Best Women’s Hiking Boots of 2024

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Waist-down view of a hiker taking a rest break by sitting on some rocks in the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots with rocky, high-desert clifs in the background.
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

Hiking boots have a lot of advantages over low-cut hiking shoes when you’re looking for reliable footwear for long-term use in cold and wet conditions, a heightened level of support for tricky terrain, and/or aggressive traction for rugged off-trail adventures.

Our team has spent nearly a decade testing over 40 pairs of the most promising boots to bring you this list of the 11 best hiking boots on the market. We’ve summited high peaks in Colorado, traversed icy ridges in Oregon, and traveled off-trail in Arizona to craft our expert boot reviews. In this guide, we’ll help you find a pair of hiking boots that has it all – durability, support, and all-day comfort at a reasonable price.

Heading out in the snow? We’ve got a list of winter boots that excel for snowshoeing, icy terrain, and snow-packed trails. No matter which type of footwear you’re after, be sure to pair your new kicks with a set of high-quality socks to keep your feet happy.

Quick Picks for Women’s Hiking Boots

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best hiking boots overall: Lowa Renegade GTX ($255)

Best budget hiking boots: Merrell Moab 3 WP ($150)

Best balance of weight & durability: La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX ($239)

Best lightweight hiking boots: Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX ($175)

Supportive hiking boots built to last: Salomon Quest 4 GTX ($230)

Best wide-fit hiking boots: KEEN Targhee III WP ($165)

Most supportive hiking boots: Oboz Bridger WP ($200)

What’s new

We’ve analyzed our old favorites against fresh hiking boot models to make sure we’re recommending the best of the best. We’ve updated all our reviews with more long-term testing results, and we’re working on some new reviews of hiking boots that will join the ranks of our top picks this season.

Dark grey hiking boots with grey/blue accents

Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX

Best hiking boots overall for support, durability & comfort

Price: $255

Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 6.1 oz.

Options: N/A

Upper Material: Nubuck leather/GTX membrane

Pros

  • Exceptionally supportive
  • Above-average durability
  • Outstanding traction on a variety of surfaces
  • Good for backpacking with heavier loads
  • All-day comfort
  • Stylish
  • Wide & narrow sizes available

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavier than some
  • Require longer break-in period

The Lowa Renegade GTX offers exceptional durability and protection for hikers who regularly tackle tough terrain with a heavier load.

The Renegades come in at a steep price, but their durability makes them a worthy investment. The upper is constructed with tough Nubuck leather, the midsole is made with polyurethane that won’t buckle under heavy loads, and the outsole features premium Vibram rubber. The Renegades are built with truly high-quality materials and craftsmanship, so they’re certainly money well-spent.

We often find that boots with this level of support feel overbuilt or restrictive, but that’s not the case with the Renegades. After an initial break-in period, these boots are quite comfortable to wear for extended outings thanks to the ample padding in the collar and the amount of space in the toe box. On top of that, the Renegades come in both wide and narrow sizes – so most folks will be able to find an agreeable width for their feet.

The highly varied lug pattern on the Renegades works well on all manner of terrain – we’ve yet to find its limitation. Combine all of that with the ultra-stable frame, and you’ve got a confidence-inspiring boot that’s dang near perfect.

Light grey hiking boots with a dark grey toe and light blue accents

Women’s Merrell Moab 3 WP

Best budget hiking boots

Price: $150

Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 0.5 oz.

Options: Non-waterproof

Upper Material: Pigskin leather/mesh/waterproof membrane

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Very little break-in required
  • Durable
  • Breathable for a waterproof boot
  • All-day comfort
  • Protective toe cap
  • Wide sizes available

Cons

  • Not as supportive as some
  • Bulkier than some

Don’t mistake the low price of the Merrell Moab 3 WPs to mean lower quality. These tried-and-true hiking boots have reigned as the top choice for budget-conscious hikers for as long as we can remember. They’re our top recommendation if you’re after a midweight boot for day hiking and everyday wear. 

These shoes are comfortable, durable, and require very little break-in before they’re trail-ready. They’re also more breathable than many other waterproof boots thanks to the mesh panels in the uppers.

Because they feel a little bulkier than some of our lightweight favorites, they aren’t our first choice for big-mile days. But they’ll last a long time, and they’re some of our go-tos for day hikes and weekend trips when the weather and trail call for more protection than a hiking shoe can offer.

Brown hiking boots with a black toe, and light blue accents

Women’s La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

Best balance of weight & durability

Price: $239

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 10.8 oz.

Options: N/A

Upper Material: Nubuck leather/GTX SURROUND membrane

Pros

  • Lightweight but rugged
  • Breathable for a waterproof boot
  • Good ankle support but not too stiff
  • Above-average durability
  • Excellent traction
  • Stylish
  • Good for lightweight backpacking
  • Protective toe cap
  • Wide sizes available

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Require some break-in

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots are exceptionally lightweight for how durable they are, and they’re decently breathable for waterproof boots. These stylish hikers are more comfortable than most other boots that offer a similar level of support, so they’re an awesome choice for lightweight backpackers and day hikers putting up big-mile days.

The high collar of the Nucleos provides ample ankle support, but they still offer more flex than other ultra-supportive models. Hikers with a pack weight under 35 pounds will likely enjoy the more streamlined build of the Nucleos, but any heavier than that and you’d probably be happier with the Lowa Renegades above or the Salomon Quests below.

The upper and soles of the Nucleos are somewhat stiff, so you’ll need to break them in before they’re at peak comfort, and you may want to add aftermarket insoles if you prefer a soft, cushioned feeling underfoot. But overall, we find the Nucleos extremely comfortable and highly recommend this modern take on traditional hiking boots for any hiker needing solid support at a low weight.

Dark grey hiking boot with rosy-tan ankle

Women’s Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX

Best lightweight hiking boots

Price: $175

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 10.1 oz.

Options: N/A

Upper Material: PU-coated leather/textile/GTX laminate

Pros

  • Light & nimble feel
  • No break-in needed
  • Exceptional traction
  • Very durable for the weight
  • Good for lightweight backpacking

Cons

  • Less ankle support than some
  • Not as durable as a full-leather boot

Comfort is the name of the game with the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX boots. They’re flexible, they feel great right out of the box, and they’re exceptionally lightweight for boots, so they’re an excellent choice for backpackers who keep their pack weight around 35 pounds or under.

While the X Ultras aren’t as supportive at the ankle as the burlier models on our list, they’ll feel like a dream to those looking for the protection and stability of a boot without the weight and bulk of traditional options. Plus the flexible collar allows for more movement around the ankle which we find more ideal for most occasions than a stiff, locked-in feel. Instead, The X Ultras employ a wing at the midfoot to provide stability for confidence on uneven terrain.

Overall, we really like the X Ultras, and we highly recommend them to anyone who wants a lightweight hiking boot that’s comfy enough for long distances with a lighter load.

Light teal and dark grey hiking boot

Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX

Supportive hiking boots built to last

Price: $230

Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 10.9 oz.

Options: N/A

Upper Material: Leather/textile/GTX membrane

Pros

  • Excellent ankle support
  • Above-average durability
  • Exceptional traction
  • Supportive soles
  • Good for backpacking with a heavier load
  • Protective toe cap

Cons

  • Expensive
  • On the heavy side
  • Require some break-in

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX offer some of the most robust ankle support of any of the hiking boots on our list, so they’re a great choice for hikers seeking maximum stability. Their durable materials and aggressive traction – in combination with their supportive design – will keep you moving confidently on the most rugged terrain.

These boots are on the heavier side, but that can be a benefit if you tend to hike with a backpack that’s over 40 pounds. Burlier hiking boots like the Quests won’t lose their support under a heavy load like lightweight footwear does. And they still feel more nimble than the other more traditional boots on our list thanks to their well-balanced design.

The Quests come at a high price, but they’re worth the cost as you’ll be getting a solid pair of hiking boots that will remain comfortable and supportive over several seasons of hiking.

Women’s Topo Trailventure 2 WP

A comfortable choice for lightweight backpackers

Price: $180

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 12.2 oz.

Options: Non-waterproof

Upper Material: Mesh/eVent liner

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Affordable
  • Wide toe box
  • No break-in required
  • Flexible
  • Excellent traction
  • Good for lightweight backpacking

Cons

  • Less durable than some
  • Less supportive than others

The Topo Trailventure 2 WP are some of the most comfortable boots we’ve ever tested. They have a wide toe box, which is excellent for anyone, but especially those with wide feet, bunions, or those susceptible to getting toe blisters.

We love having space for our toes to spread naturally and we like our shoes to be on the looser side rather than tight, so the Trailventures work well for even the most narrow-footed members of our team. That said, they may not be right for every foot shape. Our recommendation – order them and try them on well in advance of any major trip. Chances are, you’re going to love ‘em.

The Trailventures are also the lightest boots on our list, weighing less than a pound each. They don’t have the longevity of leather boots, but we think it’s well worth the tradeoff to feel more agile on the trail. We’ve worn the Trailventures for everything from wet fall/spring hikes to snowshoeing, and we’ve loved them every time.

The Trailventure 2 is similar to the popular Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2. Though less well-known, the Trailventures are gaining traction in the industry. They’re a bit more cushioned in the sole and cuff and have a slight heel-to-toe drop (5mm). We give the Trailventures the slight edge because they’re less expensive, and they take less getting used to than a zero-drop shoe.

Brown hiking boot with pink accents

Women’s KEEN Targhee III WP

Best wide-fit hiking boots

Price: $165

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 15.3 oz.

Options: Non-waterproof

Upper Material: Oiled nubuck leather/KEEN.Dry membrane

Pros

  • Less expensive
  • Wide fit
  • Excellent traction
  • Very little break-in required
  • Very beefy toe cap
  • Band at heel dials in fit
  • Wide sizes available

Cons

  • Less supportive at the ankle than some
  • Less durable than some

If you like a boot with a little extra wiggle room in the toe, the KEEN Targhee III Mid WP may be just the right fit. They’re designed with an extra wide toe box – wider sizes are also available – and they require very little break-in to achieve a comfy-all-day fit.

The lacing system on the Targhees includes a unique band that attaches behind the heel to give a secure, locked-in feeling that helps with stability on uneven terrain. And the varied lug pattern on the sole provides superb traction on a variety of trail types.

Those who like a lot of ankle support will probably find these boots to be a bit less protective than some of the others on this list, but we view them as a good balance between support and flexibility. Overall, hikers looking for a wide-fitting boot at a great value price should keep the Targhees at the top of their list.

Though it hasn’t been our experience, some users report these shoes are quick to show wear – particularly with the sole starting to delaminate or the leather uppers cracking and peeling. To extend the life of your boots, always give them time to dry properly before storing them, and don’t let them sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

Brown hiking boots with black toe and heel, white laces, and silver hardware

Women’s Oboz Bridger WP

Most supportive hiking boots

Price: $200

Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 5.4 oz.

Options: N/A

Upper Material: Nubuck leather/B-DRY membrane

Pros

  • High level of support
  • Excellent traction
  • Exceptional durability
  • Stout toe cap
  • Wide sizes available

Cons

  • On the heavy side
  • Stiff
  • Require longer break-in period
  • Cuff height can feel restrictive

With their premium insoles and multidirectional traction pattern, the Obōz Bridger WP are designed to be extremely supportive and versatile. The deep lugs on the soles extend over the sides to provide grip no matter what angle your foot strikes the ground.

The stiff construction of the Bridgers requires a bit of break-in, but these boots make up for it in long-term durability. Even after breaking in, they’re stiffer than many other boots on this list, but we see this as a good thing if you’re looking for extra support and stability. The sturdy nylon shank and plastic forefoot plate help prevent shaky footing and ankle rolls.

Though these boots are overkill for many hikers, those who need a dependable and supportive option for backpacking with a heavier pack or for challenging day hikes over rough trails will appreciate the sturdy build of the Bridgers.

Teal and light green hiking boot

Women’s Salewa Alpenrose 2 GTX

Lightweight hiking boots that don’t sacrifice durability

Price: $190

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 9.8 oz.

Options: N/A

Upper Material: 3F System with Kevlar Cables/mesh/GTX Extended Comfort

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Very little break-in required
  • Very durable for the weight
  • Exceptional traction
  • Good for lightweight backpacking

Cons

  • Less supportive than some
  • May be too narrow for some

The Salewa Alpenrose 2 GTX have an awesome balance of low weight and durability. The material of these hiking boots contains Kevlar cables in the upper, which gives them comparable durability to full-grain leather boots without weighing you down.

The Alpenrose break in quickly and are much more flexible than many other hiking boots. Though they’re not as supportive as some of the burlier boots on our list, hikers who just want the extra waterproofing and protection of a high-cut boot – without all the stiffness – will love these.

The toe box of the Alpenroses is on the narrow side, so hikers with wide feet or bunions may not prefer this fit. The La Sportiva Nucleos above offer a similar feel and comparable performance with a bit more room to wiggle your toes if you need more space.

The Salewa Alpenrose boots have a deep, highly varied traction pattern with sticky lugs, so they work well on most types of terrain. But they’re especially at home on rocky mountain trails. These boots are some of our top picks for backpacking with a lighter load around 30 pounds or less.

Navy blue hiking boot with white sole and accents

Women’s Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR 2

Ultralight hiking boots with a wide toe box

Price: $180

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 6.8 oz.

Options: Non-waterproof

Upper Material: Synthetic waterproof bootie

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Wide toe box
  • Very breathable for a waterproof boot
  • No break-in required
  • Good for lightweight backpacking

Cons

  • Less durable than many others
  • Not very supportive

The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid are much lighter and less bulky than traditional boots, so they’re perfect for hikers and backpackers who want the extra waterproofing of a boot without the stiffness and burly support.

The waterproof layer is an eVent membrane which is noticeably more breathable than the more common GORE-TEX linings, but it’s not quite as durable. That said, we find the flexibility and low weight of the Lone Peaks to be well worth that tradeoff when we’re logging lots of miles.

The latest iteration of these shoes is more supportive than previous models, but the Lone Peaks offer a lower level of support overall than some of the beefier boots on our list. For fast and light adventures that call for more protection than a trail runner can provide, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHRs can’t be beat.

Light green hiking boot with tan sole

Women’s Vasque Breeze

Budget-friendly hiking boots with great all-around performance

Price: $160

Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 3.9 oz.

Options: N/A

Upper Material: Nubuck leather/VasqueDry membrane

Pros

  • Less expensive
  • Very breathable for waterproof boots
  • Great quality for the price
  • Supportive
  • Protective toe cap
  • Very little break-in required
  • Wide sizes available

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • Waterproofing wears out quicker than others

The latest Vasque Breeze boots put a fresh spin on the tried-and-true originals. The newest Breeze model is made with recycled materials and has an updated design.

What really stands out about the Breeze compared to other hiking boots is how breathable they are for waterproof footwear. Mesh panels throughout the boots help your feet breathe and allow them to dry faster when they get wet. The Breezes are also comfortable right out of the box – they require very little break-in since they’re flexible and a bit lighter than many other traditional boots.

That said, the waterproofing relies on a proprietary membrane (VasqueDry) that can wear out quicker than the more common GORE-TEX or eVent membranes. We hope to see this improved in future iterations, as we’ve always really liked the comfort of the Breeze boots.

If you’re not often hiking in wet environments, the relatively affordable price point of the Vasque Breeze may still be worth the tradeoff in waterproofing. But hikers who go out no matter what the weather report says will probably be better off with the Merrell Moab 3 WPs which cost even less but are just a bit bulkier.

Oboz Bridgers – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

What’s Most Important to You in a Hiking Boot?

COMFORT & FIT

Fit is very personal, so what works for some people may not be the best option for others. In general the most comfortable hiking boots give your toes some room to spread, have cushioning that supports your foot shape, and have some flex in the upper so it moves with your foot.

Most comfortable hiking boots that don’t require much breaking in

Best hiking boots with a wide fit

Most supportive hiking boots

PRICE

High-quality footwear can be expensive, but we’re usually willing to spring for it because the success of our adventures depends on having happy, healthy feet. Cheap footwear tends to be less breathable, falls apart easily, and is more likely to create blisters and other foot problems. We recommend spending a bit more if you’re able as it will be cheaper than replacing blown-out and ill-fitting boots in the long run. You can expect quality craftsmanship and performance from all of the hiking boots on this list.

Best mid-range hiking boots

Best budget hiking boots

Best high end hiking boots

WEIGHT

Weight on your feet zaps about 5 times more energy than weight carried on your back. Lighter hiking boots mean less muscle fatigue, less stumbling, and they can help avoid knee and hip flexor problems. That’s not to say that heavier boots are bad though. If you do a lot of hiking off-trail or you tend to carry a heavier pack, you may want to go with a more burly and durable boot.

Best ultralight hiking boots

Best lightweight hiking boots

Best heavy-duty hiking boots

ANKLE SUPPORT

Most research says that if you want to prevent ankle injuries, you should focus on strengthening and stretching your ankles. That said, boots with more ankle support can help prevent rolled ankles and they sit higher up to better keep water out. For hikers looking for the added support, you should pick a boot that sits higher up on the ankle and be sure to tie the laces tightly.

Hiking boots with the best ankle support

DURABILITY & MATERIALS

Hiking boots can be a big investment, so finding a durable pair will help you get the most bang for your buck. Traditional leather hiking boots are almost always going to be more durable than lightweight footwear. But if keeping weight low is important to you, look for a pair of hiking boots with reinforced mesh in the construction to get the best balance of weight and durability.

Most durable hiking boots

WATERPROOF VS. NON-WATERPROOF

Some of the boots on this list come in both waterproof and non-waterproof versions.

Waterproof hiking boots can be a real lifesaver if you often hike in wet, muddy areas. We like using them for muddy day hikes in shoulder seasons and in the snow during winter. That said, waterproof boots aren’t very breathable so they can be a bit stuffy on hot days. They can also get heavy and be slow to dry when they get wet.

Non-waterproof hiking boots are lighter and more breathable, and though they’re susceptible to getting wet, they dry fairly quickly.For occasions where we’d choose boots, we usually reach for waterproof ones. But if you do most of your hiking in the drier months, you’ll probably be more comfortable with non-waterproof.

Best waterproof hiking boots

Best non-waterproof hiking boots

Critical Footwear Considerations

Vasque Breeze – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

BOOTS VS. SHOES VS. TRAIL RUNNERS

Hiking footwear is a really personal choice, and people often have differing opinions on what type of shoe works best for hiking. We tend to prefer lightweight trail runners since they’re more comfortable to hike long distances in and they’re typically more breathable. Traditional hiking boots – especially those made with leather – are going to be more durable, but they’re typically significantly heavier/bulkier. Here’s an article that will help you decide which style works best for you.

SIZING

Feet can swell during long days on the trail, so it’s good to buy hiking footwear at least a half size larger than your normal shoes. A good way to test sizing on your boots is to loosen all the laces, situate your foot so that your toes touch the front of the toe box, and then make sure you can put your index finger between your heel and the back of the boot. This will ensure that your toes don’t slide forward and hit the toe box on downhill sections of trail. You should also consider which socks you’ll be wearing and if you’ll be adding aftermarket insoles when choosing a size. It’s much better for footwear to be a little big than too small.

Merrell Ontario WP & Salomon Quest 4 GTX – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

BREAK-IN PERIOD

You’re going to take thousands of steps on any backpacking or hiking trip, so you need to know that your footwear will fit comfortably and won’t cause blisters. We recommend buying your footwear at least a few weeks before any long hiking trips and spending as much time in them as you can. This will allow your new hiking boots to soften up, and you can make sure they work well for your feet. If you notice any issues, it’s much easier to address them before you head into the backcountry.

TRACTION

Traction is one of the most important aspects of backpacking and hiking footwear. Your hiking boots will take you over narrow and rocky ridgelines, through slippery water crossings, and across loose scree fields. Knowing that your footwear will keep you from slipping is crucial, especially over washed out or exposed sections of trail. We heavily factored quality traction into all of our footwear recommendations.

Oboz Bridger, Salomon Quest, La Sportiva Nucleo High, & Vasque Breeze – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)
Salomon X Ultra – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

MANAGING MOISTURE & BLISTERS

If you’re on an extended trip with lots of water crossings or hiking in persistently wet conditions, your feet will likely get wet whether your footwear is waterproof or not. Wet feet can lead to hot spots and blisters, so it’s critical to know how to manage moisture, prevent, and treat blisters.

WATERPROOFING TREATMENTS

Waterproof footwear is ideal for soggy day hikes, but it’s important to remember that “waterproof” doesn’t mean that water can never get in. Water will always find a way in during a prolonged downpour and light rain can drip down your legs and into the top of your boots. Even the highest quality boots will develop small holes that allow moisture to creep in over time. Waterproof treatments are not permanent, you’ll eventually need to reapply a treatment to keep your shoes sealed.

SOCKS

We’ve found that wearing quality socks makes a big difference in how long we can keep our feet happy and in good shape on trail. Hiking socks should be comfortable, durable, and made with materials that wick moisture away from your skin. Check out our Best Hiking Socks list to see our top picks.

Altra Lone Peak – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)
Aftermarket Insoles – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

INSOLES

Aftermarket insoles can help alleviate a variety of shoe discomforts on the trail. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or you just need more cushioning and support in an otherwise rigid shoe, swapping insoles may be your solution. Insoles can also help take up a little extra space in footwear for a customized fit if you’re between sizes.

Oboz Bridger WP – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)