The 10 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Merrell Moab 3 Mid

$120 at Amazon $130 at REI $145 at Nordstrom

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4.8/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  4.9/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

After wearing these sturdy boots for the first time during a four-hour hike, we can happily say they break in quickly and leave your feet feeling comfortable and supported. Even after five months, they offer plenty of traction, keep water out, and remain breathable so feet don't get too sweaty. The boots are made of the heavy-duty materials we’ve come to expect from Merrell, yet still feel lightweight. Putting them on, you’ll immediately notice how secure your ankles and footpad feel, with plenty of arch-support for all-day hikes. We were also instantly smitten with the colorful look of Merrell's limited edition collaboration with Unlikely Hikers, which is also available in men's sizes and a low-top version.

We were pleasantly surprised that all debris and moisture either rolls right off the boots or wipes off easily, so you don’t have to worry about walking through mud, snow, or water. They were also great for both cold and warm weather hikes and were breathable enough that we didn’t notice any extra sweating in the feet. The traction is incredibly stable, and we stayed sturdy while navigating over wet and icy rocks as well as steep inclines and rough terrain without slipping. No matter what hikes you have planned, these boots are ready for them.

The Details: Size 5-12 medium and wide | 1.8 pounds | Leather, mesh, rubber | Waterproof

Best Lightweight

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Women's

$175 at REI $175 at backcountry.com $175 at Zappos

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Cushioning
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

Straight out of the box, Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots are comfortable enough to get you through a demanding all-day hike. The boots are so breathable, we were skeptical that they could also be waterproof, but the Gore-tex treatment proved to keep feet 100 percent dry even when fully submerged in puddles, mud, and snow. We found them to be incredibly lightweight, keeping us swift whether we were running or climbing.

These boots definitely took a beating during hikes but were easy to wipe down to get them to look good as new. Our one complaint is that there could be more traction on the soles for advanced hiking where slick surfaces and rock climbing is involved, but the grip seemed to improve the more we wore them. We would still feel confident wearing these in wet or icy conditions to keep feet supported and dry all day.

The Details: Size 5-11 | 1.6 pounds | Leather, textile, rubber | Waterproof

Best Leather

Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boot

View on Backcountry.com $210 at Zappos $210 at Dick's

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Right away, you’ll be impressed with the look and high-quality feel of these leather boots from iconic hiking brand Danner. We were impressed by how stylish, yet rugged they look, with the outer leather giving a natural, worn-in aesthetic to the boots. After five months of use, we also love that these boots have more of a lightweight feel than others. Because of this design, they don’t show a lot of additional signs of wear and tear as you rack up miles. While the ankle is a bit stiff when you first put these on, after a quick walk, they had stretched out and were soft to the touch.

From hiking through the woods to strolling on a sandy lakebed, these boots provided plenty of support around the ankles and cushion for the balls of our feet. The boot’s soles felt grippy when climbing over boulders and hiking downhill and were thick enough that we couldn’t feel any rocks or branches underfoot. Note that because the boots aren’t as breathable as those made with mesh uppers, we did feel that they caused sweating in the feet. Even with thinner socks, these boots may be most comfortable for hiking in colder weather. 

The Details: Size 5-11 wide | 2 pounds | Leather, EVA | Waterproof

Most Durable

Lowa Mid Hiking Boots

$230 at Amazon $255 at REI $255 at backcountry.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Fit
  4.5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Lowa’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots are popular among outdoor lovers for a reason — they’re comfortable, cushiony, and provide plenty of ankle support. On long hikes over steep terrain, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them as they’re so lightweight and don’t constrict feet. They lace-up to be perfectly fitted and don’t pinch or chafe with the proper socks (but we do recommend you wear a thick pair of hiking socks with these boots to avoid blisters). 

We love that the boots are not only supportive on the inside, even after five months of testing, but keep feet protected on the outside as well. Hikers could stumble, trip, climb on rocks, stomp through snow, and jump into rivers while wearing these boots knowing socks and feet won’t feel a thing; they will be comfortable and protected throughout it all. The traction was great throughout various weathers and terrain, and after jumping into a river, no moisture made it through the boot. The lighter colors may show dirt fairly quickly, but a bit of soap easily gets these boots looking brand new, and they're sure to last for years.

The Details: Size 5.5-12 narrow and wide | 2.13 pounds | Nubuck leather, polyester, rubber | Waterproof

Best Cushioning

Topo Athletic Trailventure 2

$48 at REI $160 at backcountry.com $83 at Zappos

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Cushioning
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

Who can resist these eye-catching, vibrant boots that are vegan and made with recycled materials? They’re also made well with a high-quality sole that perfectly seals to the upper mesh for a secure waterproof exterior. After five months of testing, we like the hiking boots' stability when walking over uncertain terrain. Even on the hottest days, the boots are comfortable and breathable. The toe box is roomy enough that toes can wiggle around without feet sliding around, even on steep declines. 

The shoes felt broken in and comfortable straight out of the box, and we didn’t have any pain, blistering, or chafing after a variety of hikes. After our tests, the boots show no signs of wear and tear on the inside or outside. The Athletic Trailventure 2 fits almost like a durable sneaker with plenty of extra support around the ankles and arches of the foot. They provided a comfortable walk when traversing across many types of terrain including dirt, gravel, rocks, roots, sand, grass, and wooded off-the-path areas. 

The Details: Size 6-12 | 0.82 pounds | Mesh, textile, EVO rubber | Waterproof

Best Low-rise

Zamberlan Hiking Shoes

$240 at REI $260 at Zappos View on Zamberlanusa.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

For hikers looking for a more versatile shoe without a bulky ankle, the Zamberlan 335 Circe Low GTX Hiking Shoes are a great option. With suede-like uppers and sturdy, grippy Vibram soles, Gore-tex touches for waterproofing, rock guards on the toe box, and mesh panels for airflow, these look and feel like they’ll be able to go the distance. The traction is great on all terrains from gravel and sand to grass and concrete paths and offer great grip in the rain. After wearing regularly for five months, the shoes' wear and tear is minimal and they're as comfortable as ever.

These hiking shoes also fit like a dream. The exterior provides the rigid support and stability of a hiking boot, but they’re lightweight and versatile enough that you could wear these as a day-to-day walking shoe. They’re incredibly comfortable for long days and don't need a break-in period to avoid blisters or issues like hot-spotting. If you’re looking for a hiking shoe that will endure (and feel great when you’ve been on your feet for hours), this pair checks all the boxes. 

The Details: Size 6-11 | 1.68 pounds | Microfiber, polyester, rubber | Waterproof

Best Running Shoe/Boot Hybrid

Scarpa Hiking Boots

$109 at REI View on Scarpa.com

Some of the lightest boots we tested, the Scarpa Rush Mid 2 GTX Hiking Boots feel like a high-top sneaker with all of the support and durability of a traditional hiking boot. They offer plenty of padding in the footbed and hold up well throughout dusty desert terrains as well as high-elevation climbs. Right away, you can wear these comfortably without having to break them in as they’re not as stiff as other hiking boots. 

Throughout our tests, we noticed these boots have great grip and don’t cause pain on any points of the foot or ankle. Although, after five months of use, we did notice that they offer less ankle protection than sturdier options. They’re made of high-quality and breathable synthetic materials with Gore-tex treatment for complete waterproofing. With the traction of an athletic sneaker, these were great to climb around on boulders, knowing you’ll have sure footing. It’s also easier to maneuver since they’re so lightweight and are versatile enough to wear for a variety of outdoor activities.

The Details: Size 37-42 | 1.5 pounds | Mesh, TPU rubber | Waterproof

Best Traction

Salewa Women's Mid PTX Boot

View on Amazon $200 at backcountry.com $150 at Zappos

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

These durable hiking boots were some of the most comfortable we tested. Made from high-quality materials, they’re thick, sturdy, and protective for all day hikes. Surprisingly, we found that thinner socks not made for hiking were perfect to pair with these boots because they have so much padding and cushioning built in. We also liked the level of arch-support and didn’t find it to be exaggerated, but just the right amount.

The boots felt comfortable right out of the box and have held their structure beautifully after a variety of hikes through multiple terrains. In cold weather and warm weather, these boots were breathable and didn’t cause any hot spots or excessive sweating. The ankle of the boot doesn’t come up quite as high as other options, but they did still feel supportive and comfortable. The shoes are also, despite their hefty construction, unexpectedly lightweight and the traction is excellent — you almost stick to the ground. We loved that despite all of the technical features of such a rugged boot, they still look sleek and stylish and are built to last.

The Details: Size 6-11 | 1.2 pounds | Mesh, TPU rubber | Waterproof

Best for Wide Feet

La Sportiva Mid GTX Hiking Boots

$189 at backcountry.com View on Backcountry.com $189 at Zappos

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Our first impression of these La Sportiva boots was that they are well-made and appear to be very durable. After multiple 4-mile hikes on dirt, grass, rocks, and snow, they proved to be just as high-quality as expected. Throughout our five-month tests, we loved that they gave us the confidence to step securely on challenging terrain since the sole grips the trail on rocky sections and helps stabilize feet on uneven ground. The rugged sole has a lot of grip, perfect for wet and icy weather, and the seam between the boot’s upper and sole is sealed well to keep moisture out. The boots are treated with Gore-tex, and after standing in water at the edge of a lake for five minutes, our feet were still completely dry. Despite weeks of testing, the soles still look brand new and the upper mesh area of the boot was easily cleaned with a bit of water.

We love that these boots are lightweight and comfortable, so you don’t feel like you’re being weighed down by bulky shoes. While they do run a bit wide, we actually liked the extra toe box space so you can wear heavier socks in cold weather. The shoe also features a padded tongue that helps make the upper portion of the boot even more comfortable and secure around the ankles, even while hiking up steep, rocky terrains.

The Details: Size 36-43 | 1.8 pounds | Mesh, nylon, EVO | Waterproof

Best for Travel

Forsake Waterproof Sneaker Boot

$135 at Amazon $140 at REI $140 at Zappos

We love a pair of stylish sneaker boots that still offer support. The Forsake Wild Sky Mid Sneaker Boots are so adaptable and can be worn for many different activities — even to work. Not only do they look good, but they’re just as snug and supportive as other lightweight hiking boots. They were great to wear right out of the box and became even more comfortable the more they were worn.

The sneaker boots may be best for light hiking, but the sole was still firm enough to provide long-lasting support from steep embankments to walking around town. The mid-rise ankle height felt good and supportive without limiting range of motion. Plus, the additional eyelets at the top of the boot made for a custom fit. These are great for a full range of outdoor activities and are light enough that you can pack them as your main shoe on your next outdoor adventure.

The Details: Size 5.5-11 | 1.8 pounds | Leather, mesh, rubber | Waterproof