Walking Boots

Best Walking Boots For Women 2026 | Tested and Reviewed

Tested and selected by our team of experts - here's our pick of the best women's hiking boots for three-season walking, including options from Salomon, The North Face, Hanwag and more.

We’ve tested a lot of hiking boots here at Outdoors Magic, with 14 options making it into our round-up of the best walking boots for women this year. Including tough-as-nails thru-hiking boots, lightweight fast-hiking shoes, barefoot-style options, waterproof trailblazers, and many more – our women’s gear testers have trudged out many miles in these boots on UK trails and mountains and beyond.

But what makes a good hiking boot? Without banging on too much, during our tests we’ve found that the best three-season walking boots strike a good balance between weight and protection, while being grippy underfoot, and waterproof throughout. Beyond that, which features are more important to you will depend on what exactly you’re using the boots for, and what the terrain is going to look like.

And though finding the right style and size is essential, over the years we’ve also found that you’ll need to find the right shape when it comes to women’s walking boots. In general, women’s feet tend to be wider in the toe area and narrower in the heel. Of course, this is not always the case, but a lot of women’s shoes have been built around this idea.

The midsole is sometimes also changed as women (generally) tend to weigh less than men so the shoe is built to sustain less impact on the ground. This is why you’ll often notice that the women’s shoe weighs less than the men’s option – the midsole is designed to be lighter. The run-off from this is that because we don’t stomp as hard with our weight on the ground, the grip on the shoe might not work as well. Brands might then compensate by creating deeper lugs on their women’s shoes.

Men’s shoes, on the other hand, tend to be wider and larger overall with less variation in width in toe box and heel area. Unisex shoes, in theory, should bridge the gap here, but I’d say it’s definitely worth trying these on in person just in case these subtle differences haven’t been taken into account.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that these designs are all based on generalisations so it’s always wise to do some research beforehand. Luckily for you, that’s where we come in. The women’s gear testing team, including myself, have tested a whole bunch of hiking boots from brands such as Salomon, Keen, Scarpa, The North Face and more. Taking into account women’s specific ‘last’ foot shape, we’ve reviewed and chosen our favourite hiking boots for a variety of different preferences here. You’ll also find options for women who’s feet lie outside of this generalised shape too.

The Best Walking Boots For Women

Here’s an overview of the best walking boots for women, each one fully tested and reviewed by our team of outdoor experts. As you can see from some of the pictures, the women’s gear team (including myself) used the boots in a whole range of places including the Scottish Highlands, the slopes of Mount Olympus, the wilds of Wales, England’s Lake District, and across the waters to the Emerald Isle. These are our highlights:

AKU Superalp Nubuck GTX Boot – Our Best in Test Walking Boot for Women
Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex Boot – Runner Up for Best in Test
Asolo Falcon EVO GTX Boot – Best Lightweight Hiking Boot
Craghoppers Adflex 2 Boots – Best Value Hiking Boot for Women
Hanwag Banks Lady GTX Boot – Best Hiking Boot for Wide Feet

In this list of the best women’s hiking boots, all of the pairs are designed for three-season use, but they all vary in regards to their capabilities over certain terrain. This means that some will be great for easy trails, whereas others are purpose-built for demanding scrambling or long-distance trekking. They’re all waterproof hiking boots too, some made with Gore-Tex, others with different brands or their own proprietary membranes.

Our Ratings

With our ratings, our cushioning is assessed on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being very hard and 10 being very soft, and with the stiffness, 1 being very flexible and 10 being very stiff.

Updates to this List

This article was updated on 22nd January 2026 to ensure that all of the products are still available for purchase. AKU’s Superalp NBK GTX boots also replaced the Asolo Falcon boots as best in test, and the Haglöfs Incline boots made it into the list.

1. AKU Superalp Nubuck Gore-Tex Boots

Our Best Overall Hiking Boot: This gets our pick as the best in test. The versatility, quality and comfort sealed the deal for our testers.

Price: £320
Weight: 810g (per boot)
Best for: Hiking, mountain walks, long-distance trekking
Pros: Very durable, great for long distances and heavy loads, protective, comfy fit
Cons: Heavy, not the most versatile
Stiffness rating: 7/10
Cushioning rating: 6/10

Purpose-built for backpacking, the Superalp Nubuck is a premium hiking boot made with top quality Italian materials. Of course, not everyone loves a burly boot. But if you do, we think you’ll get along very well with the Superalps.

We think it’s best suited to hillwalking and alpine trekking, particularly those doing multi-day stuff while carrying heavy packs, or traversing rugged terrain. In that respect, we’d say it’s particularly well-suited to four-season hillwalking and peak bagging – at least in conditions that don’t require crampons. It’s not the best choice for light hikers or short-day walkers who prioritise minimal weight and flexibility.

OM tester Jazz using the AKU Superalps in the Lake District this winter. Photo: Dave MacFarlane.

OM tester Jazz has ben using the Superalp Nubuck boots this winter. She reports: “While most hard-wearing, leather boots require some breaking in, I actually found these really comfortable straight out-of-the-box. You wouldn’t expect it from how rigid they look, but for me at least, they felt really cosy and supportive. I have it on good authority that this is due to AKU’s unique last shape that helps give their shoes an anatomical fit.”

“One of the Superalp Nubuck GTX’s standout qualities, in my opinion, is its shock absorption and cushioning. Thanks to the dual-density PU midsole, it handles rough terrain really well and helps reduce foot fatigue on long walking days.”

Full Specifications

Upper: nubuck 2.6 mm / rubber rand protection / gore-tex performance comfort lining / vibram fourà outsole / double density pu midsole / lasting board: 6-4 mm nylon, 10% carbon fibre, die cut eva / UK size 3 to 14 available.

Read our full AKU Superalp NBK GTX boot review.

Buy the AKU Superalp NBK GTX Boots: £320 at Aku.co.uk

2. Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex Boots

Our Runner Up Pick and a former choice as Best in Test: Expect supreme comfort and a very grippy outsole.

Pictured during our year-long test period.

Price: £150
Weight: 365g (per boot)
Best for: Hiking and mountain walks
Pros: Lightweight, sturdy, grippy
Cons: Doubts about durability
Stiffness rating: 6/10
Cushioning rating: 8.5/10

With its aggressive sole, its light weight build and breathable upper, the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge might be a walking boot but this thing encourages you to move quickly.

The Contagrip outsole is very grippy on a range of surfaces – though, like most shoes, it has its limits on wet rock – and the whole sole unit is protective and shock absorbing. There’s plenty of flex to it too, which makes this great for those long distance days.

If you don’t want anything too solid, durable and heavy and appreciate an agile boot then you’ll like the overall lightweight construction here. The breathability is high too, so these are excellent for those warmer weather hikes over landscapes where a sandal or trail shoe won’t cut it.

Our tester said: “These are some of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. I just love pulling them on. I think what I love most about them is that they provide so much confidence on usually slippery ground and they let me take in my surroundings instead of having to keep my eyes fixed on the trail.”

Full Specifications

Recycled materials / All Terrain Contragrip outsole / waterproof Gore-Tex protection / EnergyCell EVA foam / synthetic upper / textile lining / sockliner / lightweight design / three-season versatility / flat-shaped, quickLACE lacing system / mid-cut design / PFC-free.

Read our full Salomon X Ultra 360 review.

Buy The Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge: £150 at Ellisbrigham.com

3. Asolo Falcon GV EVO Boots

Best Lightweight Hiking Boot for Women: Our pick for the hiking boot that balances performance and weight the best, according to our tests.

The women’s version during our tests in Greece.

Price: £180
Weight: 315g (per boot)
Best for: Hiking and backpacking on rocky trails
Pros: Lots of good balances, high quality craftsmanship, light and protective
Cons: Might be too narrow for those with wide feet, particularly at the forefoot
Stiffness rating: 7/10
Cushioning rating: 7/10

Our tester Hannah used these for a month-long backpacking trip through Greece and, along the way, wore them for a long ascent of Mount Olympus. She rates them highly, noting how their balance between flexibility and sturdiness makes them a good all-rounder that can be worn for anything from country walking through to long, rocky mountain ascents.

After a long testing period, Hannah says that the boots have held up extremely well, with clear evidence of good craftsmanship and quality materials. Expect good grip on a range of surfaces, a root and rock-proof midsole and Gore-tex waterproofing.

Full Specifications

Waterproof gore-tex liner / Vibram Megagrip outsole / suede upper / 5mm lugs / removable insole / padded tongue and ankle cuff / toe bumper / metal eyelets.

Read our full Asolo Falcon GV EVO review.

Buy The Asolo Women’s Falcon GV EVO: £180 at Sportsshoes.co.uk

4. Craghoppers Adflex 2 Boots

Best Value Hiking Boot for Women: This has been our favourite good value option for a while now. It’s a great all-rounder hiking boot.

OM tester Jazz took the Adflex boots for a spin in Ireland this month.

Price: £120
Weight: 420g (per boot)
Best for: Long-distance hiking, an all-rounder hiking shoe
Pros: Recycled materials, adaptable design, comfort factor
Cons: Doubts about durability, not the most supportive
Stiffness rating: 4/10
Cushioning rating: 8/10

OM gear tester Jazz reports, “During my tests, I found the Craghoppers Adflex boots to be a great all-rounder hiking shoe, with a very reasonable price point. I tested them in Ireland this month in the Dartry Mountains of Leitrim, and around the trails and shorelines of Fermanagh, and found that they held up very well.”

“Featuring 100% waterproof AquaDry fabrics, an impressively mouldable build, and some secure Ghillie lacing, there’s a whole bunch of cool features here. In particular I like the NosiLife insect repellant treatment and can see it working well in the likes of the Scottish Highlands when facing the pesky Scottish Midge.”

“I found that the ADAPT EVA midsole combined with a foam Arneflex insole made for some very comfy hikes. You can really feel the shoe moulding to your foot the moment you start using them. The outsole felt light and bouncy too, with moderate protection from rocky terrain underneath. I used the Adflex boots in some pretty wet conditions in the north of Ireland and they felt secure on slippy surfaces.”

“Craghoppers have made a good effort on sustainability here too, with a nice amount of recycled content all throughout the boot. They’re actually vegan-friendly too. I’m intrigued to see if they hold up to the test of time as the upper is thinner than my usual choice of boot. That being said, there is a hardy-feeling toe cap for some reassurance. I’d also recommend sizing up as they run a little small.”

Full Specifications

100% waterproof AquaDry fabric / mesh upper: 70% recycled, 30% normal yarn / lining: 100% recycled polyester / outsole: rubber / DWR finish / NosiLife anti-insect upper / ADAPT EVA midsole / part-recycled foam Arneflex insole / antibacterial and anti-odour insole / Vibram Litebase outsole / Ghillie lacing / recycled NosiLife padded collar & tongue / multiple colour options / ‘Guaranteed for Life’.

Buy The Craghoppers Adflex 2 Boots: £120 at Craghoppers.com

5. Hanwag Banks SF Extra Lady GTX Boots

Best Women’s Hiking Boot for Wide Feet: Our pick for those hikers with wide feet.

Our tester trialling the Banks GTX in North Wales

Price: £232
Weight: 525g (per boot, size 8)
Best for: Hiking and hillwalking
Pros: Comfortable, sturdy, well-made, wide range of fits
Cons: Too flexible for some, too hot for warm days
Stiffness rating: 7/10
Cushioning rating: 6/10

The Hanwag Banks are a well-made three-season walking boot that are a particularly good option if you sometimes struggle with fit, since the Banks comes in a variety of different styles and widths designed to suit multiple foot types. This includes the Banks Straight Fit Extra, for those with a wider forefoot, the Banks Narrow, and the standard Banks Lady.

The latter has a roomy toe box but a snug, close fit around the ankle. The inner lining is really soft and the boot feels fantastically cushioned overall. Overall the performance is impressive. A nubuck upper with a Gore-Tex lining offers reliable waterproof-breathable performance. Grip underfoot is also good, since the Vibram Endurance Pro outsole gives sure-footed traction on both slippery grass and rocky, uneven trails.

Our tester Nic Hardy said, “When I first slid my foot into the boot, I knew I was off to a great start…This is a brilliant boot, it feels extremely well made and is comfortable ‘out of the box’. There is some flex in the sole, so it won’t be my choice for graded scrambles, but it is a great option for long days hiking in the UK national parks.”

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s versions and specialist fits / suede nubuck leather and textile upper / Gore-tex waterproof liner / Vibram Endurance Pro sole / Leather Working Group approved / 1.5mm PU foam wedge at mid sole.

Read our full Hanwag Banks Lady GTX review

Buy The Hanwag Banks SF Extra Lady GTX: £232 at Alpinetrek.co.uk

6. Scarpa Cyrus 2 Mid Boots

OM tester Jazz testing the Scarpa Cyrus 2 Mid GTX boots on some hikes this summer.

Price: £190
Weight: 360g (per boot)
Best for: Trail walking, UK backpacking, warm weather hiking, everyday
Pros: Breathable, comfy, versatile design, Nubuck upper
Cons: Too low for bog territory, not the most protective
Stiffness rating: 6/10
Cushioning rating: 7/10

OM gear tester Jazz reports, “This is a straightforward, great-performing boot. In fact, it’s now my go-to-boot for summer hiking. It’s a bit of a walking boot /walking shoe hybrid, where you get the breathability of a walking shoe and the protective ankle support of a boot all in one. The mid-cut design is actually ever so slightly lower than most traditional boots, which, in my opinion, makes it a great, breathable boot option for hiking in the warmer seasons.”

“Along with some trail hiking in England and Wales, I’ve also been using the Scarpa Cyrus 2 boots as an everyday dog walking shoe, and as a gardening boot! It’s got the cushioning, the waterproofing, and (very importantly, of course) the look to make it a versatile option for a whole bunch of different activities. I can see it working well for lightweight travelling too, where you know you’ll be racking up the miles across a variety of terrains.”

Here Jazz is pictured testing the Scarpa Cyrus 2 Mid GTX boots during a mixed bag of weather in the UK. You’ll see from the clouds that it chucked it down moments later. Photo: Cinthia Lilen.

“So far, I’ve had no problems with the waterproofing and the Nubuck upper has been coping well with abrasion on the trail. The ankle padding has been super comfy in particular, and while I wouldn’t rely on it for anything ultra technical, I’ve been impressed with the traction and grip so far, especially on some rockier routes in the Dartry Mountains in Leitrim, Ireland. That being said, if you’re on non-stop rock all day, you’ll start to feel it after a while, but for a few rocky sections here and there, it’ll do the job.”

Full Specifications

Gore-Tex ePE (PFAS free and bluesign approved) waterproof membrane / Nubuck upper / ergonomic padding at the ankle and tongue / EVA midsole / Scarpa Presa outsole with Super gum compound / bonded-strobel hybrid construction / re-soleable.

Buy the Scarpa Cyrus 2 Mid Boots: £190 at Ellisbrigham.com

7. Helly Hansen Cascade Mid Boots

OM tester Jazz took the Cascades along the South Downs Way recently and was very impressed.

Price: £160
Weight: 380g (per boot)
Best for: Long-distance hiking, rugged terrain
Pros: Lightweight, flexible, recycled content, tough materials
Cons: Water sometimes comes in at the laces
Stiffness rating: 5/10
Cushioning rating: 6/10

OM gear tester Jazz reports, “Suited to long-distance hiking when you need a boot that’s compatible with all kinds of weather, the Helly Hansen Cascade helped me move through some rugged terrains this winter. It’s very lightweight too, giving each step a bouncy yet secure feel.”

“Featuring Helly Hansen’s own Helly Tech waterproof membrane, I tested these boots on some very boggy paths after a stint of non-stop rain in the south of England and they held up well. You’ll find a whole bunch of HH’s very own technologies here actually, as well as a protective toe guard and heel cap, a cushioned insole and padded collar, a PFC-free durable water-repellent treatment, and loads of recycled materials. Two thumbs up for eco efforts.”

It got pretty muddy out there. Photo: Cinthia Lilen

“There was enough stiffness to the boot that I felt protected from rockier terrains while still feeling like I had enough flexibility to move my feet freely on the trail. Particularly when going uphill, the flex allowed me to really lean into the trail and bend the shoe, while still feeling securely gripped to the trail by the rubber outsole. The extra cushioning was a nice touch too, and the padded collar made a real difference, again, when going uphill. That being said, if you prefer that ultra-ultra-foamy feeling underfoot, I’d probably look elsewhere.”

“I also recently used these shoes on an ascent up Mount Fuji where the trails were very rocky and characteristically volcanic, and thought the Cascades performed great. There were a few foot jamming moments where I’d wished I had slightly burlier boots on, but other than that, I was impressed with how versatile these boots are.”

Full Specifications

100% waterproof Helly Tech membrane / upper: >70% recycled materials / main lining: 100% recycled polyester (second lining: 73% recycled polyester, 27% polyurethane) / midsole: 30% recycled EVA / insole: EVA / outsole: 30% recycled, non-marking rubber (HH Max-Grip) / Swift-Frame stabilizer / protective toe guard and heel cap / cushioned insole / padded collar / PFC-free DWR / 100% RPET reinforcement tape and collar reinforcement

Buy The Helly Hansen Cascade Mid Hiking Boots: £160 at Hellyhansen.com

8. LOWA Renegade Evo GTX Mid

Here the LOWA Renegade boots are pictured on test in Ireland.

Price: £220
Weight: 590g (per boot)
Best for: UK hillwalking, trail hiking, all-rounder
Pros: Really comfy out-of-the-box, reliable grip, rugged build
Cons: Not the most cushioned, runs warm
Stiffness rating: 6/10
Cushioning rating: 5/10

OM tester Jazz has been thrashing the Renegade Evo boots around this winter and reports: “they’ve been a very reliable boot. Right out of the box the fit felt really comfy – supportive around the heel and ankle without feeling restrictive. The gore-tex lining hasn’t failed me yet, though that does mean they’re naturally a little too warm on milder days.”

“On trail, the grip’s been fab. The tread bites into sludgy mud and loose gravel confidently, and I’ve rarely experienced a slip. The support’s been great too, especially under heavy loads. The cushioning isn’t super plush – so I’d look elsewhere if that’s your thing – though I think that’s the trade-off for reliable support over longer distances.”

The Renegades come in at a decent weight – not superlight but light enough – but the added protection and durability make it worthwhile we reckon. The build quality feels good so far too, though it’s worth noting that these boots are not resoleable. We also liked the lacing system, which give a nice and precise, wraparound fit.

All in all, the Renegade Evo GTX Mid boots have proved themselves to be a dependable and comfortable boot that we’d happily recommend for UK hillwalking, trail hiking and backpacking.

Full Specifications

Nubuck-textile build / Vibram Rene Trac outsole / Gore-tex waterproof lining / LOWA Monowrap support frame (PU) / PU-foam padding throughout / available in a standard, narrow or wide fit / not resoleable.

Buy the LOWA Renegade Evo GTX Mid Boots: £220 at Lowa.co.uk

9. Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid

Price: £210
Weight: 750g (per shoe)
Best for: Long-distance hiking and trekking, autumn and winter use
Pros: High-quality materials, tough and durable, surprisingly light feeling, dependable grip
Cons: Not the most versatile, too stiff for some
Stiffness rating: 8/10
Cushioning rating: 4/10

The Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid boots are ideal for hikers who want durability, support, and protection. If you’re looking for something ultra-cushioned and a little luxurious, we’d recommend that you look elsewhere, but if you’re after something in between a traditional leather boot and a modern lightweight hiker, we think you’ll appreciate what the Incline has to offer.

Jazz using the boots through a stormy spell in the Lake District. Photo: Dave MacFarlane.

OM tester Jazz has been using the Inclines throughout autumn and winter. She reports, “Once broken in, these boots hit a sweet spot between support and all-day wearability. From my experience, the cushioning isn’t plush but it’s firm and stable, especially when the trail gets uneven. I particularly appreciate how they handle side-hilling or loose rock; the midsole and ankle cuff give you enough rigidity that your foot doesn’t twist or over-flex when the ground gets awkward.”

They’re not ultralight, and they do require a break-in period, but once settled, they deliver dependable performance for the majority of terrains and forecasts here in the UK. If you value reliability and longevity, and don’t mind a little extra weight, we think these boots are a good long-term companion for the trail.

Full Specifications

Gold-rated split skin uppers / insulated 4-layer waterproof Gore-tex Sierra membrane / semi-rigid EVA midsole / Vibram Xstrek compound in the outsoles / toe and heel rubber reinforcements / B2 rated C-1 crampon-compatible / lace locking system for easy individual lacing.

Read our full Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid boot review.

Buy the Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid Boots: £210 at Haglofs.com

10. Berghaus Storm Trek Gore-tex Boots

I like the high-cut style and the extra padding around the ankle – I only wish there was a little more padding underfoot.

Price: £200
Weight: 635g (per shoe)
Best for: Four-season hiking (without snow), multi-day treks
Pros: Very waterproof, tough materials, high ankle support
Cons: Not very cushioned, heavy
Stiffness rating: 6.5/10
Cushioning rating: 4/10

OM gear tester Jazz reports, “Now this is what I’d call a burly boot. Designed with all four seasons in mind, I’ve now tested these boots from spring through to autumn (winter testing results pending) and think this is a solid performer for the mixed terrains here in the UK. Most recently I used them out and about in the Langdale Pikes after some serious downpours of rain, and found them great for trudging through the mud (more like bogs to be honest).”

Though on the heavy side, that’s kind of the whole point with this shoe. It’s for those rugged outdoor days where you’re expecting a bit of everything in terms of terrain and weather. The Opti-stud Vibram sole offers reliable traction too – “I found that it particularly excelled in muddy and rocky terrains. Like many shoes, however, it has its limits on slimy rocks.”

The Berghaus Storm Trek hiking boots on test in the Lake District.

“I’m a big fan of the high-cut style and the tough mix of Nubuck and synthetic materials in the upper. You feel very protected from all sides and it really gives you the confidence to thrash your feet about on the trail. The laminated overlays and hardy feeling toe box add to the general feeling that these boots should last a long while.”

“All that being said, I’d look elsewhere if you prefer something ultra-cushioned. I found that I had to pair my thicker hiking socks with these boots as they were a little too harsh for me, particularly at the toe box when going downhill. Even so, at £200, I’d still consider this good value for your money considering you’re getting a boot for all seasons. It’s also worth bearing in mind that these boots are not crampon-compatible.”

Full Specifications

Gore-tex lining / Opti-stud Vibram outsole / Ortholite footbed / built on women’s last shape / free repairs for life.

Buy the Berghaus Storm Trek boots: £200 at Berhaus.com

11. Halti Fara Mid 2 Boots

Price: £100
Weight: 350g (per boot, size 6.5)
Best for: Day hiking and hillwalking
Pros: Lightweight, well-cushioned, great value
Cons: Not for demanding terrains
Stiffness rating: 6/10
Cushioning rating: 7/10

With great out-of-the-box comfort, low weight, plenty of cushioning and an attractive price tag, this lightweight mid-cut walking boot from Halti ticks plenty of boxes for day hikers. The emphasis is on lightweight, all-day comfort for relatively undemanding terrain, though they are equipped with a waterproof lining to enable you to tramp through the wet stuff without too much concern.

The synthetic textile uppers and foam rubber midsole means they are very light, so they’re well-suited to women who don’t like or need chunky clodhoppers. The uppers are made from a mix of recycled polyester (from recycled PET bottles) with synthetic reinforcements. They’re lined with Halti’s own waterproof-breathable technology, a PU-based membrane called DrymaxX. There’s also a moisture wicking polyester mesh lining for added comfort and breathability.

Ellie scrambling with the Mid 2s on the Outdoor 100 Team Test weekend. Photo: Jamie Barnes

Our tester Ellie said, “The minute I put these boots on I knew what I was going to get on with them. They were as comfortable as a pair of slippers, and just about as lightweight as boots come. I was a little dubious as to how they would perform on slippery terrain, given that they don’t have deep lugs, but walking up the wet Roman Steps from Cwm Bychan, they easily kept me upright the whole way. While I wouldn’t pick these up for any serious scrambling or for any routes that involve long sections of scree, they will definitely be one of my go to boots for spring – autumn adventures.””

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s versions / waterproof DrymaxX membrane / recycled textile upper / GripmaxX outsole / removable insole / Phylon foam mid sole.

Read our full Halti Fara Mid 2 Women’s Walking Boot review

Buy The Halti Fara Mid 2: £100 at Halti.com

12. Xero Scrambler Mid Boots

Price: £220
Weight: 346g (per boot)
Best for: Soft trail long-distance hiking
Pros: Grippy outsole, sustainability efforts
Cons: Not very versatile, the barefoot style isn’t for everyone
Stiffness rating: 3/10
Cushioning rating: 2/10

The Xero Scrambler Mid II WP is designed specifically for hikers. It’s a hiking boot that’s very similar to those offered by Vivobarefoot, with a barefoot style combined with a grippy outsole, supportive ankle and reinforced upper.

Interestingly, the Xero Scrambler uses an eVent Bio waterproof membrane. You don’t see too much of eVent these days and that’s a shame as it’s good stuff. From our experience, it tends to make for boots that are more breathable than those that use Gore-tex or more run-of-the-mill proprietary membranes. The Bio in the name comes from the fact that the membrane is made from highly renewable castor beans and is paired with recycled, PFC-free fabrics. Xero have also gone for a Continental rubber outsole.

“If you’re planning to take on something like the Alta Via in the Dolomites, the Welsh 3000s or any other trail that has long rocky sections, we’d say you’re better off opting for something stiffer that’ll grip a bit better in wet conditions” said our tester. “But if you want a light boot for soft trail hiking, and you like a relaxed fit, then I think this should suit you.”

Full Specifications

Barefoot-style hiking boot / eVent Bio waterproof membrane / recycled, PFC-free fabrics / Continental rubber outsole / 5000-mile warranty for sole / relaxed fit / wide toebox.

Read our full Xero Scrambler Mid review.

Buy The Xero Scrambler Mid: £220 at Amazon.co.uk

13. Danner Mountain Light Boots

Athena Mellor testing out the Danner Mountain Lights in autumn conditions.

Price: £430
Weight: 595g (per boot)
Best for: Day hikes and town-to-country wear
Pros: Comfortable, retro styling
Cons: Heavy, pricey
Stiffness rating: 7/10
Cushioning rating: 6/10

The Danner Mountain Light is the modern relaunch/update of Danner’s classic boot from the 90s, which some might recognise from the film, WILD. It features a one-piece leather upper with minimal seams, solid metal lace-loops and eyelets, a chunky sole and those distinctive red laces. Although the style is somewhat retro, the design features modern comforts, the main example being its Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and PU footbed.

Our tester Athena Mellor said, “Personal experiences with the boots actually exceeded expectations, particularly in regards to comfort and durability, and I’ve certainly found myself wearing them both off and on the hill…I would say that if you’re conscious of weight on a long-distance hiking trip these boots might not be for you. However, for a day hike in the hills or a ramble to a country pub, you couldn’t ask for a more durable boot with all-round comfort and timeless style”

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s versions / recraftable and resoleable / Gore-tex waterproof lining / fibreglass shank / Vibram 148 Kletterlift outsole / one piece leather upper.

Read our full Danner Mountain Light review.

Buy The Danner Mountain Light: £430 at Global.danner.com

14. Keen Targhee III Boots

The Targhee III pictured during our Green Gear Guide test trip.

Price: £112
Weight: 460g (per boot)
Best for: Trail hiking, backpacking
Key attributes: Durable, comfortable, wide toe box
Stiffness rating: 4/10
Cushioning rating: 8/10

It would be unfair to say these are entry-level boots, not least because they are worn by plenty of experienced hikers with hundreds (if not thousands) of miles under their belts. But if you are just getting into hiking, the Keen Targhee III boots are a great choice as your first pair. They have an accommodating fit that suits many different foot shapes, with comfortable uppers that don’t need a lot of breaking in. They’re also well built, particularly at the toe, where a rugged bumper does a good job of fending off trail debris. They’re also well-padded, comfortable and nicely cushioned underfoot.

The outsole has 4mm, multi-directional lugs for increased traction on a range of surfaces. “The grip from these is decent” said our tester. “It’s not top-level stuff but it’s reliable enough on steep muddy trails and on some wet rock too – though, like most boots, there are limits there.”

“On long-distance hikes, I’ve appreciated the flex that the sole unit has. It’s a little too much flex for firm edging on scrambly surfaces but these are, after all, shoes for hiking and not technical scrambling…As usual, Keen’s proprietary waterproof membrane has successfully kept my feet dry in these, and it’s been breathable too.”

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s versions / Keen.Dry waterproof upper / Dual-density EVA foam mid sole / All-Terrain rubber outsole / removable footbed / leather and synthetic fabric upper / built-in odour control.

Read our full Keen Targhee III review.

Buy The Keen Targhee III: £112 at Ellisbrigham.com

If you’re looking for low cut options, go check out our list of the best walking shoes for women for this season. You can also find more walking boots tested by the OM team over in our round up of the best hiking boots for both men and women.