Our pick of the best women's hiking boots out there for three-season hiking
Hiking boots are the item of gear you need to get exactly right – pick a pair that aren’t right for you and even on short walks there’ll be a high chance you’re not going to have a good time. It’s not just about finding boots in your size though, because to find the best women’s walking boots for you, you’ll also need to find the right shape. That’s why it’s always wise to purchase boots that are built around a women’s specific ‘last’ shape. You’ll find plenty of those kind of boots here.
In this list of the best ladies’ hiking boots, all of the pairs are designed for three-season use, but they all vary in regards to their capabilities over certain terrain. What we mean by this is that some will be great for easy trails, whereas others are purpose-built for demanding scrambling or trekking. They’re all waterproof hiking boots, some with Gore-Tex, others with different brands or their own proprietary membranes. If you’re looking for low cut options, go check out our list of the best walking shoes round-up 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 men – many of the options in that list will come in a boot for women.
What To Look For When Buying Women’s Walking Boots
It’s a case of horses for courses when picking the right boots for your trip, but the best walking boots for women, broadly speaking, tend to possess the same group of traits. First of all, they’ll have deep and grippy lugs that will shed mud easily and not get clogged up quickly. They’ll also be able to keep out moisture, thanks to either a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex or a waxed finish, and they’ll also keep your feet at the right temperature, preventing them from getting too cold, or too clammy. Then there’s the comfort aspect. You want support and cushioning around the ankle and the right amount of cushioning or shock absorption in the midsole as well. Finally, you want them to be durable and protective, but also lightweight. There are certainly number of balances to strike, and again, it’s horses for courses there. Note: All weights given are per pair.
The Best Walking Boots For Women
Best Overall Hiking Boot: Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex Boot
Best Value Hiking Boot: Halti Fara Mid 2
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot: Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Gore-tex
Best Hiking Boot for Wide Feet: Hanwag Banks Lady GTX
Best Cushioned Hiking Boot: The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight
Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex
Best Overall Women’s Hiking Boot
Our tester Hannah using the Salomon X Ultra 360 on the muddy chalk downland of Wiltshire
Price: £155 Weight: 365g Best for: Hiking and mountain walks
Key attributes: Lightweight, sturdy, grippy
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.
Price: £100 Weight: 700g (size 6.5) Best for: Day hiking and hillwalking
Key attributes: Lightweight, waterproof, well-cushioned, great value
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.
Underfoot, the outsole is a Halti GripmaxX Antislip rubber outsole with a phylon midsole made from EVA foam. The sole unit is not the most aggressive, with fairly shallow lugs that are better suited to easier, hard-packed trails than anything too loose or technical. The EVA midsole gives plenty of cushioning and shock absorption though, aided by an anatomically-designed insole that gives you a little more structure and padding for the heel, instep and ball of the foot.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / waterproof DrymaxX membrane / recycled textile upper / GripmaxX outsole / removable insole / Phylon foam mid sole.
Nicola Hardy using the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite in the Lake District’s fells
Price: £94 Weight: 368g Best for: Technical approaches, scrambling Key attributes: Gore-Tex lining, good traction
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.
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.
Price: £186 Weight: 1050g (size 8) Best for: Hiking and hillwalking
Key attributes: Comfortable, sturdy, well-made, wide range of fits
The Hanwag Banks is 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 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.
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.
Our tester Emma using The North Face Vectiv Fastpack in the hills of Wales.
Price: £130 Weight: 534g Best for: Trail hiking, warm weather walking
Key attributes: Long-distance comfort, fit and forward propulsion from the mid sole
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, 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, we were very impressed.
Price: €275 Weight: 480g Best for: Hiking, approach routes, via ferrata
Key attributes: Grip, build quality and durability
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, we found the Salathé to be a a technical, well-crafted boot that thrives in rocky environments. 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. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our full review for our Outdoor 100 this year.
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.
Price: £180 Weight: 980g Best for: Warm season hiking, mountainous terrain, scrambling
Key attributes: Waterproof, timeless looks, precise fit
The stylish Brandecosse Capriolo walking boots feature a fully waterproof and breathable suede upper, with a robust Vibram outsole and traditional good looks. Weighing in at 980g per pair, they’re relatively lightweight for a premium shoe and offer comfort and protection on the trails.
For comfort and confidence on technical ground, the outsole and midsole work together, ensuring a high level of performance. The leather midsole absorbs impact, with the memory foam footbed enhancing what is already a comfortable ride. The Vibram outsole provides traction and a decent amount of trail feel, with a flatter section of grippy rubber towards the front giving you a climbing shoe style grip on small edges.
Full Specifications
Fully waterproof and breathable Italian suede upper / waterproof lining / leather midsole / memory foam footbed / Vibram outsole / approach style lacing system / temperature regulating fabrics / spring to autumn suitability.
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. But if you want a light boot for soft trail hiking, and you like a relaxed fit, then 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.
Athena Mellor testing out the Danner Mountain Lights in autumn conditions.
Price: £252 Weight: 1190g Best for: Day hikes and town-to-country wear
Key attributes: Comfortable, retro styling
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.
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.
The Targhee III pictured during our Green Gear Guide test trip.
Price: £140 Weight: 920g Best for: Trail hiking, backpacking
Key attributes: durable, comfortable, wide toe box
Comfortable, resolableIt 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, these 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. 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, we appreciated the flex that the sole unit has. It’s a little too much flex for firm edging on scrambly surfaces but the Targhee is after all, a boot for hiking and not technical scrambling.
As usual, Keen’s proprietary waterproof membrane successfully kept our feet dry, 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.
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.
In terms of performance, 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 three-season all rounder for hiking, hillwalking and backpacking, 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. All in all, it’s a very versatile boot with a modern look that works well for mixed terrain.
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.
OM reviewer Sarah testing the shoes out in Snowdonia.
Price: £140 Weight: 315g Best for: Trail hiking, three-season use Key attributes: Good eco aspects, light but sturdy
Merrell have developed a new iteration of their classic walking shoe, designed for those who prefer to feel light-footed and agile on the trail. It’s a hybrid-type trainer, one with the comfort of a running shoe or sneaker but the protection of a walking shoe. At just 315g, it’s 130g lighter than the previous Moab, but during our tests, we’ve found it just as stable, comfortable and protective.
Most impressive, however, are Merrell’s new sustainability efforts, aiming to lower the overall impact of their products on the environment. They’ve swapped out a bunch of materials for recycled ones including the laces and the mesh lining, for instance, which use a material produced from recycled plastic bottles. The footbed additionally uses a 50% recycled top sheet material and the Vibram sole is made from a minimum of 30% recycled rubber.
There’s both a mid cut and a low cut model, as well as a version without the waterproof protection of the Gore-tex membrane. All models come with 4mm Vibram Traction Lugs, an EVA foam midsole, built-in rockplate for underfoot protection, removable PU foam insole, cushioning around the ankle and then a big rubber cap to protect the toes.
Full Specifications
Recycled laces and mesh lining / 50% recycled footbed / 30% recycled Vibram rubber / low cut and mid cut version available / 4mm Vibram Traction Lugs /EVA foam midsole / built-in rockplate / removable PU foam insole / cushioned ankle / rubber toe caps / standard fit / Gore-tex liner.
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