We understand that it might be hard to choose cute women’s boots in a market where you can buy almost anything. Therefore, we prepared our list of the 15 best cute women’s hiking boots on the market to help you choose your perfect pair.  From Lightweight hiking shoes to waterproof hiking boots, because we know how hard it is to decide (and you can’t buy all either).

Durable hiking boots can take you from day hikes in the wilderness or for thru-hikers, extended backpacking trips for the entire Appalachian Trail. However, the wrong hiking boots can only promise blisters. Even more, a new pair requires that you know how to break in hiking boots, far in advance before heading into the wild. 

If you’re a female hiker, backpacker, or trekker, then enjoy some eye candy as you go through this list and check out all our best hiking boots recommendations. Yes, we have something for everyone, from trail runners, and waterproof boots, to lovers of leather boots.

Also, with years of experience carrying our backpacks, we are here to tell you how and help find the best hiking footwear.

Jump ahead to our Buying Advice to learn more on how to choose the next best hiking boots for you.

Rugged women's hiking boots on rocky trail
Exploring new heights with top-rated women’s hiking boots

Staff Favorites and Quick Recommendations



Cute Hiking Boots

Best Hiking Boots for Women:

Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 MID GTX W

Salomon X Ultra 3 MID Gore-TEX Hiking Boots for...
  • Amazon price:
  • Best for: Hiking, backpacking, and trekking
  • Membrane: Gore-Tex
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Upper: Synthetic
  • Midsole: Energycell
  • Outsole: Contragrip rubber
  • Support: Foothold
  • Waterproof: No

Pros:

  • Lightweight 
  • High quality that lasts 
  • Not slipping 
  • Made for descents

Cons: 

  •  Not fully waterproof, just water-repellant

Salomon has been in the outdoor industry for sixty years now, and for all this time, they have really made a name for themselves. You can see the Salmon hiking boots on any trail around the globe, and that shows how popular they are. 

Sadly, the quality of their shoes has been diminishing in the last few years, and we see it too. When walking through dewy grass in your Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX boots, we have to be honest; they really do become wet. Imagine how it would be if you were to step in a puddle. 

This didn’t stop us from naming these boots the best lightweight hiking boots for women due to their weight, quality, and soles. While these are heavy aren’t hiking boots, they can surely handle rugged terrain.

Even though these mid-height boots, they offer ankle support right out of the box.

Therefore, if you’re searching for the best boots for day hikes, summer hikes, or thru hikes, the Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 MID GTX W flexible hiking boot might be great for you.


Lightest Women’s Hiking Boots:

Salomon Vaya Mid GTX

Salomon VAYA MID Gore-TEX Hiking Boots for Women,...
  • Amazon price:
  • Best for: Hiking and trail running
  • Membrane: Gore Tex
  • Weight: 1.7 lbs
  • Upper: SensiFlex
  • Midsole: Energycell
  • Outsole: Contragrip rubber
  • Support: Soft collars
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Multipurpose
  • Cool design
  • Requires no breaking-in
  • Comfortable and cushioning

Cons: 

  • Sizing is small

The Salomon hit another home run when they designed these fantastic boots. With Gore-tex and Contragrip soles, they are prepared for probably any kind of rocky terrain. Also, you can use them for hiking, camping, backpacking, trail running, trekking, thru-hiking, and even water sports. 

It’s no surprise that both of our best cute women’s hiking boots and runner-up come from the same manufacturer. Salomon really makes everything work with their boots and shoes. Sadly, their quality has been in decline in the last few years, so a boot won’t last as long as it once would. 

But that doesn’t prevent them from being on the top of their game. We recommend these boots because they are water-resistant but still breathable, usable in any outdoor situation, and support the foot. 

Aside from the small sizing, which is a standard issue with Salomon, there are no more significant cons for this mid boot. All in all, we would definitely recommend purchasing the Salomon Vaya Mid GTX. Just make sure you order a size up. 


Best Wet Weather Hiking Boots

Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX

VIOZ Lux GTX RR Backpacking Boot - Women's, Waxed...
  • Amazon price: $330.62
  • Best for: Hiking
  • Membrane: Gore tex
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs
  • Upper: Leather
  • Midsole: Polyurethane
  • Outsole: Vibram 3D rubber
  • Support: Over the ankle, Polypropylene shank
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Comfortable with ankle fixator and toe box
  • Leather boots for maximum waterproofness
  • Cute!
  • Vibram soles can be replaced make these boots “lifers”
  • 2 sets of laces, one round and one flat

Cons: 

  • Sizes run on the bigger side
  • Stiff, hard heel brake. Requires extensive break in period
  • Heavy

Zamberlan boots are made to handle all sorts of tough terrain. Furthermore, they’re perfect for hiking off-trail, crossing rivers, and dealing with mud, snow, and ice. Also, the boots come with spikes that provide extra traction on loose shale. They’re also super comfortable, even right out of the box. Once they’ve been broken in, they fit like gloves, hugging your feet for a snug and comfortable fit.

Breathability and Waterproof

These Zamberlan Boots are truly waterproof and breathable. Though, I never had any issues with my feet getting too hot, even on summer backpacking trips. Even more, the Vibram sole and boot shape provide a “rocking” motion to your step, which is great for carrying a heavy backpack. As a result, these are heavy hiking boots, weighing in at 3 lbs 7.5 oz.

Although the price of these hiking shoes made us do a double take on the price, we got over the shock since the Zamberlan boots are the definition of “you really get what you pay for”. To illustrate: they’re handmade in Italy, and use quality materials like breathable Gore-tex waterproof lining, rubber outsole, and full grain leather upper, and, it justifies the high cost.

When purchasing, just make sure you are buying the right size, don’t scale up since the sizes are already altered. 

These boots are definitely worth it, so why don’t you try our choice for the best leather cute women’s hiking boots out?


Largest Range of Sizing Options:

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots

Lowa Women's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot,Stone,8...
  • Amazon price: $249.95
  • Best for: Hiking and trekking
  • Membrane: Gore tex
  • Weight: 2.2 lbs
  • Upper: Nubuck
  • Midsole: Polyurethane
  • Outsole: Vibram rubber
  • Support: Shank
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros:

  • Lightweight 
  • Waterproof nubuck leather
  • True to size with narrow, wide, and classic sizes

Cons: 

  • Last two seasons
  • Stiff

As a winner of many prizes, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots won our hearts over too. Why is that? We love the new sizing method Lowa put on the market, a boot that fits any type of foot. 

You can now buy narrow fit, wide version, or classic versions of Lowa boots in the size you need. The future is now! No need to sacrifice comfort and style, since you can get cute women’s hiking boots with this pair.

These Lowa hiking boots offer what most of us are looking for. Undoubtedly, they are waterproof, light, and comfortable. However, we didn’t like that the boot is a bit stiff, but we understand some people are looking for that.

But a deal-breaker for us was the fact that they are not so high quality.

Basically, after only two seasons out on the trail, our pair started to unstitch and slowly fall apart.

However, if you are looking for a waterproof boot that perfectly fits your feet but don’t intend to cover much mileage with them, we would endorse this lightweight hiking boot.

Lowa renegade waterproof hiking boot
Taupe
Lowa Renegade Espresso Berry Hiking Boot
Espresso/Berry
Lowa Hiking Boot
Graphite/Jade

Best Budget Hiking Boot:

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge

Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof...
  • Amazon price: $48.98
  • Best for: Camping and light hiking
  • Upper: Options for Leather & Suede or Leather & Breathable Mesh
  • Weight: 13.4-13.7 oz
  • Midsole: Techlite sole
  • Outsole: Omni-grip sole
  • ARCH Support: Decent
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Perfect for hiking on a budget
  • Different colors available
  • Lighweight

Cons: 

  • Not for flat feet 
  • Lasts short
  • No arch support

If you’re hiking on a budget and searching for the best affordable hiking boots, then we have this hiking footwear that might be an excellent pick for you. In addition, the Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge comes in different sizes, widths, waterproofing, colors, and designs if you’re looking for cute women’s hiking boots when on the trail. 

We would like to add that they are very lightweight and waterproof, even though they possess no membrane. Despite that being said, these have minimal arch support and you might need insoles for long hiking trips.

But the thing that we didn’t like the most is they just can’t withstand the weather and constant use for longer than about a year. Our pair, which we used when camping and recreational hiking, came apart after just eight months. 

So, if you’re looking for something durable for thru-hiking or multi day hikes, then these may not hold up as well.

But if you’re only casual hiking or on a budget adventure, and you want to look good while doing so, the Columbia Newton Ridge cute women’s hiking boots are a pair to consider.  We think the red laces make these boots!

Columbia’s site offers several comfort options: Newton Ridge Waterproof Women’s Hiking Boots Amped full-grain leather and suede in Regular and Wide. If you prefer a lightweight waterproof hiking boot version, then they offer a combination of breathable mesh and leather in Regular & Wide.


Most Breathable Hiking Boots

Women’s Merrell Moab 2 Mid

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot,...
  • Amazon price: $102.23
  • Best for Summer hiking
  • Membrane: M Select Dry
  • Weight: 2 lb
  • Upper: Suede/Mesh
  • Midsole: Merrell Air Cushion
  • Outsole: Vibram rubber
  • Waterproof: No

Pros:

  •  Lightweight and comfortable
  • Mesh panels for maximum breathability

Cons:

  • Mid-height
  •  Stiff outsole

A pair of hiking boots women tend to love is the Merrell Women’s Moab 2. Also, this brand is known on the market for how impressively comfortable they make their boots. Without a doubt, it is a bullseye if you ask us. 

Perfect for warmer conditions, the mesh covers make these significantly breathable, and a fantastic choice for any casual hiker or traditional hiker. What’s more, these lightweight boots are just 1 lb each. 

So, are Merrell hiking boots for women good for day hikes? Yes, on the condition that you aren’t carrying a heavy backpack. This is due to the mid-waterproof boot offering low to zero ankle support, which is a must in hiking. Also, with these types of boots, always check if you have any ankle support embedded in them.

Conversely, we have to point out the medium height of the boot and place it in between the high hiking boots for trekking and trail runner types of hiking shoes.

If you’re thinking of buying the Moab 2, then we definitely recommend it. But, just make sure you use it on established trails. 

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof, Granite, 5...
Granite

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof, Bungee...
Bungee Cord

Merrell Women's Moab 2 MID WP Hiking Shoe,...
Brindle


Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

KEEN Women’s TARGHEE iii

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof...
  • Amazon price:
  • Best for: hiking with plantar fasciitis
  • Membrane: KEEN Dry
  • Weight: 1 lbs 12.4 oz
  • Material: Nubuck leather
  • Outsole: KEEN all-terrain sole
  • Support: Heel lock
  • Waterproof: Partial

Pros:

  • Breathable and waterproof
  • Good traction
  • Sturdy toe box
  • Shoe strings stay tied

Cons:

  • Some users report that the shoes are not as waterproof as advertised.
  • Shorter laces

Most boots require breaking in but the KEEN Targhee 3 boots are comfortable right out of the box. Therefore, no break in period is needed! The footbed is specifically designed to provide support and comfort, while the leather upper is both flexible and durable. Also, these Keens Targhee iii are the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis.

I was on the lookout for a good replacement for my beat up Keen Targhee II and found that the Keen Targhee III is even better. While the footbed was kept the same, a sleeker and stylish toe box was a big improvement. Additionally, the round shoelaces` stay tied better and grip wonderfully even when hiking uneven trails.

However, there have been some reports of quality issues with the leather splitting at the seams of the soles coming detached from the upper.

Overall, the Keen Targhee boots are a good choice for hikers who want a lightweight and comfortable boot, but they may not be the best choice for hikers who need a boot that can rugged terrain.

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof...
Magnet/Atlantic Blue

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof...
Vintage Indigo/Peachy Keen

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof...
Canteen/Vintage Indigo


Comfortable Hiking Boots

Foxelli Women’s Hiking Boots

Foxelli Women’s Hiking Boots - Waterproof...
  • Amazon price: $109.97
  • Best for: Hiking, backpacking, and trekking
  • Membrane: Kingtex
  • Weight: 2.3 lbs
  • Upper: Suede & Mesh
  • Midsole: Eva Midsoles 
  • Outsole: Rubberamazon fields=”B09M92ZXPJ” value=”price”]
  • Support: None
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Waterproof
  • Stylish, fashion hiking boot
  • Affordable price

Cons: 

  • A few complaints about the waterproofing
  • Choose a bigger size when buying

Foxelli is a brand making breakthroughs with its style and pricing. The Foxelli Women’s Hiking Boots are our best pick when it comes to design, and they might be yours too. 

Indeed, these good looking hiking boots come in all black, gray, pink, blue, yellow, and our favorite blue and red combinations. So if you’re on a budget, then you’ll like the price of these beauties because they’re affordable. 

Like in most cases, it’s not all roses. There have been some complaints about pairs of them not being waterproof boots, even though they advertise as such. If you’re considering buying one of our best women’s hiking boots, then make sure you go up a size since our pair was a bit too narrow. 

Despite the inconveniences, these boots perform masterfully giving maximum stability on wet rock and paved streets. Overall, these definitely made our cute women’s hiking boots list.

With a fantastic design, they will surely match your outfit and be a great addition to your future outdoor or leisure trips.

Foxelli Women’s Hiking Boots - Waterproof...
Teal

Foxelli Women’s Hiking Boots - Waterproof...
Blue

Foxelli Women’s Hiking Boots - Waterproof...
Grey


Best for Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet:

HOKA Speed Goat Mid 2 GTX Hiking Boots

HOkA Speed Goat
  • Best for: Trail running
  • Membrane: Gore-tex
  • Weight: 1.6 lbs
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Midsole: EVA
  • Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
  • Support: Yes
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Lightweight 
  • Waterproof
  • Significant support and comfort
  • No blisters out of the box

Cons: 

  • The standard size is too wide

If you want to hit the paths with as little weight as possible or will be trail running, then the Speedgoat trail runner is a model you should take into consideration. 

HOKA has been in the game of making women’s hiking boots forever, and they know the deal. Moreover, we just love their SpeedGoat trail running shoe design and color combinations, in addition to the maximum ankle support they offer. 

The synthetic upper Gore-tex waterproof membrane and the extra thick Vibram sole assure great traction on wet conditions or technical terrain. Nevertheless, if I could have my shoe cobbler place Vibram soles on all my shoes, then I would be broke.  

You can take these babies with you as winter boots and still be entirely secure. So that’s why we love Hoka lightweight cute women’s hiking boots, and you will probably too! In particular, their boot combines a sporty design, a wide toe box, and enough support to take you from the gym to the John Muir Trail.

Since these hiking boots are meant for wider feet, women with narrower feet will have too much wiggle room and not enough support. When on the trail, this can be a real problem since your foot moves around all the time and is more prone to injury. 

That being said, women with wide feet will love these boots.  We can undoubtedly say that this is our best choice for trail hiking boots for women.

 Blue and Yellow Hoka One One Cute Women's Hiking Boot
Provincial Blue / Saffron
Antigua Sand & Golden Rod Hoka One One Cute Women's Hiking Boot
Antigua Sand / Golden Rod

Best Lightweight Hiking Boots

Lowa Women’s Lady Light GTX Trekking Boots

Lowa Lady Light Cute Womens Hiking Boots
Lowa Lady Light
  • Best for: Lightweight hiking, backpacking, thru-hiking
  • Membrane: Gore tex liner
  • Weight: 2.2 lbs
  • Upper: Nubuck
  • Insole: Climate Control Footbed
  • Outsole: Vibram
  • Support: Cemented sole
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Both Lightweight and comfortable
  • Non-slip sole
  • Non friction inside of boots
  • No interior stitching- upper made from one piece of leather

Cons: 

  • Laces get loose very quickly
  • Leather tears after intensive use

Lowa Women’s Lady Light GTX trekking boots are the perfect pair for women with sensitive feet since they were made on a women’s specific last. These shoes have a one-piece, upper that is waterproof and breathable, minimizing possible friction and pressure points. The Lowa Women’s Lady Light GTX also features a joint stabilizing element which offers optimal support for outdoor activities as well as an anatomically shaped, padded tongue to improve ankle flex and decrease pressure points.

We love Lowa hiking boots because of how much cushioning they provide. It’s like walking on a cloud, even when hiking uphill! Compared to modern takes like Nike hiking boots, or even Adidas hiking boots, these offer traditional support and comfort that can last a lifetime. 

If you try these boots yourself, then you will see what we are talking about. Because there are no words that could accurately describe the sensation of these light and comfortable women’s hiking boots.

Lowa Lady Light Boots
Lowa Lady Light GTX can be purchased at REI

Conversely, there are some downsides to the Lady Light GTX too, like the adjustable lacing system, in which laces come undone easily. But, again, we blame the leather upper and movability of the boot for this. 

When we weigh out the pros and cons, there are definitely more pros. But, overall, this makes them the best lightweight hiking boots in our world.

Lowa Lady Light GTX
Slate Green
 graphite jade Lowa Lady Light GTX
Graphite Jade

All Around Boots for Traveling to Trails:

Oboz Bridger Mid BDry Hiking Boots Women’s:

Oboz Bridger Mid Women's Waterproof Hiking Boot...

  • Amazon price:
  • Best for: Hiking, camping, and traveling
  • Membrane: BDry
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Upper: Nubuck leather or waterproof full grain & leather
  • Insole: EVA
  • Outsole: Carbone rubber
  • Support: Heel counter and toe cap
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Provides maximum support to the foot
  • Lightweight
  • Plants a tree for every pair sold

Cons: 

  • Design
  • Sizing runs small
  • Slippery soles

Sustainable Oboz Bridger Mid BDry

Next up is our favorite boot for off trail travel and casual hiker, is the Oboz Bridger Mid BDry. Obviously, we love the Oboz Bridger Mid because they are sustainable, and even though they are not vegan hiking boots, they live up to their name with a tree planted for every pair sold. 

With just 2 lbs a pair, they are lightweight but offer support to your legs and back with a heel counter and roomy toe box. 

That said, the toe cap can get on the tighter side if you have wider feet. Also, once they get wet, the soles become a bit slippery on rocky terrain, so we wouldn’t recommend these if you’re trekking in rainy weather.

But if you’re traveling in them or prefer a casual hike to technical trails, then these are a versatile boot for those situations. 

Oboz Bridger Rio Red Shoes at REI
Oboz Rio Red Shoes is waterproof and flexible

If you like a classic hiking boot for your day hiking needs but need to save space in your closet for heels, then the Oboz Bridger hiking shoes make the top of our list. But make sure to order a size up with these hiking shoes and allow a break in time before hitting the trails.  However, bending over to tie your laces up before hiking uphill is nothing compared to the comfort and support they offer. 

When we weigh out the pros and cons, there are definitely more pros. But, all in all, the Oboz Bridger Mid Bdry backpacking boots make them the best lightweight in our world. So that’s what we named them in our article too.

Oboz Women's Bridger Mid B-DRY Hiking Boot,...
Walnut

Oboz Women's Bridger Mid B-DRY Hiking Boot, Frost...
Frost Grey

Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY Hiking Boot - Women's...
Rio Red


Best Mid-Height Boots:

Zamberlan Frida GTX Hiking Boots

Zamberlan Frida gtx

  • Amazon price: amazon fields=”B08NC663L4″ value=”price”]
  • Best for: Hiking, backpacking, trekking, camping, and traveling
  • Membrane: Gore tex
  • Weight: 1.2 lbs
  • Upper: Suede
  • Insole: EVA
  • Outsole: Vibram
  • Support: Shank
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Soft inside with collars and insole 
  • Traditional design
  • Multiple uses

Cons:

  • Not insulated, feet will either freeze or sweat

Zamberlan hiking boots generally tend to be stiff and weigh a lot, but that isn’t true for the Zamberlan Frida boots. Instead, this genuinely versatile boot fits almost any situation, swept us away with its minimalistic design. 

We love traditional hiking boot that don’t necessarily have to be just for hiking. Especially, when we can get our money’s worth. 

To clarify why we awarded the Zamberlan Frida GTX with the best mid-height boot title is because there aren’t too many cons to it. It feels like there is more cushioning for your feet, yet it’s light and has ample support at the same time.

We also understand that this item might be on the pricy side for some. But once you put on the Zamberlan Frida GTX, you realize why women sing praises why this should also be considered the best lightweight hiking boots.

brown zamberlan frida gtx
Made in Italy, Zamberlan lightest women’s hiking boots are Frida GTX

To be honest, there is nothing we would change on these Zamberlan hiking boots. On the contrary, we would put their memory foam insoles in all of our hiking boots if we could. Evidently, lightweight in our world. So that’s what we named them in our article too. 

Zamberlan frida boots
Brown Frida GTX
Zamberlan boot Frida
Tan Frida FTX

Most Traditional Hiking Boots

Vasque St. Elias GTX Hiking Boots Women’s

Vasque Women's St. Elias Waterproof HIking Boot,...
  • Amazon price: $227.99
  • Best for: Hiking, Backpacking, and Trekking
  • Membrane: Gore Tex
  • Weight: 2.7 lbs
  • Upper: Leather
  • Midsole: EVA/TPU
  • Outsole: Vibram Rubber
  • Support: Shank and Toe Caps
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Traditional leather backpacking boots
  • Prevents slipping
  • Handmade boots

Cons: 

  • On the expensive side
  • Too narrow

The Vasque St. Elias GTX Hiking Boots are a handmade model of traditional yet cute hiking boots, perfect for any outdoor activity and daily use.

We like Vasque Elias GTX hiking boots because they come with Vibram soles which prevents slipping even in wet conditions, not to mention the leather design brings a new perspective to traditional boots. 

Accordingly, since these are handmade, sizes may vary.  So you may need to try on a few before finding the right fit.  Also, they might be too narrow. 

Finally, the boots come in at around $200, which puts them in the upper price range for women’s hiking boots. 

Nevertheless, we still recommend these women’s waterproof hiking boots, if want quality and prefer a unisex boot for the backcountry.

Vasque Women's St. Elias Waterproof HIking Boot,...
Cognac

Vasque Women's St. Elias FG GTX Full-Grain Leather...
Blue Steel


Great Quality Hiking Boot

Topo Athletic Trailventure WP Hiking Boots Women’s

Topo Athletic Women's Trail Running Trailventure...
  • Amazon price:
  • Best for Hiking, hiking on a budget, and backpacking
  • Membrane: Full event
  • Weight: 1.8 lbs
  • Boot Upper: Ripstop mesh panels
  • Midsole: ZipFoam
  • Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
  • Arch Support: 3 midsoles and rock plates
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • Zipfoam heel is super comfortable and stable
  • Modern design 
  • Lightweight

Cons: 

  • Not as waterproof as designed
  • Takes a long time to dry out
  • Not for winter hiking
  • Cracking right at where the plastic material bends as you walk

Topo Athletic Trailventure is a perfect hiking shoe for avid hikers with narrow feet. This tough design has a thick grip, so you can walk comfortably over rugged trails with ice or rocks, and it has a wide toe box so you can easily flex your toes when walking.

Also, these shoes are lightweight and breathable, with a thick grip for great traction. They are perfect for just about any weather condition, so you don’t have to switch shoes between seasons.

This boot has a mesh upper, wide toe box, neutral heel rise are my favorite features. designed for summer hiking in national parks but not for colder climates. No one wants to hike in the cold with mesh boots, right? Also, since it lacks insulation and the tongue is a bit thin, leave these at home if your adventures involve winter conditions.. 

Topo Athletic Trailventure designed them to be airy and light, but it fell short on quality with insulation.

Topo Athletic Women's Trail Running Trailventure...
Topo Athletic Women's Trail Running Trailventure...

Most Comfortable Hiking Boots

On Cloudrock Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots

On-Running Men's Cloudrock Waterproof Boots, All...
  • Best for: Comfort
  • Membrane: Hydrophilic polyurethane membrane
  • Weight: 1 lb 13 oz
  • Upper: Synthetic
  • Midsole: EVA
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Support: High collars
  • Waterproof: Yes

Pros: 

  • A breathable membrane that lets water out and not in
  • Zero gravity midsoles that offer maximum comfort
  • Design

Cons: 

  • Seams on the inside can be uncomfortable
  • Too wide

On Cloudrock always seemed like something made for us. So, it’s on our list as the best comfort hiking boots. Additionally, the On Cloudrock Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots are a popular women’s hiking boot among fellow hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Everyone (and you might be on this list too) loves this fashionable hiking boot because they’re comfortable and light, perfect for walking, sightseeing, and light hiking. And when on the trail, the On Cloudrock is ideal for both uphill and downhill descents. 

The designers indeed had to have comfort and support in mind when they made this fantastic boot. But, needless to say, they didn’t sacrifice function for style. 

If you have wide feet, then this boot was made for you. Accordingly, pass on these if you have either narrow feet or normal-sized feet. 

For us, a big no-no is that these boots have seams on the inside, hence potential blister hazards for their users.

Oncloud hiking boots
Storm Wash
black on cloudrock waterproof womens black hiking boot
All Black

What To Look For With The Best Women’s Hiking Boots

Buying Advice

So far, we have reviewed what are the best women’s hiking boots in our article, but you’re probably wondering now: So what do I need? 

We offer advice and break down the features your hiking shoe should have. We also have an article Best Hiking Boots for Men if you prefer a men’s style. 


Choosing the Right Hiking Boots

It doesn’t just come down to weight, insulation, or soles. Even though these might be key factors, here is considerations to know before setting out to buy your new comfortable boots:

  1. What type of hiking do you do? Day hiking? Long backpacking trips?
  2. Will your hike have trail debris, moderate terrain, or challenging terrain?
  3. How much ankle support?
  4. What weather conditions do you hike in? Rainy, cold, hot, humid?
  5. Do you have a material preference for the upper? Is it important that it be a vegan hiking boot, suede leather upper, nubuck leather upper, or be water resistant?
  6. Do cute women’s hiking boots allow you to trade out the insoles to add more or less support for your arches?

What Type of Hiking Boots Do I Need?

There are different boots, depending on the type of activity you want to engage in, just like hiking. Eventually, make sure you know what kind of boot you need, do this by thinking about how you intend to use them. What’s more, it can be hard to find cute women’s hiking boots that are comfortable too.

For example, if you’re planning on day hikes to thru-hikes, you should consider different boots than those you have for backpacking. Here are most hiking boots types:

  • Low hiking shoes
  • Mid boots or day boots
  • Backpacking boots
  • Alpine boots

Hiking Shoes

If you’re longing for some lightweight shoes for camping, traveling, daily activities, and easy hikes, then your best pick would be hiking shoes. These have a lower cut around the ankle and are sometimes preferred by casual hikers because they’re lightweight.

However, in this category are also trail running shoes, which are more like sneakers but not as rugged as hiking shoes. In addition, you can read more on Hiking boots vs hiking shoes.

Looking at cute women's hiking boot
Breaking in boots before your first hike is important to avoid blisters

We love these because they are comfortable and lightweight, perfect for a laid-back camping trip. Of course, you can also choose camping boots, though they lack the features to withstand slippery terrains or last all day.

Mid Boots

Mid-height boots provide slightly more ankle support but not as much as a high top hiking boot would. We love them because they are primarily airy summer boots with unique designs. 

These mid-high boots a perfect for a day hike, but if they don’t offer any heel or arch support, they might be dangerous on rocks. Another, you could twist your ankle, and that’s why we advise against them if you’re planning a longer backpacking or trekking trip. 

Backpacking Boots

The sturdiest, loved, classic and traditional, all of these things can be said about the high backpacking or hiking boot. Especially designed to take up more weight and space, but there to support your step even in the most rugged terrains. 

So choose a backpacking boot for maximum protection and support on a backpacking or trekking.


What Features to Look for in a Hiking Boot?

Here is what you need to keep an eye out for when choosing your best cute women’s hiking boots. Unless, of course, you already found one on our list. Instead, we recommend you try to find cute women’s hiking boots with these features: 

What to look for in a hiking boot
Lacing your boots based on your foot type can make for a more comfy backpacking trip

Outer material or Upper

The outer material of your boot plays a crucial role in the water-repelling function. Additionally, there are different types of materials that you can choose from for your cute women’s hiking boots.

We love synthetic materials because they can withstand the weather. Unlike leather, it is excellent for moving but can lose its stretch and break after a shorter time. So if you’re looking for vegan hiking boots, make sure you don’t get leather ones!

You can also add a layer of waterproof protection too! Furthermore, read the details in our article How to Waterproof Hiking Boots.

Membranes

The membranes are there to keep your feet dry from the outside weather, water, and dew, often found in forests, swampy regions, and backcountry. Of course, everyone has heard about Gore-tex, and that’s our favorite moisture-wicking membrane on the market. 

Some manufacturers use other types of membranes that repel moisture in the same way, but we will let the popularity and use of Gore-tex speak for themselves.

Outsoles

The most important part of your hiking boot is the surface with which you step on the ground. Therefore, it needs to grab onto the rock and earth as much as possible. 

We recommend rubber outsoles that have both lugs and grip. In addition, there are specially designed outsoles made by Vibram that won’t slip just about anywhere. But be careful on concrete!

diagram of Lowa Backpacking boots
Lowa Backpacking boots are designed to support your back and knees so you can carry heavy packs over rough terrain

Midsoles

If you want your knees and hips to not ache at the end of the day, then midsoles are a must for shock absorbency. Although we believe there are no hiking boots today made without midsoles, and that’s how important they are. With the acting as a midsole or cushion, you can try some insoles too. 

Support

Shanks and plates are a type of metal addition put between the mid and outer soles of a boot to offer maximum support, but that’s not all for supporting hiking boots. You can find boots that have heel support or even toe caps that will both support and protect the form of the boot. 


What is my shoe size- How to Size Your Boots

Before buying your hiking boots, make sure you know exactly what your shoe size is. Nevertheless, you can determine this by a simple technique that will take up to 2 minutes of your time. 

Tips on how to find the best-fitting boots:

  • Foot Shape: Do you have a wider foot? Or do you have narrow heels? Your boots should have great arch support, a roomy toe box 
  • Arch Support: Do you have high arches or flat feet?
  • Ankle Support: Is it maximum ankle support or less ankle support?
  • Wear your merino wool hiking socks.
  • Lace your boots properly.
  • Break in your boots before getting out on the trail. You need at least 10- 30 days
  • Try them on with a heavy pack. If you will use these shoes and boots on backpacking trips, make sure there is enough ankle support to last the miles.

Wrap-up on the Best Women’s Hiking Boots

One would think that quality materials, ankle support, spacious toe box, flexible sole, and weight are the most important factors for a hiking boot. Of course, it’s those reasons and more. Weather conditions, rocky trails, and whether you’re a casual hiker or a thru-hiker tackling the Pacific coast trail, should factor in your hiking boots decision.

We are not here to compare La Sportiva hiking boots with Skechers hiking boots, to help you choose the right boot for you. Although both have really cute women’s hiking boots.

There is one question you need to ask yourself before buying, and that is: 

Do These Hiking Boots Fit Both My Feet and My Hiking Style?

After looking at the best boots in different categories, we are here to announce the clear winner. Therefore, our favorite of the best women’s hiking boots is the Women’s Salomon X Ultra 3 MID GTX W.

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-Tex grey hiking boot
Our top-rated women’s hiking boot, Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-Tex

We really enjoyed trying out most of our picks and would recommend them to a friend (and you too), but the Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 MID GTX W took our hearts by storm. The upper, weight, comfort, and support were the most important.

Next, after multiple day hikes, these held up against rough terrain. Eventually, that’s what made them stand out from the other waterproof hiking boots. 

These pair of boots fulfill all the demands of the category they fall under. Eventually, your feet will thank you at the end of a thru-hike.

Most of the trail boots on our list can satisfy any hiking enthusiast, but we had to pick a favorite on cute women’s hiking boots. In the end, it’s all up to you and your personal preferences, so make sure you ask yourself that critical question before you add that item to the cart. 

We hope our shortlist of the best women’s hiking boots helped you choose your perfect fit. Finally, if you picked your pair and want the North Face Denali 2 fleece or Nuptse down jacket, we have 15 Reasons Why You Should Get Your Hands on the North Face Gear.

FAQs

What makes a hiking boot great for women?

Great women’s hiking boots combine durability, support, and comfort. Therefore, they should have a strong grip, offer waterproof protection, and fit the unique contours of women’s feet.

How do I choose the right size in women’s hiking boots?

Always measure your feet late in the day and consider your hiking socks. Look for boots that allow for natural movement and swelling during long hikes while being the cute women’s hiking boots.

Are waterproof boots necessary for hiking?

Waterproof boots are essential for wet conditions. Also, they keep your feet dry and prevent blisters, enhancing your hiking experience.

Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?

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Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API