Boots are such an overlooked aspect of life but have you ever imagined your hike without a beautiful pair of boots? It would be an interesting time, especially if it’s raining or even the opposite. Boots offer us protection from not only the prominent elements but the harsh terrain that surrounds us. They offer us support and comfort in the harshest of environments. That is why it is important to have the best women’s all-terrain hiking boots.
When you’re worrying about places to set up camp or where to find some food and water, let the boots you wear be one less thing to worry about. Pick the perfect pair or pairs of boots for you because no one wants soggy feet and blisters halfway through their hike!
Note: All prices listed are at the time of writing and are subject to change by the manufacturer.
Confused about what having a good hiking boot means? Check out our hiking boot 101!
5. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
First on our list of the best women’s all-terrain hiking boots is the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boot. This boot is much-loved within the boot and hiking community so I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve met it before. A stable boot with great support and a waterproof design at an impressively low weight, these boots are great for long day hikes or even a weekend backpacking.
This boot has won multiple awards including the 2014 OutdoorGearLab Editors’ Award and in 2018 was featured in the Editors’ Choice 25th Anniversary Hall of Fame by Backpacker magazine. Continued high quality and comfort make this a no-brainer choice. Although these are ideal and more suited to shorter hikes, many hikers have worn them for longer expeditions and have given them shining reviews of recommendation.
Price: Approx $245
Best Use: Hiking
Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Upper: Nubuck leather
Lining: GORE-TEX waterproof breathable membrane/polyester
Midsole: Polyurethane
Support: Nylon shank
Outsole: Vibram rubber
Weight (Pair): 2 lbs. 2 oz.
4. Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Another fantastic option is the Salomon Quest GTX, though the price is a bit high on this pair. These boots, unlike the first pair, are designed for tough conditions and longer expeditions – they have great grip and deliver support to keep your strides. You won’t have to worry about slick areas as these boots will keep you stable.
They are protective and supportive but are still surprisingly comfortable for their stats. Whilst these may be overkill for a lot of amateur hikers or those who prefer shorter hikes they still can be used for less strenuous hikes and activities. However, if you always plan shorter hikes, you might want to check out one of the lighter, less protective boots so you can maximize your comfort and not have to prioritize.
Price: Approx $230
Best Use: Backpacking and Hiking
Footwear Height: Mid-calf
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Type of Waterproofing: GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane
Upper: Leather/textile
Lining: Textile
Midsole: EVA foam
Outsole: Contagrip TD rubber
Weight (Pair): 2 lbs. 6.4 oz.
Consider taking these on a long trail hike or backpacking trip in Alaska on one of these great Alaska trails.
3. La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX
Number three on our best women’s all-terrain hiking boots list is the La Sportiva Nucleo. This boot is a more lightweight boot with amazing breathability. It also blends durability and waterproof protection to sweeten the deal. This nimble boot is light and great to wear for day hikes and most backpacking hikes but if you plan on hiking more seriously then this boot probably isn’t for you.
The Nucleo comes with an excellent weight-to-qualities ratio. In comparison with other boots with similar qualities, you’d be looking at a much higher weight. However this lower weight comes with a more premium price – if you’re not prepared to pay this much then I suggest you scroll down and check out one of our more affordable options.
One interesting thing about this boot is that it can be resoled. That means that even if you walk right through the bottoms of these you can get them repaired. It isn’t often that we see this ability in today’s products. I appreciate that I am able to repair and continue using instead of adding to the landfill.
Price: Approx $229
Best Use: Backpacking
Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Type of Waterproofing: GORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof breathable membrane
Upper: Nubuck leather
Lining: Synthetic
Midsole: Compression-molded EVA
Support: 2.5 mm polypropylene stiffener
Outsole: Vibram Nano XS-Trek rubber compound
Can Be Resoled: Yes
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 6 oz.
2. Salomon Outpulse Mid Gore-Tex
Salomon provides a variety of unique and excellent boots including the Salomon Quest 4 GTX (featured earlier). The Outpulse mid is no different as it’s waterproof and provides an impressive level of stability at a more affordable price. It is another high-quality, low-weight boot that is versatile.
However, it is recommended to be used on smoother terrain as its limits will show when carrying heavy loads on more technical terrain. Compared to some of the other boots with a more robust and secure design this boot has less durability and protection. However, this should be expected with the lesser, more affordable price.
Price: Approx $140
Best Use: Hiking
Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Type of Waterproofing: GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane
Upper: Synthetic
Lining: Textile
Midsole: Fuze Surge foam
Support: Energy Blade Outdoor TPU plate
Outsole: Contagrip rubber
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 7.1 oz.
Now that your feet are covered, learn some other great backpacking items to bring with you!
1. KEEN Targhee III Mid WP
We have hit the number one spot on our list of best women’s all-terrain hiking boots with the Keen Targhee III. I personally love the Keen brand. Of all of the hiking boots and sandals that I purchase I lean to Keen. this is because the quality is stellar and they really hold up to demanding hiking and the elements.
The Targhee has been around for a while now and has had years of trail-testing. They’re light and casual, even worn for everyday wear. However, they still stand the test of time on challenging terrains. They have a rugged feel and waterproof protection which is great for days of hiking. It’s a classic, leather boot that isn’t particularly light but the benefits include added stability for rough terrains, excellent durability, and long-term protection for your foot.
It’s a wide boot that accommodates both swollen feet and naturally wide feet. This is a nice comparison to the other narrower boots. Among traditional hiking boots, this is one of the most popular with its straight out-of-the-box comfortability and great support so if you prefer traditional hiking boots over the more modern ones then this is definitely the one for you as it’s one of the best.
Price: Approx $175
Best Use: Hiking
Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
Footwear Closure: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
Type of Waterproofing: KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane
Upper: Oiled nubuck leather
Lining: Mesh
Midsole: Dual-density EVA
Support: ESS shank
Outsole: Rubber
Weight (Pair):1 lb. 12.4 oz.
Final Best Women’s All-Terrain Hiking Boots Thoughts
Boots big and small, narrow and wide, traditional and modern adorn our list of the best women’s all-terrain hiking boots. So we hope you found the right pair for you. All of the ones listed are sure to provide you with the comfort and protection you need. Whether you are heading out on a short hike or into the backcountry these boots will give you the support you need. Really a great day can be ruined by uncomfortable boots. However, you can avoid the pain by purchasing a solid boot for your foundation.
There are lots of boots nowadays made in two versions – men’s and women’s. Women’s boots tend to be narrower so if you’re a woman with wider feet then you might want to check out our list of men’s hiking boots. Whilst the majority of female readers will be fine with women’s boots we must remember that some might be better suited with a pair of men’s boots. The only real difference between the two is the width of the boot. It doesn’t particularly matter which pair you wear as long as they fit you and they’re comfortable.
What do you think? Would these five best women’s all-terrain hiking boots make your top list? We would like to hear about your favorites in the comments, on our Facebook, or on Reddit!
