Old Fashioned Work Book Style Hiking Boots Waterproof Leather Vibram Soles
With hundreds of hiking kick options available, at some indicate, every hiker wonders most how to cull the best women's hiking boots that will exist the virtually comfy for them. From leather to mesh, to talocrural joint stability or that barely-at that place feel, the market is total of different styles of hiking shoes and boots that await like they can get the job done. So, how do y'all choose?
Here at Bearfoot Theory, we believe that the all-time women'south hiking shoes and boots are sturdy but not also potent and will keep you comfortable and supported without weighing yous down.
To assist y'all find your sole mate (sorry, we had to!), hither are our favorite women'southward hiking boots in a variety of categories from total-on high talocrural joint hiking boots to low ankle hiking shoes and lightweight trail runners. We also include the height factors to consider when buying a hiking kick that volition hopefully terminal yous lots of miles of wear and tear on the trail.
Note: Bearfoot Theory is an ambassador for Oboz Footwear, so y'all'll detect several pairs of Oboz hiking boots on this list. Nosotros are huge fans of the brand and have tested out a variety of Oboz models over the years, but we've also included some other hiking boot brands for women who Oboz isn't a skilful fit for.
Here are the best women'southward hiking boots and shoes plus advice on how to choose the right ones for y'all.
- Best Women'due south Hiking Boots at a Glance
- Best Loftier Top Hiking Boots for Women
- Best Mid-Ankle Hiking Boots for Women
- Best Depression Tiptop Hiking Boots for Women
- Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes for Women
- Best Trail Runners for Hiking
- How to Choose Hiking Boots
- How Should Hiking Boots Fit?
Best Women's Hiking Boots at a Glance
- Bearfoot Theory squad favorite: Oboz Sypes hiking boots
- Best loftier-talocrural joint backpacking kicking: Oboz Bridger Mid Hiking Boots
- Best heavy duty backpacking boot: Zamberlan Vioz Lux hiking boot
- Best lightweight hiking boot: Oboz Sypes hiking boots
- All-time low top hiking shoe: Oboz Sawtooth II hiking boots
- Best lightweight hiking shoe: Oboz Arete low hiking shoes
- Best trail runners for hiking: Altra Lonely Peak trail running shoes
- Vegan hiking boot option: Merrell MQM Flex 2 Hiking Boot
Best High Top Hiking Boots for Women
If you're looking for a pair of sturdy hiking boots that are suitable for all kinds of terrain and provide maximum support, so high top hiking boots that fit over the ankle are a good choice.
This mode will provide the most stability and the most ankle support on the trail. High top hiking boots also tend to be more durable and rigid than a low hiking shoe or a trail runner.
Go with a high-talocrural joint hiking kick if:
- You'll exist hiking in variable weather like muddy, steep or rocky terrain
- Y'all're going on a multi-day hike
- You're carrying a heavy load on your back
- You lot want more back up for your ankles and knees
Here are the best college-height hiking shoes for women.
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Key Features
- Height: Over-the-ankle
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: two lbs, 0.four oz (pair)
- MSRP: $180
Check Cost: REI / Backcountry
Cracking For: Rocky Trails, Backpacking Trips, Hearty Day Hikes, Moisture Climates
Pros: Supportive insole, excellent traction, very waterproof, ankle support, heel pocket that hugs, quick intermission in period, come in normal and broad options
Cons: Run slightly small
I accept had a lot of foot issues in the past and I admittedly love Oboz women's hiking boots because they don't cause pain or discomfort on the trail. The Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are my go-to for any adventure that requires something super sturdy and supportive.
I've worn these on a ten-day backpacking trip in Alaska and a 4-day backpacking trip in Olympic National Park. On both these trips we encountered non-stop pelting, but my feet stayed completely dry out, warm, and blister costless. I've also worn them on a 5-day backpacking trip in Sequoia National Park where the terrain was very steep and rocky, and I carried a relatively heavy pack. I found them to have a sturdy sole, supportive insole, and great ankle support for a heavy load. The top hits most 1 inch above my ankle bone. They are moderately stiff which helps on uneven trails while however existence comfortable.
I take relatively flat, narrow anxiety and these fit me perfectly. I actually love how they back of the kicking cups my heel then it doesn't move on the up and downhill sections. If yous have wider feet, they also come in a broad option. I suggest sizing upward a i/2 size to requite your toes a piddling extra room in the toe box.
Additionally, Oboz plants a tree for every pair of shoes sold, which we love!
La Sportiva Nucleo Loftier Ii GTX Hiking Boots
Key Features
- Tiptop: Over-the-ankle
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: ane lb, 9 oz (pair)
- MSRP: $209
Bank check Price: REI / Backcountry
Neat For: Lightweight Backpacking Trips, Hearty Day Hikes
Pros: Lightweight nonetheless supportive, comfortable right out of the box, grippy sole
Cons: Lack of absorber around ankle bones, low quality laces
Earlier I switched to Oboz I had the previous version of these boots.The La Sportiva Nucleo High 2 GTX Hiking Boots are an award-winning hiking boot for their comfort, immovability, and support. These boots are on the lighter-weight side for a high-ankle hiking boot, making them a great selection if you lot desire stability without the weight. I found them to comfy right out of the box with no burglary period. These are waterproof and offer splendid traction cheers to the Vibram sole.
The two issues I had with these boots is that my (very skinny) heel slipped out the heel pocket on the inclines. 2d, the rim of the boot doesn't have much cushioning, and it dug into my ankle when I flexed. With the new model, people also mutter most the shoe laces beingness poor quality.
Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR Hiking Boots
Cardinal Features
- Height: Over-the-ankle
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 3 lbs 7.5 oz (pair)
- MSRP: $350
Cheque price: REI / Backcountry
Peachy For: Big Backpacking Trips, Extra Rocky Terrain, Off Trail Traversing, Moisture Climates
Pros: Handcrafted, comfortable right out of the box, supportive in all kinds of terrain
Cons: Very expensive, heavy
The Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR Hiking Boots are the most pricey boot on this listing, but they are very well made and will concluding a long time. They feature a waterproof leather upper and provide fantabulous back up around the ankles for long backpacking trips. The Vibram soles are grippy and will give y'all confidence on a wide multifariousness of terrain.
If you're looking for a 4-season hiking and backpacking kicking that is comfy, durable, stylish, and will last y'all many seasons, these are a great option.
Best Mid-Ankle Hiking Boots for Women
Mid-ankle hiking boots notwithstanding provide great ankle back up merely aren't quite as loftier and offer a bit more flexibility and nimbleness on the trail. They're a great selection for hikers doing both longer mean solar day hikes and overnight trips with a heavy pack.
Go with a mid-ankle hiking boot if:
- You need ankle back up, but likewise want a lighter and more flexible hiking boot
- Y'all desire to move chop-chop through rugged terrain
- Y'all volition be doing longer twenty-four hour period hikes or multi-day hikes with a backpacking pack
Here are the best mid-summit hiking shoes for women.
Oboz Sypes Mid Hiking Boots
Key Features
- Height: Mid-ankle
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 1 lbs, eleven.vi oz (pair)
- MSRP: $165
Check Cost: REI
Swell for: All but the rockiest of terrain, hearty and calorie-free day hikes, backpacking trips, wet climates
Pros: Made with recycled and eco-friendly materials, comfy right out of the box, lightweight and flexible, comes in a wide version
Cons: Not as durable equally the Oboz Bridger Mid boots
Offering the same supportive insole as the Oboz Bridger Mid boots above, the Oboz Sypes Mid hiking boots are a much lighter and more flexible hiking kick than the Bridger. These are currently my favorite boot for everyday hikes and all-time of all, they're comfortable right out of the box with no pause-in needed.
Despite being a bit softer than the some of the beefier hiking boots on this list, the Sypes provide superior grip, bang-up ankle support without beingness also stiff, and the heel cups go along your pes in identify. The boot literally fits my foot like a glove. There is no weird rubbing or hot spots, and my toes don't jam into the front end of the boot when i'g hiking downhill. I'm also able to pull the laces tight plenty so my ankle feels really secure.
This model is the start in Oboz's lineup to incorporate sustainable materials. Just like all of their shoes, Oboz as well plants a tree for every pair sold.
My only complaint virtually the Sypes is the material on the toe area scuffs pretty easily, and then they didn't stay looking new for very long. While these come in some fun colors (I accept the Slate), I'd probably get the Peppercorn side by side time. The darker Slate ends up looking pretty dusty after a solar day out on the trail.
Merrell Moab two Mid Hiking Boots
Primal Features
- Height: Mid-ankle
- Waterproof: Waterproof and Not-waterproof bachelor
- Weight: ii lbs (pair)
- MSRP: $135
Check Price: REI / Backcountry / Moosejaw
Cracking for: everyday hiking, drier climates, well packed trails, people with high arches
Pros: come in a wide version, no break in catamenia required, budget friendly
Cons: not as waterproof equally other boots on this listing
The Merrell Moab two Mid Hiking Boots are a slap-up budget-friendly choice and are a very popular choice amongst women hikers. They come in both normal and broad versions, making them a great choice for women who have wider feet. These boots come to mid-ankle, then they still provide decent ankle support. The toe box on the normal width is a bit narrow, so consider sizing upwards a half size.
Some reviewers mutter that these boots leak when wet fifty-fifty though they are advertised as waterproof. These likewise come up in a not-waterproof version. Not sure if you need a waterproof boot? Check out our post on Waterproof vs Non-Waterproof boots.
Merrell MQM Flex 2 Mid GORE-TEX
Great for: Day hiking, drier climates, going quick, vegans
Key Features
- Height: Mid-ankle
- Waterproof: Yep
- Weight: one lb vii oz (pair)
- MSRP: $160
Bank check price: REI
Pros: vegan-friendly, lightweight, come in fun colors
Cons: not equally waterproof as other boots on this list, strong at kickoff and requires some break-in fourth dimension, not a ton of arch support
The Merrell MQM Flex 2 Mid is the perfect lightweight shoe for anyone looking for a vegan-friendly hiking boot. This boot combines all the best features of a trail runner and a hiker into one and offers mid-ankle support.
BFT'due south content coordinator, Courtney, tested these boots on twenty-four hour period hikes and backpacking trips throughout California, Washington, and Arizona and found that they were great for hiking in rocky, uneven terrain due to the grip of the mountain-class prophylactic outsoles, and the mid-talocrural joint superlative provided enough support to feel secure while still allowing for full range of movement. However, the MQM Flex 2 didn't hold up as well in moisture weather. On a rainy hike in Olympic National Park, water seeped in through the shoelace eyelets and she concluded up with wet socks.
These boots are a little stiff at first and so give them some time to suspension in. Courtney has a high arch, and after a few trial runs in these boots, she concluded up adding insoles to provide more arch back up. These are her go-to hiking boots for dry climates and rocky terrain, but she'd get out these at home for rainy, moisture hikes. Y'all tin can find the low-ankle version of this kicking here.
All-time Low Top Hiking Boots for Women
Depression height hiking boots tend to be lighter and more than flexible than both loftier-ankle and mid-ankle hiking boots. Still, they don't provide the same ankle support. Low hiking shoe options tend to be a expert choice for mean solar day hikes and well-worn trails when you aren't carrying a heavy load or tackling lots of rocks and roots. Experienced female hikers might as well choose these on rocky trails and then they tin can be lighter and quicker on their toes.
Go with a low hiking shoe if:
- You'll be using them for day hikes
- You'll be carrying only a light load on your back
- Yous'll exist on well-worn and apartment trails with a well-divers surface
- You practice not demand ankle or knee support
Here are the all-time low-top hiking shoes for women.
Oboz Sawtooth II Low Hiking Shoes
Key Features
- Height: Talocrural joint
- Waterproof: Waterproof and Non-waterproof available
- Weight: i lb, 12.4 oz (pair)
- MSRP: $140
Cheque Cost: REI / Backcountry / Moosejaw
Great for: All day hiking terrain, like shooting fish in a barrel backpacking trips, wet climates
Pros: lightweight yet sturdy, come up in regular and wide options, Oboz plants a tree for every pair sold
Cons: None that we've found then far
The Oboz Sawtooth'south take been my depression top hiking shoe of pick for years. They are sturdy and waterproof with a grippy bottom that gives y'all plenty of traction for hikes in all types of conditions and trails. Another cool feature of these shoes is that they have an asymmetric collar around the ankle to accommodate unique ankle bone positions, which I find helps prevent chafing and rubbing. I've hiked steep Colorado 14ers, backpacked the Trans-Catalina Trail, and done a ton of easier day hikes in these. I also like wearing these effectually camp on chillier nights. I honestly don't have any negative to say about the Sawtooths.
These also come in a non-waterproof version and a mid-talocrural joint version which is very popular.
Great Targhee III
Key Features
- Peak: Ankle
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 1 lb 9.2 oz
- MSRP: $164.95
Check price: REI / Backcountry / Keen
Great for: Women with wider feet, day hiking in hot or wet climates
Pros: wide toe box, durable and congenital to last, thick toe gaurd
Cons: insole is a trivial stiff
Keen's are a popular choice for women who need a wider toe box. Their depression-cutting Targhee 3 hiking kicking has been around for a long time, and for good reason. It has a loyal post-obit that to its durability, comfort, and ability to tackle all types of terrain.
The flexible upper is breathable while still being waterproof and the Targhee 3 features Dandy's iconic rubber toe protection to keep your feet protected on even the roughest of trails.
These women'south hiking boots have swell arch support, but may experience a little potent right out of the box. After a few interruption in hikes, they should be comfortable.
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes for Women
Imagine a shoe that's somewhere in between a archetype depression-peak hiking shoe and a trail runner. That'south where these lightweight hikers come in. They're lighter and more flexible than the best women's hiking boots and low-ankle hiking shoes on this list but are a piffling more rugged and durable than trail runners. They generally accept mesh uppers rather than heavy-duty leather with more flexibility for motility compared to the firmness of other hiking shoes.
Become with a lightweight hiking shoe if:
- You want something lightweight and flexible
- Yous want something more durable than a trail running shoe
- Yous don't demand or desire ankle support
Oboz Arete Low Hiking Shoes
Key Features
- Height: Ankle
- Waterproof: Waterproof and Non-waterproof available
- Weight: 1 lb, ane.6 oz (pair)
- MSRP: $125
Check Price: REI / Backcountry
Great for: vegans, everyday wear, light 24-hour interval hikes, camping ground trips, van life, neighborhood walks
Pros: Lightweight and verstaile, flexible, roomy toe box, came in a waterproof and not-waterproof version, fast on a variety of terrain
Cons: Less support than more sturdy hiking boots
The Oboz Arete Low Hiking Shoes accept go my favorite lightweight hiking shoes for day hikes, camping trips, walks around the neighborhood, and everyday outings. They come everywhere with me. They're comfortable right out of the box and are lightweight and breathable.
For how light they are, I've been surprised by their durability. I've owned the same pair for ii years and worn them hundreds of days, and the sole is just starting to wear. When hiking, I've found the sole to be durable enough for rocky trails with plenty of traction. I have the non-waterproof version, which is cracking for warm desert hikes. If you hike is wetter climates, these besides come in a waterproof version. These are a great choice for vegans every bit they aren't fabricated with any products that come from animals. For more on these, read my full review of the Oboz Arete.
Salomon OUTline Low GTX Hiking Shoes
Cardinal features
- Acme: Ankle
- Waterproof: Yep
- Weight: 1 lb, 5 oz (pair)
- MSRP: $130
Check Price: REI / Backcountry
Swell for: everyday wear, quick and light hiking, narrow feet
Pros: protective toe gaurd, large lugs on sole allows for corking traction, comfortable correct out fo the box
Cons: may not work for women with wide feet, not every bit waterproof as other boots on this list
The Salomon OUTline Low GTX Hiking Shoes are another smashing lightweight option that'due south flexible withal rugged. These hiking shoes allow you to exist agile on the trail while notwithstanding providing protection against stubbed toes, stream crossings, and other trail obstacles. These are on the narrow stop of the spectrum, and we recommend that yous size upwardly a half size in these.
Best Trail Runners for Hiking
Some folks volition make the argument that trail running shoes are only as good an option for hiking. Since they're and then lightweight, many thru-hikers, similar those on the John Muir Trail & Pacific Crest Trail, choose to hike in trail runners.
They aren't for everyone, though, as some feel that they need more ankle support when conveying a heavy backpack. Also, trail runners won't last as long as durable hiking boots or shoes so y'all'll demand to replace them more oftentimes when they wear out to protect your feet from injury.
Trail runners are skilful if:
- Y'all'll be hiking in very hot weather
- Y'all want very lightweight shoes
- You desire versatile shoes
- You don't mind having to supplant them more often
- You don't need ankle support
Here are the best women's trail runners for hiking.
Altra Lone Peak 6
Cardinal Features
- Height: Depression Ankle
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 1 lb, i.four oz (pair)
- MSRP: $140
Cheque Price: REI / Backcountry / Moosejaw
Smashing for: Lite and fast hikers, 24-hour interval hiking, experienced thru-hikers
Pros: ultra light, they tin can attach to gaiters, wide toe box, come in regular and wide options
Cons: no waterproof version
We know more than than a few thru-hikers who swear by the Altra Alone Peak trail runners as their get-to women'due south hiking shoe. Altra is known for having a wide toe box to provide plenty of room for your toes to movement. They also have gaiter tabs to secure gaiters should you choose to use them to aid go along dirt and droppings out on the trail. These are "goose egg-drop" which means your foot and heel are the same altitude above the ground. This keeps your foot in its natural position.
Brooks Cascadia GTX Trail Running Shoes
Primal Features
- Tiptop: Low Talocrural joint
- Waterproof: Waterproof and Non-waterproof available
- Weight: 1 lb, ii.8 oz (pair)
- MSRP: $160
Check Toll: REI
Bully for: everyday wearable, trail running, smoothen trails
Pros: Gaiter tab on heel, waterproof and non-waterproof options, vegan friendly
Cons: May non work for narrower feet
The Brooks Cascadia GTX Trail Runners are another favorite of many a thru-hiker and are more traditional (not nothing drop). These are waterproof then if you get caught in the rain you'll be able to keep your anxiety dry out. These trail runners have gaiter tabs as well, and the outsoles are designed to provide traction in both wet and dry atmospheric condition. They come in a non-waterproof manner if yous don't demand the actress protection.
How to Choose Hiking Boots
How to cull the best hiking boots (or shoes) depends largely upon what kind of hike you'll exist taking. The climate and terrain, length of the hike, how much you lot're carrying, and what activities you lot'll be doing are all factors in determining what sorts of hiking boots or shoes to buy.
To help you brand the best decision, here are a few basics to consider before you cull hiking boots.
Length & Terrain of the Hike
The length of your hike matters when it comes to footwear. And then does the type of terrain you lot'll encounter out there. A multi-solar day backpacking trip will require sturdier boots with ameliorate tread and talocrural joint back up than an easy to moderate trail on flat ground would need. I tend to article of clothing loftier-top hiking boots on backpacking trips and low-summit hiking shoes or lightweight hikers on day hikes.
Atmospheric condition & Climate
The weather conditions and climate of the area will play a large factor in determining what kind of hiking boots or shoes to wear. If it's cold and rainy or you lot'll exist trekking through streams and snow, waterproof boots are a must to not only proceed your feet dry but also warm. Typically, nosotros recommend a Gortex-type kicking or shoe for about mountain hiking. On the other hand, mesh paneling and ventilation are better for when you are hiking in hot and humid climates like in the desert, Hawaii, or Central America.
Activities You'll Be Doing on Your Hike
Unlike types of boots and shoes are suitable for different types of activities. The high-summit hiking boots listed higher up will accept loftier ankle support and more rigid soles that don't let for as much flexibility in order to assistance you stay steady when carrying a heavy pack. Others, like low-top hiking shoes, lightweight hikers, and trail running shoes will provide less talocrural joint stability on rocky terrain but allow for more motility.
Hiking Kick Sole
Every hiking boot has a sole — three of them to be exact: an insole, midsole, and outsole. Each of these three soles help to back up your pes while walking, and you can detect a diverseness of options depending on what action you are doing.
Insoles
The insole of a shoe is that soft and cushioned portion that yous feel right beneath your foot when you slide your shoe on. Information technology can exist removed and replaced with one that better suits the shape of your foot, then, make sure you lot know how much arch back up (if whatever) you need and what kind of insole supports your human foot best.
Collapsed arches or an curvation that's likewise high doesn't assist evenly distribute the weight while walking and can cause wearable and tear on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. While you lot're out on the trail for days at a time carrying a heavy pack, this is not a skillful problem to take, then brand sure you do your enquiry beforehand and fifty-fifty endeavor on some unlike insoles in the store if yous demand more or less support.
Midsoles
The midsole is the second layer of absorber placed in between the insole and outsole to help absorb the shock of walking on hard and rocky surfaces. Well-nigh times the midsole is attached to a piece chosen the shank that provides extra sturdiness and is often made out of composite or steel. You won't notice this in very light and flexible trail shoes, merely you will definitely notice information technology in a hiking boot.
Outsoles
The outsole is the thick, rubbery outer portion on the very bottom of your shoe or kick. Most hiking boots have dense outsoles with treads (also called lugs) that brand for good all-terrain footwear thanks to the traction and grip they provide on granular or slippery surfaces.
Yous'll desire to have bigger treads for better traction – similar Vibram, a patented grade of treads that are establish on a lot of brand-proper name hiking boots. A hearty tread is important for multi-day backpacking adventures and trails with hard-to-walk on or slippery surfaces.
Burglary Period
A high-top hiking boot is generally constructed from heavier and sturdier materials than low-top, lighter-weight hiking shoes. Whether they are fabricated of all leather or are a mix of leather, mesh, and suede, they are more durable, can withstand wear and tear, and are built to last longer. For this reason, the heartier the hiking boot the more time information technology will take to get cleaved in and mold to your foot.
You'll want to break the virtually heavy-duty hiking boots in gradually to forbid painful blisters as they tin be a little stiff at commencement. If yous're breaking in all leather boots, outset by taking short walks effectually the business firm, the block, and somewhen on short hikes most a week or ii before you wear them out on the trail to soften the material. If your boot has a mixed material structure, they will be more flexible to brainstorm with and interruption-in should just require a couple of short walks. And nowadays, some hiking boots don't have a break-in menstruum at all and are comfortable out of the box.
However, you never want the first time y'all wearable a hiking kick to be the kickoff day of your multi-twenty-four hours backpacking trip. Even if the hiking boots or shoes you lot purchase don't have a break-in menstruum, it'south of import to try them out beforehand so you can work out any kinks and brand sure they're comfortable earlier taking them out on a multi-day trip.
How Should Hiking Boots Fit?
Having the correct fit and feel is of course ane of the biggest parts of how to choose the best women's hiking shoes or boots for your foot. There are a few primal factors to be enlightened of when you are trying on hiking boots and shoes:
- Equally a practiced rule of thumb, always try your shoe on at the end of the day when your pes is the largest and slightly swollen
- If you lot wearable insoles, brand sure to bring them along when you try on boots in-store
- Bring your favorite pair of hiking socks along to try on with the boots or shoes y'all're shopping for
- You should have enough space in the toe box to slightly wiggle your toes
- You want the shoe snug enough that your heel won't elevator upwards when hiking upwardly and downhill, but you also don't want your foot to feel squeezed
- You should exist able to slide a finger within of the shoe behind your heel to make certain you take enough space for your pes to move effectually and to business relationship for swelling
Also, brand certain you wear wool socks that are breathable and durable enough to protect your anxiety and keep you comfortable. A pair like Darn Tough wool hiking socks (our favorite!) will practise a swell job of regulating the temperature if your feet become sweaty and common cold on a hike.
Some hiking boots are narrower while some are more than spacious. Some provide more than arch back up and some work well for apartment feet. If it's your showtime fourth dimension ownership hiking boots or shoes, nosotros highly recommend trying a few on in-shop and walking around in them a chip to see what feels almost comfortable to you. Shopping for hiking boots online is easier if you take an idea of what type of hiking shoe you're looking for and what brand fit works well for you.
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