The Best Hiking Boots for Women in 2025

How We Tested the Best Women’s Hiking Boots

Our Expert Testers

Our GearJunkie crew has tested dozens of hiking boots (since May 2021) and whittled them down to a list of the best to help make your decision-making process a streamlined affair.

A gear tester for 6+ years, our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, lives in Bishop, Calif. Right outside her front door are endless trails from rocky desert slopes to aspen-lined switchbacks. She logged many miles in the boots she tested. Editor Chris Kassar, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and hiker extraordinaire Pam LeBlanc, took over this guide in 2025. They tested boots in Patagonia, Texas, the Colorado Rockies, and the rugged Teton backcountry.

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton also contributed to this guide. She’s a lifelong hiker from Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, an adventurous backpacker, and an international trekker.

Our Testing Process

Our final list of women’s hiking boots is the combined result of firsthand experience across the globe and various conditions. Using a variety of metrics, from performance, quality, durability, fit, comfort, protection, ergonomics, unique features, and value — we were able to come to objective conclusions about each boot’s strengths and weaknesses.

Our testers took each model on countless hikes. We hiked with and without weight on our backs, over varying terrain to best imitate real-life applications. We continually test new boots to determine if they’re worthy of adding to this guide.

The top picks also factor in the most popular, timeless, highly rated, innovative, and well-acclaimed products. Ultimately, these hiking boots serve a range of athletes, environments, objective goals, and budgets. If you’re looking for different options check out our guide to Best Hiking Shoes for Women. Or, for winter-focused options, consult our guide to the Best Winter Hiking Boots.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Hiking Boots for Women

Here we focus on the best hiking boots for women. We have a separate guide if you’re looking for men’s hiking boots.

Fit

The main reason to buy a women’s-specific hiking boot is the fit. Most women have narrower heels than men, and many women have smaller and narrower feet than men.

It’s also common for women to have a higher arch. Women’s specific hiking boots are all built on a last that considers what’s specific about women’s feet.

But as with anything, one size doesn’t necessarily fit all. If you have a wider or larger foot, a unisex or men’s boot might be a better choice. Several boots we tested, including the Nucleo High II GTX and the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof offer a wide version.

Boot sizes are not universal. The length, width, and volume vary across each brand. There are also wider and narrower toe box options. That’s why you might find some boots to be particularly streamlined or roomy compared to others.

Ultimately, it’s extremely helpful to go to a local retailer to get your feet professionally measured. We also recommend trying on at least one boot per brand to figure out the size that works for you. This also helps determine the overall compatibility of the last with your foot shape and needs.

Fit is the most important consideration when buying a boot. While all hiking boots break in to some degree — it’s always smart to wear them around your house or around town before hitting the trail all day — a boot should feel comfortable in the shop. The Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX boots and the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX were incredibly comfortable right out of the box.
Plus, your heel should not slip up and down. If it does, choose another boot — or you’re bound to end up with blisters. Likewise, your toes should not feel smushed or graze at the top end of the toe box. Otherwise, you might end up with toe bang, especially after a descent and while wearing a heavy pack.

Note your socks. Take your most-used hiking hosiery with you to try on your hiking boots. To that end, make sure you’re choosing the best hiking socks for your needs. We generally like merino or merino blends for a good balance of breathability and protection against cold while also helping to fight odors, especially for back-to-back days.

Why Hiking Boots?

In general, hiking boots are more built-out than low hikers. They offer more rigidity, traction, and protection from the outsole and tread and around the upper. Often, hiking boots have more material around the ankle, but the height can range from low-cut to mid-high. Some hiking boot uppers are full-grain leather. Others are a hybrid of leather and nylon mesh or nylon mesh and plastic overlays for reinforcement.

A hiking shoe is typically low-cut and less rigid, offering more comfort for cross-over use. The upper is typically made of synthetic materials (versus leather) and is breathable. The tread and outsole are more moderate compared to a built-out boot.

Also, there’s been a surge of hiking boot designs that are running-inspired. Examples include the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, the Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX, or the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX. They offer a more flexible upper with a more rugged sole. These offer the best of both worlds by blending the characteristics of a boot with a sneaker.

Hiking boots are a great option if you plan to carry more weight, travel big miles, or venture through rocky or variable terrain. If you are likely to travel through a range of weather conditions, such as snow and rain, or creek crossings, a boot can serve as a strong shield.

The more rugged boots in our lineup include the The North Face Offtrail LT Mid, La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX and the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots It also comes down to personal preference and if you feel more comfortable and protected in a boot.

A lower, lighter option is a good choice if you enjoy hiking fast. You’ll want more aeration and might not need as much support. Some hikers opt prefer a minimal, close-to-ground feel — even with weight in a pack.

Hiking Boot Height: Low, Mid, or High

Hiking boot height is a matter of personal preference and is influenced by the terrain you’ll be wandering in. A higher-reaching boot is created through a taller collar or cuff, which is typically padded, and some are more rigid than others.

• Low-cut: Ankle bone is exposed, greatest range of motion
• Mid-cut: Cuff rises above the ankle bone, offers ankle bone protection from abrasion, a hybrid of stability and mobility
• High-cut: Cuff rises a few inches above the ankle bone, the sturdiest design

A higher boot collar will offer more ankle support, such as security when traversing loose rock or protection against abrasive vegetation. The higher profile the boot, the better it may do at keeping debris or moisture out. And most people will recommend a tall boot if you’re backpacking a heavy load.

The tradeoff is that a higher-cut boot won’t be as flexible. This may not be ideal if you’re scrambling on rocks beside the trail and you need more ankle articulation, or if you need to crouch down to tend to kiddos or pets. Higher ankle support also generally holds in more heat with less airflow around the ankles. Taller socks will be more comfortable with a higher cuff.

For hiking in technical terrain, we recommend the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX, and for top-notch, locked-in ankle security, go for something like the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hikng Boots. Not everyone needs a lot of ankle support, so don’t be afraid to experiment with more flexible options if you’re unsure.

Also among the over-the-ankle heights, we liked the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX best for day hikes and the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Women’s Wide best for backpacking. Though plenty of thru-hikers also wear lower cut models on their Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail quests.

Our top pick for a lightweight yet sturdy hiking boot with ankle protection is the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX. We also love the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX for lightweight backpacking adventures with their trail-runner-type feel. 

Breathability

Water-resistant hiking boots vary in their breathability. In general, if this is an important consideration for you, we would recommend you go with a sneaker or a lighter lower option with breathable mesh upper materials. But that’s not to say that some of the hiking boots in our lineup aren’t breathable as well.

While hiking boots like our top pick, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX, come with a synthetic mesh upper for enhanced breathability, it is also made with GORE-TEX waterproof material, which is the best on the market at keeping your feet dry.

Our testers found that boots made with GORE-TEX, like the Rush Mid GTX, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX, are always going to sacrifice breathability to some extent. While a synthetic mesh upper does help, boots that are the best at keeping water out won’t compare to light trail runners with thin membranes that are guaranteed to keep your feet cooler in the long run. 

Our testers found that the On Cloudrock Mid WP boots, however, did surprisingly well at keeping our feet from getting that swampy feeling that tends to happen with waterproof boots. They kept our feet from overheating in the height of the summer while also having great waterproofing capabilities, making them a good choice for those looking for a more breathable hiking boot. 

In addition to boot height, stability depends on what’s underfoot, how the boot is structured in the heel, and what stabilizers and reinforcements have been built into the boot upper.

Outsole (Tread)

The underside of the hiking boot is the outsole, or tread, which contacts the ground. It’s made of rubber. Each pair has its own lug pattern, which provides varying degrees of traction in different trail conditions and terrain.

• Shallower lugs: Good for pavement, dirt, grass, crushed gravel, fallen leaves, fairly flat (easy to moderate steepness)
• Moderate lugs: Best for looser terrain such as mud, gravel, scree (moderate or greater steepness)
• Deep lugs: Ideal for the most supple surfaces like mud, snow, loose rock, mixed terrain, typically on mountaineering or backpacking boots (best for steep slopes)
• Wider-spaced lugs: Improve friction for an enhanced grip, such as on rock, and more easily discard debris like mud
• Angled (versus round) lugs: Shaped like a V, these lugs provide even more bite than round lugs (good for steep hikes)

The heel, also called the heel brake, is where a shelf in the back of the boot, beneath the heel of the foot, helps provide traction.

Midsole

The midsole is the layer of materials between the outsole (the outermost part of the boot) and the upper (the material that wraps around the top of your foot). The midsole influences overall comfort through cushion and shock absorption. It also adds buffer against whatever you walk over including rocks or roots.

In some cases, hikers prefer less cushion and more stiffness or a closer-to-ground feel, especially if the terrain is super uneven or rocky. Too much cushion can lead to a bowling ball feeling, where your feet aren’t as stable.

Midsole materials break down over time. Pay attention to when that midsole starts to crumble or crack, which means the support you need is gone, and it’s time for new ones.

The materials are typically EVA, which is plush and lightweight, or polyurethane, which is more dense. EVA tends to break down faster and costs less.

Upper Materials

The upper is the area that covers the top of the foot and attaches to the materials beneath the foot including the midsole and outsole. The materials that comprise the upper part of the boot ranges from rigid to soft.

A full-grain leather (also plainly referred to as leather) is stout, durable, and weather- and water-resistant. Nubuck leather as found on the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX resembles suede and is full-grain leather that has been buffed. These boots are more traditional in style and require more break-in time (nubuck leather can feel a tad more flexible). They also don’t provide as much breathability as other materials.

Uppers can also be a blend of synthetic materials, including mesh and plastic overlays that provide reinforcement and stability such as on our top pick, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX. Synthetic uppers generally are a blend of nylon and polyester, but synthetic leather is an option.

They break in easier, are more malleable, offer more breathability, and dry quickly when they get damp or wet. However, they do not typically last as long as full-grain leather and can tear or wear holes much faster. That’s visible in the price, as they don’t typically cost as much.

Hybrid uppers (also known as split-grain leather) like on the SCARPA Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX can feature both leather and synthetic materials, so you get more breathability and stability. These designs still aren’t as durable as full-grain leather boots.

Waterproof Upper

Love getting after it in the spring when snowmelt is rushing off the mountains? Live in the soggy PNW? Hate switching to sandals when you’re backpacking? Consider going waterproof. Lots of options in this guide stood up to creek crossings galore, like the SCARPA Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, and the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX.

It’s also important for your overall health and safety to consider if you need waterproof protection. When your feet are wet or damp for extended periods of time, especially if they are also fighting cold (but above-freezing temperatures), your feet can be at risk of trench foot, which can lead to sensations such as persistent itching, prickliness, or other severe symptoms. That’ll do more than end a trip.

Consider choosing a boot made with GORE-TEX materials to ensure the best waterproofing, such as the The North Face Offtrail LT Mid GORE-TEX and the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX.

So consider the climate and topography where you’ll be hiking and what time of year you like to hike. Check-in with other backpackers or hikers who have experienced that climate or trail, or call a local outdoor retailer to ask if waterproof boots are recommended for that objective.

If you’ll be wearing this boot when it’s rainy, snowy, cold, or in variable conditions, we generally recommend opting for a waterproof boot. It will keep moisture out, keeping your feet dry, protected, and comfortable regardless of how many miles you’re ticking off.

Alternatively, if you’re hiking primarily or exclusively in hot, dry conditions, a waterproof boot will likely be stifling and cause your feet to perspire more, especially on summer days. A membrane-free and treatment-free boot will keep your feet cool and dry just fine.

Some hiking boots have an integrated waterproof/breathable membrane, like GORE-TEX, eVent, Texapore Ecosphere, and no topical treatment. Other footwear is (or can be) treated with a waterproof treatment product for waterproofness. If you do go with waterproof, be sure to read the product’s instructions about any required waterproof treatment application or upkeep.

Arch Support

Arch support is something that is highly individualized. Hiking boots can vary widely with how supportive their arches are, and if you suffer from any particular pain in your feet, hips, or knees from hiking we always recommend buying some third-party insoles to better support your feet. 

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has zonal arch and heel support for people with high arches. They were made with support in mind, and since our arches support much of our body weight while walking or hiking, we appreciate that Merrell incorporates this into its design.

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX has solid support and is contoured to fit a woman’s foot, making it one of the most comfortable in our lineup. “Women’s foot” almost always means a narrow foot with a more curved inner and higher arch. Of course, women’s feet can be wider with low arches as well, but some boots, like the Ultra Raptor II, aim to provide support and comfort for the prototypical female foot.

The Altra Lone Peak boots feature a zero-drop design, which means that there is no height change between the heel and forefoot. This lack of support is supposed to encourage more natural foot movement and build foot strength, but it is not for everyone and can take some time to get used to. 

In the end, arch support is a very personal feature, and will change from foot to foot! The good thing is that you can remove the insoles of any boot and add in your own to make them work best for you if necessary. 

Adding Insoles to Your Boots

Most hiking boot insoles are made of basic foam materials which easily flatten out over time and add little protection or arch support. If you know you have a certain arch type, suffer from plantar fasciitis, or often experience knee or hip pain after logging some miles, then you might benefit greatly from adding some insoles to your hiking boots. Not only will this increase comfort, but it can also help to prevent injuries and improve joint function and stability. 

We recommend taking your hiking boots to a store where you can try on different types of insoles so you find the best fit for your foot and your boot. Hiking boots are typically high-volume, so they can accommodate a variety of insoles and arch sizes, but you won’t know for sure until you try them out for yourself.

Price & Value

Hiking boots can range in price from anywhere between $100 to almost $300. The boots in our review fall mostly within the middle of that range, giving you a variety of options so you can find something that works best for your needs.

Budget

While $150 is not exactly a “budget” price, in the world of hiking boots, where you want to have performance, quality, and comfort all in one package, it is the starting point for boots we tested. The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof ($150) is a comfortable, weather-resistant option perfect for the casual to intermediate hiker. They strike the perfect balance between performance and durability, making them an excellent value.

Mid-Tier

Mid-tier prices for hiking boots typically ring in above $150. At these price points, you’ll find high-quality boots including our top overall pick, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX ($185). and our msot versatile option, the SCARPA Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX ($189). Designed as a nimble, lightweight option, this GORE-TEX-protected boot pairs weatherproofing with breathable mesh, so your feet don’t ever feel too hot. Extra care is taken to design a TPU frame that limits the amount of torsion from your heel, and these boots are overall a fantastic choice that is well worth their cost.

It’s hard to strike a balance between lightweight and comfort, but by spending a bit more money, you can find a boot like these that do an excellent job at providing both. However, the most premium qualities are reserved for boots of an even higher price tag.

Premium

The highest quality boots will ultimately fall in the $200-$300 range and will probably be reserved for the more serious and discerning hiker. However, the fact that SCARPA made its new Rush 2 Pro fall under $200 is a huge exception to this rule.

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Boots ($239) are the most expensive boot in our lineup due to their very tall, over-the-ankle design, nubuck leather, and GORE-TEX protection. The North Face Offtrail LT Mid GORE-TEX ($200) falls in the same category; they’ll last forever as long as you don’t mind a bit of added bulk. If you need a seriously supportive and durable hiking boot, you’ll typically spend in this price range in exchange for one made with more and better materials. But to be honest, most choices in our mid-tier category will cover the bases for the majority of hikers.

Frequently Asked Questions