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What are the BEST women’s hiking boots?
The SimplyBestOf.com editor's choice is the Manfen Women’s Mid Waterproof Insulated Camouflage Hiking Boots.
One of the most relaxing, and not to mention free, forms of fitness out there is getting out into the great outdoors and walking through nature.
When you’re out exploring the world, having the best hiking boot can be the difference between a calming, awe-inspiring focus on your surroundings, or regretting ever stepping foot outside because all you can concentrate on is the discomfort your feeling in your shoes.
It’s been said that the destination is less important than the journey, but if you’ve ever traversed a trail with blisters, you probably have good reason to disagree.
That’s why making sure you’re well equipped from head to toe is essential. And while walking may still be free, it’s worth it to invest in having the proper attire before heading out on an adventure, short or long.
The best hiking boots for women will get your feet wherever you want to take them.
Choosing the best hiking boot is comparable to picking out the right car: you need it to get you from point A to point B in comfort, you’d prefer a bit of style, and you don’t want to overpay for what you’re getting.
During a long hike, you’re putting a lot of stress on your feet and ankles that’s transmitted up through the legs, affecting not just your lower body, but your back and upper body as well.
So, you need something that will give you support that lasts through the day, provides comfort, and still has the traction to grip those hills and rocky terrain you’ll eventually face.
Additionally, you need a good base that will be stiff enough to prevent your ankles from rolling if you hit a stumble, but also have some springiness to them to allow for movement.
You’ll also want a pair that holds up against water and the cold.
Here we’ve compiled a list of the best women’s hiking boots so you don’t have to trek through hours of information before heading out on a multi-mile trek of your own!
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The 8 Best Women’s Hiking Boots
- 1. Coming in at #1 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Manfen Women’s Mid Waterproof Insulated Camouflage Hiking Boots
- 2. Coming in at #2 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Dr. Comfort Vigor Extra Depth Hiking Boots
- 3. Coming in at #3 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Hi-Tec Women’s Altitude VI WP
- 4. Coming in at #7 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Oboz Women’s Sawtooth Low Hiking Shoe
- 5. Coming in at #4 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Adidas Outdoor Women’s Terrex Swift R Mid Gtx Hiking Shoe
- 6. Coming in at #5 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Ariat Women’s Terrain Hiking Boots
- 7. Coming in at #6 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Dannar Women’s Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boots
- 8. Coming in at #8 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine
Coming in at #1 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Manfen Women’s Mid Waterproof Insulated Camouflage Hiking Boots |
Made with 200 grams of Thinsulate, these are meant to keep your feet comfortable down to -30 degrees Celsius.
They’re also waterproof, so if the cold weather inc…
Made with 200 grams of Thinsulate, these are meant to keep your feet comfortable down to -30 degrees Celsius.
They’re also waterproof, so if the cold weather includes snow, you’ll be covered sloshing through it without worrying about icicles starting to form over your socks.
Due to the added warmth protection, these may seem tighter, so it’s advised to order a larger size than normal.
Given the camouflaging outer appearance of the shoe, with its orange laces, these may be a good option for huntresses who could end up spending long hours tracking animals in varying degrees of inclement weather, or waiting through frosty temperatures for the hunt to come to her.
Pros:
• These are made with extra insulation to keep your toes toasty.
Cons:
• Only comes in Camouflage, so if that’s not your thing, you’ll have to sacrifice style on these boots.
• They run small, so if you don’t order a size large enough, you could end up not being able to walk comfortable in them.
Coming in at #2 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Dr. Comfort Vigor Extra Depth Hiking Boots |
If you prefer the comforts of home even while out on an adventure, …
If you prefer the comforts of home even while out on an adventure, these would be the best hiking boots for you.
These have a Dr. Comfort gel insert included off the bat and are an extra depth in case you want to add removable inserts on top of those.
The laces are elastic and there is a Velcro strap, but they certainly don’t look like your Grandma’s sneakers.
The upper is leather, your choice of black or chestnut, and the soles are rubber to absorb shock. They also come in a variety of sizes and widths, which is a great option for those of the wider feet variety.
They are also good for everyday wear, as most users found that they preferred to wear these boots over their normal shoes.
They also shoot for a more stylish comfort shoe, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style with these boots.
If you’re going to be on your feet all day, and want to feel like you’re walking on cushions, this is your best boot.
Pros:
• Lots of different sizing options available, including extra widths.
• Comfortable for those with high arches, or other foot problems.
• Easy to put on and take off.
• Lots of support for longer hikes or for those who are on their feet regularly.
Cons:
• Some wearers found that they had to play around with the sizing, as some were too big or too deep.
Coming in at #3 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Hi-Tec Women’s Altitude VI WP |
The brand prides itself on a long history of quality outdoor footwear and for the most part, they still deliver.
Even though they are leather, …
The brand prides itself on a long history of quality outdoor footwear and for the most part, they still deliver.
Even though they are leather, they’re designed with Di-Tec and hydrophobic technology that creates a water repellent layer.
So they serve well as a waterproof option, you can take these boots out in the rain and still come home with dry socks.
They have a rubber outsole for durability on rough terrain and the small metal hardware is rustproof, so even your laces should still be safe after heavy use.
The boot incorporates a foam cushioned insole and a compression-molded EVA midsole to deliver support and stability.
As an added bonus, the cushioning is anti-odor and anti-microbial for those that spend long hours in their shoes.
The high back of the boot itself protects walkers from rolled ankles by providing a sturdy support base.
Many wearers found that sizing a half size down was most beneficial for them, since the boot ran just a little large.
Pros:
• An affordable price point, so if you’re not sure about commitment, you don’t go too far back purchasing these.
• Made from durable materials, so you won’t have to replace them too quickly.
Cons:
• Some wearers have found the boot does not hold up for long periods of time, or over particularly heavy hikes.
• Shoe is sized larger, so you’ll want to adjust a half size before ordering.
• It’s not the heaviest boot out there, but it also isn’t the lightest. You might feel this one after several hours upright.
Coming in at #7 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Oboz Women’s Sawtooth Low Hiking Shoe |
The upper materials are breathable and waterproof, so the rain won’t keep you inside if you have these in your closet!
They’re also ligh…
The upper materials are breathable and waterproof, so the rain won’t keep you inside if you have these in your closet!
They’re also light enough that you could run around on them all day and not feel like you have heavy feet.
The lower back doesn’t provide as much ankle support, so if you’re planning to take on uneven or unsteady terrain, you’ll either want to be extra cautious, or stick to a higher backed boot.
It does offer great traction, though, so you can at least get a stable grip on the terrain. It also features a stable, as well as cushioned, midsole.
It comes in both a bright magenta for those that need some color on their quest to the end of the rainbow, as well as a light gray with black and bright green accents.
Either pair hits the stylish mark, although they do appear more like sneakers than your traditional hiking boots.
If you’re looking for a stylish shoe that works well for both staying busy around town, or works just as well hitting up the trails, than this is your best hiking shoe.
Pros:
• Waterproof outer material to keep feet dry even on wet days.
• Stylish sneaker design means you can convert to hiking to town without changing gear.
• Rubber sole provides great traction.
Cons:
• The back of the shoe doesn’t incorporate a high ankle support.
Coming in at #4 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Adidas Outdoor Women’s Terrex Swift R Mid Gtx Hiking Shoe |
They perform well for long durations of time, getting high marks in the comfort category after long days spent getting where you want to go.
The back of the shoe has a …
They perform well for long durations of time, getting high marks in the comfort category after long days spent getting where you want to go.
The back of the shoe has a height that supports the ankle, but it’s not too high that it’s pushing pressure above the ankle, or feels uncomfortable walking naturally.
While they are designed for hiking, the look of them is sportier, so if you needed to wear them around during the day, or out for a job, they would fit the bill fine without being odd.
A lot of wearers found that they were actually more stylish than they had anticipated.
The traction of these shoes is superior. Users took them out into all types of terrain, including rocky mountain passes, forests and beaches and they were able to grip all scenarios with ease.
The rubber bottoms provided optimal grip in wet conditions, as well, so you have no fear of slipping if the weather doesn’t cooperate during a long hike.
The support they provide while hiking makes you feel secure enough to conquer any path obstacles.
They are designed to be lightweight, made of a mesh and synthetic upper sole, so you aren’t weighted down after several hours out and about.
They also incorporate an adiprene insert right in the shoe for shock absorption, a great feature if you suffer from overall joint problems.
If you’re the type of hiker that likes to head out for long periods at a time and want a shoe that will perform even when confronted with rain, snow or trail impediments, these could be the best boot for you.
Pros:
• The shoe has a lot of different color options, so you have plenty of options to cater to your own taste
• Have great traction on varying types of terrains
• They’re vegan friendly, so no animals were harmed in the making of these shoes
Cons:
• The bungee strap that holds the laces together has reportedly become stuck, which has left some walkers doing the “Cinderella” of trying to squeeze their feet back in after taking them off.
• The fit of the shoe can vary depending on the thickness of sock you wear. If you wear a consistently thick socks on your hikes, you should be fine. Otherwise, you may find they are looser or tighter depending on what you layer your feet with.
Coming in at #5 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Ariat Women’s Terrain Hiking Boots |
They are equipped with both a toe and heel guard to prevent scuffing of the leather with heavy use, which helps not only the shoe to remain vi…
They are equipped with both a toe and heel guard to prevent scuffing of the leather with heavy use, which helps not only the shoe to remain visually appealing, but also to prevent so much wear that the shoe begins to break down.
Different from other hiking boots, these have a moisture-wicking lining that keeps your feet dry, but from the inside out as opposed to stopping the water once it makes contact with the boot.
Since the lining is on the inside of the boot, if you are prone to having sweaty feet on a hike, these won’t hinder your progress.
Even though the moisture barrier is on the inside of the shoe, consumers found that the shoes kept their feet dry and warm in inclement weather.
There’s a built-in stabilizing and cushioning technology called Advanced Torque Stability, so you can feel secure facing hard to maneuver impediments, rocky paths, or uneven surfaces.
There is also good ankle support incorporated into these, so if you do have issues, you have some added support to keep you in line.
Many have found that these are great for walking in the winter around town, but they are a bit bulky for everyday use in nicer weather.
However, if you require more arch support, you’ll find you’ll have to supplement the shoes with an insert.
Also, many of those that tried these boots did not mention extreme hiking conditions. They do well for riding and working, though, as well as day hikes and rough weather.
However, if taking these boots out for longer, more intense hikes, they may not perform as well as in regular day wear.
Pros:
• Good traction, which helps on less than smoot hikes and during winter weather.
• Nice quality leather that is visually appealing.
Cons:
• Do not have good arch support, so you could end up using inserts you buy separately to fix this.
• Not sufficiently tested in rough hiking conditions.
Coming in at #6 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Dannar Women’s Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boots |
Made in the U.S., these boots boast a Sienna Cache leather that gives an antiqued effect that patinas over time, so they’ll just keep getting prettier.
The sole is rubber to absorb shock, but th…
Made in the U.S., these boots boast a Sienna Cache leather that gives an antiqued effect that patinas over time, so they’ll just keep getting prettier.
The sole is rubber to absorb shock, but they are a bit stiff at first upon arrival and they are heavier than some of the other hiking boot options out there, but they do have that long-lasting feel to them because of it.
The boots incorporate a Dri-Lex lining that provides breathability and comfort and the construction is focused on durability and stability.
They offer a roomer fit and it’s recommended to size down a half size on these. Still, these options require a breaking in period, so if you need to wear boots directly out of packaging on a hike, you’ll want to go with another option and allow these a few weeks around the house to break in the leather to your feet.
They come with an Airthotic insert to use, which should ensure the boots fit like a glove, provides support and allows air to circulate around the foot so your foot doesn’t end up swimming in sweat by the end of the day.
They also come with care instructions, since they are the real deal leather outer boot.
Reviewers who had issues with these on ordering found that the customer service was great and easy to deal with, so if you’re worried about the price of the boots and what you’ll end up with, chances are you’ll be able to work with someone to solve any issues.
Pros:
• These boots rank highest on the visual scale. A more stylish boot, you could get away with wearing these for more than just outdoor adventures.
• They’re sturdy and the construction is built to last for a while, provided you take care of them.
Cons:
• They require a breaking in period, so you’ll need to order them with time to spare before heading out on a hike.
• They do require some extra care due to the quality of leather, so if you just like to throw your shoes in the corner when you get home, these might not last you as long as you would like for the price.
• These boots hit a higher price point, so they are one of the more expensive options out there. You’d want to make sure you’re really invested in hiking before adding them to your collection, or at least invested in looking like you’re a hiker.
Coming in at #8 for our list of the best womens’ hiking boots are the Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine |
The focus is on comfort during long hikes outdoors and using the design to find the right natural positions for your feet.
Even though it’s waterproof, it’s also breathable to keep your feet dry against sweat, too.
Th…
The focus is on comfort during long hikes outdoors and using the design to find the right natural positions for your feet.
Even though it’s waterproof, it’s also breathable to keep your feet dry against sweat, too.
The rubber outsoles offer traction over wet and dry terrain, so if you find yourself in the rain, you won’t get slowed down by your footwear.
The materials used also make the shoe a light weight option, so you don’t get that heavy foot feeling after going several miles. It also comes in a variety of colors, so you can opt for a more colorful choice or stick to a neutral shade, depending on your own personal style.
It keeps feet dry and warm in mud and water and were comfortable enough to wear for very long periods of time, even spending hours a day for weeks on end standing and walking in them.
Customers found that they held tough even through snow and ice, if hiking or walking in those conditions is your thing.
Even those with high arches reported that they did not need any extra inserts to make these shoes comfortable and the cushioned heel area meant added comfort.
A lot commented that although it’s a great hiking option, it feels more like a gym shoe in terms of weight and style.
While most uses found that the shoe cradled their feet well, some did find that they were a bit narrower, causing a tighter fit.
Even though many did not find this to be the case, if you’re more to needing a wider shoe, it could be best to size up on these ones.
Almost all users that encountered wet surfaces were happy with how this boot performed, some did experience extra slippery conditions, such as slick rocks and boat docks, where they felt increased traction would have been beneficial.
Pros:
• The waterproofing keeps your feet dry, so you won’t have to worry about discomfort if you need to splash few a few streams.
• Made of lightweight materials so you won’t feel dragged down after walking for long periods.
• Look more like sneakers, so can be worn daily, not just during hikes.
Cons:
• Traction is more limited during extremely slippery conditions.
• Some users found that the fit was snug through the toe area.
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The best women’s hiking boots will keep your feet in good shape on the trail. What brand is your favorite?