14 Best Women’s Hiking Boots & Shoes of 2023 – Bearfoot Theory

Looking for the best women’s hiking boots to get you out on the trail? With hundreds of hiking boot options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Which boots are the most comfortable? Do you need high-ankle or low? Should you choose waterproof or non-waterproof?

To help you find your sole-mate (sorry, we had to!) in this post, we’ve rounded up my favorite women’s hiking boots in a variety of different categories. From full-on high-ankle hiking boots to low-ankle hiking shoes and lightweight trail runners, there is something for everyone.

If you’re not sure what kind of hiking boot or she you need at the end of this post, we’ve included the top factors to consider when buying a hiking boot. Our goal is to help you find the right pair that will hopefully last you lots of miles of wear and tear on the trail. 

Best Women’s Hiking Boots at a Glance

Best High Ankle Hiking Boots

Best Mid-Ankle Hiking Boots

Best Low-Top Hiking Shoes

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes

Best Trail Runners

Women’s Hiking Boots Comparison Table

See the comparison table below for a quick summary of each of the best women’s hiking boots. You can click on the columns to sort by what’s most important to you.

Best High Ankle Hiking Boots for Women

If you’re looking for a pair of sturdy hiking boots that are suitable for all kinds of terrain and provide maximum support, then high-top hiking boots that fit over the ankle are a good choice.

This style will provide the most stability and the most ankle support on the trail.

High-top hiking boots also tend to be more durable and rigid than a low hiking shoe or a trail runner.

Go with a high-ankle hiking boot if:

• You’ll be hiking in variable conditions like muddy, steep or rocky terrain
• You’re going on a multi-day hike
• You’re carrying a heavy load on your back
• You want more support for your ankles and knees

1. Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

Bearfoot Theory Team Favorite

• Great for: Rocky trails, backpacking trips, hearty day hikes, wet climates

• What we like: Supportive insole, excellent traction, waterproof membrane, ankle support, heel pocket that hugs, quick break-in period, comes in normal and wide options

• What we don’t like: Runs slightly small

I have had a lot of foot issues in the past with hiking boots and I absolutely love Oboz women’s hiking boots because they don’t cause pain or discomfort on the trail.

The Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are my go-to for any adventure that requires something super sturdy and supportive.

I’ve worn these on a 10-day backpacking trip in Alaska and a 4-day backpacking trip in Olympic National Park. On both these trips we encountered non-stop rain, but my feet stayed completely dry, warm, and blister-free.

I’ve also worn them on a 5-day backpacking trip in Sequoia National Park where the terrain was very steep and rocky, and I carried a relatively heavy pack. I found them to have a sturdy sole, supportive insole, and great ankle support for a heavy load. They are also moderately stiff which helps on uneven trails while still being comfortable.

I have relatively flat, narrow feet and these fit me perfectly with the top hitting about an inch above my ankle bone. I really love how the back of the boot cups my heel so it doesn’t move on the up and downhill sections.

If you have wider feet, they also come in a wide option. I suggest sizing up a 1/2 size to give your toes a little extra room in the toe box.

Another reason to buy Oboz is because they plant a tree for every pair of shoes sold, which we love!

2. La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots

Best Lightweight Hight-Ankle Boot

• Great for: Lightweight backpacking trips, hearty day hikes

• What we like: Lightweight yet supportive, comfortable right out of the box, grippy sole

• What we don’t like: Lack of cushion around ankle bones, low-quality laces

Before I switched to Oboz, I had the previous version of the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots. They are an award-winning hiking boot thanks to their comfort, durability, and support.

These boots are on the lighter-weight side for a high-ankle hiking boot, making them a great option if you want stability without the weight.

I found them to be comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period. They’re also waterproof and offer excellent traction from the Vibram soles.

The two issues I had with these boots is that my (very skinny) heel slipped out the heel pocket on the inclines. Second, the rim of the boot doesn’t have much cushioning, and it dug into my ankle when I flexed.

3. Topo Athletic Trailventure 2

Vegan Friendly High-Ankle Hiking Boot

• Great for: day hikes and overnight backpacking trips

• What we like: Made from 100% vegan materials, very comfortable out of the box, wide toe box, high arch support

• What we don’t like: Only available in bright colors which may not appeal to everyone, waterproofing isn’t the best

Vegan hikers or women who prefer a mesh-style shoe will love the Topo Athletic Trailventure 2. Made with 100% synthetic materials, this vegan hiking boot is designed with a waterproof inner bootie to keep out moisture while still being breathable.

Some women have reported that the waterproofing isn’t perfect, so these aren’t the best choice for particularly wet climates or conditions. But they are really comfortable right out of the box and great for day hikes or overnight adventures.

The biggest drawback to these boots is that they only come in bright colors, so if that’s not your style, you’re out of luck.

4. Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR Hiking Boots

Best Heavy-Duty High Ankle Hiking Boots

• Great for: Big backpacking trips, extra rocky terrain, off-trail traversing, wet climates

• What we like: Handcrafted, comfortable right out of the box, supportive in all kinds of terrain

• What we don’t like: Very expensive, heavy

The Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR Hiking Boots are the most pricey boot on this list, but they are very well made and will last a long time if you take care of them.

They feature a waterproof leather upper and provide excellent support around the ankles for long backpacking trips with heavy packs. The Vibram soles are grippy and will give you confidence on a wide variety of terrain.

If you’re looking for a 4-season hiking and backpacking boot that is comfortable, durable, stylish, and will last you many seasons, these are a great option.

Best Mid-Ankle Hiking Boots for Women

Mid-ankle hiking boots still provide great ankle support but aren’t quite as high and offer a bit more flexibility and nimbleness on the trail. They’re a great choice for hikers doing both longer day hikes and overnight trips with a heavy pack.

Go with a mid-ankle hiking boot if:

• You need ankle support, but also want a lighter and more flexible hiking boot
• You want to move quickly through rugged terrain
• You will be doing longer day hikes or multi-day hikes with a backpacking pack

5. Oboz Sypes Mid Hiking Boots

Bearfoot Theory Team Favorite

• Great for: All but the rockiest of terrain, hearty and light day hikes, backpacking trips, wet climates

• What we like: Made with recycled and eco-friendly materials, comfy right out of the box, lightweight and flexible, comes in a wide version

• What we don’t like: Not as durable as the Oboz Bridger Mid boots

Offering the same supportive insole as the Oboz Bridger Mid boots above, the Oboz Sypes Mid hiking boots are a much lighter and more flexible hiking boot than the Bridger.

These are currently my favorite boot for everyday hikes and best of all, they’re comfortable right out of the box with no break-in needed.

Despite being a bit softer than some of the beefier hiking boots on this list, the Sypes provide superior grip and great ankle support without being too stiff and the heel cups keep your foot in place.

The boot literally fits my foot like a glove. There are no weird rubbing or hot spots, and my toes don’t jam into the front of the boot when I’m hiking downhill. I’m also able to pull the laces tight enough so my ankle feels really secure.

This model is the first in Oboz’s lineup to incorporate sustainable materials and just like all of their shoes, Oboz plants a tree for every pair sold.

My only complaint about the Sypes is the material on the toe area scuffs pretty easily, so they didn’t stay looking new for very long.

6. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots

Budget-Friendly Hiking Boot

• Great for: Everyday hiking, drier climates, well-packed trails, people with high arches

• What we like: Come in a wide version, no break-in period required, budget-friendly

• What we don’t like: Not as waterproof as other boots on this list

The Merrell Moab 2 Mid Hiking Boots are a great budget-friendly option at $145 a pair. They’re a very popular choice among women hikers who want a mid-ankle boot that provides a decent amount of support.

They come in both normal and wide versions, making them a great choice for those who have wider feet. The toe box on the normal width is a bit narrow, though, so consider sizing up a half size.

Some reviewers complain that these boots leak when wet even though they are advertised as waterproof. These also come in a non-waterproof version.

7. Merrell Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX

Vegan Friendly Mid-Ankle Hiking Shoe

• Great for: Day hiking, drier climates, going quick, vegans

• What we like: Vegan-friendly, lightweight, comes in fun colors

• What we don’t like: Not as waterproof as other boots on this list, stiff at first, requires some break-in time

The Merrell Moab Speed Mid GTX is the perfect lightweight option for anyone looking for a vegan hiking shoe. It combines all the best features of a trail runner and a hiker into one and offers mid-ankle support.

Made from synthetic leather and mesh uppers, it’s moderately waterproof and breathable. We wouldn’t recommend taking these boots on particularly wet hikes, but they’re great for drier environments when you want to move quickly.

Best Low-Top Hiking Boots for Women

Low-top hiking boots tend to be lighter and more flexible than both high-ankle and mid-ankle hiking boots. However, they don’t provide the same ankle support.

Low hiking shoe options are a good choice for day hikes and well-worn trails when you aren’t carrying a heavy load or tackling lots of rocks and roots.

Experienced female hikers might also choose these on rocky trails so they can be lighter and quicker on their toes.

Go with a low hiking shoe if:

• You’ll be using them for day hikes
• You’ll be carrying only a light load on your back
• You’ll be on well-worn and flat trails with a well-defined surface
• You do not need ankle or knee support

8. Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes

Bearfoot Theory Team Favorite

• Great for: All-day hiking, well-worn terrain, easy backpacking trips, wet climates

• What we like: Lightweight yet sturdy, comes in regular and wide options, Oboz plants a tree for every pair sold

• What we don’t like: heel slippage for narrow ankles

The Oboz Sawtooth’s have been my low-top hiking shoe of choice for years and the new X model (released in 2022) has improved traction and durability for rainy days.

They are sturdy and waterproof with a grippy bottom that gives you plenty of traction for hikes in all types of conditions and trails. Another cool feature of these shoes is that they have an asymmetric collar around the ankle to accommodate unique ankle bone positions, which I find helps prevent chafing and rubbing.

I’ve hiked steep Colorado 14ers, backpacked the Trans-Catalina Trail, and done a ton of easier day hikes in these shoes. I also like wearing them around camp on chillier nights.

With the new X version, I do have some heel slippage so if you have narrow ankles these might not be the best choice for you.

9. Keen Targhee III

Best Hiking Shoe for Wider Feet

• Great for: Women with wider feet, day hiking in hot or wet climates

• What we like: Wide toe box, durable and built to last, thick toe guard

• What we don’t like: The insole is a little stiff

Keen’s are a popular choice for women who need a wider toe box. Their low-cut Targhee III hiking boot has been around for a long time, and for good reason. It has a loyal following that is due to its durability, comfort, and ability to tackle all types of terrain.

The flexible upper is breathable while still being waterproof and the Targhee III features Keen’s iconic rubber toe protection to keep your feet protected on even the roughest of trails.

These women’s hiking boots have great arch support but may feel a little stiff right out of the box. After a few break-in hikes, they should be comfortable.

10. Merrell MQM 3 Hiking Shoes

Most Comfortable Low-Top Hiking Shoe

• Great for: Dry climates, multi-sport women, longer day hikes or backpacking trips

• What we like: Good shock absorption, versatile, made from recycled materials

• What we don’t like: May need to add insoles for more arch support

BFT’s content coordinator, Courtney, tested a previous model of the Merrell MQM Hiking Shoes on day hikes and backpacking trips throughout California, Washington, and Arizona. This newer version has better shock absorption, making them even more comfortable.

She found that they were great for hiking in rocky, uneven terrain thanks to the grip of the mountain-grade rubber outsoles.

These shoes are a little stiff at first so give them some time to break in. Courtney has a high arch, and after a few trial runs in these boots, she ended up adding insoles to provide more arch support.

These are her go-to hiking shoes for dry climates and rocky terrain, but she’d leave them at home for rainy, wet hikes.

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes for Women

Imagine a shoe that’s somewhere in between a classic low-top hiking shoe and a trail runner. That’s where these lightweight hikers come in.

They’re lighter and more flexible than the best women’s hiking boots and low-ankle hiking shoes on this list but are a little more rugged and durable than trail runners.

Lightweight hiking shoes generally have mesh uppers rather than heavy-duty leather with more flexibility for movement compared to the firmness of other hiking shoes.

Go with a lightweight hiking shoe if:

• You want something lightweight and flexible
• You want something more durable than a trail running shoe
• You don’t need or want ankle support

11. Oboz Arete Low Hiking Shoes

Bearfoot Theory Team Favorite

• Great for: Vegans, everyday wear, light day hikes, camping trips, van life, neighborhood walks

• What we like: Lightweight and versatile, flexible, roomy toe box, came in a waterproof and non-waterproof version, fast on a variety of terrain

• What we don’t like: Less support than more sturdy hiking boots

The Oboz Arete Low Hiking Shoes have become my favorite lightweight hiking shoes for day hikes, camping trips, walks around the neighborhood, and everyday outings. They come everywhere with me. They’re comfortable right out of the box and are lightweight and breathable.

For how light they are, I’ve been surprised by their durability. I’ve owned the same pair for two years and worn them hundreds of days and the sole is just starting to wear.

When hiking, I’ve found the sole to be durable enough for rocky trails with plenty of traction. I have the non-waterproof version, which is great for warm desert hikes. If you hike in wetter climates, these also come in a waterproof version.

These shoes are also a great choice for vegans as they aren’t made with any products that come from animals.

12. Salomon OUTpulse Low GTX Hiking Shoes

Best Lightweight Shoe for Rugged Terrain

• Great for: Everyday wear, quick and light hiking, narrow feet

• What we like: Protective toe guard, large lugs on the sole provide great traction, comfortable right out of the box

• What we don’t like: May not work for women with wide feet, not as waterproof as other options on this list

The Salomon OUTpulse Low GTX Hiking Shoes are another great lightweight option for those looking for a flexible yet rugged shoe.

These lightweight hiking shoes allow you to be agile on the trail while still providing protection against stubbed toes, stream crossings, and other trail obstacles.

The OUTpulses are on the narrow end of the spectrum, so we recommend that you size up a half size or opt for a wider shoe.

Best Trail Runners for Hiking

Some folks will make the argument that trail running shoes are just as good an option for hiking. Since they’re so lightweight, many thru-hikers, like those on the John Muir Trail & Pacific Crest Trail, choose to hike in trail runners.

They aren’t for everyone, though, as some feel that they need more ankle support when carrying a heavy backpack. Also, trail runners won’t last as long as durable hiking boots or shoes so you’ll need to replace them more often when they wear out to protect your feet from injury.

Trail runners are good if:

• You’ll be hiking in very hot weather
• You want very lightweight shoes
• You want versatile shoes
• You don’t mind having to replace them more often
• You don’t need ankle support

13. Altra Lone Peak 7

Bearfoot Theory Team Favorite

• Great for: Light and fast hikers, day hiking, experienced thru-hikers

• What we like: Ultralight, can attach to gaiters, wide toe box, come in regular and wide options

• What we don’t like: No waterproof version

We know more than a few thru-hikers who swear by the Altra Lone Peak trail runners as their go-to women’s hiking shoe. In fact, our former Bearfoot Theory Community Manager Kim Vawter wore a pair of Altra Lone Peak shoes on her thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Altra is known for having a wide toe box to provide plenty of room for your toes to move.

They also have gaiter tabs to secure gaiters should you choose to use them to help keep dirt and debris out on the trail.

These are “zero-drop” shoes which means your foot and heel are the same distance above the ground. This keeps your foot in its natural position as you hike.

14. HOKA Speed Goat

Best Hiking Shoe for Long-Distance Thru-Hikes

• Great for: Experience backpackers, long-distance thru-hikes, moving quickly

• What we like: Ultralightweight, fun colors, good traction, HOKA’s legendary comfort

• What we don’t like: Not waterproof, don’t have good support for heavy backpacks, no subdued colors

HOKA sneakers have gained a reputation among trail runners and thru-hikers for their comfort and traction. The HOKA Speed Goat’s are a great option if you’re looking for an ultralightweight shoe that allows you to move quickly and efficiently.

A lightweight trail runner will come with compromises, however. In this case, that means no waterproofing or ankle support so we only recommend these shoes for experienced backpackers or for shorter, less technical day hikes.

If you do want more of a backpacking shoe, check out the HOKA Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX Hiking Boots.

How to Choose Hiking Boots

How to choose the best hiking boots (or shoes) depends largely upon what kind of hike you’ll be taking. The climate and terrain, length of the hike, how much you’re carrying, and what activities you’ll be doing are all factors in determining what sorts of hiking boots or shoes to buy.

To help you make the best decision, here are a few basics to consider before you choose hiking boots:

Length & Terrain of the Hike

The length of your hike matters when it comes to footwear. So does the type of terrain you’ll encounter out there.

A multi-day backpacking trip will require sturdier boots with better tread and ankle support than an easy-to-moderate trail on flat ground would need.

I tend to wear high-top hiking boots on backpacking trips and low-top hiking shoes or lightweight hikers on day hikes.

Weather & Climate

The weather conditions and climate of the area will play a large factor in determining what kind of hiking boots or shoes to wear.

If it’s cold and rainy or you’ll be trekking through streams and snow, waterproof boots are a must to not only keep your feet dry but also warm. Typically, we recommend a Gortex-type boot or shoe for most mountain hiking. 

On the other hand, mesh paneling and ventilation are better for when you are hiking in hot and humid climates like in the desert, Hawaii, or Central America.

Activities You’ll Be Doing on Your Hike

Different types of boots and shoes are suitable for different types of activities. The high-top hiking boots listed above will have high ankle support and more rigid soles that don’t allow for as much flexibility in order to help you stay steady when carrying a heavy pack.

Others, like low-top hiking shoes, lightweight hikers, and trail running shoes will provide less ankle stability on rocky terrain but allow for more movement.

Hiking Boot Sole

Every hiking boot has a sole — three of them to be exact: an insole, midsole, and outsole. Each of these three soles help to support your foot while walking, and you can find a variety of options depending on what activity you are doing.

Insoles

The insole of a shoe is that soft and cushioned portion that you feel right beneath your foot when you slide your shoe on. It can be removed and replaced with one that better suits the shape of your foot, so, make sure you know how much arch support (if any) you need and what kind of insole supports your foot best.

Collapsed arches or an arch that’s too high doesn’t help evenly distribute the weight while walking and can cause wear and tear on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. While you’re out on the trail for days at a time carrying a heavy pack, this is not a good problem to have, so make sure you do your research beforehand and even try on some different insoles in the store if you need more or less support.

Midsoles

The midsole is the second layer of cushion placed in between the insole and outsole to help absorb the shock of walking on hard and rocky surfaces.

Most times the midsole is attached to a piece called the shank that provides extra sturdiness and is often made out of composite or steel. You won’t find this in very light and flexible trail shoes, but you will definitely find it in a hiking boot.

Outsoles

The outsole is the thick, rubbery outer portion on the very bottom of your shoe or boot. Most hiking boots have dense outsoles with treads (also called lugs) that make for good all-terrain footwear thanks to the traction and grip they provide on granular or slippery surfaces.

You’ll want to have bigger treads for better traction – like Vibram, a patented form of treads that are found on a lot of brand-name hiking boots. A hearty tread is important for multi-day backpacking adventures and trails with hard-to-walk on or slippery surfaces.

Break-In Period

A high-top hiking boot is generally constructed from heavier and sturdier materials than low-top, lighter-weight hiking shoes. Whether they are made of all leather or are a mix of leather, mesh, and suede, they are more durable, can withstand wear and tear, and are built to last longer. For this reason, the heartier the hiking boot the more time it will take to get broken in and mold to your foot.

You’ll want to break the most heavy-duty hiking boots in gradually to prevent painful blisters as they can be a little stiff at first. If you’re breaking in all leather boots, start by taking short walks around the house, the block, and eventually on short hikes about a week or two before you wear them out on the trail to soften the material.

If your boot has a mixed material construction, they will be more flexible to begin with and break-in should only require a couple of short walks. And nowadays, some hiking boots don’t have a break-in period at all and are comfortable out of the box.

However, you never want the first time you wear a hiking boot to be the first day of your multi-day backpacking trip. Even if the hiking boots or shoes you purchase don’t have a break-in period, it’s important to try them out beforehand so you can work out any kinks and make sure they’re comfortable before taking them out on a multi-day trip.

How Should Hiking Boots Fit?

Having the right fit and feel is of course one of the biggest parts of how to choose the best women’s hiking shoes or boots for your foot. There are a few key factors to be aware of when you are trying on hiking boots and shoes:

Also, make sure you wear wool socks that are breathable and durable enough to protect your feet and keep you comfy. A pair like Darn Tough wool hiking socks (our favorite!) will do a great job of regulating the temperature if your feet get sweaty and cold on a hike.

Some hiking boots are narrower while some are more spacious. Some provide more arch support and some work well for flat feet. If it’s your first time buying hiking boots or shoes, we highly recommend trying a few on in-store and walking around in them a bit to see what feels most comfortable to you.

Shopping for hiking boots online is easier if you have an idea of what type of hiking shoe you’re looking for and what brand fit works well for you.

Have you found the best women’s hiking boots? Which ones are your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments below!

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