Best Women’s Hiking Boots for 2024

As we look forward to 2024, manufacturers continue to innovate and refine their hiking boot designs, incorporating the latest technologies and materials to enhance durability, support, and traction.

If you’re in search of a quality pair of women’s boots for your upcoming hike, you’ve landed in the right place. In this guide, we will explore the top 7 contenders for the best women’s hiking boots in 2024. What’s more, we’ll outline various selection criteria to assist you in making an informed decision when purchasing a reliable pair of hiking shoes.

Best Women’s Hiking Boots 2024

Lace up and get ready for a year of unforgettable adventures with the best women’s hiking boots of 2024.

• Columbia Newton Ridge Plus – Best Overall
• Salomon L41168400 X-Ultra – Editor’s Choice
• Oboz Sawtooth II Women’s – Premium Hiking Boots
• SALOMON Speedcross 4 – Best On A Budget
• Adidas Terrex Swift R2 – Women Specific Fit
• Merrell Women’s Moab 2 – Good Air Cushion
• Oboz Arete Low B-Dry – Very Strong and Durable

1. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus

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Specs:

• Materials: 100% Leather_Synthetic
• Waterproof: Yes
• Breathability: Good
• Average weight: 13 Ounces

Choosing Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Women’s hiking boots is a winning decision. This pair of boots embodies everything essential for a superior hiking experience. Undoubtedly, having them at your disposal is a choice that leaves no room for regret, as they are prepared to assist in any situation.

With its Leather_Synthetic that adapts to our foot, comfort is guaranteed. The ventilated grilles ensure breathability during summer, yet they keep your feet warm in winter. The rubber sole effectively absorbs impacts. The higher design, surpassing the average women’s hiking boots, offers excellent ankle protection without causing discomfort or irritation from friction.

This model also features a lace-up closure, providing an adjustable and secure fit. The dual-zone winter tread pattern ensures reliable traction on surfaces like ice and snow. The wide design is genuinely spacious and offers enough room for thicker socks.

Their midsole offers excellent traction, even on wet stones. The shape of the sole makes them excellent on looser terrain. You will have no problem if raining or if you walk in puddles because the water resistance is excellent thanks to the gore-tex coating.

2. Salomon L41168400 Women’s X-Ultra

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Specs:

• Materials: 100% Synthetic
• Waterproof: Yes
• Breathability: Excellent
• Average weight: 12 Ounces

The Salomon X Ultra is a flagship model of the famous Salomon brand because of so many reasons. Offering exceptional durability and reliability at a commendable price point for their performance, these boots are versatile and suitable for both local day hikes and more extensive multi-day adventures. Salomon hiking boots are designed to help you go the distance with confidence.

The comfort of the Salomon X Ultra is noteworthy. They are designed with fairly rigid materials to enhance durability. The boots adapt to the feet over time and provide increased comfort compared to the initial wear. They offer excellent support unless carrying a substantial backpack with a significant load.

Thanks to Salomon’s patented ContraGrip sole, which allows you to face almost any terrain. However, it’s a bit weaker on rock, due to its stiffness. With gore-tex, waterproofing is out of the question. The lacing is much easier and more convenient than traditional lace-up shoes. Also, it is likely to last longer than regular shoelaces.

Overall, the Salomon X Ultra women’s hiking boots rightfully secure their position among the best. Priced lower than many other pairs, they deliver durability and strike a balance of traction and stability that few boots can match.

3. Oboz Sawtooth II Women’s Low B-Dry

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Specs:

• Materials: Leather/Synthetic
• Waterproof: Yes
• Breathability: Good
• Average weight: 1 Pound

The Sawtooth II Low B-Dry hiking boots could be an excellent choice for extended hikes or for those looking for a pair of boots with long-lasting durability. Even after numerous excursions, these boots maintain their integrity, proving resilience in both the seams and the sole. This level of durability is a standout feature that few articles can boast about.

Beginning with comfort, the Sawtooth II Low B-Dry hiking boots are remarkably well-cushioned in both the toe area and the ankle, ensuring a responsive experience on flat trails and slopes alike. The excellent sole adds to this comfort and provides robust support for the feet.

Traction is also remarkable without being one of the best. These boots reliably navigate through various terrains, ensuring stability and dependability. These are made of leather and are triple stitched to the mesh and its excellent sole. However, the leather absorbs water in the rain or if we move through puddles.

In summary, these women’s hiking boots rank among the best due to their excellence in various features. Their exceptional resistance, comfort, foot support, and remarkable traction stand out as their key assets. While providing a strong sense of stability, they tend to run small in terms of sizing.

4. SALOMON Speedcross 4 Hiking Boots

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Specs:

• Materials: 100% Rubber
• Waterproof: Gore-Tex
• Breathability: Average
• Average weight: 10.56 Ounces

If you are looking for a good pair of ultralight hiking boots, the SALOMON Speedcross 4 is your best option. It is made with the lightest materials and is one of the best hiking boots for short hikes that don’t have too many technical sections or for carrying a spare pair of boots in your backpack.

If they are so light, it is because they sacrifice other aspects, although comfort is one of their best virtues. However, if you have a wide foot or a lot of volume, perhaps other options will suit you better.

As for traction and stability, SALOMON Speedcross 4 isn’t the best option. Although for stretches without too many slopes or asphalt, they are quite suitable. Thanks to its design with few seams, materials and thin sole, it is the lightest women’s hiking boot of our selection.

We conclude that this model is the best in terms of lightness. In return, you have to sacrifice traction and support due to the thinness of its sole. But for some excursions, they are sure to serve us.

5. Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Women’s Hiking Boot

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Specs:

• Materials: 100% Synthetic
• Waterproof: GORE-TEX
• Breathability: Optimized
• Average weight: 11 Ounces

The Adidas Terrex Swift R2 women’s hiking boots are commendably balanced in every aspect. Featuring a low-cut, durable upper with speed lacing, they provide robust support on uneven terrain. The Continental™ Rubber outsole ensures exceptional grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

They are quite comfortable, especially if we have wide feet. Their sole is quite rigid and has a good balance between cushioning and support. The support is one of the indicators for which these boots stand out the most. The traction is remarkable. You can move on safely in almost any terrain. As for waterproofing, gore-tex guarantees it.

This pair equips you for any mountain adventure; however, some users find the laces to be too thin. Consequently, these boots are a solid choice. They are made with good materials that will last a long time. If you have narrow feet, exploring alternative options might provide a more comfortable fit.

While it may not reach an exceptional level in any specific aspect, the Adidas Terrex Swift R2 women’s hiking boots distinguish themselves in several areas. Their well-rounded performance across various features ensures a good overall level of functionality and reliability.

6. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Hiking Boots

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Specs:

• Materials: 100% Leather
• Waterproof: Yes
• Breathability: Good
• Average weight: 1.1 Pounds

These boots are primarily used for easy hiking due to a bad ankle, and they excel in comfort, offering nice support and warmth in winter. The cushioning in the heel and the overall sturdiness of the boot are particularly appreciated. The Merrell Moab 2 WP hiking boots fare currently available at a very affordable price. Despite their budget-friendly nature, they offer waterproofing and deliver excellent performance.

This model is built with a good traction system. During the initial try, these boots may feel a bit tight, but over time, they tend to relax and become more comfortable. Therefore, it’s advisable to embark on short hikes during the first few times you wear these hiking boots to allow for the necessary adjustment period.

Thanks to its Vibram sole, which is quite flexible, standing out on the rock. But it is a little loose on loose stones or sand because its studs have little separation between them.

In terms of durability, they provide remarkable stability. However, their weight is the aspect where they stand out the least. Despite this minor consideration, the Merrell Moab 2 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a pair of boots for your excursions and don’t want to spend more than 100 dollars.

7. Oboz Arete Low B-Dry Hiking Shoe

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Specs:

• Materials: Rubber
• Waterproof: Yes
• Breathability: Excellent
• Average weight: 8 Ounces

Finally, we arrive at our last pick of the top 7 best women’s hiking boots for this year: The Oboz Arete Low B-Dry women’s hiking boots. These boots surprise me with their design, resembling more of a sneaker. Moreover, they are very well balanced in all aspects that one looks for in a hiking boot.

These boots are comfortable for people with narrow feet because their materials are quite stiff and don’t give much of themselves. Thanks to the fairly bulky sole that combines layers effectively, these boots offer excellent support for long walks, even with a substantial load.

In terms of grip, the rubber sole has a soft enough stiffness to walk well on rock. And the lugs are also good for walking on looser terrain. All of this with good water resistance and less weight than most of the hiking boots in this guide. The shoes are also comfortable enough even in wet weather.

Despite its sneaker-like appearance, this model is highly waterproof, along with good traction and support. However, a potential issue with the pink grosgrain that holds the shoelace, as it may not be sewn in the same place on both shoes, creating an unusual look for the pair.

How to Choose Your Women’s Hiking Boots?

To ensure safe and comfortable hiking, consider the following key points when selecting the best women’s hiking boots:

The distance to be covered and the type of terrain

The distance you will cover during your hike is an important criterion for choosing your boots. The same is true for the type of terrain to be borrowed. Boots designed for rocky mountain trails differ from those suitable for muddy paths or flat terrains. A multi-day hiking trip will require sturdy and high-cut boots that provide better tread and ankle support. For short hikes, opt for low or lightweight hiking boots.

Climatic conditions

The weather conditions and climate of the region will play an important role in choosing your hiking boots. If it’s cold, if it’s raining, or if you plan to hike wet or snowy trails, waterproof boots will be essential to keep your feet dry and warm. Gortex-type boots are recommended for most mountain hikes.

On the other hand, mesh panels with air vents are the right boots to wear when hiking in the hottest and most humid areas of the globe like Hawaii or Central America.

Adhesion

A good grip is essential to progress on technical and varied trails where you may encounter mud, wet rocks, smooth roots, or even snow. Any good self-respecting hiking boot must minimize the risk of slipping which could endanger the hiker. Of course, no boot is perfect and often you have to work on your technique and be careful. For example, the use of poles can greatly help prevent falls.

The good news is that even an entry-level hiking shoe will provide good grips. It is rare to come across a slippery hiking boot. This is all the more the case since most brands have adopted Vibram technology, a rubber that is both resistant and naturally grippy (except Salomon who manufactures their own rubber, Contagrip).

In addition to the rubber, the design of the studs plays an important role in maximizing traction. The deeper and sharper they are, the better the grip will be.

Support and Stability

High-top hiking boots will have high ankle support and stiffer soles that don’t allow as much flexibility to help keep you stable when carrying a heavy pack. Others, like low-top hiking boots, lightweight hiking boots, and trail running shoes, will provide less ankle stability on rocky terrain but allow more freedom of movement.

The size of the boots

Your foot should be snug enough when you walk, but still, be able to wiggle your toes without them touching the front of your boot. Remember that your feet swell under the effect of heat and with the efforts you are going to make, you risk having blisters and bruises under the nails if you do not choose the right size. Then, when you push your toes forward in the boot, you should be able to slide two fingers on either side of the Achilles tendon. Then as you walk, your heel should not lift.

• Recommend for you: How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

Cushioning

This is one of the areas where hiking boots have borrowed the most from running and trail shoes. The improvement in padding technologies has made it possible to obtain foams (in EVA or TPU) that absorb shocks better and better and energize walking, all without weighing down the shoe too much. For example, Salomon’s EnergyCell technology is found on almost all of its boots, whether for hiking, running, or trail running.

Materials

Leather and synthetic materials are common choices. Full-grain leather offers durability, while synthetic materials are often lighter and more breathable.

The weight

Heavy boots are perfect for you if you value durability and support a lot. However, this type of boots can tire you out more quickly. Lightweight boots and shoes on the other hand won’t weigh you down but will provide you with much less support. So it’s up to you to decide what’s most important to you based on your hiking goals.

Verdict

To be able to hike in total comfort, it is better to choose the best pair of hiking boots. On the other hand, beginner hikers opt for affordable hiking boots. We hope that our selection and buying guide will help you make the right choice. Please note that this ranking is regularly updated, so feel free to bookmark it for future reference.

FAQs

Do I need ankle support for hiking?

If you are an active, healthy person with no ankle issues, you don’t really need extra ankle support while hiking. Besides, boots tire your legs faster and make your footwork clumsier.

Why do my hiking shoes hurt my ankles?

They are probably still stiff and the laces are too tight. When washing them, tie the laces just past the last D-ring or eyelet, just where the top of your foot meets your ankle. Also, take regular walks in your boots to break them in properly.

Should I wear two pairs of socks while hiking?

Wearing two pairs of socks is a good solution to avoid wet feet. This will help keep your feet dry throughout your hike. Many people choose this option to avoid getting blisters by simply reducing the humidity and having an extra layer of protection.

Do you need special insoles?

This is not essential, but the insoles (also called sock liners) can allow you to customize the comfort inside the boot. So you can choose ones that better fit the shape of your foot. They allow you to adjust the volume of space in the shoe: you can choose a thinner one to have more space or a thicker one for more strict foot support.

How can I ensure the right fit when buying women’s hiking boots?

Achieving the right fit is crucial for hiking boots, as an improper fit can cause discomfort and foot-related issues during your hikes. Here are some tips to ensure the right fit:

• Measure Your Feet
• Try Boots in the Afternoon
• Wear Proper Socks
• Wiggle Room
• Heel and Ankle Support
• Walk and Test
• Consult the Retailer