The 8 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2022

The Columbia Newton Ridge Boots are our favorite pick for your next adventure

Cai Cramer is a Commerce Writer at PEOPLE, covering the best and buzziest products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. Previously, Cai worked on the Digital Platforms team at PEOPLE after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. Cai loves to spend time outdoors no matter the weather, and she’ll try any craft twice.

Ahh, the great outdoors. There’s nothing like a good hike to make you feel one with nature — the sounds of crunching leaves, the kiss of a breeze along your cheek. But foot pain can stop you in your tracks (literally) without the right pair of hiking boots. We could go on romanticizing the outdoors all day, but instead, we’ll help you find the best pair of women’s hiking boots to take you on your next adventure.

A well-fitting, comfortable pair of hiking boots is essential to enjoy every peak and valley, so we turned to expert Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Sole Podiatry NYC, who stars on the TLC show My Feet Are Killing Me.

“Regardless of the activity, our feet are our body’s shock absorbers and need to be taken care of, cushioned, supported, and stabilized,” Dr. Schaeffer tells PEOPLE. “Arch support is one of the most important things to look for regarding fit and comfort in any shoes. For hiking boots, it is even more important because of the unstable terrain you are enjoying.”

He adds that you should always look for function over fashion when picking the right pair for you: “Some hiking boots that are all the rage, which look a lot like hiking boots, are truly not suitable for hiking.”

We’re here to take the guesswork out of your hunt for the best pair of women’s (or women’s-sized) hiking boots. We rounded up eight of the best-performing, most well-fitting galoshes for you and your hiking partner (did we mention that they make great holiday gifts?). We personally tested a few of these options and our favorite pair is the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof hiking boots because they are comfortable, lightweight, and hug your foot and ankle in all the right places.

Read on to discover the eight best hiking boots to take you wherever you want to go.

10 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2022

We prefer light and breathable shoes for most of our summer hikes, but boots have a solid place in our gear repertoire. Boots offer greater durability than a lot of other footwear for long-term use, better weather protection for cold, wet conditions, and provide more support for rugged off-trail terrain.

Our team of experienced backpackers tests and analyzes gear full-time. We’ll give you our honest advice on these tried-and-true favorites to make it easy for you to find the best hiking boots for your feet and adventures.

Last updated: November 7, 2022

Closeup of the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots in the Alvord Desert

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid are rugged enough for off-trail adventures and will last for years of adventure

Staff Picks

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

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Best hiking boots overall: Salomon Quest 4 GTX

Best lightweight hiking boots: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

Best boots for backpacking with a heavy load: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

Best budget hiking boots: Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP

Light & sturdy boots with great traction: La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

Best wide hiking boots: KEEN Targhee III Mid WP

Durable hiking boots with supportive insoles: Oboz Bridger Mid BDry

Highly breathable waterproof hiking boots: Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX

Best ultralight hiking boots: Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid

Stylish & lightweight hiking boots: Merrell Ontario Mid WP

Closeup of the Oboz Bridger Boots on a dusty trail

The Oboz Bridgers come with premium insoles and are some of the most supportive hiking boots you’ll find

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

COMFORT AND FIT – Fit is very personal, so what works for some people may not be the best option for others. In general the most comfortable 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.

The lightweight Salomon X Ultras feel like a cross between trail runners and hiking boots.

The lightweight Salomon X Ultras feel like a cross between trail runners and hiking boots

PRICE – We tend to be willing to spend a bit more for quality footwear because we truly believe the success of our adventures depends on having happy, healthy feet. Comfort and fit usually trump cost in our books, but we recommend quality options at a variety of price points in our top picks below.

Best budget hiking boots: Merrell Moab 2

Best high-end hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 & Lowa Renegade

Closeup of the Salomon Quest 4 with traction devices in front of a snowy mountain

The Salomon Quest 4 are spendy, but the quality is worth it if you’ll use them a lot

WEIGHT – Weight on your feet zaps about 5 times more energy than weight carried on your back. Lighter 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 be more confident in a more burly and durable boot.

Best heavy-duty hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 & Lowa Renegade

A backpacker wearing the Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Mid Boots on a desert hike

The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid are much lighter than traditional hiking boots

ANKLE SUPPORT – Lots of people hike in boots because of the ankle support they provide. If you’re looking for maximum ankle support, you should go with a boot that sits higher up on the ankle and make sure to tie the laces tightly.

Rocking the Lowa Renegade Gtx MID boots on a waterfall hike.

The Lowa Renegades are a bit stiff at first, but they’re very comfortable after a short break-in period

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 boots are almost always going to be more durable than the lightweight footwear. But if keeping weight low is important to you, look for a pair of boots with reinforced mesh construction to get the best balance of weight and durability.

The Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX provide ample ankle support and require almost no break-in time.

The Vasque Breeze AT provide ample ankle support and require almost no break-in time

WATERPROOF VS NON-WATERPROOF – Waterproof boots can be a real lifesaver if you often hike in wet, muddy areas. We like using them for soggy day hikes in spring and fall. On the other hand, waterproof boots aren’t very breathable on hot days, and they can be heavy and slow to dry when they get wet. Non-waterproof boots are lighter and more breathable, and though they’re susceptible to getting wet, they dry fairly quickly.

The Vasque Breeze Boots provide have a good balance of weather protection and breathability.

The Vasque Breeze Boots provide have a good balance of weather protection and breathability

Best Women’s Hiking Boots of 2022

Salomon Quest 4 GTX

BEST HIKING BOOTS OVERALL

MSRP: $230

WEIGHT (PAIR): 2 lbs. 6.4 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Excellent ankle support, durable, stable, excellent traction

CONS: Heavier than some, expensive, cuff height can be restrictive, stiff sole

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BOTTOM LINE: The Salomon Quest 4 GTX are some of the best hiking boots on the market when it comes to ankle support and stability. The durable build and aggressive traction make them great for the most rugged terrain. And while these boots are on the heavier side, they feel more nimble than the other heavy-duty boots on our list thanks to their well-balanced design. The Quests come at a high price, but they’re very worth the cost for their durability, comfort, and performance.

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (1).jpg

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING BOOTS

MSRP: $165

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 11.2 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Non-waterproof

SIZING: Runs large (size down by ½ if you’re on the edge); wide sizes available

PROS: Out-of-the-box comfort, lightweight, supportive soles, durable, secure fit

CONS: Less ankle support than some

BOTTOM LINE: Comfort is the name of the game with the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid 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. That said, they don’t provide as much ankle support as some other boots on our list so they’re not as ideal for rugged, off-trail adventures. Overall, we’re very impressed with the X Ultras and highly recommend them for anyone wanting a lightweight hiking boot that’s comfy enough for long distances.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

BEST HIKING BOOTS FOR BACKPACKING WITH A HEAVY LOAD

MSRP: $245

WEIGHT (PAIR): 2 lbs. 2 oz.

SIZING: True to size; available in narrow and wide sizes

PROS: Supportive, durable, excellent traction, stable on loose terrain

CONS: Heavy, expensive, stiff upper, requires longer break-in period

BOTTOM LINE: For hikers who regularly tackle tough terrain, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a widely popular boot that offers great durability and foot protection. They come in at a steep price, but the Renegades are well worth the cost if solid ankle support and maximum stability are what you’re after. We often find that boots with this level of support can feel a bit restrictive, but after a short break-in period these boots are very comfortable. The Renegades are exceptionally high-quality and a great choice for anyone seeking a durable and dependable boot with a secure structure at the ankle.

Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP

BEST BUDGET HIKING BOOTS

MSRP: $145

WEIGHT (PAIR): 2 lbs.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Non-waterproof

SIZING: True to size; the fit runs a little wide/high-volume, and wider sizes are available

PROS: Affordable, out-of-the-box comfort, durable, breathable

CONS: High heel-to-toe drop isn’t for everyone, wide fit isn’t for everyone, bulky

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a good value boot that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Merrell Moab 2 WP Mids are an excellent choice. These boots – and the Moab Low shoes – have been a favorite among hikers for many years due to their comfort, durability, and friendly price. Despite their tough build, the Moabs require very little break-in, and the mesh spots provide good breathability. Because they feel a little more bulky than some of our lightweight favorites, they aren’t our first choice for big-mile days. But they’ll last a long time and the cushioning and support they provide is excellent for day hikes and weekend trips.

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

LIGHT & STURDY BOOTS WITH GREAT TRACTION

MSRP: $229

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lbs. 6 oz.

SIZING: True to size, fits a little narrow; wide sizes available

PROS: Supportive, excellent traction, relatively lightweight for how rugged they are, durable, roomy toe box

CONS: Stiff soles, expensive

BOTTOM LINE: The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots are great for hiking and backpacking trips in more technical areas where sticky traction and solid foot protection are a must. Despite being so rugged and durable, the Nucleos are light and comfy enough for all-day wear, and their stylish design transitions well to after-hike drinks. The upper and the soles are somewhat stiff, so 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 them for those looking for a boot with a good balance of beefy support and low weight.

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KEEN Targhee III Mid WP

BEST WIDE HIKING BOOTS

MSRP: $175

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 12.4 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Non-waterproof

SIZING: True to size; the fit runs a little wide/high-volume, and wider sizes are available

PROS: Excellent traction, good value, out-of-the-box comfort, solid toe protection, affordable, secure fit

CONS: Wide fit isn’t for everyone, less supportive than other boots, less durable than others

BOTTOM LINE: 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, 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 provide a secure, locked-in feeling which helps with stability on uneven terrain. Those who like a lot of ankle support will probably find them to be a little less protective than other boots on this list, but we found them to have a good balance of support and flexibility. We recommend the Targhees for hikers looking for a wide-fitting boot at a great value price.

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The 8 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2022

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