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 2021. 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 3 GTX hiking boots. They’re a great all round pair of boots for the trail!
1. Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX
Pros:
- Comfortable hiking boots with a technical style
- Excellent padding and foot protection
- A nice 3 season boot, perfect for trails and tracks
- Waterproof and breathable capability works well
Cons:
- Watch the sizing as various users reported the boots run big
- Not the best option for very long hikes and off trail hiking
Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX Hiking Boots Features Summary:
- Textile/Nubuck leather construction
- High Traction Contagrip® sole
- GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane for waterproof protection
- Gusseted Tongue for debris protection
- Protective rubber toe cap
- Sensifit system to cradle foot for precise and secure fit
- ContraGrip traction outsole
- PU coated leather
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 sole of the boots also feature a protective heel cap, rubber toe guard and mud guard which all help ensure your feet stay protected from any tough terrain outside.
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 3 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
Pros:
- Top rated hiking boots from many user reviews across multiple retailers
- Waterproof capabilty works well through the nubuck leather and Gore-tex lining combination
- Vibram outsole provides good grip and traction on all types of terrain
- Perfect for most types of hiking all year round
Cons:
- Watch the sizing, some user comments indicated that they can be a narrow fit
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 ONE ONE Sky Kaha
Pros:
- Very comfortable and durable hiking boots
- Excellent user experience reported across the board
- Waterproof Gore-tex booties work well
- Full grain leather construction works well
- Vibram outsole provides excellent grip
- Excellent for year round hiking
Cons:
- May take some time to break in
- Not the best option for hiking in hotter weather
HOKA ONE ONE Sky Kaha Hiking Boots Features Summary:
- GORE-TEX® waterproof bootie keeps your feet comfortable and dry
- Features a full-grain waterproof leather upper for durability and support
- Features an EVA top layer for plush comfort next to the foot
- Bottom layer of rubberized foam offers durable cushioning and a supportive base
- Features a Vibram® Megagrip hi-traction outsole with 5mm lugs
- Includes multidirectional lugs for supreme grip on varied terrain
Best Uses: Hiking, backpacking, day-to-day use.
The HOKA ONE ONE Sky Kaha 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 Sky 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 e.g. black iris / blue sapphire (pictured), frost gray / aqua haze and black / antigua sand.
The Sky Kaha 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 ONE ONE Sky Kaha 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
Pros:
- Good entry level 3 season boots, perfect for trail hiking all year round
- Minimal break-in required, should be good to go out of the box
- Rubber toe rand provides extra toe protection in tough terrain
- Waterproof and breathable capability works well
Cons:
- The main issue we have are the lace eyelets which are not the toughest option for secure lacing
- Some user comments that the traction of the soles isn’t as good as it could be
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.
5. Vasque Breeze LT GTX
Pros:
- Modern look and style, good for casual use as well as the trail
- Lightweight
- Streamlined design both looks and feels good
- Minimal break-in required
Cons:
- Boots material construction may not hold up long term
- Watch fitting – runs small
Vasque Breeze LT GTX Hiking Boots for Women Features Summary:
- Fabric / Material: Abrasion Resistant Mesh
- Waterproof using GORE-TEX® with Extended Comfort Technology
- Anatomical High Rebound Footbed
- Vasque Exclusive Vibram® Ground Control LiteBase with Megagrip Compound Outsole
- Midsole Dual Density Compression Molded Enduralast EVA
- Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz (634 g)
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 GTX are an eye catching pair of boots constructed using waterproof mesh and Gore-tex lining.
The prominence of the mesh in the construction combined with the Gore-tex 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 though, as many people reported that these boots run small. With the right size though, 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
Pros:
- Traditional style works well for casual use as well as hiking
- Good ankle support provides significant stability on the trail
- Definitely good value for money / bang for your buck
- Full grain leather construction is comfortable and functional
Cons:
- Boots can have a tight fit so watch the sizing
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 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.
7. La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX
Pros:
- Elegant mix of traditional and modern styling looks well
- Excellent support provides significant stability and traction on the trail
- Definitely good value for money / bang for your buck
- Lightweight and flexible with good cushioning
Cons:
- Some user reports that the toe box can have a tight fit
La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX Hiking Boots Features Summary:
- Nano-cell technology works in synergy with the innovative GORE-TEX SURROUND membranes, enabling unprecedented breathability from underfoot
- Durable nubuck leather uppers provide protection while nano-cell inserts deliver maximum breathability
- Uppers wrap the midsoles in the medial zone, increasing torsion resistance and working together to provide comfortable, snug-fitting and stable boots
- Vibram® Nano rubber outsoles with Impact Brake System provide traction and grip
Best Uses: Day hiking, general outdoor use, casual use.
The Nucleo High 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 4D 3 GTX
Pros:
- Lightweight boots in relation to their broad capabilities in terms of use
- Waterproof and breathable, overall user experience reports that this capability works well
- Perfect for all types of hiking year round
- Multi purpose in terms of hiking i.e. day hiking, off trail, backpacking, etc.
Cons:
- Possibly too much boot for most light to medium hikers
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Hiking Boots Features Summary:
- Synthetic and Nubuck leather construction
- GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane for waterproof protection
- OrthoLite sockliner for comfort
- Molded EVA midsole for comfort
- Abrasion resistant lining that allows for excellent breathability and quick drying
- Protective mud guard at base
- Non-marking grippy outsole
- Shaft measures approximately 6.5″ from arch
- Heel measures approximately 1″
- Platform measures approximately 0.75″
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 4D 3 GTX 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 the 4D GTX 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 BDry
Pros:
- Bright modern look will look great on the trail or for casual use
- Excellent support and very durable construction
- Soles are functional and strong
- Waterproof capability works very well
Cons:
- Watch sizing for wider feet
- Break-in time typically needed
Oboz Bridger Mid BDry 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 BDry 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 BDry 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 Bridger Bdry 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 White Ledge
Pros:
- Another traditional style pair of boots that work well for casual use as well as hiking
- In terms of price, they’re good value for money
- The boots are comfortable with good cushioning in the foot bed and shaft
Cons:
- Boot construction could offer more ankle support
- Some users reporting that they are a tight fit, so watch the sizing
Timberland White Ledge Hiking Boots Features Summary:
- Ankle-high leather hiking boots with rubber sole; shaft measures approximately 4.5″ from arch
- Removable dual-Density EVA footbed
- Leather padded collar and gusseted Tongue for comfort
- Comfort zoned chassis with tuned support plate
- Stitch and turn tip for added durability
- Seam-sealed guaranteed waterproof B.S.F.P.™
- Moisture-transfer lining and waterproof upper featuring combination D-ring and speed-hook lacing
- Motion efficiency system rubber lug outsole; multi-directional lugs for traction on varied terrain
Best Uses: Day hiking, general outdoor use, casual use.
The Timberland White Ledge 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 maneuver 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
Pros:
- Stylish suede leather construction in these boots is pretty sweet to the eye
- Tough and durable
- Great boots for all types of hiking and backpacking
Cons:
- Could be more breathable
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
Pros:
- Waterproof and breathable
- Oboz proprietary insole molded to match the specific shape and contour of each boot
- Duel-density EVA midsole provides cushioning and stability
- Nylon shank provides added support under foot
- Minimal break-in required
Cons:
- Some users reported that the outsoles were slipping on certain terrain e.g. wet rock
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 2 Mid
Pros:
- Lightweight, flexible and versatile mean they’re excellent light trail hiking boots
- Good entry level boots for someone new to hiking
- Vibram rubber outsoles offer excellent traction and grip
- Very breathable, in terms of their construction, when out on the trail
Cons:
- Not the best option for tougher hiking
- Wouldn’t be suitable for backpacking or long day hikes over tough terrain
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots Features Summary:
- Performance suede leather and mesh upper
- Merrell M Select™ FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed
- Bellows closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
- M Select™ DRY seals out water and lets moisture escape
- Breathable mesh lining
- Rubber sole with 5mm lug depth
- Heel measures approximately 1.5″
- Platform measures approximately 1″
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 2 Mid Waterproof hiking boots are one of their most popular options, a best seller on Amazon 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 sole is Vibram 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. XPETI Thermator Mid
Pros:
- Waterproof mesh upper and Hydroshield Membrane
- Suitable for winter hiking
- Boot construction provides excellent support and comfort
- Very competitive price
Cons:
- Some reports that the outsole traction performs well on level terrain but not in more challenging scenarios e.g. wet steep rocky terrain
Xpeti Thermator Mid Hiking Boots Features Summary:
- Waterproof, non-slip, breathable and lightweight
- Designed to be warm when hiking in colder conditions
- Waterproof mesh upper with a Hydroshield Membrane keeps your feet dry in wet weather
- Thinsulate lining provides insulation up to -30 ℃
- Multifunctional for hiking through rocky areas, wet mud, etc.
- Outsole provides good traction
- Integrated inserted EVA Midsole
- Molded rubber toe cap provides protection for your toes
- Molded TPU at the heel provides protection and support
Best Uses: Day hiking, hiking in cold conditions, day-to-day use.
The Xpeti 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 e.g. in snow. The boots claim to provide protection in cold temperatures for up to -30C, which is very cold!
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 hydroshield 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 2021 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.
If you found this post useful, please share it around your networks 🙂
