We’ve selected the 10 best women’s hiking boots for your reference.
Every avid hiker knows that hiking boots are the most important piece of gear when it comes to hiking. Good hiking boots can make your journey to the mountaintop easier and more comfortable, without compromising safety. Therefore, when selecting hiking boots, you need to consider their quality, durability, and practicality. This article will provide you with a reliable and trustworthy purchasing guide for women’s hiking boots by conducting reviews.
To ensure the accuracy of the reviews, we selected a range of women’s hiking boots and conducted multiple tests. First, we tested the durability, breathability, and waterproofing of the shoe upper to determine the boots’ durability and quality. Next, we evaluated the feel of the boots to determine if they could provide sufficient support and grip. In addition, we tested the weight of the boots to determine if they were lightweight enough and wouldn’t cause fatigue during hiking. Finally, we conducted several field tests to ensure that different types of women’s hiking boots could meet various needs.
We also provided reviews for trail running shoes, which are popular among lightweight hikers and suitable for some day hikes. If you enjoy our articles, please subscribe to us to stay up-to-date on the latest reviews and information!
2023 Best Women’s Hiking Boots List
| Serial number | Name | Price | Weight (pair) | Upper height | Waterproof | Size recommendation |
| 1 | Salomon Quest 4 GTX | $230 | 2 lbs. 6.4 oz. | High | Yes | Fitted feet |
| 2 | Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP | $145 | 2 pounds | Moderate | No | Fitted, fits wide feet, and has a widening option. |
| 3 | Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX | $175 | 1 lb. 11.2 oz. | Moderate | No | Large, it is recommended to choose a small 1/2 size |
| 4 | Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid | $110 | 1.60 lbs. | High | Splash-proof | Fit, suitable for wide feet |
| 5 | Lowa Renegade GTX | $255 | 2 lbs. 2oz. | High | Yes | Fitted foot, available in narrow and wide sizes |
| 6 | Hoka Kaha 2 GTX | $227 | 2.2 lbs | Moderate | Yes | Fit, suitable for wide feet |
| 7 | Vasque Breeze | $160 | 2 lbs. 2 oz. | High | Yes | Fit, suitable for narrow feet |
| 8 | Teva Grandview GTX Mid | $175 | 1.86 lbs. | Low | Yes | Fitted feet |
| 9 | KEEN Targhee III WP | $175 | 1 lb. 12.4 oz. | Moderate | No | Fitted feet |
| 10 | Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Hiking Boots | $190 | 1 lb. 8 oz. | High | Splash-proof | Fit, suitable for wide feet |
1. Salomon Quest 4 GTX ($230)
- Weight (pair): 2 lbs. 6.4 oz.
- Size: Fit
- Vamp height: high
- Waterproof: Yes
- What we like about it: Excellent ankle support, stability, and durability.
- What we don’t like about it: The heavier weight.
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a women’s heavy-duty hiking boot that offers both comfort and durability, providing optimal support even on steep and slippery terrain. Its comfortable and durable outsole provides excellent grip and flexibility, allowing you to maintain balance on slopes without risking injury. In addition, it is equipped with Gore-Tex waterproofing technology, which prevents moisture from entering the shoe, ensuring that your feet stay dry even in damp conditions. This is crucial for hikers.
Despite its many advantages, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX has one drawback – its heavy weight. Walking for long periods can cause leg fatigue, which affects the comfort of your journey. To solve this problem, you can consider adding a thick pair of socks to reduce the weight of the shoe and alleviate pressure on your legs. Overall, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is an excellent women’s heavy-duty hiking boot that provides excellent grip and flexibility, helping you maintain balance on steep terrain. Its Gore-Tex waterproofing technology also ensures that your feet stay dry.
2. Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP ($145)
- Weight (pair): 2 lbs
- Size: Fitted, fits wide feet, and has a widening option.
- Vamp height: medium
- Waterproof: No
- What we like about it: Comfortable and breathable with high traction.
- What we don’t like about it: No waterproof performance
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP is an excellent women’s heavy-duty hiking boot that can meet the demands of various hiking scenarios. It is made of water-resistant buffalo leather, which offers good durability and water resistance. The boot’s design provides added support and stability, making it comfortable to wear during hikes. In addition, it is equipped with a comfortable EVA midsole, which is ideal for long-distance hiking. The boot also features a Vibram outsole, which provides effective traction, making it more stable during uphill and downhill climbs and ascents.
However, it also has a disadvantage in that it is not waterproof. Yes, water can enter the shoe on rainy days or during hikes, which can affect the comfort of wearing them. To solve this problem, it is recommended to apply a layer of waterproofing shoe wax to the boots before hiking. Overall, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP is an excellent women’s heavy-duty hiking boot. Its design provides good support and stability, and its durability and water resistance are high. It also features a comfortable EVA midsole and Vibram outsole, which provide effective traction and are suitable for various hiking scenarios.
3. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX ($175)
- Weight (pair): 1 lb. 11.2 oz.
- Size: large, it is recommended to choose a small 1/2 size
- Vamp height: medium
- Waterproof: No
- What we like about it: No break-in comfort wear, one-touch adjustable lacing system.
- What we don’t like about it: The heavier weight.
First of all, it uses advanced GORE-TEX® technology to effectively block moisture and pollution, keeping your feet warm and dry. It is equipped with a non-slip and wear-resistant sole that effectively reduces the possibility of slipping, making it safer for you to walk on slippery surfaces. Its sole also has excellent shock absorption performance, which can effectively reduce friction, thus reducing foot fatigue. It also features Salomon’s famous Quicklace™ system, which allows you to adjust almost at the touch of a button, making it easy to finish lacing up your shoes for added convenience and speed.
However, one of the drawbacks of the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is that it is too heavy, which may negatively impact your walking experience. The solution is to consider opting for some lightweight hiking boots such as the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. it weighs significantly less than the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, making it easier for you to complete your hike, but still providing plenty of comfort and protection. All in all, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is an excellent heavy-duty hiking boot with many great benefits for a wide variety of terrain.
4. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid ($110)
- Weight (pair): 1.60 lbs
- Size: Fit, suitable for wide feet.
- Vamp height: high
- Waterproof: splash-proof
- What we like about it: The widened footbed is designed for comfort and the lug outsole provides extra traction.
- What we don’t like about it: The water resistance is average and does not protect against heavy rain.
The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid benefits from premium comfort that blocks alpine winds and provides multiple layers of protection that can prevent injuries and slips and falls. It also has an unusually wide foot design that effectively protects the foot and improves walking stability and comfort. In addition, it has a non-slip outsole that effectively resists sliding on slopes and muddy roads. It is suitable for hiking in mountains, forests, and deserts.
The downside of the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is that it is not waterproof; it does not completely block out water and climbers can feel uncomfortable. To solve this problem, it is recommended that climbers spray their feet with a layer of waterproofing spray before putting on the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid to improve waterproofing performance. We conclude that the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is a heavy-duty hiking boot designed for women. It is designed to be high quality and comfortable, can effectively block alpine winds, which can effectively prevent injuries and slips, and is suitable for mountain, forest, and desert hiking.
5. Lowa Renegade GTX ($255)
- Weight (pair): 2 lbs. 2oz.
- Size: Fitted, available in narrow and wide sizes.
- Vamp height: high
- Waterproof: Yes
- What we like about it: Very supportive, very durable upper.
- What we don’t like about it: The sole stiffness needs to be improved to prevent puncture hazards.
First of all, these boots are made with GORE-TEX technology, which ensures waterproofness and breathability and can help keep your feet dry in wet conditions without feeling damp and hot. In addition, the shoes are made with high-strength stitching and highly elastic materials that provide excellent support and comfort so that you can stay active during long hikes. In addition, because of its snug foot design, it can effectively prevent foot slippage as well as provide better stability, which is very important for hiking.
However, the Lowa Renegade GTX also has a downside in that the sole is not stiff enough to handle tougher terrain, which can affect handling and durability. To solve this problem, a steel plate can be installed on the sole to increase the stiffness of the shoe, making it better able to handle tougher terrain and extend its life. All in all, the Lowa Renegade GTX is a great performance women’s heavy-duty hiking boot. It can effectively help you keep your feet comfortable and safe in different terrain conditions.
6. Hoka Kaha 2 GTX ($227)
- Weight (pair): 2.2 lbs
- Size: Fit, suitable for wide feet.
- Vamp height: medium
- Waterproof: Yes
- What we like about it: Comfortable midsole material, and excellent traction.
- What we don’t like about it: Poor breathability and thicker lining.
The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is a heavy-duty hiking boot designed for women that offers impressive comfort and abrasion resistance. For starters, it features a tear-resistant shell on the upper with a water-resistant membrane to keep feet from soaking in water. In addition, this boot is highly malleable, providing good support to better support the ankle and effectively reduce ankle fatigue. Its outsole is slip-resistant and can be walked in a variety of terrains, such as muddy mountain trails, rocky paths, beaches, and snow, making hiking and climbing trips safer.
However, the downside of the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is that it has a thick liner that can make it appear bulky and interfere with the pace of hikers. To solve this problem, the liner can be coated with reflective spray paint to reduce its thickness and increase the wearer’s comfort. We conclude that the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is a quality women’s heavy-duty hiking and mountaineering boot with good abrasion resistance and water resistance for walking on a wide range of terrain.
7. Vasque Breeze ($160)
- Weight (pair): 2 lbs. 2 oz.
- Size: Fitted, suitable for narrower feet.
- Vamp height: high
- Waterproof: Yes
- What we like about it: Economical and durable, supportive and breathable.
- What we don’t like about it: The heel area has a shorter vamp, making it easy to get into the gravel while walking.
The Vasque Breeze women’s heavy-duty hiking boots have excellent abrasion resistance. It has a shell made of high-quality leather that can withstand many harsh weather conditions and a water-resistant outer shell that keeps water out. Its sole also has excellent grip and can give climbers a great sense of support on a variety of terrains. Secondly, the Vasque Breeze women’s heavy-duty hiking boots have a very comfortable lining that can effectively relieve foot pain. There is also excellent breathability, which allows hikers to keep their feet comfortably dry and effectively prevent foot odor.
However, the Vasque Breeze women’s heavy-duty hiking boots also have certain disadvantages in that it has a relatively low heel section. This can cause a lot of trouble for hikers in certain harsh environments. To solve this problem, we can add a layer of protective padding at the heel, which can effectively reduce the possibility of injury and also increase the protection of the shoe. In conclusion, the Vasque Breeze Women’s Heavy Duty Hiking and Mountaineering Boot is a cost-effective and highly applicable mountain boot. It can perform well on a variety of terrains, but also gives hikers a comfortable feeling, effectively preventing foot pain and foot odor, and providing a great experience for hikers.
8. Teva Grandview GTX Mid ($175)
- Weight (pair): 1.86 lbs
- Size: Fit
- Vamp height: low
- Waterproof: Yes
- What we like about it: Lightweight and stylish, with ankle protection through an advanced heel lock.
- What we don’t like about it: The ankle support is not as good as the high-top shoes.
The Teva Grandview GTX Mid is a shoe designed specifically for women’s heavy-duty hiking. It is made of water-resistant suede leather and mesh fabric, ensuring durability and breathability for the feet. The shoe’s interior features Teva technology, which effectively protects the feet from wear and tear. Its outsole is made of Vibram ultra-wear-resistant rubber, which provides an effective grip and ensures safety. The Teva Grandview GTX Mid is suitable for wearing in wet and slippery terrain, providing enough grip to ensure stability when traversing mountains. Additionally, the shoe is equipped with an adjustable lacing system, which effectively secures your feet and prevents them from slipping out of the shoe.
Unfortunately, the Teva Grandview GTX Mid’s drawback is the lack of ankle support. As a heavy-duty hiking boot, ankle support is particularly important during long hikes. To address this issue, it is recommended to take breaks during hikes and ensure that the items you carry are as lightweight as possible. You can also consider purchasing the high-top version of this product or investing in ankle protection for yourself. In summary, the Teva Grandview GTX Mid is a shoe that is highly suitable for women’s hiking needs. It has a good grip and ensures your safety during your hike.
9. KEEN Targhee III WP ($175)
- Weight (pair): 1 lb. 12.4 oz.
- Size: Fit
- Vamp height: medium
- Waterproof: No
- What we like about it: Excellent traction, good value for money.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s not as durable as other brands of boots.
First of all, its upper is made of superior quality waterproof cowhide material with a semi-coated surface. It also uses the brand’s unique Happy Waterproof technology, which effectively blocks moisture and keeps the foot feeling completely dry. It is also resistant to sun and rain and can withstand all kinds of bad weather, so you can wear it with confidence to hike and climb on different terrains. Secondly, its inner shoe is made of soft cotton padding, which can effectively absorb the impact during walking and greatly reduce foot fatigue so that you can enjoy long-distance walking more comfortably. In addition, its sole is specially designed with a unique contour, with a multi-point anti-slip pattern with excellent grip, which can give a good grip. In short, it can maintain excellent stability at all times, allowing you to be at ease on the mountain trails.
However, the stitching in the upper part of this shoe is easily pulled apart, and water seepage can occur in serious cases. To solve this problem, you can send the shoe to a professional repair store in time after purchase, and have the stitching re-stitched by professionals to ensure that it is waterproof. In short, its comfort, durability, and slip resistance are very good, and it allows you to travel with confidence when hiking and walk more safely and comfortably.
10. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Hiking Boots ($190)
- Weight (pair): 1 lb. 8 oz.
- Size: fit, suitable for wide feet
- Vamp height: high
- Waterproof: splash-proof
- What we like about it: Super light, very forgiving width, no break-in required.
- What we don’t like about it: The waterproof membrane may not be very durable.
First of all, the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Hiking Boots are perfect for use on different terrains. Its outsole is made of MaxTrac rubber technology, which provides excellent grip and can effectively prevent sliding. It is suitable for walking on rocky, muddy, and sandy surfaces, making hiking and climbing safer. In addition, the shoe has good resistance to sliding and water resistance to resist moisture and rain, making it perfect for slippery terrain and making hiking and climbing easier and more convenient. In addition, the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Hiking Boots feature a polyurethane foam insole that better absorbs impact, making walking more comfortable and relieving foot fatigue.
However, there are drawbacks to the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Hiking Boots. The thinner midsole may not be for those who are looking for ultimate comfort. If you want more comfortable support and footing while walking, check out the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX above. Overall, the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Hiking Boots is an excellent pair of hiking and climbing shoes. It can better handle different terrains and make women’s hiking and climbing safer and more comfortable.
How to choose the best women’s hiking boots for your needs?
- What type of shoes should I choose for hiking?
- Hiking boots
- Hiking shoes
- Trail running shoes
- What are the key points to consider when choosing a pair of hiking boots?
- Size
- Break-in period
- Traction
- Waterproofing
- Durability
- Socks
- Insoles
Why should you trust us?
You don’t necessarily need to use mountaineering boots for hiking. The choice of footwear depends on the hiking environment and the length of the planned trip. For this reason, major brands offer three types of shoes for outdoor use: heavy-duty hiking boots, hiking shoes, and trail running shoes.
Heavy-duty hiking boots:
Advantages:
- Heavy-duty hiking boots have high waterproof and protective properties, which provide sufficient support and protection.
- The uppers are often more durable and can withstand harsh environments. Some toe caps are equipped with collision protection.
- They typically feature high-top designs, which can secure the ankles and prevent injury.
- They have strong midsole support.
Disadvantages:
- Heavy-duty hiking boots are heavy and can be cumbersome on long hikes.
- The thick protective leather reduces their breathability.
- The high-top design can reduce the flexibility of your feet and is not suitable for quick movements.
- They can be more complicated to put on and take off.
Hiking Shoes
Advantages:
- Hiking shoes offer moderate comfort and can better cushion the impact on the feet when walking.
- They are lighter than heavy-duty boots, making short 1-2 day hikes more comfortable.
- They come in mid-cut and low-cut designs that provide ankle support while ensuring flexibility.
- The midsole often provides some soft cushioning while offering support.
- The shoe upper is usually waterproof or water-resistant, preventing the feet from getting damp while remaining breathable.
Disadvantages:
- The waterproofing of hiking shoes is generally average, and the mid-cut design may allow rainwater to enter through the shoe opening.
- They are relatively heavy compared to trail running shoes and not suitable for quick movements.
- The ankle support is relatively weak and heavy loads can lead to ankle injuries.
- The shoe upper is often not durable and lacks a protective toe cap.
Trail Running Shoes
Advantages:
- Trail running shoes are often very lightweight and allow for quick movements.
- They offer excellent breathability, with large areas of mesh material in the shoe upper.
- The low-cut design provides greater flexibility and allows for quick changes of direction.
- They have the best cushioning in the midsole, providing a very soft and comfortable foot feel.
- They are often easy to put on and take off.
Disadvantages:
- They are often not waterproof and cannot be used in heavy rain.
- They offer little to no ankle support, and heavy loads can cause ankle injuries.
- The shoe upper is relatively soft and prone to damage.
What are the key points to consider when choosing hiking shoes?
Size
When buying hiking shoes, the most important thing is to choose the right size. Some people may want to buy a size larger for more comfortable toe space, but this can cause your foot to slide, affecting your walking efficiency. Therefore, when buying hiking shoes, be sure to wear comfortable socks and try them on in the store to ensure the correct size.
Break-in period
The break-in period for hiking shoes is important because the shoes need to adapt to the shape of your feet and the distribution of your foot strength. Generally, new shoes need to be worn for at least a week to break them in, but the break-in period may vary depending on the brand and style. Therefore, it is recommended to try on the shoes at home before buying them to ensure their comfort.
Traction
Traction is crucial when hiking because it determines your walking efficiency. The outsole of hiking shoes is generally made of rubber or TPU, which has good elasticity and wear resistance, and can provide sufficient traction.
Waterproof
When hiking, you will encounter different weather conditions, so you need to buy a pair of waterproof hiking shoes to prevent your feet from getting wet. Generally, the upper of waterproof shoes are made of GORE-TEX material or other synthetic materials, which can resist the invasion of external moisture.
Durability
Hiking involves different types of terrain, so you need to choose a pair of durable shoes to resist different ground conditions. Durable materials are generally made of rubber or other synthetic materials, which can provide sufficient wear resistance.
Socks
When buying hiking shoes, you also need to consider the issue of socks. Generally, the thickness of socks should be thicker than that required for regular athletic shoes to better protect your feet and reduce discomfort caused by friction with the shoes. If you have a pair of hiking socks, we recommend that you wear them when trying on shoes to get the most comfortable wearing experience.
Insoles
When buying hiking shoes, you can also consider buying some insoles to improve comfort. The thickness of insoles is generally thicker than that required for regular athletic shoes to better cushion the impact on the soles of your feet.
Why should you trust us?
Because we have rich industry experience, we can accurately identify the pros and cons of women’s hiking boots. Combining the feedback and experience accumulated over the years, we can provide the most authoritative hiking shoe test reports. Our tests are conducted in some of the world’s most rugged and iconic mountain ranges, including high mountain ranges, the Karakoram Mountains, volcanoes and deserts in southern Peru, and surrounding desert countries.
In addition, our staff also regularly participate in various industry conferences and lectures to update their knowledge and better serve customers. It can be certain that as long as you have our advice, you can choose the most suitable women’s hiking boots with confidence.
Summary
In this list, you can see the best heavy-duty hiking boots currently on the market, which can adapt to 5 days or even longer hiking journeys. You only need to choose according to your foot type, the type of hiking route you need to complete, and your preferences. It can make your entire hiking journey more comfortable and safe, without the need to worry about ankle sprains or blisters. Therefore, we have found the top 10 best women’s hiking boots for 2023, regardless of price range or other aspects you need.
If you still want more reviews on hiking and camping products, such as our 2023 Best Hiking Tent, which allows you to stuff a lightweight tent into your backpack for a more comfortable whole trip.
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