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If you're looking for a pair of the best women's hiking boots you've come to the right identify. Since 2012 our team of wilderness experts has tested over 30 pairs of women's boots on trails all over the world.

Testing backpacking gear is our full-time task and we take these guides very seriously, constantly watching the market for new innovations and updating this list regularly. Our hiking boot recommendations are fully contained and our number one goal is to help our readers find products they'll love for many years of backcountry use.

Nosotros fully understand how tough information technology is to find trustworthy gear advice and that's one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure and we really hope you find our honest recommendations helpful.

Related: Best Hiking Boots for Men

The lightweight Salomon X Ultras feel like a cross between trail runners and hiking boots.

The lightweight Salomon 10 Ultras feel like a cross betwixt trail runners and hiking boots

We own and use all of the hiking boots we recommend.

We own and utilize all of the hiking boots we recommend

Rocking the Lowa Renegade Gtx MID boots on a waterfall hike.

The Altra Lone Peak 4 RSM  are much lighter than traditional hiking boots.

The Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX provide ample ankle support and require almost no break-in time.

DURABILITY & MATERIALS - Hiking boots can be a big investment, so finding a durable pair will help y'all go the most bang for your buck. Traditional leather boots are virtually e'er going to be more durable than the lightweight footwear. But if keeping weight low is important to you, look for a pair of boots with reinforced mesh construction to go the best balance of weight and durability.

  • Nigh durable hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Salomon X Ultra iv Mid GTX, Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, La Sportiva Nucleo High Ii GTX, Vasque Cakewalk AT Mid GTX & Oboz Bridger Mid BDry

WATERPROOF VS NON-WATERPROOF - Waterproof boots tin exist a real lifesaver if you often hike in wet, dirty areas. We similar using them for soggy day hikes in spring and autumn. On the other manus, waterproof boots aren't very breathable on hot days, and they can be heavy and tedious to dry when they get moisture. Non-waterproof boots are lighter and more breathable, and though they're susceptible to getting wet, they dry adequately quickly.

  • Best waterproof hiking boots: Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX, Vasque Cakewalk AT Mid GTX, Salomon X Ultra four Mid GTX, Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid & Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

  • Best non-waterproof hiking boots: Salomon 10 Ultra three Mid Aero & Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator

Comparing the lightweight Merrell Ontario Mid WP to the heavy-duty Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX.

All-time Women's Hiking Boots

Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX

BEST HIKING BOOTS OVERALL FOR Ankle Back up, Immovability & TRACTION

MSRP: $230

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 9): ii lbs. ten.9 oz.

ALSO Bachelor IN: Prime GTX (mesh/synthetic upper, lighter)

SIZING: Truthful to size

PROS: Excellent talocrural joint support, durable, stable, first-class traction

CONS: Heavier than some, expensive, gage height can be restrictive, stiff sole

Lesser LINE: The Salomon Quest four GTX are some of the best hiking boots on the market when it comes to ankle support and stability. The durable build and aggressive traction brand them cracking for the virtually rugged terrain. And while these boots are on the heavier side, they feel more nimble than the other heavy-duty boots on our list cheers to their well-counterbalanced design. The Quests come at a high toll, but they're very worth the price for their durability, condolement, and performance.

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Best LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING BOOTS

MSRP: $165

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 8.v): one lb. 15.4 oz.

Too Bachelor IN: Non-waterproof

SIZING: Runs large (size down past ½ if yous're on the edge); wide sizes available

PROS: Out-of-the-box comfort, lightweight, supportive soles, durable, secure fit

CONS: Less ankle support than some

Bottom LINE: Comfort is the proper name of the game with the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX boots. They're flexible, they feel great right out of the box, and they're exceptionally lightweight for boots, so they're an excellent choice for backpackers. That said, they don't provide as much ankle support as some other boots on our listing so they're non as ideal for rugged, off-trail adventures. Overall, we're very impressed with the X Ultras and highly recommend them for anyone wanting a lightweight hiking boot that's comfy enough for long distances.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

BEST HIKING BOOTS FOR BACKPACKING WITH A HEAVY LOAD

MSRP: $245

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 9): 2 lbs. half dozen.1 oz.

SIZING: True to size; bachelor in narrow and wide sizes

PROS: Supportive, durable, excellent traction, stable on loose terrain

CONS: Heavy, expensive, stiff upper, requires longer pause-in menses

Bottom LINE: For hikers who regularly tackle tough terrain, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a widely pop boot that offers great immovability and foot protection. They come in at a steep price, but the Renegades are well worth the cost if solid ankle support and maximum stability are what you're after. We ofttimes find that boots with this level of support can feel a flake restrictive, but later on a curt break-in menstruum these boots are very comfortable. The Renegades are exceptionally high-quality and a great choice for anyone seeking a durable and dependable kick with a secure structure at the ankle.

Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP

BEST BUDGET HIKING BOOTS

MSRP: $145

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 9): ii lbs. 0.5 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Non-waterproof

SIZING: Truthful to size; the fit runs a footling broad/high-book, and wider sizes are available

PROS: Affordable, out-of-the-box comfort, durable, breathable

CONS: High heel-to-toe driblet isn't for everyone, wide fit isn't for everyone, bulky

Lesser LINE: If you're looking for a good value kick that doesn't compromise on quality, the Merrell Moab 2 WP Mids are an splendid choice. These boots - and the Moab Depression shoes - accept been a favorite among hikers for many years due to their comfort, durability, and friendly price. Despite their tough build, the Moabs require very little burglary, and the mesh spots provide good breathability. Because they experience a little more bulky than some of our lightweight favorites, they aren't our get-go choice for big-mile days. But they'll last a long fourth dimension and the cushioning and support they provide is splendid for day hikes and weekend trips.

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots

STURDY, LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING BOOTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL TRACTION

MSRP: $209

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 9): two lbs. ii.iii oz.

SIZING: True to size, fits a fiddling narrow; wide sizes available

PROS: Supportive, excellent traction, relatively lightweight for how rugged they are, durable, roomy toe box

CONS: Potent soles, expensive

Bottom LINE: The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots are great for hiking and backpacking trips in more technical areas where sticky traction and solid foot protection are a must. Despite being so rugged and durable, the Nucleos are lite and comfy enough for all-day vesture, and their fashionable design transitions well to after-hike drinks. The upper and the soles are somewhat stiff, and so you may want to add aftermarket insoles if y'all adopt a soft, cushioned feeling underfoot. But overall, we discover the Nucleos extremely comfortable and highly recommend them for those looking for a kicking with a expert balance of beefy support and depression weight.

Keen Targhee III Mid WP

All-time HIKING BOOTS FOR Broad Anxiety

MSRP: $174.95

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE eight.5): i lb. 15.iii oz.

Too Available IN: Not-waterproof

SIZING: True to size; the fit runs a little wide/loftier-volume, and wider sizes are available

PROS: Excellent traction, good value, out-of-the-box condolement, solid toe protection, affordable, secure fit

CONS: Wide fit isn't for everyone, less supportive than other boots, less durable than others

Lesser LINE: If you similar a boot with a little extra jerk room in the toe, the Slap-up Targhee III Mid WP may be merely the right fit. They're designed with an extra broad toe box, and they require very little burglary to achieve a comfy-all-mean solar day fit. The lacing system on the Targhees includes a unique band that attaches backside the heel to provide a secure, locked-in feeling which helps with stability on uneven terrain. Those who like a lot of talocrural joint support will probably detect them to be a little less protective than other boots on this list, but nosotros found them to have a proficient balance of support and flexibility. Nosotros recommend the Targhees for hikers looking for a wide-fitting kicking at a neat value price.

Oboz Bridger Mid BDry

DURABLE HIKING BOOTS WITH PREMIUM SUPPORTIVE INSOLES

MSRP: $180

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE nine): 2 lbs. 5.4 oz.

SIZING: Truthful to size; broad sizes available

PROS: Excellent traction, durable, supportive, stable. solid toe protection

CONS: Heavy, stiff, requires longer break-in catamenia, cuff height restricts motion

BOTTOM LINE: From the premium insoles to the unique traction pattern, the Oboz Bridger Mid BDry are designed to be extremely supportive and versatile. The soles take deep, multidirectional lugs that extend over the sides of the outsole to provide grip no affair what bending your foot strikes the ground. The Bridgers crave a longer burglary period than some, merely they make upwardly for it in long-term durability. The Bridgers are made for those who demand a dependable and supportive boot for backpacking with a heavier pack or for challenging mean solar day hikes over rough trails.

Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX

HIGHLY BREATHABLE WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS

MSRP: $189.95

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE nine): 2 lb. 3.nine oz.

Also AVAILABLE IN: Breeze LT Mid GTX (lightweight version)

SIZING: True to size; wide sizes bachelor

PROS: Durable, supportive, breathable, out-of-the-box comfort, stable

CONS: Alpine cuff tin can restrict movement, a niggling bulky

Bottom LINE: The Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX boots tick a lot of boxes for usa. They're comfy right out of the box, supportive, durable, and amazingly breathable for waterproof boots. The upper is constructed with a combination of mesh and nubuck leather making them lighter and more suitable for warm weather than many other rugged boots. While the cuff tin can restrict movement a flake, these boots evangelize on talocrural joint support If that'south your thing. The Breeze ATs are an all-around excellent choice if you're looking for a long-lasting boot that's uncommonly comfy, supportive, and stable. If you're looking to go a piddling lighter, the LT Version weighs most fifty% less.

BEST ULTRALIGHT HIKING BOOTS

MSRP: $170

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE nine): 1 lb. 6.eight oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Not-waterproof

SIZING: True to size, has a broad toe box

PROS: Ultralight, broad toe box, out-of-the-box comfort, flexible, good level of support for the weight

CONS: Less durable than some (waterproof membrane wears out quicker than others)

BOTTOM LINE: The Altra Solitary Peak ALL-WTHR Mid are much lighter and less bulky than traditional boots. The waterproof layer is an upshot membrane instead of the more mutual Gore-Tex. Issue is a bit more breathable and wicks moisture a little better, simply it's not quite equally durable as Gore-Tex. That said, we find the flexibility and low weight of the Lone Peaks to be well worth that tradeoff when nosotros're logging lots of miles. We're generally non as concerned with ankle support when looking at ultralight boots, only it'due south worth mentioning that the latest iteration of these shoes is more supportive than previous models. For fast and light adventures that call for more back up than a trail runner tin can provide, The Lone Peak Mids can't be shell.

Merrell Ontario Mid WP

STYLISH & LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING BOOTS

MSRP: $170

MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 9): i lb. ten.3 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: 85 Mid WP (retro expect)

SIZING: True to size; fits narrow

PROS: Stylish, skilful traction, out-of-the-box condolement, stable, lightweight

CONS: Narrow fit isn't for everyone, less supportive than other boots

Bottom LINE: Don't let the proficient looks of Merrell'south Ontario Mid WP boots fool you. These boots perform dandy on trail, and their cushy ankle collar and low weight brand them comfy to wear all 24-hour interval. We love that the Ontarios feel very stable without restricting movement, but the ankle support isn't equally solid when compared to boots like the Lowa Renegades. We similar them best for coincidental hikes on groomed trails, and they transition well to postal service-hike drinks. The Ontarios may non be every bit burly as some others, but they're a great selection for those who desire a boot that looks and feels expert on the trail every bit well as in boondocks.

The Vasque Breeze Boots provide have a good balance of weather protection and breathability.

The Vasque Cakewalk Boots provide have a proficient residuum of weather protection and breathability

Honorable Mentions

The following boots didn't brand our concluding list, simply they're very popular and they've still got a lot of proficient things going for them. You never know, i of these boots might exist your perfect fit:

  • Oboz Sapphire Mid BDry - stylish hiking boots with ample support in the arch and ankle

  • Danner Mount 600 - lightweight technical boot with iconic style, known for exceptional durability

  • Dandy Gypsum Mid Two WP - broad-plumbing equipment boots that are designed with shock absorbing heels and keen curvation support

  • Columbia Newton Ridge Plus WP Leather - very affordable boots that are a skillful option for coincidental hikers on a budget

  • Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX - hiking/mountaineering/arroyo boot hybrid that excels on the most technical of terrain

  • Salewa Alpenrose Ultra Mid GTX - lightweight and fashionable boots with excellent traction, made with very high-quality materials

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Critical Footwear Considerations

BOOTS VS. SHOES VS. TRAIL RUNNERS - Hiking footwear is a really personal choice, and people often have differing opinions on what type of shoe works best for hiking. Here's an article that will help you make up one's mind which style volition work best for you.

SIZING - Anxiety can groovy during long days on the trail, so it's skilful to buy hiking footwear at least a one-half size larger than your normal shoes. A skillful way to test sizing on your boots is to loosen all the laces, situate your human foot so that your toes touch the front of the toe box, and and so make certain y'all can put your alphabetize finger between your heel and the back of the boot. This will ensure that your toes don't slide forward and hit the toe box on downhill sections of trail. Yous should consider which socks yous'll exist wearing and if you'll exist calculation aftermarket insoles when choosing a size. It'south much improve for footwear to be a little big than too minor.

Checking the fit on the Vasque Breeze.

Break-in Menstruum - You're going to accept thousands of steps on whatsoever backpacking or hiking trip, so you need to know that your footwear volition fit comfortably and won't crusade blisters. We recommend ownership your footwear at least a few weeks earlier any long hiking trips and spending as much fourth dimension in them as yous tin can. This will allow your new shoes to soften up, and you lot can brand sure they work well for your anxiety. If y'all notice any issues, it's much easier to address them before yous head into the backcountry.

TRACTION - Traction is i of the near important aspects of backpacking and hiking footwear. Your shoes will take you over narrow and rocky ridgelines, through slippery h2o crossings, and beyond loose scree fields. Knowing that your footwear volition go along you lot from slipping is crucial, particularly over washed out or exposed sections of trail. Nosotros heavily factored quality traction into all of our footwear recommendations.

Comparing tread patterns on the Oboz Bridger Mid BDry, Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX, La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX, and Vasque Breeze III Mid GTX.

MANAGING MOISTURE & BLISTERS - If you're on an extended trip in moisture weather condition or you find yourself defenseless in a downpour during a day hike, your feet volition likely get moisture no matter what type of footwear you're wearing. Moisture feet can lead to hot spots and blisters, merely this can be prevented if you accept a healthy pes care routine. Whether you hike in waterproof boots or non-waterproof trail runners, be certain to check out our post on How to Prevent and Treat Blisters for more than info on moisture and blister management.

It's fine to dunk a tootsie or two in a river with waterproof boots, but remember that

It's fine to douse a tootsie or 2 in a river with waterproof boots, but remember that "waterproof" doesn't mean water can never get into your shoe

WATERPROOFING TREATMENTS - Waterproof footwear is ideal for soggy day hikes, simply information technology'due south important to remember that "waterproof" doesn't mean that water can never go far. Water will e'er discover a way in during a prolonged downpour and calorie-free pelting tin can drip downwards your legs and into the pinnacle of your boots. Even the highest quality boots will develop small-scale holes that permit moisture to pitter-patter in over time. Waterproof treatments are not permanent, you lot will somewhen need to reapply a treatment to keep your shoes sealed.

SOCKS - We've institute that wearing quality socks makes a big difference in how long we tin go on our feet happy and in expert shape on trail. Hiking socks should exist comfortable, durable, and made with materials that wick wet away from your skin. Check out our Best Hiking Socks list to see our top picks.

INSOLES - Aftermarket insoles can assist alleviate a multifariousness of shoe discomforts on the trail. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or y'all just need more cushioning and back up in an otherwise rigid shoe, swapping insoles may be your solution. Insoles can also help take up a fiddling actress space in footwear for a customized fit if you're between sizes.

If you plan to add aftermarket insoles to your boots, make sure the size you choose can accommodate them.

If yous plan to add aftermarket insoles to your boots, make sure the size you choose can adapt them

Why Trust Us?

We fully empathize how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that'south ane of the main reasons we congenital CleverHiker. Nosotros live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons yous can trust u.s.:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

  • We've logged over 10,000 trail miles and exam outdoor gear for a living.

  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly non the norm.

  • We travel to industry trade shows to larn virtually upcoming product innovations.

  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

  • We care for our recommendations as if they were for our family unit and friends.

  • Nosotros're lifelong learners and nosotros're always open up to effective criticism. If you remember we've missed a product or got something incorrect, we'd love to hear your feedback.

Wearing Merrell's Ontario Mid WP for a hike in central Oregon.

More Information

Nosotros hope this guide helps yous notice the perfect gear for your needs. If you have more than questions or a suggestion, we'd beloved to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.

If you plant this guide helpful, delight give it a share on social media! Too, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks.

Thanks for reading and happy trails!

About the Author - Casey

Casey Handley is an avid outdoor adventurer and cocky-described gear nerd. She's hiked thousands of miles on trails across America, including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, and the Long Trail. Her favorite things include the crinkle of a new Dyneema tent, the smell of Doug fir trees, and shaving an ounce off her pack weight.

Some of the links on this page are chapter links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are fabricated through those links. This adds no price to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why nosotros only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.