We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Make sure you’re comfortable and supported on your next hiking trip with these durable boots. Kids Girls' Shoes
For a long day of hiking, it’s important to have a stable and durable boot with plenty of cushion and arch support. So many of us have experienced midhike foot fatigue that ruins the experience of a beautiful day outdoors. Whether you enjoy light weekend hiking or have an epic trekking adventure on your horizon, a great pair of hiking boots will ensure your focus is where it should be: on enjoying the scenery around you.
We went hiking in various terrains throughout the U.S. and beyond — in rain and snow, on mountains and riverbanks — to find the very best hiking boots for women. From well-known brands like Merrell, Salomon, and more, we put dozens of pairs of boots to the test to see which are waterproof, supportive, and, most importantly, comfortable enough that you won’t want to take them off.
Fully waterproof with great traction, these tried-and-true boots suit a wide range of hikers.
They may feel stiff before you break them in.
After wearing these sturdy boots for the first time during a four-hour hike, we can happily say they break in quickly and leave your feet feeling comfortable and supported. Even after five months, they offer plenty of traction, keep water out, and remain breathable so feet don't get too sweaty. The boots are made of the heavy-duty materials we’ve come to expect from Merrell, yet they still feel lightweight. Putting them on, you’ll immediately notice how secure your ankles and footpad feel, with plenty of arch-support for all-day hikes. We were also instantly smitten with the colorful look of Merrell's limited edition collaboration with Unlikely Hikers, which is also available in men's sizes and a low-top version.
We were pleasantly surprised that all debris and moisture either rolls right off the boots or wipes off easily, so you don’t have to worry about walking through mud, snow, or water. They were also great for both cold and warm weather hikes and were breathable enough that we didn’t notice any extra sweating in the feet. The traction is incredibly stable, and we stayed sturdy while navigating over wet and icy rocks as well as steep inclines and rough terrain without slipping. No matter what hikes you have planned, these boots are ready for them.
The Details: Size 5-12 medium and wide | 1.7 pounds per pair | Leather, mesh, rubber | Waterproof
Throughout our five months of tests, we wore these in the summer sun and winter snow and loved them in both scenarios.
They can feel stiff at first, but loosen up on the trail.
Straight out of the box, Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots are comfortable enough to get you through a demanding all-day hike. The boots are so breathable, we were skeptical that they could also be waterproof, but the Gore-tex treatment proved to keep feet 100 percent dry even when fully submerged in puddles, mud, and snow. We found them to be incredibly lightweight, keeping us swift whether we were running or climbing.
These boots definitely took a beating during hikes but were easy to wipe down to get them to look good as new. Our one complaint is that there could be more traction on the soles for advanced hiking where slick surfaces and rock climbing is involved, but the grip seemed to improve the more we wore them. We would still feel confident wearing these in wet or icy conditions to keep feet supported and dry all day.
The Details: Size 5-11 | 1.6 pounds per pair | Leather, textile, rubber | Waterproof
They slide on and off quickly, but the lace-up design keeps feet secure while hiking.
They’re not as breathable as other options we tested.
Right away, you’ll be impressed with the look and high-quality feel of these leather boots from iconic hiking brand Danner. We were impressed by how stylish, yet rugged they look, with the outer leather giving a natural, worn-in aesthetic to the boots. After five months of use, we also love that these boots have more of a lightweight feel than others. Because of this design, they don’t show a lot of additional signs of wear and tear as you rack up miles. While the ankle is a bit stiff when you first put these on, after a quick walk, they had stretched out and were soft to the touch.
From hiking through the woods to strolling on a sandy lakebed, these boots provided plenty of support around the ankles and cushion for the balls of our feet. The boot’s soles felt grippy when climbing over boulders and hiking downhill and were thick enough that we couldn’t feel any rocks or branches underfoot. Note that because the boots aren’t as breathable as those made with mesh uppers, we did feel that they caused sweating in the feet. Even with thinner socks, these boots may be most comfortable for hiking in colder weather.
The Details: Size 5-11 wide | 2 pounds per pair | Leather, EVA | Waterproof
They keep feet warmer in snow, dryer in rain, and overall more comfortable on hikes.
They run narrow, so consider sizing up and/or ordering the wide style.
Lowa’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots are popular among outdoor lovers for a reason — they’re comfortable, cushiony, and provide plenty of ankle support. On long hikes over steep terrain, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them as they’re so lightweight and don’t constrict feet. They lace-up to be perfectly fitted and don’t pinch or chafe with the proper socks (but we do recommend you wear a thick pair of hiking socks with these boots to avoid blisters). "As someone who used to replace my budget hiking shoes every year like clockwork, these Lowa hiking boots have been worth paying a little bit more for because I know they’ll last for years," says T+L editor Jackie Cucco. "I’ve hiked through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Washington with them, and they’ve been so comfortable and supportive."
We love that the boots are not only supportive on the inside, even after five months of testing, but keep feet protected on the outside as well. Hikers could stumble, trip, climb on rocks, stomp through snow, and jump into rivers while wearing these boots knowing socks and feet won’t feel a thing; they will be comfortable and protected throughout it all. The traction was great throughout various weathers and terrain, and after jumping into a river, no moisture made it through the boot. "I also love how grippy the bottoms feel; I climbed the Jackson Hole Via Ferrata in them when it started to rain, and I never felt like I was going to slip," adds Cucco. The lighter colors may show dirt fairly quickly, but a bit of soap easily gets these boots looking brand new, and they're sure to last for years.
The Details: Size 5.5-12 narrow and wide | 2.13 pounds per pair | Nubuck leather, polyester, rubber | Waterproof
They're the perfect mix of tough, sturdy, comfortable, and supportive.
They look a bit bulky.
These durable hiking boots were some of the most comfortable we tested. Made from high-quality materials, they’re thick, sturdy, and protective for all day hikes. Surprisingly, we found that thinner socks not made for hiking were perfect to pair with these boots because they have so much padding and cushioning built in. We also liked the level of arch-support and didn’t find it to be exaggerated, but just the right amount.
The boots felt comfortable right out of the box and have held their structure beautifully after a variety of hikes through multiple terrains. In cold weather and warm weather, these boots were breathable and didn’t cause any hot spots or excessive sweating. The ankle of the boot doesn’t come up quite as high as other options, but they did still feel supportive and comfortable. The shoes are also, despite their hefty construction, unexpectedly lightweight and the traction is excellent — you almost stick to the ground. We loved that despite all of the technical features of such a rugged boot, they still look sleek and stylish and are built to last.
The Details: Size 6-11 | 1.3 pounds per pair | Mesh, TPU rubber | Waterproof
The thick outer soles and upper materials are durable and waterproof.
For a pair of boots you can wear rain or shine, the La Sportiva Nucleos have you covered. The high-quality outer materials are quite thick and do need a bit of loosening up, but once they conform to your feet, they are one of the more supportive pairs of boots we tried. The boots run true to size, do not pinch or chafe at all, and are most comfortable if you pair them with a cushiony pair of hiking socks. While they are not the most breathable pair of boots, they are completely waterproof and are great for even walking through creeks and streams. Mud and dirt wipe away from the outer leather without much hassle, so you can happily wear these splashing around in the rain.
The Details: Size 37-43 regular and wide | 1.6 pounds per pair | Leather | Waterproof
They are lightweight and comfortable — we felt no foot fatigue after hours of hiking.
The arches aren't as supportive as other boot designs.
We wore the Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots on multiple hikes including one 12-mile climb over rocks and sand and through a creek. Right out of the box, we love how lightweight and high-quality the boots felt. You can instantly see the material has waterproof capabilities due to the extremely tight woven fabric of the upper shoe. They also fit true to size and are adjustable, so you can wear them with thick hiking socks or thinner day to day socks. The boots have a well-cushioned footbed with supports that are thoughtfully placed at the ball of the foot and toward the back to cushion the heel. Throughout our various hikes, we never had any issues with blisters or chafing — even after fully stepping into a creek and walking another eight miles.
The Details: Size 5-12 | 13.4 ounces per pair | Mesh and TPU | Waterproof
The comfort, fit, and durability come at a reasonable price point.
The external suede material may get dirty quickly.
These Columbia boots are durable, sturdy, and supportive at a budget-friendly price. The soles are tough and durable, and we felt plenty of cushioning throughout our various hikes. There is also padding on the tongue and back so your heel and ankle feels supported. After weeks of testing, the boots show no sign of wear and tear and have only accumulated a minimal amount of dirt (though dirt does cling to the suede more than other materials). They fit true to size and have essentially no break-in period, so you can comfortably wear these right out of the box.
The Details: Size 5-12 regular and wide | 1.7 pounds per pair | Leather, suede, mesh, and rubber | Waterproof
The toe box is spacious and comfortable while protecting your feet from the elements.
They run wide, so you may need to wear thicker socks with these.
Our first impression of these La Sportiva boots was that they are well-made and appear to be very durable. After multiple four-mile hikes on dirt, grass, rocks, and snow, they proved to be just as high-quality as expected. Throughout our five-month tests, we loved that they gave us the confidence to step securely on challenging terrain since the sole grips the trail on rocky sections and helps stabilize feet on uneven ground. The rugged sole has a lot of grip, perfect for wet and icy weather, and the seam between the boot’s upper and sole is sealed well to keep moisture out. The boots are treated with Gore-tex, and after standing in water at the edge of a lake for five minutes, our feet were still completely dry. Despite weeks of testing, the soles still look brand new and the upper mesh area of the boot was easily cleaned with a bit of water.
We love that these boots are lightweight and comfortable, so you don’t feel like you’re being weighed down by bulky shoes. While they do run a bit wide, we actually liked the extra toe box space so you can wear heavier socks in cold weather. The shoe also features a padded tongue that helps make the upper portion of the boot even more comfortable and secure around the ankles, even while hiking up steep, rocky terrains.
The Details: Size 36-43 | 1.1 pounds per pair | Mesh, nylon, EVO | Waterproof
We tested so many amazing hiking boots from the top brands available, it was hard to narrow down our list. These boots had some qualities we loved but weren’t quite as great as our top picks.
Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX Boot: We love the style and high-ankle support of these boots, but we didn’t experience any special features or added comfort that would warrant the higher price point.
Hoka Anacapa Breeze Mid Boot: These Hoka boots offer plenty of traction and cushion for all-day comfort, but we didn’t find them to be as water-resistant or breathable as other boots.
We went hiking over a five-month period with 50 pairs of hiking boots, shoes, and sandals to determine which pairs were the best of the best. Before they even put their boots on, we examined the quality of the shoe by analyzing their laces, straps, soles, fabric, and hardware. We wore our hiking boots at home for at least one hour to evaluate the break-in period, paying particular attention to the shoes’ fit, the arch support, and whether or not they pinched or chafed right out of the box.
Once we broke them in, the boots were ready for real hikes. We wore their shoes for a minimum of two hikes for at least one to two hours per use over a four-week period. The boots were worn through various terrains from steep hikes to riverbeds, hot climates to snowy mountains. We also wore our boots while running errands and going for light walks to determine the boots’ versatility and overall comfort. We wanted to know if the boots were breathable and supportive, and if the comfort changed at all with wear.
Throughout the testing period, hikers were asked to pay particular attention to the arch and ankle support. We also tested in a variety of environments to ensure that the traction of the shoes performed well on various surfaces and weather conditions.
When removing our boots at the end of each wear, we noted whether there were any blisters, redness, hot spots, or any other form of foot pain. We will continue to evaluate the shoes for signs of wear and tear to determine their long-term quality.
Nothing ruins a hike faster than wet socks — or worse, wet feet. Whether you’re hiking near rivers and lakes or enjoy all-weather hiking, waterproof or water-resistant boots are a must. The best water-resistant hiking boots are just as breathable as many that are not water-resistant, and they protect wearers against all external moisture so you can enjoy your hike no matter what weather you encounter.
When you’re not weighed down by bulky boots, you’re less likely to want to take them off as soon as possible. Lightweight hiking boots can be just as durable and will help keep you comfortably on your feet and enjoying the outdoors even longer. Plus, lighter boots are easier to pack for those long-distance travels.
You absolutely want to buy hiking boots with comfort at the top of your list of requirements. A great pair of hiking boots should have good arch-support, thick and durable soles, and a cushiony interior footbed for optimal comfort. When considering which hiking boots to buy, you’ll also want to look at the ankle height and tongue material to ensure that you don’t suffer from any chafing or sore spots.
Hiking boots should be snug but not tight. You don’t want a lot of room to shift around, otherwise you may end up with chafing or blisters. Going up a half-size from your regular shoe may be a good method when investing in new hiking boots, as you want space to move around and adjust as needed. There should also be about an inch of space between the tips of your toes and the tip of the boots to accommodate any of the natural swelling that happens throughout a hike.
Not all hiking boots need to be broken in as many are made with flexible and breathable materials that can be comfortable right out of the box. However, we do recommend hikers wear their new boots for at least an hour while running errands, around the house, or going for a quick walk. That way, you can address any uncomfortable spots before committing to an all-day hike that may leave you sore.
Generally, hiking boots have soles with more traction and cushion for various terrains like gravel, rock, and dirt. They’re also made with more durable toe boxes to support feet on uphill climbs as well as on the descent. Walking boots, on the other hand, have soles that are designed for flatter surfaces like fields and forests. They’re also more lightweight and usually have a lower ankle than hiking boots.
Most hiking boots can be cleaned with just a damp cloth, but if your boots are especially muddy, you can try using a bit of soapy water or a shoe cleaner. Before storing your boots after long hikes or getting them wet, be sure to allow them to fully dry to prevent odors.
Following the eyelets and any hooks, lace your boots crossing one side over the other. Once you are at the top of the boot, pull them to a comfortable and supportive point (but not too tight) and tie them in a bow or double knot, depending on your preference.
Taylor Fox is the outdoor gear editor at Travel + Leisure where she writes about and reviews travel products. She is an avid hiker, camper, and traveler who has been writing about travel for over five years, but camping for over twenty years. To select the best hiking boots for women, she worked with travel editors and outdoor gear experts on a series of real world tests and went hiking in Costa Rica, New York, and Florida to test multiple pairs of boots.
Light Walking Shoes Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.