the majority of individuals.
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Ventilator
The Merrell Moab 2 boots are impressively comfortable right from the start. They are sturdy enough to handle rocky terrain and long treks. The mid-ankle uppers provide both softness and support to prevent ankle-rolling, while the cushiony heels absorb shock and enhance stability.
With these boots, you can confidently traverse any stream knowing that they will keep your feet dry and warm, thanks to their ability to prevent slipping or stumbling with their 5 millimeter lug depth (the rubbery crevices on the underside of the shoe).
We appreciate the availability of these boots in a few “wide” sizes to cater to those with wider feet or who use orthopedic insoles. Our only concern while testing these boots was that they feel slightly more weighty compared to other boots we’ve tested. However, setting aside the weight issue, we still believe these boots provide incredible value.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
You can continue trekking in these waterproof boots from Lowa, whether it’s raining or snowing. The boots have a Gore-Tex lining that effectively keeps water out while still allowing for breathability and airflow. Additionally, the boots feature a polyester lining that effectively wicks away moisture, ensuring your feet stay dry.
The Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot comes in narrow, standard, and wide sizes and is suitable for all explorers. It features a polyurethane midsole that absorbs shocks and a padded tongue for maximum comfort. You can rely on these boots to accompany you on your next adventure. However, it is worth noting that some customers have reported that the “wide” size may not offer enough width for certain feet, so consider this when selecting your size. Additionally, weighing 2 lbs., 2 oz., these boots are not weightless, so keep this in mind if lightweight shoes are a priority for you.
Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
With their soft and flexible textiles, as well as breathable mesh paneling and deep outsole lugs, these hiking boots are the perfect choice for various terrains. They can effortlessly transition from slippery shale-covered trails to densely forested national park campsites, making them the ideal hiking boots for women.
The reinforced heel and toe of these boots provide protection from rocks and sharp sticks, which is one of my favorite features. The extended crash pad helps maintain balance when you lose your footing. Additionally, the high-top height offers ample ankle support without limiting your range of motion. Furthermore, the Gore-Tex construction keeps your feet dry while letting sweat escape. While these hiking boots are priced slightly above $200, most hikers consider them to be worth the cost due to their comfort and versatility.
Columbia Ice Maiden II Hiking Boots
I owe a perpetual debt of gratitude to these winter hiking boots. Without a doubt. They ensured that my feet remained warm and cozy during a week-long journey to Montana in late winter, which involved plenty of backcountry (meaning: snow up to the thighs) hiking. Meanwhile, my friends, who committed beginner mistakes and wore inadequate winter boots, endured excruciatingly cold feet that were painful and numb throughout the entire duration of the trip.
Real winter boots are designed to provide stability on slushy or uneven terrain. They are equipped with all the necessary features for safe and comfortable outdoor activities, such as a sturdy toe box reinforced with genuine leather, a mid-calf rise, and 200-gram insulation, which measures the thickness of the insulation material.
Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid-Hiking Boots
In order for hiking boots to be considered the best for women, they should have a lightweight choice that imitates the natural contour of the foot. These mid-boots are favored by trail runners, hikers, and backpackers who opt for zero-drop footwear, regardless of the weather conditions. Altra’s FootShape design enables ample space for the forefoot and toes to spread out, potentially avoiding discomfort caused by snug shoes.
This type of shoe is recognized for its ability to strengthen the feet, resulting in long-term benefits for hiking and backpacking. Despite having a zero-drop design, the Lone Peak boots offer ample midsole cushioning. I have both the mid-top and low-top styles of these boots, and they have always succeeded in keeping my feet comfortable on lengthy treks.
Hoka Women’s Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX Hiking Boots
The discovery is that Hoka sneakers have many uses other than just being stylish for walking and running for attractive females. This popular athletic shoe brand also manufactures exceptionally lightweight hiking boots. These comfortable shoes have a synthetic upper that surrounds the middle part of the ankle, and they have a similar look to their running shoe counterparts.
The Speedgoat Mid 2 boots feature a waterproof Gore-Tex bootie lining, along with a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole that has 5-millimeter stepped lugs. These boots have a 4-millimeter toe drop. Some customers have mentioned that, although these hiking shoes are remarkably lightweight, they may not offer complete waterproofing and therefore may not be suitable for trips involving river crossing or wet terrain.
Blundstone Women’s All-Terrain
The Blundstone Women’s All-Terrain boots are designed to be ready for adventure anytime and anywhere. They are Chelsea boots that are comfortable enough to be worn on the streets of NYC without attracting attention, except for envy. Even Succession star Sarah Snook wore a pair of Blundstones on her wedding day. However, these stylish boots are not just about looks – they were specifically created to endure tough outdoor conditions and provide shock absorption.
Since their establishment, the Blundstone brand has been synonymous with durable, top-notch work shoes. As a devoted admirer of the brand, I can confidently say that these galoshes are absolutely stunning and will become your go-to footwear choice. Apologies for the pun! They are not heavy-duty hiking boots, but instead, they are sturdy boots crafted with Vibram outsoles and attractive water-resistant leather. Considering this, they are suitable for leisurely to moderately challenging hikes and outdoor labor.
