What are the Best Hiking Boots for Women (Real reviews)

Find the perfect hiking boots for women to fit your foot shape, size, and style. An ill-fitting or low-quality boot can quickly lead to blisters, rolled ankles, and general discomfort.

This article aims to make selecting your next pair much more accessible by breaking down some of the top hiking boots brands on Amazon and specifics on what makes each option great for women looking to get outdoors.

How to Choose the Best Hiking Boots

Choosing hiking boots is a balancing act between comfort, support, traction, and durability. The ideal pair for you depends greatly on factors like:

Hiking Style and Preference

• Day hiking – Low/mid-cut lightweight boots generally work well for shorter day hikes when carrying limited gear.
• Backpacking – For multi-day hikes carrying heavy backpacks, backpacking-specific boots with extra ankle support and stiffness work better.
• Hiking boots vs trail runners – Trail runners suffice for more straightforward, well-defined trails and are lighter. Hikers who value ankle support/protection prefer boots instead.

Weather Conditions and Trail Difficulty

• Materials – Waterproof boots with reliable traction work well for wet, muddy, or snowy conditions. Breathable mesh boots are excellent for hot weather hikes.
• Leather/suede uppers resist abrasions on overgrown trails. Nubuck leather handles semi-dry conditions well, too.
• Lug depth of outsoles indicates trail traction. Deeper lugs grip looser, and steep trails are better. Sticky rubber compounds also boost traction.

Foot Shape and Size

An ideal hiking boot accounts for your foot’s:

• Length – Upsize to the nearest half/full-size to accommodate toe swelling and thick hiking socks.
• Instep – Boots with high instep adjustments suit those with high arches better.
• Width – Wide toe boxes and width adjustment features like removable insoles help avoid tightness.

Key Comfort and Support Features

• Ankle support – Backpacking boots have extra high collars and stiffness for carrying heavier loads. Mid boots suit lighter hikes.
• Cushioning – Shock-absorbing midsoles and removable insoles enhance comfort over long distances.
• Weight – Light/mid-weight boots minimize strain and fatigue to keep you going longer.

Determining which features matter most for your planned hikes makes picking an appropriate pair much simpler.

Top 4 Hiking Boots Brands for Women

1. Merrell Boots

Merrell is among the most respected names in hiking boots and trail footwear. Their women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof hiking boot is an outstanding option for light to medium-intensity hiking. With a feminine silhouette and narrow profiles, it works well for slender feet.

Key Features:

• Vibram TC5+ outsole with 5mm lugs provides reliable traction over varied terrain
• Waterproof full-grain leather and mesh upper materials
• Air Cushion heel absorbs shock; EVA foam foot frame supports arches
• Comfortable even on all-day hikes up to 10 miles

Another great Merrell option for stability during heavy loads and backpacking trips is the Siren Hex Q2 E-Mesh. This boot features a decoupled midsole, Ortholite foam, and an integrated arch shank for premium support and cushioning.

Merrell Hiking Boots

Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

2. Columbia Boots

Columbia Sportswear offers numerous hiking boots well-suited for women at affordable price points. The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped is a high-quality offering for weekend warriors and easy-to-moderate day hikes.

Key Features:

• Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber (rated for wet/dry/mixed use)
• Techlite midsole for long-lasting cushioning and high-energy return
• Waterproof Mesh with protective welded overlays
• Available in standard and wide-width options

Columbia Vista Ridge Low is another outstanding choice for taller waterproof options with excellent traction.

Columbia Hiking Boots

Women’s Facet 75 Mid Outdry Hiking Shoe

3. Asolo Boots

Handcrafted in Italy, Asolo hiking boots set the standard for comfort, customized support, and quality materials. The Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots are superb for light to medium-duty hiking on dry and wet trails.

Key Features:

• Waterproof full-grain upper leather mixed with Cordura fabric
• Female-specific shape, including high-tension lacing hardware
• Shock-absorbing PU midsole and Long Lasting Vibram outsole
• Molded EVA footbed supports the arch and heel for stability
• Available in narrow and wide-width options

For premium comfort and support, the Asolo Firenze hiking boots for women feature full-grain leather lining and AsFlex LT last to prevent foot fatigue over long distances.

Asolo Hiking Boots

Women’s Grid Mid GV Hiking Boot

4. Scarpa Boots

Developed in Italy for severe mountaineers, Scarpa also produces exceptional hiking boots tested and proven across rugged European terrain. The women’s Margarita GTX hiking boots provide excellent traction and foot protection up to medium harsh trails.

Key Features:

• Waterproof suede and polyester upper mixed with Cordura fabric
• GoreTex waterproofing keeps feet dry down to -20F/-30C
• Exclusive Scarpa Fit footbed for all-day comfort
• Vibram Nuasi outsole and pronounced heel/toe lug tread pattern

Another elite Scarpa option is the award-winning Atom GTX, which features a Pebax frame for extra support, 360-degree climbing lugs, and an extreme temperature rating.

Scarpa Hiking Boots

Women’s Ribelle Lite HD Lightweight Waterproof Boots for Hiking and Mountaineering

Conclusion

This outline of some of the best women’s hiking boot brands gives you a helpful starting point to select your next pair of outdoor foot companions. Let me know in the comments if you have experience with any of the models featured above or if any other brands should be on the list! And remember to properly break in new boots before tackling severe trails.