Eleven of the Best Hiking Boots for Women Hitting the Trails

Spending time outside can be beneficial to both our mental and physical health. Hiking is a wonderful way to reap these rewards while also experiencing the diverse beauty that nature has to offer. It’s important, though, to make sure that you have a quality pair of boots to protect and support your feet—and help keep you injury and pain free no matter how far or long you hike.

To help narrow down the plethora of choices, I contacted the American Hiking Guides Association (AHGA), which offers training programs and certifications for hiking and backpacking guides and mountain leaders in the United States. They are also an aspirant member country under the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations, the international governing body for mountain leaders across the world.

I talked to a couple of AHGA’s board members—who are also avid hikers—about their favorite hiking boots and advice on how to choose your own favorite pair. Deborah E. Padilla, who collaborates on organizing AHGA’s hiking and backpacking guide training programs, owns numerous pairs (some even multiples of the same style) of Oboz brand hiking boots because they fit her narrow feet well.

Elise Grandizio, another board member and AHGA certified hiking guide, leads curated trips for women through her company Hike Explore Recharge (HER) and said she probably owns 16 to 20 pairs of boots. “I have eight pairs here in Pennsylvania and probably the same amount in Arizona, plus a couple pairs in the car,” she said.

With the help of both of them, I curated the following list of the best hiking boots for a range of situations, preferences, and conditions.

Our top picks for best hiking boots for women

How I selected the best hiking boots for women

I talked to experts from the American Hiking Guides Association (AHGA) as well as drawing from my own experience. I also extensively researched online reviews to come up with selections that consistently received high marks in durability, comfort, support, weight, and traction.

How to choose the best hiking boots for women

There are a lot of options available online from a variety of retailers including Backcountry, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Columbia, or most anywhere that also sells walking shoes and winter boots. When deciding which hiking boots to purchase, consider the following:

Terrain/location

If you’re planning on sticking mainly to well-maintained trails, look for a lightweight hiking boot or even trail running shoes. For long hikes and backpacking expeditions, you’ll need something a bit more substantial that offers extended durability and support.

Fit

Whether you want boots to fit with extra room or not depends on the socks you plan to wear as well as the climate you’re hiking in, Grandizio told me. Which is part of the reason she owns so many pairs—she has some in more than one size.

“First, I always wear a wool sock,” she told me. Wool socks come in a variety of thicknesses. SmartWool, for instance, makes a lightweight wool sock that will fit differently than a heavier one. Grandizio said, “It might be the difference of a half size.”

In general, she recommends a boot fit snugly but not too tight. If your foot moves up and down, you’ll develop blisters. Also, don’t forget that hiking footwear needs to be broken in, even all of the non-leather versions included here. Boots will mold to your feet the more you wear them, often becoming more comfortable over time, so don’t embark on a long multi-day hike in a brand new pair of boots.

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

If you know you’re going to use your boots in snowy or rainy conditions you’ll likely want a full waterproof style to keep your feet dry. These won’t be as breathable as a water-resistant boot (though all waterproof boots should feature some kind of breathable inserts and/or features). The lack of breathability means your feet could get sweaty when hiking in warmer temperatures.

Season/climate

Winter conditions not only call for the best winter jackets and coats for women but also boots. Most brands offer a winter style of hiking boot that will be waterproof and contain insulation to protect your feet from the cold.

Tips for care and maintenance

Keep your boots clean and dry, rinsing them off with a hose then scrubbing with a vegetable brush after an especially mucky or muddy hike. Never dry your boots near a heater as that can crack any leather parts and/or melt the soles. All boots will dry faster if you stuff them with crumpled up newspaper which will absorb the moisture.

If you’ve been out in the rain, remove the insoles and allow them to air dry. If you’ve trekked through salt water, rinse them off as soon as possible because the salt will rust any metal parts, like eyelets.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots?

While Grandizio says she basically refers to everything as a hiking boot, what differentiates them from hiking shoes is that they have a mid or higher ankle height, which many people need for the support. “I find for myself (being petite in stature) that a heavy boot that comes up high doesn't serve me as well,” she said.

“But definitely if you're new out on the trails, you really should have that ankle support,” she added.

Can I wear hiking boots for walking?

Many hiking boots are just as suitable for walking as they are for trekking and hiking. The heavier boots made for alpine adventures will definitely be overkill if you’re just strolling about town, though they’re unlikely to cause any kind of damage or discomfort. If you’re backpacking across multiple countries, your hiking boots are very likely the only footwear you have with you (aside from a pair of shower flip flops), so wearing them while walking will be your best option anyway.

Are sneakers okay for hiking?

Grandizio says she’s been out on the trail with people in sneakers and flip flops. “And I just don't think it's safe because you can twist an ankle,” she said. There’s a difference, though, between sneakers made for running on pavement and actual trail runners,which can work in certain hiking conditions. But she added, “You're definitely not going to wear trail runners out on some rugged trail.”

“Sneakers are a little flatter on the bottom, and their treads are not as deep,” Grandizio explained. This means that if you encounter a slippery situation such as ascending a rocky surface, a sneaker won’t provide a good enough grip. Trail hiking boots are designed with deeper treads that provide more grip, as well as support for your feet.

Padilla doesn’t recommend hiking in sneakers either for all the same reasons. “Different terrain offers different risks,” she said, “and should be conducted at your own risk.” If you only have sneakers and want to do an easy hike, she suggests sticking to paved nature trails.

Should hiking shoes be firm or soft?

This depends somewhat on personal preference as well as on what type of hiking you’re doing. For alpine hikes or backpacking trips you’ll likely prefer a firmer shoe for the added support. Softer shoes, which tend to be lighter, work great on day hikes.

What are the best hiking boots when carrying a heavy pack?

When carrying heavy packs, most people will benefit from a sturdy pair of boots that feature sufficient ankle support. Lighter weight boots and hiking shoes likely won’t provide a solid and substantial enough base nor enough cushioning to help offset the feel of carrying a great deal of weight. Boots designed for this purpose usually have stiffer midsoles and ample structure to prevent your feet from feeling every pebble, root, and uneven surface under them; the added weight of your pack can sometimes make you more susceptible to obstacles under your feet (because of, well, gravity).

No matter what shoe or boot you decide to go with, it’s important to try it out on short trails while wearing your fully loaded pack before embarking on a multi-day trip.