Walking Boots

Best Walking Boots For Women 2025 | 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:

Our Best in Test Walking Boot for Women: Asolo Falcon GV EVO Boot
Runner Up for Best in Test: Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex Boot
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot for Women: Helly Hansen Cascade Mid Helly Tech Boot
Best Value Hiking Boot for Women: Craghoppers Lady Adflex Boots
Best Hiking Boot for Wide Feet: Hanwag Banks Lady GTX Boot

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 and Updates to this List

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.

This article was recently updated with the best buy award being moved from the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex boots to the Asolo Falcon GV EVO boots. We also removed the Brandecosse Capriolo Boots and added the Scarpa Cyrus 2 shoes after their comfort and breathability impressed us during recent tests. We will be continuing our tests throughout the seasons so keep an eye out for updates and changes, including boots that have stood up to the almighty test of time.

Asolo Falcon GV EVO Boots

Our Best in Test women’s walking boot for 2025. The high quality craftsmanship and comfort sealed the deal for our testers.

Price: £84
Weight: 315g (per boot)
Best for: Hiking and backpacking on rocky trails
Key attributes: Lots of good balances and high quality craftsmanship
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.

They’re not the lightest boots out there but they’re certainly not heavy either, offering durability while not being overly heavy and clunky either. 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

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
Key attributes: Lightweight, sturdy, grippy
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

Helly Hansen Cascade Mid Boots

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

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
Key attributes: Hard-wearing, recycled content
Stiffness rating: 6/10
Cushioning rating: 6/10

Suited to long-distance hiking when you need a sturdy 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 very 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 recommend the likes of the Craghoppers Adflex or the Salomons as an alternative.

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

Craghoppers Lady Adflex 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: £82.50
Weight: 355g (per boot)
Best for: Long-distance hiking, an all-rounder hiking shoe
Key attributes: Recycled materials, adaptable design, comfort factor
Stiffness rating: 5/10
Cushioning rating: 8/10

During my tests, I found the Craghoppers Lady Adflex to be a great all-rounder hiking shoe, with a very good 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 a solid amount of 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 Lady Adflex Boots: £82.50 at Decathlon.co.uk

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
Key attributes: Comfortable, sturdy, well-made, wide range of fits
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

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
Key attributes: Breathable, comfy, versatile design, Nubuck upper
Stiffness rating: 6/10
Cushioning rating: 7/10

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, and am looking forward to taking it on a few outdoor adventures towards the end of summer.

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. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my testing throughout the seasons.

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

Lowa Trek EVO GTX Boots

Our tester Becky using the Trek EVOs while hiking in the Lake District.

Price: £243
Weight: 460g (per boot)
Best for: Trail hiking
Key attributes: Comfortable, resolable
Stiffness rating: 6.5/10
Cushioning rating: 7/10

This was chosen in our guide to the year’s best sustainable innovations. OK it isn’t a totally carbon-neutral product, but we thought Lowa deserved to be recognised for making sure this can be resoled. You don’t see many in the lightweight category, so it’s refreshing to see Lowa take this approach here – far too many shoes and boots go to landfill simply because the tread has worn out too early. The Trek EVO GTX also doesn’t use any leather or glues derived from animals. In fact, it’s fully vegan-friendly.

During our tests we were impressed by its traction, cushioning and support. We also liked the lacing system, which gives a nice precise, wraparound fit. It makes a great all rounder for hiking, hillwalking and backpacking. It also comes in at a decent weight – not superlight but light enough – and it’s still sturdy and robust enough to take on difficult terrain with a heavy pack on your back.

Our tester Becky said: “When it comes to performance, the Trek Evo is a very honest boot that delivers solid stability and grip on a wide range of surfaces. It has a fairly flexible sole unit that encourages a rolling gait, ideal for all-day comfort and high-mileage days. However, there’s still enough stiffness to make this a good three-season performer, even on more technical ground.”

Full Specifications

Available in 3.5 to 9 (UK) / synthetic upper / Gore-tex waterproof liner / Vibram Rock Track Sense sole / fully resoleable / DynaPU+ foam midsole / vegan friendly / Available in a men’s version.

Read our full Lowa Trek EVO Gore-tex review.

Buy The Lowa Trek EVO GTX: £243 at Amazon.co.uk

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Shoes

Our tester Emma using The North Face Vectiv Fastpack in the hills of Wales.

Price: £130
Weight: 272g (per shoe)
Best for: Trail hiking, warm weather walking
Key attributes: Long-distance comfort, fit and forward propulsion from the mid sole
Stiffness rating: 5/10
Cushioning rating: 9/10

The North Face Women’s Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight hiking shoes are lightweight, low cut and designed for taking on technical terrain. We liked them so much we even featured them in our Outdoor 100 this year. Where they stand out is that they are just as capable on wet mountain trails as they are on dry summer climbs.

The shoes feature The North Face’s waterproof membrane and forward propulsion technology, abrasion resistant fabric and 4mm lugs. The upper is made from abrasion resistant performance mesh with a waterproof membrane, a combination which provides good levels of comfort, breathability, and protection against the elements.

Where the Vectiv Fastpack really excels is in its built-in forward propulsion technology, the 3D plate and rocker midsole which helps propel you forward when you move. “The fit is comfortable and supportive too,” said our tester Emma, “thanks to the superfoam cushioning, moulded spandex collar and the stable heel positioning. Another noteworthy feature is the double-punched lacing system which means the fit can be fine-tuned to ensure maximum stability when moving over varied ground. Overall, I was very impressed.”

Full Specifications

Waterproof Futurelight membrane / forward propulsion technology / 3D plate / rocker midsole / abrasion resistant upper fabric / OrthoLite cushioned footbed / antimicrobial / 5% recycled rubber content / moulded spandex collar / stable heel / double-punched lacing system / moulded-TPU toe cap / no-sew mud guard / 4mm lugs / lightweight, lowcut build / women’s: sizes 3-9 / 5 colour options.

Read our full The North Face Vectic Fastpack Futurelight review.

Buy The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight: £130 at Ellis-brigham.com

Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Gore-Tex Shoes

Nicola Hardy using the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite in the Lake District’s fells

Price: £150
Weight: 368g (per shoe)
Best for: Technical approaches, scrambling
Key attributes: Gore-Tex lining, good traction
Stiffness rating: 8/10
Cushioning rating: 5/10

The Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite was born from the now-classic approach shoe, the Salewa Mountain Trainer which is most notable for its lightweight, yet stiff platform that climbers can use on the typically rocky and technical approaches to the crag. Now this, the Mountain Trainer Lite offers an even lighter and more streamlined package.

A Pomoca rubber outsole offers reassuring and durable grip thanks to plenty of deep lugs, in a variety of shapes and sizes, peppering the sole unit. A sticky rubber toe box also stretches around the front of the shoe, which helps to provide protection when you’re jamming your feet into cracks, or knocking them off sharp rocks. “I was definitely impressed with the Pomoca outsole” said our tester Nic Hardy. “It gripped very well over mixed terrain, ranging from grass, muddy fields, rocky ground, forest trails and dusty, dry tracks, and I never once felt out of control. It is clearly made for gnarlier, rockier ground and that’s where it performed most strongly.”

The whole shoe is wrapped up in a durable synthetic fabric upper which features a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining to bring a high level of water protection without too much of a breathability sacrifice.

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s / heel stabiliser / rubber toe cup / Pomoca outsole / climbing lacing / 3F System.

Read our full Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Gore-Tex review

Buy The Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Gore-Tex: £150 at Amazon.co.uk

Halti Fara Mid 2 Boots

Price: £100
Weight: 350g (per boot, size 6.5)
Best for: Day hiking and hillwalking
Key attributes: Lightweight, well-cushioned, great value
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 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

Zamberlan Salathé Trek GTX RR Boots

Price: €275
Weight: 450g (per boot)
Best for: Hiking, approach routes, via ferrata
Key attributes: Grip, build quality and durability
Stiffness rating: 8/10
Cushioning rating: 6/10

The best way we’d describe the Zamberlan Salathé is like an approach shoe blended with a hiking boot. That’s because it has a fairly narrow fit, lacing that extends right down to the toes and then the same kind of mid cut ankle you’d find on most three-season hiking boots.

The upper is made from a thick suede leather with small panels around the ankle made from a ballistic nylon. There’s a big PU rand that goes right around the base of the upper adding a great deal of protection to the materials and to your feet. A waterproof membrane lines the upper, wrapping right around the foot by going through the tongue gusset. There’s a good amount of foam padding on the tongue and around the ankle.

“Overall, this is a technical, well-crafted boot that thrives in rocky environments”, said our tester. “It just might be a little on the narrow side for some. With the quality leather and the big PU rand, you get the sense that it’s a boot that’s built to last and you should be able to get it resoled (Vibram offer a service on their site) if the sole happens to wear out.”

Full Specifications

Suede leather upper / big PU / waterproof membrane upper lining / foam padding in tongue and ankle / removable insole with ergonomic shaping and foam padding / midsole: double density molded EVA foam / 4mm lug depth / heel brake / Vibram Megagrip rubber compound / RECCO reflector / narrow, technical fit / extensive, long lacing system / low cut option available.

Read our full Zamberlan Salathé GTX RR review.

Buy The Zamberlan Salathé Trek GTX RR: €275 at Eu-zamberlan.com

Xero Scrambler Mid Boots

Price: £160
Weight: 346g (per boot)
Best for: Soft trail long-distance hiking
Key attributes: Barefoot style, grippy outsole, sustainability efforts
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 my 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: £160 at Alpinetrek.com

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
Key attributes: Comfortable, retro styling
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

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.