Best Hiking Boots For Women (Review) in 2022

If you enjoy the great outdoors, keeping your feet comfortable and dry are vital. Owning a high-quality pair of hiking boots is important. The best hiking boots are made from heavy-duty material that provides long-lasting comfort. It is important to find boots that hold up in all weather conditions, including rain, sleet, mist, fog, and snow.

Hiking boots should feature a quality rubber sole with good traction to prevent slipping while hiking on a variety of different surfaces. We look at the best hiking boots for women currently available. Whether you want great value, versatility, durability, or waterproof options, there’s sure to be a pair that suits your hiking needs.

Best Overall

Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boot

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Best Value

Hi-Tec Skamania u0026nbsp;Hiking Boot

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Honorable Mention

Timberland Norwood Hiking Boot

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Benefits of Hiking Boots For Women

Foot protection. Wearing proper footwear while hiking ensures your feet don’t get injured. Hiking boots have a thick sole to protect the bottom of your feet from sharp objects while walking. They also have stiffer sides to protect your ankles from rolling while walking on slippery, unstable, or uneven surfaces.
Increased Comfort. Hiking boots are designed to be worn all day while walking long distances. They have comfort features that cushion and support your feet. This takes the pressure off your arches, ankles, knees, hips, and back.
Hiking Style. Wearing the right kind of shoes while hiking will give you an authentic style. They look great, and other hikers will know that you’re serious about your passion for being outdoors.

Types of Hiking Boots For Women

Day Hiking Boot

You’ll find these with mid and high cut uppers to give you ankle protection. They’ll have a midrange amount of flex in the soles to provide you with a balance between comfort and protection. They’re best for a day hike or a short backpacking trip where you aren’t carrying much gear.

Backpacking Boots

If you plan on going for a serious backpacking trip that’s an extended period of time or into the deep woods, then you’ll want this style of boot. They have a high rise that comes up over your ankles and a stiff midsole for plenty of support and protection. You’ll find that these boots are also the heaviest of the different types.

Hiking Shoe

These look more like sneakers than boots. They have a lower cut upper that sits just below the ankle. The midsoles are more flexible, and the overall shoe is lightweight. This makes them great for a day hike out on well-established trails. These shoes aren’t the most protective or rugged, making them less than ideal for deep woods hiking.

Top Brands

Columbia

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Ore., the Columbia name is known worldwide as one of the top names in outdoor sporting goods. Its product line ranges from clothing to gear. It has remained one of the most trusted companies because of its commitment to quality and reliability. Check out the Columbia Women’s Redmond V2 Hiking Boot for a reliable pair of boots.

Timberland

Founded in Boston in 1952, Timberland is more than just a fashion brand. Its product line features durable work shoes that are built to last. Its boots are worn by those in the construction and heavy equipment industries and by outdoor enthusiasts. The Timberland Women’s Euro Hiker Brown Leather Boots for both reliable and stylish.

Merrell

Founded in 1981 in Vermont, Merrell has developed a reputation for being a high-end manufacturer of footwear. Those who want high-performance boots that can withstand the toughest conditions and environment depend on Merrell for their footwear. The Merrell Women’s Yokota 2 Hiking Shoe won’t let you down on your next hike.

Hiking Boots For Women Pricing

Under $100: you can find reliable hiking shoes in this price range. They may be a simpler design and lac some of the higher-tech features.
$100 to $200: The majority of hiking boots fall in this price range. They have quality materials, come in a wide range of colors, and have several convenient features.
$200 and up: These are top of the line boots that come with innovative features. They are also the most durable and specialized for deep woods and high-performance hiking.

Key Features

Material

Hiking boots are made with rubber soles and either leather or synthetic uppers. Leather is nice because it’s strong, protective, and durable. Synthetic is nice because it’s more affordable, easier to break in, and dries faster. The material you choose is about preference and budget. If you choose leather, there are several types, including full-grain, split-grain, nubuck, and vegan.

Internal Support

Look for a boot that has shanks and/or plates. Shanks are inserted in the midsole to give the boot a stronger sole and help with load-bearing stiffness. Plates are flat inserts that are in the midsole and just below the shank. They protect your foot from getting bruised from uneven or sharp terrain, such as rocks.

Outsole

This is the bottom of the shoe. It should have a lug pattern that suits the terrain you will be hiking on. Mountaineering or climbing steep terrain calls for deeper voids between the lugs to give you a stronger grip. If you’re hiking on mud, then you’ll want flatter lugs and wider voids to shed the mud and give you better traction.

Other Considerations

Size. As with all shoes, the hiking boots you buy need to fit your feet. You may need to size up or down, depending on the brand. You’ll also want to consider that your feet swell and boots that fit snug in the morning may be tight by the end of the day.
Waterproofing. If you think you’re going to hike in wet conditions, then you’ll want your boots to have waterproofing. This is typically a liner of impermeable material such as Gore-Tex or eVent. Some boots are only water-resistant and may not have this additional liner. Buy the level of waterproofing that suits your hiking conditions.
Breathability. Having breathable shoes will keep the air flowing. This is good to help your feet dry when they sweat. It also cuts down on bacteria growth. You may end up choosing between waterproof or breathability, as most shoes do one or the other best. Some high-end shoes claim to do both with advanced materials.

Best Hiking Boots For Women Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Tips

Try your boots on at the end of the day. This is when your feet are at their fattest and will ensure your boots fit comfortably all day while hiking.
Air your boots out after you wear them to give them time to dry. This will reduce the number of bacteria and help extend their useful life.
Clean your boots after you wear them. Letting them sit caked in dirt and mud will deteriorate the materials used in the construction and stitching.

FAQs

Q: What are the most comfortable hiking boots for women?

A: This is a matter of preference. The most comfortable pair will fit your feet, not be too heavy, and provide you with the right amount of traction.

Q: Should I buy a size bigger for hiking boots?

A: You should buy boots that fit your feet snugly everywhere. There should be no place where the boots pinch your feet. They also shouldn’t be too loose as they will move around and cause blisters.

Q: What should I look for in women’s hiking boots?

A: Look for boots that will give you the right amount of stability and support. This means you want a solid outsole that has the right lug pattern for the terrain you’re walking on. It should also have the right amount of flexibility and ankle support for your planned activity and the terrain.

Final Thoughts

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot is an excellent choice with its wide range of options and durable rubber sole. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Hi-Tec Skamania Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boot is reliable with its Dri-Tec membrane and padded collar.