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Need new boots but at a loss for where to start? From Merrell to Scarpa, Salomon to Hoka, these are the best hiking boots for women available now. Men Hiking Shoes

Comfort is king when it comes to choosing hiking boots. 

But with so many different options available, picking the right pair can feel like a daunting task.

Luckily, one of our very own editors has done her research, trialling some of the best women’s hiking boots on the market, and hand-selecting the top choices based on style and terrain. 

Read on for details and get ready to put your best foot forward! 

Read more: The best hiking packs to add to your collection

According to this recent survey by Sport England, of those sport and leisure activities showing growth before the pandemic, only walking for leisure has continued to see participant numbers rise.

So with hill walking, hiking and general outdoor exploration clearly becoming ever more popular, it's no surprise that there's a corresponding plethora of options on the market for high-quality women’s hiking boots. 

From waterproof boots to Gore-Tex liners, designs for wide feet to more traditional boots, these are the options worth investing in to ensure a comfortable — and supportive — hiking experience.

Fully waterproof boot with Gore-Tex liner

Instantly comfortable EVA foam midsoles

Hands down our winner as the best hiking boot for women, the Scarpa Rush was an absolute joy for our editor to wear on a recent hill walking trip in New Zealand. 

Offering ultra-thick, EVA foam midsoles and high-grip, durable PRESA® technology outsoles with five shock-absorbing areas designed to reduce pressure and leg fatigue, these boots also boast an Autofit 3D COLLAR in padded fabric at the ankle, stabilising the entire foot and providing superior support throughout your journey.

As with most hiking boots these days, waterproof Gore-Tex liners are included within the design. However, unlike other options, this lining is complemented by suede and leather fabric, allowing for a completely waterproof hiking experience. Despite crossing multiple creeks and hiking through the rain, our editor’s feet remained totally dry and comfortable. No soggy socks or aggravated blisters in sight.

Abrasion resistant, fast-drying and breathable, while they may appear (and initially feel) like stiff boots with a more traditional silhouette — these surprisingly lightweight boots require absolutely no breaking in time, boast some pretty impressive, modern features, and are worth every penny — we promise.

Good for wide feet and a variety of foot shapes

Suitable for mid-terrain hikes and backpacking trips 

Lightweight, stylish and immediately comfortable and soft underfoot, our editor is an avid supporter of all things Salomon — and these boots are no exception.

Featuring Energy Surge technology for cushioned and flexible adventuring, and a waterproof membrane thanks to their Gore-Tex liner, these boots are perfect for country walks and mid-terrain hikes and are some of the best hiking boots around. 

And they too, require NO breaking in. Bonus.

Whilst testing them during a day trip of her own, our editor felt these boots wore much like a lightweight, high-cut, grippy trainer and, whilst this makes them versatile and perfect for travelling with — they felt less secure than more traditional, sturdy boots, so may not be recommended for more challenging trails.

The boots also feature a mid-cut ankle height which wasn’t quite right for our editor, as this meant the boots sat directly on her ankle bone. While not a dealbreaker, this did get uncomfortable after a couple of hours and could be an issue during a very long hike.

Top tip: These boots run on the smaller side, so we suggest sizing up to ensure a more comfortable fit!

M-select dry barrier for waterproofing 

Best for comfort over rough terrain 

Venturing into uneven, rocky terrain and looking for extra support and cushioning? Merrell’s got you covered with its Bravada Mid Waterproof Boot.

With a fit similar to your favourite trainer, these boots are instantly comfortable and feature superb air-cushioned heels, ankle support and a quantum grip rubber sole, designed specifically for uneven surfaces. 

Complete with a waterproof membrane that helps keep your feet dry whilst also providing ample ventilation, and a handy protective toe cap, these boots are a brilliant choice for both cold and hot weather — as well as those who are on a restricted budget. 

Great for technical, challenging terrain 

About to embark on a multi-day expedition through challenging, technical terrain? Look no further than these Arc’teryx women’s hiking boots. 

Crafted from innovative micro-plated technology that provides flexibility and abrasion resistance, and featuring Vibram Megagrip soles and waterproof Gore-Tex lining — there’s no terrain these boots cannot handle.

Rain or shine, summer or snow, these breathable, surprisingly lightweight boots will see you through wherever your adventures may take you. 

Waterproof boots with Gore-Tex technology

EVA midsole for extra cushioning

Known for its cushioned sports shoes designed to prevent injury, it's no surprise Hoka’s hiking boots are a cut above the rest when it comes to comfort.

Made from high-quality, durable yet lightweight leather with soft EVA foam midsoles for added comfort, cushioning and support, the Hoka Anacapa hiking boots help mitigate muscle strain as you climb and explore. 

Featuring Vibram Megagrip outsoles for superior traction on both wet and dry surfaces, you won’t be slowed down by these babies. We also love the convenient pull tabs for easy on-and-off action!

Suitable for all types of terrain

While hiking boots are most people’s first choice when it comes to selecting footwear for rough terrain, they aren’t your only option. The popularity of hiking shoes, which boast low ankle cuffs and a more versatile style, is on the rise with many renowned brands now offering great quality options.  

And one of them is the trusted manufacturer of outdoor footwear, KEEN. Having taken its bestselling Targhee hiker and enhanced the fit and feel by adding its latest BELLOWS FLEX technology, KEEN’s Flex Hiking Shoes reduce the effort and energy each step takes. The result? An easier, less tiring hike. Sounds pretty good to us!

Combine this ease of effort with a waterproof outer, solid yet flexible grip and enhanced durability and you’ve found yourself the best women’s hiking shoe available. 

While hiking boots may be the main event, they’re made far more comfortable when worn with a proper pair of hiking socks. So, if you’re spending time and money on ensuring you choose the right shoe, why not grab the perfect pair of socks while you’re at it? 

And you can’t go wrong with these incredible padded socks from 1000 Mile.

Made from merino wool and tactel, they’re super soft, lightweight, breathable and provide padded comfort and extra support across injury-prone areas such as your Achilles tendon. And did we mention they offer a blister-free guarantee? 

Our editor swears by these socks and refuses to wear anything else — except for perhaps the single-layer option from the same brand.

Top tip: These socks are so reliably warm, they double perfectly as bed socks during frosty winter evenings. Definitely a worthwhile investment! 

While the question of comfort is undoubtedly the number one concern when shopping for hiking boots, there is no easy answer. 

Depending on the terrain in which you’ll be venturing, the size and shape of your foot, your preference for boot cut and weight and — of course — your individual style, your idea of which boot is most comfortable will differ. 

That said, the key elements to consider when shopping for the best, most comfortable hiking boots are:

Size: many brands suggest sizing up to allow for foot swelling and thick socks

Arch support: do you have the ability to securely fasten the boot around your foot?

Where the top of the boot rests: is it uncomfortably on your ankle bone?

Weight: are they light enough to be comfortable over long periods of time?

No matter the adventure you have lined up, there’s a perfect pair of hiking boots waiting for you. 

After trialling the Scarpa Rush TRK GTX boots across varied terrain, they're the definite winners overall. Immediately comfortable and amazingly secure, we can't rate these boots more highly.

That said, for nipping into the countryside for a day walk we recommend the Salomon Predict Hike Mid Gore-Tex. 

And, if you’d prefer to step away from the traditional boot and opt for a more versatile hiking shoe with good grip, then the Keen Women's Ridge Flex Shoe is for you.

Prices updated on 21/12/2022. We are not responsible for any changes made to the prices listed.

With a decade of copywriting experience across NZ, Australia and the UK, Megan Smith expertly creates engaging, honest content for readers. An avid traveller and yogi, Megan is forever planning her next trip and trialling the latest fitness and wellness fads.

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