The Best Women’s Hiking Boots In 2023!

Hiking Boots are one of those things that you just need to spend some time learning about before you buy.

There are all the technical and functional elements that you need to consider first, but they should only be looked at after you have your context and requirements clearly defined. What does that mean? In a nutshell, know what you need your hiking boots for.

In this post we list out the best women’s hiking boots in 2023. This should give you plenty of options if you’re in the market for a new pair of boots for the trail.

We keep the descriptions brief enough to try and give a quick but concise overview, along with the main pros, cons and best uses.

Please note, that any reference to prices listed in this gallery are only guide retail price ranges and are subject to change. As you know, prices chop and change all the time, therefore these are only meant as a guide and indicator of the actual cost.

Click on the image or the link under each pair of boots and that will give you an accurate and up to date price. Where applicable, other links to more detailed reviews are placed within the text.

So, with all of that dispensed with let’s continue on and look at some cool hiking boots!

If you just don’t have time to have a look through, our number one choice are the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Goretex hiking boots. They’re a great all round pair of boots for the trail!

1. Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Goretex

Check Availability at REI.

Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Goretex Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Backed up by waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX protection
• Women-specific design
• Drawing on Salomon trail-running expertise, these hiking boots are light and agile
• SensiFit™ cradles the feet from the midsoles to the lacing systems, providing a secure, snug and virtually customized fit all around your feet
• Active Support “mobile wings” help hold your feet in place and accompany their movement, adapting to their shape and volume
• Advanced Chassis™ target articulations on the outer sides of the feet to optimize stability while keeping the fronts of the shoes flexible
• All Terrain Contagrip® outsoles grab the terrain, even when it’s wet or slippery, giving you more control, especially on descents
• Durable outsoles can handle a wide variety of surfaces, balancing the geometry and rubber compound to deliver confidence on wet, dry, hard or loose surfaces

Best Uses: Trail hiking, general outdoor use.

A very technical looking boot from Salomon, the X Ultra Mid hiking boots are a lightweight pair of boots which offer excellent stability and weather protection, whatever you get up to on the trail.

The idea with these boots is to combine running shoe technology with hiking boots, definitely a cool idea.

The boots provide excellent grip and traction over all types of terrain via their high action Contragrip outsole. The boots utilize Gore-tex to provide performance footwear that will keep you dry and comfortable whatever nature has to throw at you.

The boots also feature Advanced Chassis™ target articulations on the outer sides of the feet which help to optimize stability, while keeping the fronts of the shoes flexible. All this helps ensure you stay protected and comfortable on varying types of terrain.

Excellent for scrambling and anything where you might risk banging your feet off hard terrain.

Salomon have a long history of providing excellent hiking boots and the X Ultra Mid 4 GTX follows on in that long tradition.

Overall a fine option for all year trail hiking for those who like the more technical look.

2. Lowa Renegade Mid GTX

Check Availability at REI.

Lowa Renegade Mid GTX Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Nubuck leather upper
• Monowrap midsole technology
• Vibram outsole
• Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex
• Thick, nonslip rubber lugs for traction
• Stabilizing nylon shanks
• Climate control foot-bed
• Derby style lacing to ensure a customized fit to a wide range of feet
• Shaft measures approximately 4.75″ from arch
• Heel measures approximately 1.5″
• Platform measures approximately 1″

Best Uses: Hiking, mountaineering, backpacking, day-to-day use.

The Lowa Renegade Mid GTX are a light hiker with a long history of satisfied customers through various iterations of this model of boot, they are well worth a look.

The continuing popularity as a great option among hikers is no wonder, as they’ve been tried and tested for a long time now with a lot of very positive user experience.

They come in a wide selection of options in terms of sizing and color so you will definitely find something in there to suit your taste.

They are breathable and waterproof, and they perform well in both of these categories in side by side testing with their peers. If you need to cross a creek or walk through puddles, moist grass and so on, they will keep you good.

They’re lightweight and so are a great option for the backpacker too. Overall, the Lowa Renegade Mid GTX Hiking Boots for women are a great all round hiker, whether day hiking is your thing or you prefer a longer trek with a pack on your back. 

I’ve had a pair of these for the last few years, they’re one of my personal favorites which I use a lot throughout the year 🙂

3. HOKA Kaha 2 GTX

Check Availability at REI.

HOKA Kaha 2 Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Waterproof nubuck leather uppers; leather is from a certified Leather Working Group (LWG) gold-rated tannery
• Trailblazing silhouette employs GORE-TEX footwear fabric with recycled textile for waterproof/breathable protection
• Updated with HUBBLE® heels with SwallowTail™ geometry, these durable hikers feature Vibram® Megagrip rubber with Traction Lug for increased ground contact
• Topically applied PFC-free water repellency treatment adds extra protection from wet weather
• Mesh and polyester laces are made with recycled content
• Quick-lace metal top hooks
• Abrasion-resistant toe caps and heels
• Anatomic Achilles construction with heel pull tabs
• Molded polyurethane sockliners are made with 50% soybean oil
• Late stage Meta-Rocker with integrated flex grooves
• Vibram Megagrip rubber outsoles feature Traction Lug design with 5 mm lugs

Best Uses: Hiking, day-to-day use.

The HOKA Kaha 2 are a functional and comfortable pair of hiking boots, good for hiking most, if not all, of the year round. They perform well across the board, as can be seen in the very positive user experience reported across multiple channels.

The first thing of note is how these boots look. They have a modern design which is very appealing to the eye, and the careful construction featuring excellent ankle padding, means you will be stable, comfortable and looking the part on any trail, with these boots on.

As with other boots listed here, they offer a good range of options in terms of sizing and fit, so you should be able to find the right combination to meet your needs.

There are some user reports which indicate that you may have to spend a bit of time breaking the Kaha boots in, but that is not unusual for a good pair of hiking boots.

They also come in several color options, all of which work well. The Kaha 2 Gore-tex boots are breathable and waterproof via their Gore-tex booties, so your feet can breathe and stay dry while you are pushing it on the trail.

They’re also a good weight coming in at approximately 1lb. 14 oz., so again, a good choice if you like to push it to longer distance hikes on varied terrain. They are also an excellent choice for backpacking.

There is a lot to like about the HOKA Kaha 2 Hiking Boots for women. They are a very functional and comfortable all round pair of hiking boots. Whether you are a casual or committed day hiker, or a backpacking enthusiast, these boots have you covered!

4. KEEN Targhee III Mid

Check Availability at REI.

KEEN Targhee III Mid Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Non-marking rubber outsole with 4mm multi-directional lugs
• Contoured heel lock
• Torsion stability ESS shank in the construction
• Dual density compression-molded EVA midsole
• Waterproof nubuck leather upper
• KEEN.DRY® waterproof breathable membrane
• Hydrophobic mesh lining
• Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
• Cleansport NXT™ for natural odor control

Best Uses: Day hiking, general outdoor use, day-to-day use.

Similar to the men’s version of these boots, the KEEN Targhee III Mid Hiking Boots for women are a popular choice. The Keen Targhee III is the next sequel in a long time top seller and popular pair of hiking boots for many folks.

They’re versatile and tick many of the required boxes, an excellent option for light trail hiking. They’re a light to medium hiker so perfect for someone new to hiking or someone who likes weekend hiking on well marked trails.

The Targhee offer a reasonable measure of waterproof capability and breathability and they will work for most folks, most of the year round as a 3 season boot, maybe 4 depending how tough your winters are.

They have a look that is a bit of a mix between a technical boot with a traditional boot feel. All in all, it works and their style and look is functional yet pleasing to the eye i.e. they’ll look good with a pair of jeans when you’re not on the trail.

They retail at around the mid range price for hiking boots. Overall, a popular choice with a lot of great feedback so worth a look if they fit the bill for your needs.

Read the full review.

5. Vasque Breeze LT NTX

Check Availability at Amazon.

Vasque Breeze LT NTX Hiking Boots for Women Features Summary:

• Recycled Mesh
• Waterproof Nature Tex®
• Footbed Anatomical High Rebound Footbed
• Midsole Enduralast EVA
• Vasque Exclusive Vibram® Ground Control LiteBase With Megagrip Outsole Compound
• Weight 1 Lb. 8 Oz. (682g)
• Material: Suede

Best Uses: Trail hiking, casual use.

A functional and very comfortable pair of hiking boots, perfect for trail hiking all year round, the Vasque Breeze LT NTX are an eye catching pair of boots constructed using waterproof Nature-tex lining.

The prominence of the mesh in the construction combined with the lining, which blocks moisture from the outside while letting your feet breathe, ensures that your feet breathe well in these boots.

Good moisture wicking is perfect when hiking in hotter climes, ensuring your feet don’t get too hot and stuffy as you hike.

The boots feature a Vibram outsole which utilizes a Megagrip compound which provides excellent traction on the ground under foot.

The boots are comfortable with adequate padding around the ankle and foot. Be careful with the sizing as always to be sure you get the right fit. With the right size, overall they provide a comfortable and snug fit.

The Midsole features Dual Density Compression Molded Enduralast EVA which provides excellent shock absorption with great heel and arch support, while also allowing flexibility.

The construction and design of these boots mean that they require a minimal break-in period, if any.

6. Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof Amped

Check Availability at Amazon.

Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof Amped Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Techlite™ lightweight midsole for long lasting comfort
• A combination of full grain leather and suede
• Superior cushioning for high energy return
• Scratch rubber heel and mesh tongue
• Omni-Grip™ non-marking traction rubber outsole provides advanced traction for grip on varying terrain

Best Uses: Day hiking, general outdoor use, casual use.

The Newton Ridge Plus hiking boots are probably the best value pair of boots on this list, coming in at a very friendly retail price. They’re a top seller on Amazon and with good reason.

They provide all the general functionality a hiker needs and they’re very affordable, offering solid protection for a hiker in most conditions, all year round.

The boots are constructed using full grain leather which is always a nice and comfortable material to have around your feet. The boots are also treated with Columbia’s Omnishield technology, which offers stain and water resistance.

The laces tie up snug using a clam shell system which combined with the cushioned midsole and Omnigrip lugged outsole, provide excellent stability and grip on all types of terrain.

If you’re new to hiking, these are an excellent starter pair of boots which will should see you good for many hikes.

A nice all rounder at a very affordable price, which will also look great with a pair of jeans on a day out about town.

Read full review.

7. La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

Check Availability at REI.

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Durable nubuck leather uppers provide protection while the integrated Nano-Cell™ technology delivers maximum breathability to keep your feet cool
• Nano-Cell™ technology works with the GORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof membranes to enable unprecedented breathability underfoot
• Compression-molded midsoles provide superior cushion and support and a noticeable bounce in every stride for all-day comfort
• Vibram® Nano outsoles with Impact Brake System™ provide maximum traction and grip on trails
• Available in Regular and Wide sizes to accommodate a broader variety of foot sizes and shapes

Best Uses: Day hiking, Backpacking, general outdoor use, casual use.

The Nucleo High II GTX hiking boots from La Sportiva are a great looking pair of hiking boots, that offer excellent practical and functional use. Although they sit at the higher end of the price scale for ladies hiking boots, they are definitely a good investment.

They provide all the general functionality a hiker needs and their exceptional stability and durability is noted across many user reviews. In short, their construction is tough, strong and very functional, without sacrificing comfort.

These boots can be used all year round and will keep you good on most if not all terrains, for the average hiker.

The boots are constructed using nubuck leather which is always a nice and sturdy material to have around your feet. The boots also come with a ‘GORE-TEX SURROUND’ membrane, which offers excellent water resistance and breathability.

The laces tie up easily complimenting the overall construction of the boots, resulting in a comfortable and secure fit. One of the standout features is the ‘Vibram® Nano’ rubber outsoles with ‘Impact Brake System’. These provide top notch traction and grip on all types of terrain.

These are an excellent pair of hiking boots for the experienced hiker that enjoys a bit of, more adventurous hiking from time to time. However, even someone new to hiking will get a lot from them.

They are excellent quality and will provide you with many, many hours of comfort on the trail. As already mentioned, they are at the higher range of the scale in terms of price, but they provide good value for money in return.

8. Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex

Check Availability at Amazon.

Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membranes keep your feet dry in wet weather
• Inspired by trail-running shoes, these boots follow the natural flexion of your feet for a smooth ride
• Protecting ankle articulations on the outer foot, the updated ADV-C 4D chassis provides stability and supports your heels to help reduce fatigue when wearing a heavy pack
• Contagrip® TD rubber outsoles with deep, aggressive lugs provide extended durability and maximum traction on mixed terrain

Best Uses: Best Uses: Hiking, mountaineering, backpacking.

For those folks who like to spend a few days out backpacking in the wild, the Salomon Quest 4 Goretex Backpacking boots offer excellent stability while not being heavy.

They are a tough pair of all round hiking boots, and an upgraded model from the first very successful version of these boots, with tweaks made based on user feedback.

They are waterproof and breathable, and perform well in both those categories. This performance is offered through a tough construction of leather and Gore-tex which whilst very functional also has the additional advantage of not being too heavy to wear.

There is a lot in these boots and they do a good all round functional job for sure, so from the day hiker to the backpacker they will hold their own very well.

They come in at the higher end of the price scale in terms of hiking boots, but you do get a lot of boot for your money. Possibly even too much for a casual hiker but they’re a good potential choice for the avid hiking / backpacking enthusiast.

They have a very technical look about them which fits well with the overall functional feel and capability that they offer.

9. Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof

Check Availability at REI.

Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Waterproof nubuck leather uppers offer the right combination of breathability and protection to keep your feet dry on long treks; soft nubuck doesn’t require breaking in
• BDry waterproof, breathable membranes keep soggy elements out while letting water vapor escape, keeping your feet cool and comfortable
• Nylon mesh linings wick moisture, dry quickly and further enhance breathability
• Deluxe footbeds feature a well-defined arch for support and nest perfectly inside the boots
• Dual-density EVA midsoles provide cushioning while keeping the boots light and agile
• Nylon shanks and thermoplastic urethane forefoot plates offer torsional stability, increasing surefootedness on varied terrain
• Rubber randing on toes and heels helps protect the uppers from abrasion
• High-friction, nonmarking rubber outsoles grip with ease in all directions on both wet and dry surfaces thanks to the toothy side lugs and 4mm directional lugs underfoot

Best Uses: Day hiking, day-to-day and general outdoor activity use.

The Bridger Waterproof hiking boots from Oboz are a very well designed and constructed pair of hiking boots. They offer all you would need from a good pair of hiking boots, at a mid to high price point.

The first thing about the Bridger boots that catches the eye is their look and style. They have a very unique appearance, especially if you go with one of the brighter color options like red, which really works and looks the part.

They’re not bad in the weight department, but there are lighter options for sure. However, they provide an easy and comfortable fit for long days out on the trail.

The stand out aspect of these boots, is definitely durability. They are a very supportive pair of boots that are really durable, so they can take anything you can throw at them on your mountain hiking adventures, whatever form they take.

The Oboz Bridger boots offer great traction on the trail via their carbon rubber outsoles. The general material construction of these boots combined with the rubber toe rand, gives you a secure cocoon for your feet that offer excellent protection.  

These boots are best suited to day hiking and other types of light hiking, but they will look really well with a pair of jeans too, especially the red ones 🙂

You should get years of great use from them too. Definitely worth a look!

10. Timberland Chocorua

Check Availability at Amazon.

Timberland Chocorua Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Premium full-grain waterproof leather uppers
• Padded collar and tongue
• Breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex® membrane
• Rustproof, speed-lace hardware
• Cushioned EVA footbed provides underfoot support and disperses shock
• EVA midsole for all-day comfort
• Nylon shank
• Solid rubber lug outsole provides superior traction

Best Uses: Day hiking, general outdoor use, casual use.

The Timberland Chocorua Hiking boots for women, are another great pair of hiking boots that offer excellent value for money, coming in at a very wallet friendly price point.

They’re a stylish and functional pair of hiking boots. they’re both pleasing to the eye and are a great all round pair of hiking boots.

The boots are seem sealed and the waterproof leather uppers work well under tough trail conditions.

The collar is padded to offer plenty of comfort as you manoeuvre over varying terrain, and the cushioned EVA footbed and dual density EVA midsole provide excellent stability as you hike.

The rubber lugs on the outsole also work well providing good traction and grip on the ground underfoot. Overall, a very good value for money pair of hiking boots.

11. Danner Mountain 600

Check Availability at Amazon.

Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Danner Dry waterproof protection. Two lace options.
• Cushioning open-cell OrthoLite footbed
• Outer Material: suede leather
• Sole: Rubber
• Closure: Lace-Up
• Heel Type: low-heel
• Shoe Width: Medium
• Vibram SPE midsole for maximum rebound, comfort and support
• Nylon shank. TPU heel frame to enhance support and stability.
• Vibram Fuga outsole with Megagrip technology offers superior grip on wet and dry surfaces

Best Uses: Hiking, general use.

A tough pair of traditional style suede leather hiking boots, the Danner Mountain 600 are very functional and pleasing to the eye.

A popular Brand in the hiking boots world, Danner bring a tough offering to the table with these excellent Hiking Boots. Just looking at them, you can tell they have ‘don’t mess with me’ woven within the construction lol 🙂

They’re a suede leather boot so expect a break in period, not a problem if you have the patience to wait as you’ll get a comfortable boot when they shape to your feet.

The outsole is constructed using Vibram Fuga which features self-adapting lugs and a specially formulated Megagrip compound. This means that the outsole provides incredible grip on both wet and dry surfaces. So, you have good grip and traction for the trail.

These boots are perfect all types of hiking and backpacking, 3 to 4 seasons of the year. They’re perhaps too much of a boot for a casual or light hiker but they will still fit that bill if they need to. 

In terms of price, these boots sit in the mid to high range of the scale for a good pair of women’s hiking boots. The classic design and style of the Danner Mountain 600 is a joy to behold 🙂

12. Oboz Sawtooth II Mid

Check Availability at Amazon.

Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Waterproof Nubuck leather & highly abrasion-resistant textile
• Oboz B-DRY waterproof/breathable membrane
• 3D molded heel counter
• Standard volume — Medium-High volume feet tend to be wider with higher arches and insteps
• Weight: W7(1/2 PR): 15.5 oz./439 grams

Best Uses: Day hiking, day-to-day use.

The Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof boots are a great pair of boots that will cover most of your hiking needs, across the seasons.

They are constructed using waterproof nubuck leather and highly abrasion-resistant textile, so they provide good protection from the elements on varying types of terrain and in varying conditions.

The waterproof capability in these boots is further enhanced via the Oboz B-DRY waterproof/breathable membrane. This keeps the nasty weather out while letting your feet breathe.

The nylon shank enables good stability in the boots and the boots are also cushioned amply to provide a comfortable fit. These boots require minimal break in time, so should be good to go out of the box.

In terms of price, these boots sit in and around the middle of the overall range between cheap and pricey, so in line with many of its competitors for what they offer.

13. Merrell Moab 3 Mid

Check Availability at Amazon.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
• Pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper
• 100% recycled laces and webbing
• Bellows tongue keeps out debris
• Protective and abrasion resistant rubber heel and toe cap
• 100% recycled breathable mesh lining
• Kinetic Fit™ ADVANCED removable contoured footbed with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support
• Molded nylon arch shank
• Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
• Super Rebound Compound provides durable shock absorption to help reduce torque and allow for a smooth transition into the midfoot
• Vibram® TC5+ outsole provides exceptional traction for outdoor multi-sport activities. Formulated exclusively for Merrell.

Best Uses: Day hiking, day-to-day use.

Merrell are a very well known and loved brand in the world of hiking boots and the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof hiking boots are one of their most popular options, a best seller in fact. 

These boots are another great pair of light hikers, perfect for hiking in fairer weather. The Moab have a long history of happy customers so they’re a fine choice for light trail hiking.

They’re constructed with a combination of leather, Gore-Tex and synthetic materials which enables good breathability and a reasonable level of water resistance.

The construction on the Merrell Moab also means these boots are lightweight and so they are another fine option for all types of day hiking and light backpacking.

The outsole is Vibram TC5+ and they offer good traction and grip. They come in at about the middle of the road in terms of price for a pair of hiking boots.

They’re a fine entry level hiking boot, say if you’re just getting into hiking, and will serve most light to medium hikers needs well.

14. Manfen Thermator

Check Availability at Amazon.

Manfen Thermator Hiking Boots Features Summary:

• Waterproof, non-slip, breathable and lightweight
• Designed to be warm when hiking in colder conditions
• Waterproof mesh upper with a Hydroguard Membrane keeps your feet dry in wet weather
• Multifunctional for hiking through rocky areas, wet mud, etc.
• Outsole provides good traction
• Integrated inserted EVA Cupsole
• Molded rubber toe cap provides protection for your toes
• Molded TPU at the heel provides protection and support

Best Uses: Day hiking, day-to-day use.

The Manfen Thermator boots are a very wallet friendly pair of hiking boots with a lot of very happy users.

They are designed specifically with cold temperatures in mind so they are suitable for hiking at colder times of year. They are constructed using fabric and synthetic materials and so should take minimal time to break in.

The Thermator boots feature a waterproof mesh upper and a hydroguard membrane, which helps keep your feet dry in wet weather.

The boots have a nice looking and functional rubber toe rand to protect your toes from stubbing them on rocks, etc. The rubber outsole combined with an EVA midsole, and cushioning around the ankle, provides a stable and comfortable fit.

As mentioned above, the main thing of note about these boots is the price. They are very reasonable in what you get for the price you pay.

While one could be a little dubious about that and be concerned about quality, there is a lot of very positive user feedback indicating folks are pleased with their purchase and the performance of these boots.

Some Quick Thoughts to Help you Choose

If you like walking your dog on light trails on the weekends, you don’t need a tough and rugged pair of backpacking boots. Similarly, if you’re planning a hiking expedition through the Himalayas, you need a lot more of a boot than a light day hiker can ever give you. 

If you’re just at the start of the hiking boot buying process, check out this post on how to buy hiking boots. It will walk you through all the various things you should consider when picking a pair of hiking boots for the trail.

Even when you have your needs clearly defined, it can be hard to find that perfect pair of hiking boots. It’s almost like the Holy Grail, rumored to exist but no-one has ever laid eyes on it 🙂

With all that in mind, when you do finally get to the ‘ready to buy’ stage, it can be even harder to work your way through the maelstrom of hiking boot options that are available on the market today. It can get very confusing fast, as there is a lot of choice.

The purpose of this gallery is to help with that process by laying out the top hiking boot options for women that are available today. The criteria to get into this gallery are primarily, lots of good user experience and positive reviews across the board.

The boots listed here are listed in order from our top pick at number 1 and on, some boots are number 1 in certain categories though. As mentioned above, what works best for you, really depends what your needs are. Rest assured that they are all excellent hiking boots!

However, whether you’re a light to medium weekend hiker or an avid backpacking enthusiast, there should be a few options listed here which might just be the ticket for you on your quest for the perfect boot. A tall order I know, but one can hope 🙂

FAQ

We find that often people have similar questions, so with that in mind, we thoughts an FAQ section could be useful to folks. It will be added to over time as any new queries come in.

Q1. I’m new to buying hiking boots, what should I look for in terms of functionality, etc.?

That’s a big question 🙂 but one we’re glad you asked. Luckily, it’s one question we have addressed in our hiking boots buying guide. Check out that article for more detailed information on what to consider when buying hiking boots.

Q2. There seem to be so many different types of hiking boots, can I not just buy one pair to cover all my hiking needs?

Good question, and as with most things hiking gear related, it depends. If you are a regular hiker but you only hike over the same forest trails every time, then certainly, given that the weather conditions are not in extremes, it is very much possible to get one all round pair of hiking boots that will cover your needs.

However, if you plan to do a lot of different types of hiking, then you may need more than one pair.

To help illustrate this, I personally currently utilize two pairs of hiking boots and two pairs of trail shoes across the year. I also have a pair of hiking sandals, but I don’t really hike in those much.

I will use my tough leather boots in later Autumn, across Winter into early Spring.

They have a more rigid sole and are also crampon compatible so I can take them for certain hiking trips abroad, say if I will be hiking over a glacier or ice e.g. I am going to the Pyrnees in Spain soon, and need to utilize crampons. These boots are perfect for that.

My other hiking boots, are a lighter more flexible pair, which I tend to use over late Spring across Summer into early Autumn. They’re lighter and are more flexible in the sole, so also nice for scrambling.

For light trail hiking in really good weather, and for casual day to day use, I am a big fan of trail shoes. They are very comfortable and I think they look great with a pair of jeans.

So, the main point being, it really depends on what you need your hiking boots for, what type of hiking you will do, where you will hike, and how often.

All of those things contribute. Most hikers start with lighter trail hiking before ever going on longer hiking adventures where you may need things like crampons.

So getting one all round pair is a great way to get started with your hiking if you are new to it, and you can add as you go. A good all round pair like the Lowa Renegade above are good for this purpose.

Q3. I see some boots have different lacing systems, does that make a lot of difference?

Yes and no. No, in that as long as the lacing system works well, there shouldn’t be any issues regardless of how it works. Yes, in that some people just prefer one type of lacing over another.

What is infinitely more important is ensuring you have a comfortable fit, and tying your laces correctly. If you have those boxes ticked, the lacing set up, shouldn’t make much odds.

Q4. Should I get hiking boots with removable insoles?

Most good hiking boots will allow you to remove the insoles, for airing and so on. I often take them out when drying my boots after cleaning them after a long day on the trail.

You can also get replacement insoles which can add to your comfort if your existing ones wear down over time, which typically they will.

If you’re just starting out hiking and getting a cheaper pair to get started, I wouldn’t get too concerned about this until you get into hiking more.

Q5. Is it better to get leather or synthetic hiking boots?

A lot of hiking boots will use some combination of the two. We are fans of leather hiking boots, but they will usually have a synthetic lining made from Gore tex or the like, so they’re not 100% leather as such.

In my personal experience, purely synthetic hiking boots are usually cheap and cheerful. In the competition between leather and synthetic hiking boots, there is only one winner in my humble opinion, leather all the way.

Synthetic materials do tend to have excellent breathing capabilities though, so if that is something important to you, maybe some further research into a pair of them for you is warranted.

Q6. I bought a pair of really nice leather hiking boots, how do I look after them?

Well, you can start by reading this article on how to clean leather hiking boots. That covers a lot of the main items.

You’re asking the right questions though, as looking after your hiking boots by cleaning them properly, treating the leather, reproofing, etc., will greatly extend their life.

Q7. How long can I expect my new hiking boots to last?

The best way to think of this, is in terms of distance i.e. how many miles you can reasonably expect to get out of a pair.

The type of boots you have, the level of craftsmanship, etc. will also play a significant part in this. We did a post that goes into how long hiking boots should last in more detail.

Although that is a useful guide, it is never an exact science, peoples feet are unique, some folks are heavier, so some will just wear and tear through boots quicker than others.

Q8. The price range for hiking boots, is significant, how much should I spend on a pair of hiking boots?

How long is a piece of string 🙂 Like anything, there are luxury models available, and you can go all out and get a pair of custom made hiking boots, these can run into many hundreds and even thousands of dollars, I kid you not.

However, some people either enjoy and can afford the luxury, while others have no choice as they may have unusual shaped feet and just can’t get comfort in standard pairs from the stores.

While this may sound insane to be that expensive, keep in mind that custom made boots will be very resolable, so you can potentially get decades out of the investment.

For us mere mortals however 🙂 I think it is worth investing as much as you can into good hiking boots, if you plan to hike regularly. Like anything, you tend to get what you pay for.

I hike loads, and I have paid $350 for one of my pairs of hiking boots. Sounds like a lot, but I have had them for three years now, and they will be going on for many more.

There are tips and tricks if you need to buy hiking boots on a budget, but it is worth getting as much comfort as you can.

If you’re just testing the water to see if you will like hiking, you can get away with between $60 to $100 taking advantage of a sale, coupons, etc. But that will only get you going on normal enough terrain, they won’t last forever, so set your expectations accordingly.

Finally, what you need your boots for is of course critical. If you plan to take a trip of a lifetime to scale mountains and traverse glaciers, unfortunately a $100 pair of hiking boots just won’t cut it. So your needs as always play a big role in this.

Q9. Is a ‘gusseted’ tongue necessary?

I would say yes, most decent modern hiking boots have these as standard, and so I think you should try and aim for them if you can.

If you never leave nice and easy trails, it’s not a big deal, but I think it can be handy to have some protection to keep crap out of your boots e.g. little stones, water and dirt if you’re hiking through bog, etc.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this quick look at the best women’s hiking boots of 2023 available on the market today. As you can see, there are a lot of options to choose from.

If you’re in the market for a new pair of hiking boots, you could do a lot worse than choosing one of these options. 

Always remember to know your requirements clearly before buying a new pair of boots. It is very possible to get too much boot or too little boot for your needs and you can be easily disappointed.

I would suggest that it’s usually better to have more boot as opposed to less i.e. better to have tougher and more functional boots than you need, rather than boots that don’t deliver enough.

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