The Best Hiking Boots for Women in 2024

Hitting the trail in comfort starts from the ground up, and we’ve been testing the best hiking boots for women for years to bring you our favorites.

Since 2021, our testers have been on the hunt for the best boots for every type of hiking. Whether you need the ideal footwear for backpacking, light and fast adventures, technical terrain, or everything in between, we have the top hiking boots to get you through.  If you’re seeking top performance, check out our overall choice, the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX. Or, for a more wallet-friendly option, the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is stellar.

Our lead testers, Miya Tsudome and Chris Kassar logged hundreds of miles in dozens of hiking boots for women from the Rocky Mountains to the hills of Virginia and the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. We wore them on multiday backpacking trips, quick local jaunts, and around-town errands in conditions ranging from dry to muddy to assess them for fit, breathability, stability, materials, and more.

In our handy Comparison Chart, we compare the price, materials, pros, and cons of all the boots on our list. Be sure to also check out our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide and Price and Value section for help in narrowing in on the best hiking boots for your needs.

Editor’s Note: We updated this article on November 1, 2024, by adding the KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof, a versatile, do-it-all boot, and a new price & value section to explain what you’re getting for the money when it comes to hiking boots for women, as well as comparisons within our reviews.

The Best Hiking Boots for Women in 2024

---

Women’s Hiking Boots Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Women’s Hiking Boots

Our Expert Testers

Our GearJunkie crew has tested dozens of hiking boots (since May 2021) and whittled them down to a list of the best to help make your decision-making process a streamlined affair.

A gear tester for 6+ years and an avid rock climber and hiker, our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, lives in Bishop, Calif., in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Right outside her front door are endless trails from rocky desert slopes to aspen-lined switchbacks, where she logged many miles in the boots she tested. Senior Editor Chris Kassar, an avid hiker and mountain climber, contributes to this guide by testing hiking boots in the rugged Teton backcountry.

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton, another contributor to this guide, is a lifelong hiker from Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, a passionate summiteer of the Centennial State’s 14,000-foot peaks, an adventurous backpacker, and an international trekker.

Our Testing Process

Our final list of recommended women’s hiking boots is the combined result of thorough firsthand experience across the globe and various conditions. Using a variety of metrics, from performance, quality, durability, fit, comfort, protection, ergonomics, unique features, and value — we were able to come to objective conclusions about each boot’s strengths and weaknesses.

Our testers hiked at least 3 miles in each model, with and without weight on their backs, over varying terrain to best imitate real-life applications. We added three new boots to this most recent update and are continuously on the lookout for new boots that could be worthy of our next round. 

The top picks also factor in the most popular, timeless, highly rated, innovative, and well-acclaimed products. Ultimately, these hiking boots and shoes serve a range of athletes, environments, objective goals, and budgets. If you’re looking for hiking shoes, check out our guide to Best Hiking Shoes for Women, or if you’re looking for winter-focused options, consult our guide to the Best Winter Hiking Boots.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Hiking Boots for Women

Here we focus on the best hiking boots for women. We have a separate guide if you’re looking for men’s hiking boots or hiking shoes.

Fit

The main reason to buy a women ‘s-specific hiking boot is the fit. Most women have narrower heels than men, and many women have smaller and narrower feet than men.

It’s also common for women to have a higher arch. Women’ s-specific hiking shoes and boots are all built on a last that considers what’s specific about women’s feet.

But as with anything, one size doesn’t necessarily fit all. If you have a wider foot, a larger foot, or a broader heel, a unisex or men’s boot might be a better choice. There are also several boots among our picks in this guide that offer a wide version of the design, such as the Nucleo High II GTX, the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, and the Columbia Newton Ridge hiking boots. 

Boot sizes are not universal. The length, width, and volume vary across each brand. There are also wider and narrower toebox options. That’s why you might find some boots to be particularly streamlined or roomy compared to others.

Ultimately, it’s extremely helpful to go to a local retailer to get your feet professionally measured and to try on at least one boot model per brand to get an idea of the size that works for you as well as the overall compatibility of the last with your foot shape and needs.

Fit is the most important consideration when buying a boot. While all hiking boots break in to some degree — it’s always smart to wear them around your house or around town before hitting the trail all day — a boot should feel comfortable in the shop. The Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX boots and the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX were incredibly comfortable right out of the box.
Plus, your heel should not slip up and down. If it does, choose another boot — or you’re bound to end up with blisters. Likewise, your toes should not feel smushed or graze at the e top end of the toebox. Otherwise, you might end up with toe bang, especially after a descent and while wearing a heavy pack.

Note your socks. Take your most-used hiking hosiery with you to try on your hiking boots whether that’s a minimal, well-cushioned, lightweight, mid-weight, or heavyweight hiking sock. To that end, make sure you’re choosing the best hiking sock for the trip you plan to take and according to the season. We generally like merino or merino blends for a good balance of breathability and protection against cold while also helping to fight odors, especially for back-to-back days.

Hiking Boot vs. Hiking Shoe

In general, hiking boots are more built-out compared to hiking shoes. They offer more rigidity, traction, and protection from the outsole and tread and around the upper. Often, hiking boots have more material around the ankle but the height can range from low-cut to mid to high. Some hiking boot uppers are full-grain leather while others are a hybrid of leather and nylon mesh or nylon mesh and plastic overlays for reinforcement.

Typically a hiking shoe is low-cut, and the shoe is less rigid, offering more comfort for cross-over use. The upper is typically made of synthetic materials (versus leather) and is breathable. The tread and outsole are more moderate compared to a built-out boot.

Also, there’s been a surge of hiking boot designs that are running-shoe inspired, such as the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, the Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX, or the Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid, offering a more flexible upper with a more rugged sole — it’s the best of both worlds with a hiking boot and shoe blend.

Hiking boots are a great option if you plan to carry more weight on your back, travel big miles, or venture through rocky or variable terrain where you need the protection and support of a built-out boot. If you are likely to travel through a range of weather conditions, such as snow and rain, or creek crossings, a boot can serve as a strong shield.

The more rugged boots in our lineup include the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX and the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots It also comes down to personal preference and if you feel more comfortable and protected in a boot versus a hiking shoe.

Hiking shoes are a good choice if you enjoy hiking fast when you’ll want more aeration and light so you might not need as much support. Some hikers opt for a hiking shoe because they prefer the minimal, close-to-ground feel — even with weight in a pack.

Others opt for a hiking shoe because it can be a good versatile crossover for trail running or everyday walks, for instance. In general, hiking shoes also dry out faster and pack down well, so they can be a good choice for airplane travel or to use in combination with a hiking sandal, especially in hot, humid environments.

At the end of the day, some hikers might prefer a narrower, athletic, precise-fitting hiking shoe for more freedom of movement versus a bulkier, sturdier, and higher-tread boot.

Since hiking shoes don’t offer quite as much support as boots — particularly around the ankle — it’s important to train up the muscles around your feet before setting off on any long hiking trip with shoes.

Hiking Boot Height: Low, Mid, or High

Hiking boot height is a matter of personal preference and is influenced by the terrain you’ll be wandering in. A higher-reaching boot is created through a taller collar or cuff, which is typically padded, and some are more rigid than others.

• Low-cut: Ankle bone is exposed, greatest range of motion
• Mid-cut: Cuff rises above the ankle bone, offers ankle bone protection from abrasion, a hybrid of stability and mobility
• High-cut: Cuff rises a few inches above the ankle bone, the sturdiest design

A higher boot collar will offer more ankle support, such as security when traversing loose rock or protection against abrasive vegetation. The higher profile the boot, the better it may do at keeping debris or moisture out. And most people will recommend a tall boot if you’re backpacking a heavy load.

The tradeoff is that a higher-cut boot won’t be as flexible. This may not be ideal if you’re scrambling on rocks beside the trail and you need more ankle articulation, or if you need to crouch down to tend to kiddos or pets. Higher ankle support also generally holds in more heat with less airflow around the ankles. Taller socks will be more comfortable with a higher cuff.

For hiking in technical terrain, we recommend the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX, and for top-notch, locked-in ankle security, go for something like the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hikng Boots. Not everyone needs a lot of ankle support, so don’t be afraid to experiment with more flexible options if you’re unsure.

Also among the over-the-ankle heights, we liked the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Women’s Wide best for backpacking. Though plenty of thru-hikers also wear hiking shoes on their Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail quests.

Our top pick for a lightweight yet sturdy hiking boot with ankle protection is the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX. We also love the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX for lightweight backpacking adventures with their trail-runner-type feel. 

Breathability

Hiking boots, being more built-out and typically more water-resistant than hiking shoes, can vary in their breathability. In general, if this is an important consideration for you, we would recommend you go with a hiking shoe with breathable mesh upper materials. But that’s not to say that some of the hiking boots in our lineup aren’t breathable as well.

While hiking boots like our top pick, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX, come with a synthetic mesh upper for enhanced breathability, it is also made with GORE-TEX waterproof material, which is the best on the market at keeping your feet dry.

Our testers found that boots made with GORE-TEX, like the Rush Mid GTX, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, or the Teva Grandview, are always going to sacrifice breathability to some extent. While a synthetic mesh upper does help, boots that are the best at keeping water out won’t compare to light trail runners with thin membranes that are guaranteed to keep your feet cooler in the long run. 

Our testers found that the Lone Peak All-Weather Mid boots, however, did surprisingly well at keeping our feet from getting that swampy feeling that tends to happen with waterproof boots. The eVent upper material of these trail-runners-turned-hiking-boots kept our feet from overheating in the height of the summer while also having great waterproofing capabilities, making them a good choice for those looking for a more breathable hiking boot. 

In addition to boot height, a boot or shoe’s stability depends on what’s underfoot, how the boot is structured in the heel, and what stabilizers and reinforcements have been built into the boot upper.

Outsole (Tread)

The underside of the hiking boot or shoe is the outsole, or tread, which contacts the ground. It’s made of rubber. Each pair has its own lug pattern, which provides varying degrees of traction in different trail conditions and terrain.

• Shallower lugs: Good for pavement, dirt, grass, crushed gravel, fallen leaves, fairly flat (easy to moderate steepness)
• Moderate lugs: Best for looser terrain such as mud, gravel, scree (moderate or greater steepness)
• Deep lugs: Ideal for the most supple surfaces like mud, snow, loose rock, mixed terrain, typically on mountaineering or backpacking boots (best for steep slopes)
• Wider-spaced lugs: Improve friction for an enhanced grip, such as on rock, and more easily discard debris like mud
• Angled (versus round) lugs: Shaped like a V, these lugs provide even more bite than round lugs (good for steep hikes)

The heel, also called the heel brake, is where a shelf in the back of the boot, beneath the heel of the foot, helps provide traction, too.

Midsole

The midsole is the layer of materials between the outsole (the outermost part of the boot) and the upper (the material that wraps around the top of your foot). The midsole influences overall comfort through cushion and shock absorption. It also adds buffer against whatever you walk over including rocks or roots.

In some cases, hikers prefer less cushion and more stiffness or a closer-to-ground feel, especially if the terrain is super uneven or rocky. This is due to the fact that too much cushion can lead to a bowling ball feeling where your feet aren’t as stable.

Midsole materials break down over time. Pay attention to when that midsole starts to crumble or crack, which means the support you need is gone, and it’s time for new hiking shoes.

The materials are typically EVA, which is plush and lightweight, or polyurethane, which is more dense. EVA tends to break down faster and costs less.

Upper Materials

The upper is the area that covers the top of the foot and attaches to the materials beneath the foot including the midsole and outsole. The materials that comprise the upper part of the boot or shoe range from rigid to soft.

A full-grain leather (also plainly referred to as leather) is stout, durable, and weather- and water-resistant. Nubuck leather as found on the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX resembles suede and is full-grain leather that has been buffed. These boots are more traditional in style and require more break-in time (nubuck leather can feel a tad more flexible). They also don’t provide as much breathability as other materials.

Uppers can also be a blend of synthetic materials, including mesh and plastic overlays that provide reinforcement and stability such as on our top pick, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX. Synthetic uppers generally are a blend of nylon and polyester, but synthetic leather is an option.

They break in easier, are more malleable, offer more breathability, and dry quickly when they get damp or wet. However, they do not typically last as long as full-grain leather and can tear or wear holes much faster. That’s visible in the price, as they don’t typically cost as much.

Hybrid uppers (also known as split-grain leather) like on the Teva Grandview GORE-TEX can feature both leather and synthetic materials, so you get more breathability and stability. These designs still aren’t as durable as full-grain leather boots.

Waterproof Upper

Love getting after it in the spring when snowmelt is rushing off the mountains? Live in the soggy PNW? Hate switching to sandals when you’re backpacking? Consider going waterproof. Lots of options in this guide stood up to creek crossings galore, like the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX or the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof.

It’s also important for your overall health and safety to consider if you need waterproof protection. When your feet are wet or damp for extended periods of time, especially if they are also fighting cold (but above-freezing temperatures), your feet can be at risk of trench foot, which can lead to sensations such as persistent itching, prickliness, or other severe symptoms. That’ll do more than end a trip.

Consider choosing a boot made with GORE-TEX materials to ensure the best waterproofing, like found on the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX’s.

So consider the climate and topography where you’ll be hiking and what time of year you like to hike. Check in with other backpackers or hikers that have experienced that climate or trail, or call a local outdoor retailer to ask if waterproof boots are recommended for that objective.

If you’ll be wearing this boot when it’s rainy, snowy, cold, or in variable conditions, we generally recommend opting for a waterproof boot. It will keep moisture out, which will keep your feet dry, protected and comfortable regardless of how many miles you’re ticking off.

Alternatively, if you’re hiking primarily or exclusively in hot, dry conditions, a waterproof boot will likely be stifling and cause your feet to perspire more, especially on summer days. A membrane-free and treatment-free boot will keep your feet cool and dry just fine.

Some hiking boots have an integrated waterproof/breathable membrane, like GORE-TEX, eVent, Texapore Ecosphere, and no topical treatment. Other footwear is (or can be) treated with a waterproof treatment product for waterproofness. If you do go with waterproof, be sure to read the product’s instructions about any required waterproof treatment application or upkeep.

Arch Support

Arch support is something that is highly individualized. Hiking boots can vary widely with how supportive their arches are, and if you suffer from any particular pain in your feet, hips, or knees from hiking we always recommend buying some third-party insoles to better support your feet. 

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has a zonal arch and heel support made for folks with high arches. These shoes were made with support in mind, and since our arches support much of our body weight while walking or hiking, we appreciate that Merrell incorporates this into its design.

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX has solid support and is contoured to fit a woman’s foot, making it one of the most comfortable shoes in our lineup. “Women’s foot” almost always means a narrow foot with a more curved inner and higher arch. Of course, women’s feet can be wider with low arches as well, but some boots, like the Ultra Raptor II, aim to provide support and comfort for the prototypical female foot.

The Altra Lone Peak boots feature a zero-drop design, which means that there is no height change between the heel and forefoot. This lack of support is supposed to encourage more natural foot movement and build foot strength, but it is not for everyone and can take some time to get used to. 

In the end, arch support is a very personal feature, and will change from foot to foot! The good thing is that you can remove the insoles of any boot and add in your own to make them work best for you if necessary. 

Adding Insoles to Your Boots

Most hiking boot insoles are made of basic foam materials which easily flatten out over time and add little protection or arch support. If you know you have a certain arch type, suffer from plantar fasciitis, or often experience knee or hip pain after logging some miles, then you might benefit greatly from adding some insoles to your hiking boots. Not only will this increase comfort, but it can also help to prevent injuries and improve joint function and stability. 

We recommend taking your hiking boots to a store where you can try on different types of insoles so you find the best fit for your foot and your boot. Hiking boots are typically high-volume shoes, so they can accommodate a variety of insoles and arch sizes, but you won’t know for sure until you try them out for yourself.

Price & Value

Hiking boots can range in price from anywhere between $100 to almost $300. The boots in our review fall mostly within the middle of that range, giving you a variety of options so you can find something that works best for your needs.

Budget

While $100 is not exactly a “budget” price, in the world of hiking boots, where you want to have performance, quality, and comfort all in one package, it is the starting point for a worthy boot. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus ($100) is a great option that is waterproof and comfortable with a light midsole and leather upper, perfect for the casual to intermediate hiker. While these shoes will do the trick for most casual hikers, by spending less cash, you’ll be sacrificing features like GORE-TEX waterproof technology, Vibram outsoles, or taller ankle protection. 

Mid-Tier

Mid-tier prices for hiking boots typically fall anywhere between $100 and $200. At these price points, you’ll find high-quality boots such as the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof ($150) and Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 ($180). The Altra’s are a super lightweight boot that feels like a nimble trail runner but with ankle support. And the Moab 3 Boots are our budget-friendly choice. While they aren’t the lowest-priced option in this guide, they strike the perfect balance between performance and durability, making them an excellent value.

It’s hard to strike a balance between lightweight and comfort, but by spending a bit more money, you can find a boot like these that do an excellent job at providing both. However, the most premium qualities are reserved for boots of an even higher pricetag.

Premium

The highest quality boots will ultimately fall in the $200-$300 range and will probably be reserved for the more serious and discerning hiker. Our top pick, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX, is a good example of this and even falls at the less spendy end of the range at $219. Also designed as a nimble, lightweight shoe, this GORE-TEX-protected boot pairs weatherproofing with breathable mesh, so your feet don’t ever feel too hot. Extra care is taken to design a TPU frame that limits the amount of torsion from your heel, and these boots are overall a fantastic choice that is well worth their cost.

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Boots ($239) are the most expensive boot in our lineup due to their very tall, over-the-ankle design, nubuck leather, and GORE-TEX protection. If you need a seriously supportive and durable hiking boot, you’ll typically spend in this price range in exchange for a shoe made with more and better materials. But to be honest, shoes in our mid-tier category will cover the bases for most hikers.

Frequently Asked Questions