If you go hiking every weekend (or even just periodically), you undoubtedly understand what a difference the right pair of hiking boots can make. The best hiking boots are properly fitted and durable enough to protect you from the elements.
To keep yourself protected and prioritize your foot health, you should look out for a wide toe box, and quality, breathable materials that suit a variety of terrain. You should also consider traction, waterproofness, cushion, support, and price when you are shopping for a pair of hiking boots. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these features in mind.
Reviewed & Approved
Our top pick is the Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot since it’s durable, lightweight, and comfortable. The Mountain Warehouse Adventurer Waterproof Hiking Boots are also a great pair if you’re shopping on a budget.
Here are the best hiking boots for women worth considering for your next trek.
Our top pick, the Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Shoe, is a classic hiking boot that promises a comfortable, lightweight feel and impressive durability. The boot is crafted from a combination of leather, suede, and mesh, and since it’s waterproof, you won’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain.
Best Overall
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
Lightweight
Waterproof
Durable—crafted from a combination of leather and suede
Comfortable, cushioned interior
Versatile—features an all-terrain rubber outsole
Some sizes and colors are more expensive than others
The boot’s all-terrain rubber outsole is textured for traction, helping you confidently navigate a range of trails during different times of the year. And since the interior of the boot is lined with ample cushioning, it promises to keep you comfortable on even your longest hikes.
They come in sizes 5 to 12 and have standard and wide widths to accommodate a variety of feet. You can also choose between six different color options to match the shoes to your wardrobe.
Price at time of publication: $75 for Size 8 in Elk/Mountain Red
Size Range: Women’s 5 through 12 | Width Options: Standard and wide | Waterproof: Yes
The Mountain Warehouse Adventurer Hiking Boot is a lightweight, waterproof hiking boot that’s genuinely budget-friendly. The boot’s synthetic upper promises to be durable, but lightweight—offering plenty of protection without sacrificing breathability. And since the shoe’s interior is lined with breathable mesh, you can rest assured knowing you’ll stay cool and comfortable—even when it’s hot out.
Best Budget
Mountain Warehouse Adventurer Waterproof Hiking Boots
Lightweight
Waterproof
Comfortable, cushioned interior
Interior lined with breathable mesh for hot weather
Not available in wide widths
The shoe’s textured rubber sole offers plenty of grip, and its waterproof design will give you the confidence to tackle trails, even on rainy days. To top things off, the shoe’s footbed is cushioned for comfort—with added padding designed specifically to support your toes and arches.
Price at time of publication: $45 for Size 6 in Grey
Size Range: Women’s 6 through 10.5 | Width Options: Standard | Waterproof: Yes
The KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Hiking Shoe isn’t just waterproof—it’s also designed to withstand mud. This makes the shoe a great pick for dealing with rain and handling the terrain you’ll find yourself in the moment the rain stops.
Best Waterproof
KEEN Women’s Targhee III Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Lightweight—crafted from breathable textile
Waterproof
Durable—features mud shields
Comfortable—features dual-density EVA foam cushioning
Versatile—features an all-terrain rubber outsole
Not available in wide widths
Low-cut design may not be for everyone
The bulk of the shoe is crafted from a breathable, waterproof textile. And the shoe comes equipped with mud shields, designed to further protect your feet (and to help your hiking shoes last as long as possible). The shoe’s all-terrain rubber outsole promises plenty of traction. And its dual-density EVA foam promises to cushion your stride every time you take a step.
Price at time of publication: $165 for Size 8.5 in Bleacher/Duck Green
Size Range: Women’s 5 through 11 | Width Options: Standard | Waterproof: Yes
The Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe is a classic low-cut hiking shoe that’s designed for durability and cushioned for comfort. The shoe’s suede upper promises to protect your feet, while ample mesh panels keep them cool and comfortable. And since the shoe is waterproof, you can rest assured knowing your feet will stay dry—even on rainy days.
Best Cushioned
Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Waterproof
Comfortable—cushioned heel
Versatile—designed for rain or shine
Contoured footbed is designed to support your heels and arches
Low-cut design may not be for everyone
What really sets the shoe apart, though, is all the comfortable features it boasts. The shoe’s EVA foam footbed is contoured to support your arches and your heels. Its heel comes equipped with Merrell Air Cushioning, which promises to absorb shock and keep you stable. And its bellowed tongue promises a snug fit that will help you keep debris out.
Price at time of publication: $135 for Size 5 in Drizzle/Mint
The Salomon OUTline GTX Hiking Shoe boasts the feel of a running shoe—combined with the durability of a hiking shoe. This makes the shoe a particularly great pick for beginners, who may find traditional hiking shoes heavy or bulky.
Best for Beginners
Salomon OUTline GTX Hiking Shoes
- Lightweight—feels like a running shoe, but with added support
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Comfortable—features protective toe caps
- Versatile—features a textured outsole for varied terrain
The lightweight hiking shoe is waterproof, so it promises to keep your feet dry—no matter what the weather is doing. And its shock-absorbing footbed will keep your feet feeling supported. The shoe comes equipped with protective toe caps, which will help you comfortably navigate a range of terrain. And its textured outsole will give you all the grip you need to confidently tackle trails.
Price at time of publication: $130 for Size US 6/UK 4.5 in Apple Butter/Black/Brick Dust
Size Range: Women’s 5 through 12 | Width Options: Standard | Waterproof: Yes
The Oboz Sawtooth II BDry Hiking Shoe is a durable hiking shoe that’s ventilated to keep you comfortable on long, hot treks. The shoe boasts a durable leather upper, which is lined with breathable, moisture-wicking mesh panels to keep your feet cool and comfortable as you hike.
Best Ventilated
Oboz Sawtooth II BDry Hiking Shoes
- Highly Breathable—leather upper is lined with moisture-wicking mesh panels
- Waterproof
- Durable—features toe caps, heel counters, and high-friction outsoles
What’s nice? Despite its breathability, the shoe still manages to be waterproof. And it boasts a number of durable, protective features—like toe caps, heel counters, and high-friction outsoles—that you might expect to find in a heavier, bulkier shoe.
Size Range: Women’s 6 through 11 | Width Options: Standard and wide | Waterproof: Yes
The XPETI Thermator Waterproof Hiking Boot is a sturdy hiking boot designed with cold weather in mind. The shoe is crafted from waterproof mesh and finished with a waterproof Hydroshield Membrane that promises to keep your feet dry, even on snowy days.
Best Insulated
XPETI Women’s Thermator Mid High-Top Waterproof Hiking Outdoor Boot
- Waterproof
- Durable—features a rubber outsole for added grip
- Comfortable—features an EVA foam midsole
- Insulated—should keep your feet warm at temperatures as low as 13 degrees
Even better: The interior of the shoe is insulated to keep your feet warm at temperatures as low as 13 degrees. The shoe’s rubber outsole offers plenty of grip, and its molded heel and toe caps promise to keep your feet supported and protected.
Since the shoe boasts an EVA foam midsole, you can rest assured knowing you’ll be pretty comfortable on your cold-weather treks.
Price at time of publication: $66 for Size 7 in Coffee
Size Range: Women’s 6 through 11 | Width Options: Standard | Waterproof: No
The La Sportiva TX Guide Approach Shoe is a lightweight hiking shoe fit for trail runners and rock climbers, alike. The shoe’s low-cut design offers the lightweight feel of a running shoe, which will help you nimbly navigate hikes and climbs. And its complex lacing system will help you get a snug, secure fit that feels just right.
Best for Rock Climbing
La Sportiva TX Guide Rock Climbing Shoes
- Lightweight
- Durable—features protective heel counters and toe caps
- Good for climbing—features a complex lacing system for a secure fit
Like many hiking shoes, the La Sportiva TX Guide Approach Shoe comes equipped with protective heel counters and toe caps. But what sets it apart is its dual-compound outsole. The front of the outsole is crafted from Vibram Megagrip rubber—a grippy material that’s great for climbing. And the back is made of Vibram Idrogrip rubber—a more durable material designed for “braking” or holding yourself in place.
Price at time of publication: $291 for Size 5.5-6 in Moon/Marigold
Size Range: Women’s 6 through 11 | Width Options: Standard | Waterproof: Yes
The Hi-Tec Skamania Waterproof is a solid hiking shoe that’s great for those with wide feet. Crafted from a blend of high-performance mesh and breathable suede, the shoe promises to hold up in a variety of circumstances. Its padded collar promises a snug, comfortable fit, and its grippy rubber outsole promises plenty of traction.
Best for Wide Feet
Hi-Tec Skamania Waterproof Shoe
Lightweight
Waterproof
Comfortable—features a wide, roomy toe box
Versatile—features a grippy rubber outsole for varied terrain
Wide toe box may be too roomy for those with narrow feet
The shoe’s availability in wide widths makes it a great pick for those with wide feet—and its wide, roomy toe box makes it an even better one. While the shoe’s midsole is lined with plush EVA foam, it also comes equipped with a molded insole that you can leave in for added padding—or remove to give your feet a little more room.
Price at time of publication: $60 for Size 8 in Chrwi Charcoal/Wine
Size Range: Women’s 5 through 11 | Width Range: Standard and wide | Waterproof: Yes
It can be hard to find hiking boots in narrow widths. But since Teva shoes tend to run narrow, their hiking boots may be an excellent pick for those with narrow feet. Of course, this isn’t the only thing the Teva Sugarpine Hiking Boot has to offer. The boot is crafted from durable suede and breathable mesh—a combination that promises to keep your feet both protected and comfortable.
Best for Narrow Feet
Teva Sugarpine Hiking Boot
Lightweight—made of durable suede and breathable mesh
Waterproof
Comfortable—features a padded interior
Versatile—features a grippy rubber outsole for varied terrain
May be too narrow for those with wide feet
Since the shoe is waterproof, you can wear it on a rainy day. And its sleek design will help you shed mud as you do. Its padded interior will keep your feet cushioned and comfortable. And its grippy rubber outsoles will help you nimbly navigate a range of terrain.
Size Range: Women’s 5 through 11 | Width Range: Standard | Waterproof: Yes
What to Look for in a Hiking Boot for Women
Size Range
A great shoe is useless if it doesn’t fit. So while this one pretty much goes without saying, make sure the shoe comes in your size before buying it. (And remember to check the reviews to see if a shoe tends to run large or small!)
Final Verdict
Width Range
The size of your feet is one key consideration, but the width of your feet is another. If you have wide feet, look for hiking shoes that come in wide widths. The benefits of wide toe boxes include prevention of any rubbing against toes or bunions, as well as additional room for orthotics and insoles. And if you have narrow feet, look for hiking shoes that tend to run narrow. (While many hiking shoes are available in wide widths, it’s harder to find hiking shoes available in narrow widths).
Water Resistance
If you go hiking infrequently, you may not think it’s necessary to spring for a pair of waterproof boots. But the truth is, it’s ridiculously easy to find hiking boots that are waterproof—and you can find them at just about any price point. So if there’s any possibility that you’ll be hiking near water or mud, it’s worth it to purchase a pair with this feature.
Why Trust Verywell Fit?
As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it OK to wear running shoes for hiking?
- Yes, you can wear running shoes while hiking—especially if your shoes were specifically designed for trail running. That said, running shoes don’t offer many of the features found in hiking boots. Running shoes may be lightweight, protective, and comfortable. But many of them are not waterproof, and very few boast the heavy, grippy soles that hiking boots have. So if you have no other option, you can probably get away with wearing your go-to sneakers. But you’d usually be better off in a pair of hiking boots.
- How should hiking boots fit?
- Your hiking boots should feel snug and secure, but not tight. If your shoes are too loose, they might blister your feet or let debris in. And if they’re too tight, they might leave you uncomfortable for hours on end. A good rule of thumb: Try your boots on with the socks you plan to wear while hiking —and at the end of the day or after exercise. Your feet may swell after hours of hiking, and you want your shoes to fit right at both the start and the end of your hike.
Yes, you can wear running shoes while hiking—especially if your shoes were specifically designed for trail running. That said, running shoes don’t offer many of the features found in hiking boots. Running shoes may be lightweight, protective, and comfortable. But many of them are not waterproof, and very few boast the heavy, grippy soles that hiking boots have. So if you have no other option, you can probably get away with wearing your go-to sneakers. But you’d usually be better off in a pair of hiking boots.
Your hiking boots should feel snug and secure, but not tight. If your shoes are too loose, they might blister your feet or let debris in. And if they’re too tight, they might leave you uncomfortable for hours on end. A good rule of thumb: Try your boots on with the socks you plan to wear while hiking —and at the end of the day or after exercise. Your feet may swell after hours of hiking, and you want your shoes to fit right at both the start and the end of your hike.
