7 Best Trail-Ready Hiking Boots for Women (Guide Tested!)

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Sometimes, finding the perfect pair of hiking boots can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are dozens of considerations to look into, from ankle height and waterproofing to foot type and traction… it’s enough to make your head spin like the morning after splitting a pitcher of margaritas with your girlfriends!

So, if you’re the type of gal to spend days if not weeks searching for the perfect pair of hiking boots, only to come out empty-handed— you’re on the right page.

This blog post lists some of the best hiking boots for women as recommended by our Explorer Chick guides, who spend hundreds of hours out on the trails each year, putting their hiking boots through the wringer in all kinds of hiking conditions.

They are truly experts in all things outdoor gear and you’re sure to find the best women’s hiking boot for YOU on our list below.

We’ve also included a comprehensive how-to guide to help you choose the right pair for your needs. Happy hiking!

We get it, you’re busy! If you just want a snapshot of our top boot picks, check out the links below. We go in DEPTH about every single one of these hiking boots below, so scroll on down to learn more!

Selecting a pair of hiking boots requires more attention and consideration than choosing regular shoes.

For regular shoes, style, fit, and durability take precedence. With hiking boots, the focus shifts from just comfort and looks to functionality, breathability, and waterproofing for specific terrains and hiking conditions.

Let’s take a look at some of these factors in more detail:

Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes

Ah yes, the famous debate. For years traditional hiking boots dominated the market, offering sturdy support for any terrain. But recently, trail runners (also called hiking shoes) have been taking over the hiking space. While both are designed for outdoor adventures, they cater to different needs and terrains. There’s pros and cons to both (which we’ll get into below), but honestly, it just comes down to your personal preference and what best suits the type of hiking you do.

Fit and Support

Ill-fitting boots can be straight-up dangerous on hikes. Blisters and sore feet are the least of your concerns when you’re miles deep in the wilderness with a twisted ankle or worse due to inadequate support.

Hiking boots should feel snug and offer just enough room to wiggle your toes. When we say snug, we don’t mean tight. Your foot shouldn’t feel constricted, but there shouldn’t be any extra space that causes your heel to lift up or your toes to bunch.

Remember: loose fit = hot spots = blisters. Make sure your foot is held securely in place to minimize blisters, bruised toenails, and overall discomfort.

When buying hiking boots, try them on with a pair of socks (the same ones you’ll be wearing on hikes) and ideally at the end of a day, when your feet feel a bit swollen.

This is especially crucial when you’re planning to hike during summer, as feet can swell during hot weather. You want the boots to be comfortable even when your feet are at their largest!

The absolute best way to ensure a perfect fit is to have your feet measured by a pro at a hiking or outdoor store. If you wear orthotics, bring them along as they impact the size of the boots you’ll be wearing.

Other than the fit itself, your boots should have proper ankle support to prevent it from rolling.

Women’s hiking boots have a narrower heel and a higher cut compared to men’s, so make sure the boots are designed especially for women to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.

Waterproof and Breathable Materials

Modern hiking boots do a pretty good job of being both waterproof and breathable.

Though they don’t quite match the level of breathability of trail runners, they still strike a decent balance between water protection and airflow to keep your feet comfortable.

Materials like Gore-Tex keep water out while still allowing moisture to escape, and lighter-weight boots with mesh panels tend to be more breathable than heavier, full-leather boots (at the sacrifice of some durability).

Generally, you want to buy waterproof boots if you often hike in wet conditions or want an all-around hiking boot, and non-waterproof boots if you mostly hike in the desert where you want to avoid trapping heat.

Waterproof boots will trap heat, making your feet sweat more. AND, waterproof boots will trap water if it gets inside the boot, so if you’re doing a hike THROUGH water (like The Narrows in Zion National Park), you’ll actually want a NON-waterproof hiking boot so the water can flow in and out easily (otherwise your boots will retain the water and feel like a ton of bricks).

In a pinch, a trusty old pair of tennis shoes paired with a neoprene sock liner are a great choice for hiking THROUGH water.

Traction and Outsoles

The quality and design of a boot’s outsoles determine its traction and stability on various terrains. The more technical the terrain, the stiffer and thicker the outsole should be. 

Hiking boots have outsoles covered in knurled knobs of rubber called lugs.

Shallow and wide-shaped lugs are best suited for moderate terrain like light snow, packed dirt paths, and well-maintained trails.

Meanwhile, deeper and more aggressive lugs are ideal for technical, loose, and uneven terrain, like steep inclines, snow, or rocky trails. They have a multi-directional design that allows them to grab the ground in various angles and directions.

Boots with thicker outsoles have a longer life, but they tend to be heavier than boots with thinner, more flexible outsoles.

If you’re more of a casual hiker, boots with thinner outsoles are the better choice. Though they’re not as durable as the alternative, they’re much lighter and feels more natural on the foot.

Though more durable than regular outdoor shoes, hiking boots often need double the amount of care—especially after a long, demanding hike.

Here’s how to properly maintain your hiking boots:

Cleaning and Drying

Hiking boots are magnets for dirt, mud, and all sorts of debris thanks to the deep lugs on their outsoles. You take a brief stroll through the woods and suddenly you’re carrying home a mini terrarium!

The dirt accumulated on the boots isn’t only gross but also compromises their performance over time.

Debris lodged in the boot’s seams can cause abrasion and wear, leading to premature deterioration, while built-up mud and dirt reduce the boots’ ability to grip surfaces effectively.

This is why you should always clean your hiking boots after a trail, or at least a few times each season.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on cleaning and drying hiking boots.

For best results, use a specialized boot brush and boot cleaner. If you don’t have those, use an old toothbrush or vegetable brush, and a mild dishwashing liquid like Dawn.

Cleaning your boots after every hike may seem a bit overkill, but it’s necessary to keep them in tip-top condition and prolong their lifespan.

On average, well-maintained hiking boots last between 600 to 1,200 miles. So if you hike, say, an average of 10 miles per month (roughly 3 miles per hike three times a month), your boots should easily last 5 to 10 years with proper care. 

Waterproofing and Conditioning

After washing and thoroughly drying your hiking boots, the next step to maintenance is waterproofing and, if the boots are made of leather, conditioning.

Over time, even the best hiking boots lose their waterproofing properties. You don’t necessarily need to waterproof your hiking boots after every wash, but you should do it consistently—for example, every three or four washes—to make sure they’re properly protected.

Synthetic hiking boots made of polyester, nylon, or Gore-Tex don’t require conditioning because they don’t crack or dry out. However, you can still clean them with a synthetic boot cleaner to make them last longer. You should also use a waterproofing spray to keep them sealed.

But for leather hiking boots, conditioning is a must.

Leather loses its flexibility over time, causing it to dry and crack.

Conditioning helps replenish the natural oils in leather, maintaining its suppleness, durability, and water resistance.

We recommend the all-natural Otter Wax Boot Wax, but any other leather conditioner works just as well as long as it’s high quality.

Storage and Transport 

Store your boots in a cool, dry location. 

Avoid attics, car trunks, garages, and sheds as these areas are susceptible to extreme heat.

Don’t place them near heat sources, either, like the radiator or fireplace. Heat can damage the material that holds hiking boots together, thereby reducing their lifespan. They’re best stored inside the house where the temperature is stable and moderate.

If you won’t be using the boots for a fairly long time—say, three to six months—stuff them with newspaper and keep them laced up. This way, they can maintain their shape and absorb any lingering moisture they may have after the last cleaning.

To transport your boots, you have two options: tie them to your hiking backpack or stuff them inside.

Strapping your boots on your backpack keeps them accessible and saves space inside the bag. Simply secure them with straps or bungee cords so they stay in place while you hike.

If you prefer to keep them inside your backpack, place them in a separate compartment or bag to prevent dirt and mud from soiling your other gear. Stuff them with your hiking socks so they maintain their shape until they’re ready to use.

These hiking boot accessories add extra comfort, protection, and functionality to your hikes:

Gaiters for Protecting Against Debris

Gaiters are protective coverings that wrap around your lower legs and the tops of your boots. They keep water, debris, and snow from entering your boots, making them especially useful for wet, muddy, and snowy hikes. They’re also great paired with low profile hiking shoes and trail runners to keep debris out.

Gaiters are typically made of synthetic fabric like polyester and topped off with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish.

High-quality gaiters feature tough, tear-resistant nylon for extra durability and long strips of hook-and-loop fastener down the fronts for easy entry and exit.

Hiking Socks for Maximum Comfort 

Hiking socks come in dozens of variations. Some are made of wool while others are made of polyester or nylon. Here at Explorer Chick, we stick to wool hiking socks because they’re naturally moisture-wicking, odor resistant, and can be worn a few times before needing washed (shh, we won’t tell).

Our favorite hiking socks are Darn Tough which come with a lifetime guarantee.

The most important rule of hiking socks is to AVOID COTTON, which traps heat and causes blisters and hot spots.

Wool—particularly merino wool—is the most popular material because it not only provides good cushioning but also regulates temperature, preventing your feet from getting all sweaty.

Polyester is another option because it wicks moisture, insulates, and dries quickly — and it’s more friendly on the wallet.

Insoles for Added Comfort and Support

Even the highest quality boot insoles can wear out over time or not perfectly match your specific foot shape and needs. This is where aftermarket or custom insoles come into play. These insoles provide additional support and cushioning tailored to your foot’s needs.

Explorer Chick Content Manager Courtney has a high arch and finds that adding a supportive aftermarket insole, like Superfeet, is ideal for tackling long backpacking trails without foot fatigue.

Laces and Lacing Techniques

Properly fitted laces can make a big difference in the performance and comfort of your hiking boots.

Too short laces can make your boots feel too tight, leading to blisters and general discomfort.

On the other hand, too long laces can pose a tripping hazard and may get caught on branches or rocks.

Opt for laces that are just long enough to comfortably tie your boots with a double knot.

Once you’ve got the right laces, ditch the bunny ears lacing method and instead practice these lacing techniques. You can use these techniques to increase ankle support, prevent heel slippage, reduce pressure on top of your foot, and minimize hotspots and blisters.

>>  Check out our blog post on hiking boot lacing techniques.

Waterproofing Spray for Extra Moisture Protection

A hiking boot’s waterproofing capabilities can wear out over time. This isn’t to say that they’re low-quality; rather, it’s a natural result of regular use and exposure to the elements. Reapplying a waterproofing spray every few washes keeps them protected from wet and muddy trails.

How do I know if my hiking boots fit properly?

How often should I replace my hiking boots?

Can I use my hiking boots for other outdoor activities?

We hope this guide on the best hiking boots for women helped you find the perfect pair for your next hiking adventure!

As you can see from our guides’ recommendations, there are no single ‘best’ hiking boots.

For example, Christina adores the Altra Lone Peak All Weather Mid 2 for its wide toe box and comfortable fit, while Mary prefers the Salomon XA Pro because of its higher heel drop.

So when selecting hiking boots, consider your individual needs and preferences. Do you prefer the supportive design of traditional hiking boots, or are you leaning more toward the low-cut freedom and flexibility of trail runners? Do you have narrow feet or wide feet? High arches or flat arches?

Finding the right hiking boots is about striking a balance of comfort, stability, and performance. It might take you a few attempts to find your dream shoes, but once you do, you’ll likely stick with them for life!