Hiking boots are perhaps one of the biggest investments you will make as a hiker especially if you going in multi-day treks or longer hikes. Hiking boots are a crucial piece of equipment for several reasons, most notably because they are designed to offer the right mix of comfort and performance on the trail. Women’s hiking footwear is not what it used to be a few years ago where they were available mostly in stiff and burly models.
Fast forward to 2021, and you’ve got models that are lightweight yet are able to carry all your weight with a smile. Buying the best hiking boots for women however can be a daunting task given the vast number of options available, but we’ve singled out 5 great models that will quickly become your loyal companion on the trails.
Best Hiking Boots for Women Reviews
Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Boot
If you’re looking for the best women hiking boots that are bound to up your style quotient on the trails without compromising on performance, don’t twice about buying the Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine hiking boots. They feature unique Numentum technology, which according to the company is designed to “encourage your foot’s natural biomechanics.” And it layman’s terms, this technology helps center and guide your feet to promote a balanced, efficient and stable stride.
These waterproof women’s hiking boots can be ordered in several different sizes, and a plethora of highly appealing color options such as Mulch, Astral Aura and Deep Teal. They feature a mesh, leather and suede upper mated with a rubber sole, so you can rest assured that they will last you for several years on end. The shaft of the Sugarpine hiking boots measures roughly 5.75 inches from the arch and a heel of approximately 1 inch. Additionally, this best-selling hiking footwear is appointed with a secure lace-up vamp, padded, gusseted tongue and cushy, padded collar with pull on loop, which collectively enhance comfort on smooth and rough trails.
The Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine hiking boots boast a robust build and appealing design, but may not provide the right level of ankle support for some users. But even with the support they come with, they are a great choice for both short and long day hikes without heavy loads.
- High level of protection
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Well Padded at 4.5 inches high
- Limited ankle support
- Lacks breathability compared to lightweight trail runners
KEEN Women’s Targhee II WP Hiking Boot
The KEEN Women’s Targhee II hiking boots are built to last even when used for several years on aggressive terrain owing mostly to their robust outsole. They provide unmatched ankle support thanks to their mid-cut ankle height, and feature a shaft that measures approximately 4.5 inches from the arch and a heel of roughly 1.5 inches. Additionally, the Targhee II hiking footwear is fitted with a rubber sole, breathable waterproof membrane and protective toe cap, and can be ordered across a spectrum of sizes and colors including Gargoyle and Raven.
The Targhee II hiking shoes by Keen provide natural odor control with Cleansport NXT technology, and its 4mm multidirectional lugs offer great traction and help prevent dirt from accumulating under the boots. In terms of construction and comfort, the Targhee II hiking shoes take home the gold with a waterproof nubuck leather upper, dual density compression molded EVA midsole, non-marking rubber outsole, hydrophobic mesh lining and a removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed.
The Targhee II hiking boots are a popular choice among both novice and seasoned hikers, just like most other things aren’t perfect. The lace eyelets may not be able to hold up after a few years of regular use, and their traction abilities could be slightly improved to match the competition. But when all said and done, the Targhee II hiking boots are waterproof and breathable, and require minimal break-in time.
- Excellent padding
- Wide and comfortable footbox
- Highly protective sole and toe guard
- Runs half a size small
- Requires break-in
100% Leather
Rubber sole
Shaft measures approximately ankle-high from arch
Boot opening measures approximately 5" around
WATERPROOF: The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water in; All leather is treated with a PFC-free water repellant so you get the same protection without the chemicals
TRACTION: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces; Non-marking rubber outsoles leaves no trace or imprints when walking indoors
Ariat Women’s Terrain Work Boot
The Ariat Terrain women’s hiking boots are crafted from premium full-grain leather topped by printed serape details. Adding to this, these hiking shoes for women are fitted with a Duratread outsole for optimal wear resistance, lightweight stabilizing shank for support and a four layer footbed unmatched comfort. Weighing in at just 3 lbs, the Ariat women’s hiking shoes are a great choice for women with wider feet, and perfect for walking the trails as well as working on the ranch.
The Ariat women’s hiking shoes feature a boot opening of 9 1/2″ around, 0” heel height, 3/4″ platform and a shaft that measures approximately 3.5 inches from the arch. If you’re looking for pair of women’s hiking boots that provide the right mix of ankle, arch and footbed support, the Ariat Terrain hiking shoes are a worthy contender.
The Ariat Terrain is a solid pair of hiking boots that will last you for years on end, but unfortunately, they aren’t waterproof. Another minor caveat is that these boots run a 1/2 size large, so make sure you buy a pair that’s a bit smaller unless you wear thick socks.
- Duratread outsole
- Four layer footbed
- Lightweight stabilizing shank
- Not waterproof but comes with moisture wicking lining
- Runs half size large
100% Leather;
Shaft measures approximately ankle-high" from arch;
Featuring the ATS technology, the Terrain hiking boots offer durability and all-day comfort;
Robust and rugged, the oiled full-grain leather of these hiking shoes for women is made using the Waterproof PRO technology, keeping the water out and your feet dry, even in heavy rain;
Featuring a lightweight EVA midsole for superior shock absorption and the Duratread outsole for maximum wear resistance and flexibility;
Vasque Women’s Talus Trek UltraDry Hiking Boot
The Vasque Women’s Talus Trek UltraDry hiking boots for women arrive loaded with premium features such as an upper crafted from a mix of synthetic material and leather, breathable mesh underlays, dual density EVA foam footbed, unique UltraDry waterproofing system and Vibram sole. Available in several sizes and two color options, the Talus Trek UltraDry mid-cut hiking shoes offer excellent breathability thanks to its 1.8mm waterproof nubuck leather mated with an abrasion resistant polyamide mesh.
Additionally, they offer excellent traction on the trails owing to the XSTrek rubber compound and multi-directional lugs on the soles. These hiking shoes provide an athletic-like feel due the plush cushioning and support of the insole/midsole. They are a great choice for any time of year, and for hikes as well as at campgrounds. Further, the Talus Trek UltraDry hiking boots are extremely flexible, making it easy to hike up inclines and when exploring uneven trails.
The Talus Trek UltraDry is a well designed pair of hiking boots, but the toe box may be a little tight with socks. It is recommended that you buy a ½ size larger especially if you’re going to be wearing thick socks with the boots. They are currently only available in two color options, so you don’t have much to work if you want to match them with your hiking gear.
- Lightweight, athletic EVA midsole
- Multi-directional lugs for excellent trail traction
- Proprietary UltraDry membrane to enhance waterproofness
- Only two color options available
- Runs half size small
Rubber sole; Shaft measures approximately Ankle from arch;
Boot opening measures approximately 5 around; Vibram Mega Nuasi Outsole;
UltraDry Waterproofing System; Abrasion Resistant Mesh;
8mm Waterproof Nubuck Leather;
Oboz Women’s Bridger B-DRY Hiking Boot
The Oboz Bridger B-Dry hiking boots are the perfect example of classic styling mated with modern tech. Its level of waterproofness is truly hard to beat owing to the integrated waterproof nubuck uppers, breathable membranes that help keep your feet cool and comfortable, and nylon mesh linings to wick moisture and help your feet dry quickly. But that’s not all, the deluxe footbeds of the Bridger B-DRY hiking shoes provide an excellent arch for support, and are tucked away nicely inside the boots.
Add to this are the onsite EVA midsoles, which not only provide superior cushioning, but also make the Bridger B-DRY hiking boots light and agile. They arrive suited with thermoplastic urethane forefoot plates and nylon shanks to enhance stability and surefootedness on smooth and rough terrain. Available in a wide range of sizes and an assortment of colors such as Walnut and Rio Red, the heels of the Oboz Women’s Bridger B-DRY hiking boots measure roughly 1”, shaft measures 5” from the arch, and are set on a 1” platform.
The Oboz Bridger B-Dry is perhaps the best pair of hiking boots for women available, but is little on the expensive side. However, if you’re looking for hiking footwear that can take you places literally, the Bridger B-Dry hiking boots are hard to ignore.
- 100% waterproof nubuck leather uppers
- Dual density EVA midsoles and deluxe footbeds
- Rubber randing on heels and toes helps protect uppers from abrasion
- A little on the expensive side
100% Leather. Lug Sole sole.
Featuring a molded rubber toe cap that protects your toes from trail debris and a heel counter that helps maintain a snug.
Great for day hiking but burly enough for a multi-day backpacking trip. Featuring a TPU Chassis boosts stability and prevents stone bruising without inhibiting flex. Single-density EVA provides cushioning and comfort.
B-DRY Waterproof/Breathable.
Conclusion
The 5 best hiking boots for women on this list are all great choices designed for both novice and seasoned hikers. The Keen Targhee II and the Oboz Women’s Bridger B-DRY hiking boots deliver more than promised on the trails at the right price. But if you’re just getting started with hiking, the Ahnu Sugarpine and Vasque Women’s Talus Trek UltraDry hiking boots are great choices without breaking the bank.
