Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Great durability and construction
• Excellent waterproofing and breathability
• Offers impressive stability and support
• Comfortable with short break-in period
• Solid traction for various terrains

Reasons to Avoid

• Quite expensive
• Might not be suitable for everyone's foot shape
• Can be a little heavy compared to other hiking boots

The Important Specs

• Sole: Vibram Nano with Impact Brake System
• Lining: Gore-Tex Surround
• Upper Material: Nubuck leather

Review Roundup

If a magic wand could summon the perfect hiking boots, it's safe to say the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX would easily pass for them. Designed with a robust but haven-worthy material, these boots came to play in the big leagues of outdoor toughness while being mindful of your delicate tootsies.

Opening the box, these shoes are ready for action -- breaking in? Sure, but not the sort you'll cry over. A couple of easy walks and it fits comfortably like a well-worn glove, bearing testimony to the thoughtful craftsmanship that went into making these boots.

They sport a waterproof Gore-Tex barrier, a godsend to anyone who's ever had the misfortune of squelching in soggy boots. The waterproofing does its job really well, keeping water out and making puddle-hops worry-free.

A common rave in the reviews online is about its breathability. It's surprising how these boots, despite their solid waterproof construction, are able to keep the feet airy after hours of hiking. Big kudos to the perfect combo of nubuck leather and Gore-Tex Surround technology for this win!

Now, coming to the grip, these boots mean business. They hold firm on various types of terrain. Whether you're navigating slippery rocks or trudging along muddy trails, the Vibram Nano outsole with Impact Brake System offers solid traction. Many users have appreciated this versatility and deemed it reliable across different hiking conditions.

While these boots check the right boxes for being sturdy and reliable, it's worth noting that a few buyers mentioned them being somewhat heavier than they expected. It's not a major deal for most, but lightweight-seeking trekkers might want to take note.

Another aspect some people critiqued was its price. Being a high-end product, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX comes with a rather fancy price tag. Then again, excellent quality often comes at a price, and for many seasoned hikers who purchased these boots, they seemed worth every penny. Dedicated outdoorsmen and newbies alike agreed that these boots represent smart investing for the long run.

Reasons to Buy

• Superior traction on diverse terrains
• Lightweight design avoids foot fatigue
• Weatherproof properties for dry and comfortable hikes

Reasons to Avoid

• Upper material may wear down faster than expected
• Some find the toe box on the narrow side
• Not suited for extremely rocky terrains

The Important Specs

• Sole: Vibram rubber outsole, with a midsole featuring PU Monowrap Frame construction
• Insole: Climate Control insole for breathability
• Lacing: Speed-lacing hardware for quick and secure fit
• Materials: Nubuck leather upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
• Boot Height: Mid-cut for additional ankle support

Review Roundup

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a pair of hiking boots that can make sure-footed mountaineers out of us all. Designed for women, the ergonomic design is truly built to support a female's foot anatomy. The lightweight yet sturdy build ensures a comfortable walking experience even on tough terrains.

The boots present a combination of leather and Cordura, which brings a pleasant blend of durability and lightness. Plus, their Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet dry even in wet conditions. Moreover, climate control footbeds are excellent perks that let your feet breathe.

Many customers praised the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid for the exceptional comfort it brings. A number of hikers pointed out they experienced no discomfort or blisters, even after long hikes on challenging paths. The boots’ cushioning and the stability it offers are also highly spoken of.

The Vibram soles are another aspect that hikers were pleased with, as they offer excellent grip on various surfaces. The ankle support of these boots got a special mention in many reviews, and several users truly appreciated the boots' water-resistance feature during their wet, rainy hikes.

However, like every product, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid has some areas that might not fit everyone's preference. Several customers pointed out the boots take a bit of time in breaking-in. Some users also noted that the boots run small, suggesting to go for a half to one size higher for a proper fit.

In terms of price, many agree that the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid might be on the higher end, but strongly believe it offers excellent value for the money, considering its remarkable features and superb quality.

A general consensus from reviews indicates that the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a reliable, comfortable, and adventure-ready pair of boots that allows you to tackle a variety of terrains without compromise.

Reasons to Buy

• Impressive ankle support
• Durable construction
• Great traction on different terrains
• Excellent waterproofing capabilities

Reasons to Avoid

• Longer break-in period
• Priced higher than some competitors
• Tend to run a bit narrow

The Important Specs

• Material: Nubuck Leather
• Boot Height: Over-the-ankle
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex

Review Roundup

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots are truly a gift for any woman who loves a good hike. The second you slip these bad boys on, you'll know that your feet are in for a comfortable, supportive ride. These boots are particularly praised by users for their exceptional durability and sturdiness, making them stand out from the crowd. Even the harshest mountainous terrains won't spell disaster for your feet as long as you're armed with these boots.

Let's start with the technical stuff. The boots are made with a Gore-Tex membrane, which makes them waterproof. Many hikers have confirmed that they've kept their feet dry even after trekking through puddles and streams. The only caveat? If you're hiking in particularly soggy or wet conditions, water can sneak in from the top of the boot. But hey, that's a risk with any hiking boot.

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots offer tremendous ankle support, another feature that a lot of hikers have found helpful. The boots have a high cut design which is great because it keeps your ankles stable, reducing the risk of rolling, especially on uneven terrain. The boots are pretty heavy, but that's the price one pays for durable and protective footwear. A few customers have mentioned that the boots feel heavy initially but that they're worth the break-in period because of their superior sturdiness.

Now, what about the breaking in? Well, it seems that responses are mixed. Some hikers said their boots felt perfectly fine right out of the box, while others said it took a few trips to break them in. If you're planning a long hike or backpacking trip, it's probably a good idea to wear these boots around the town first, just to play safe.

The boots score highly when it comes to grip and traction, with their Contagrip outsole providing excellent traction on a range of surfaces. This was particularly noticed by hikers who ventured out to snowy or wet terrains. They've also got a rubber toe cap for protection, much to the delight of hikers who've ventured through rocky trails.

One downside that was noticed about these boots is their lacing system. The laces don't always stay tightly tied, and some users found they had to frequently readjust their laces.

Pricing wise, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX are on the higher end of the scale. However, buyers have repeatedly mentioned that the boots are well worth the investment for anyone serious about hiking.

In summary, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots are a robust pair that performs exceptionally well. They have seen many a hiker through wet, rocky and uneven trails, and they have the potential to become your unwavering hiking comrades too.

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent ankle support
• Great value for money
• Highly durable
• Comfortable with minimal break-in period
• Good traction on various terrains

Reasons to Avoid

• Not fully waterproof
• Can be warm in hot weather
• Some consumers found the sizing inaccurate

The Important Specs

• Closure: Lace-up system
• Midsole: EVA foam
• Outsole: Vibram TC5+ sole
• Material: Suede leather and mesh

Review Roundup

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid hiking boots have been praised by adventurers looking to explore the trails without dishing out an arm and a leg. Budget-conscious doesn't mean compromising on quality with this pair of boots, offering fantastic value for money while providing solid performance.

The design of the Moab 3 Mid is tough and durable, made to stand the test of hiking trails. Many users have praised the boots' resilience in various weather conditions, especially showing their worth in muddy or rainy scenarios. Their leather and mesh upper with a protective rubber cap both guards against the elements and allows for breathability.

But the grippy traction is what really shines with the Moab 3 Mid. The M Select GRIP outsole offers 5mm lug depth that, according to real users, provides good traction and stability on rough, uneven surfaces, helping hikers stay on their feet.

Many purchasers have also commended the boots on their impressive comfort, noting the roomy toe box and snug fit. Its air-cushioned heel absorbs shocks and adds stability, while the EVA contoured footbed supports and cushions your feet as you hike. You're essentially walking on clouds with these boots.

Despite the many positives, some users have noted a few snags. Breaking in the boots seems to take a bit longer than expected, with a few reporting blisters during the initial wears. Another possible con worth mentioning is the slightly less efficient breathability especially on hotter days, which might lead to sweaty feet.

Additionally, some users also experienced troubles with the sizing, stating that they run a bit smaller. Therefore, if purchasing online, considering buying half a size larger might be beneficial.

But, looking at the overall reviews, those few cons aren't deal breakers when compared to the substantial pros: affordable cost, good traction, durability, and excellent comfort. The Merrell Moab 3 Mid proves that exceptional hiking boots certainly do not need to break the bank.

Reasons to Buy

• Offers excellent ankle support
• Known for superior traction on various terrains
• Comfortable even on long hikes
• Has a midsole stabilizer for added balance
• Water-resistant and breathable due to GORE-TEX lining

Reasons to Avoid

• May require a break-in period
• On the pricey side
• Limited color options
• Upper part may wear down with heavy use

The Important Specs

• Sole: Frixion XF 2.0 with Impact Brake System
• Lining: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort
• Midsole: Memlex Eva with stabilizer
• Upper Material: High-density Nylon and Microfiber

Review Roundup

Whether you're hitting the trails, scrambling up rocky ridges, or heading out for a multi-day trip, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid is a trail runner that packs a punch. These boots stand out for their exception lightness, weighing in at a comfortable 12.6 ounces, allowing you to move effortlessly on all terrain types.

Designed with versatility in mind, this high-performance boot scores major points for its outstanding durability and traction. What sets it apart is its Frixion XF 2.0 outsole, equipped with flex grooves and lugs that dig deep into loose dirt or firm rocks, giving you an amazing grip and keeping you upright on the trickiest paths.

People who purchased this product have noticed that the Ultra Raptor IIs are very comfortable right out of the box, with little to no break-in time needed, which is quite a feat for an ultralight boot. They also appreciated the level of structural support provided by the EVA midsole and TPU stabilizer, which gives a nice buffer from rocky surfaces.

Buyers also praised the toe box's roominess, which accommodates wider feet perfectly without being overly spacious. However, a few encountered issues with the sizing running slightly small, suggesting it may be worthwhile to order half a size up if you’re considering purchasing.

As for the breathability aspect, it's a bit of a mixed bag. While several reviewers remarked on the airy and breathable feel of the mesh upper, some experienced warmer feet during hotter hikes, though this didn’t detract from the overall comfort.

A minor gripe from a section of users was the durability of the laces, with some reporting fraying or wear and tear earlier than expected. While easily replaceable, it’s something to keep in mind.

Lastly, although the boots are not waterproof, many users found them moderately resistant to light rainfalls or morning dew, but less effective in heavier downpours.

Reasons to Buy

• Made from high-quality material for durability.
• Offers strong ankle support.
• Exceptional breathable and waterproofing capabilities.
• Comfortable with minimal break-in period.
• Lightweight design.
• Good value for the price.

Reasons to Avoid

• May be considered expensive by some buyers.
• Minimal cushioning may not be suitable for all.

The Important Specs

• Sole: Vibram Megagrip
• Height: Mid
• Footbed: 3D molded Ortholite
• Materials: 2-layer GORE-TEX, ballistic polyester mesh, synthetic toe cap

Review Roundup

The Arc’teryx Acrux TR GTX is a top-notch choice for women hikers who love to push their limits amidst the mountains. This is Arc’teryx's answer to a solid, reliable, and dare we say - downright snazzy alpine variant. Let's dig into what makes this pair of hiking boots stand out.

First up, the sleek, low-profile design is a definite plus. It not only looks great but also helps to keep the boot lightweight without skimping on durability. Built with a Gore-Tex membrane, these boots are designed to handle all kinds of weather conditions, which is a huge advantage when you're hiking up high mountain trails.

Comfort and fit have received mixed feedback from online purchasers. While some hikers found them to be comfortable right out of the box, a few others mentioned a longer break-in period. The good news is that once these boots have adapted to your feet, comfort becomes a non-issue.

Many owners raved about their durability and sturdiness. The Acrux TR GTX is made with abrasion-resistant material which seems to be holding up well for most users, withstanding rocky, hard terrain and showing only minor signs of wear and tear.

The traction of these boots has received universal praise. The Vibram MegaGrip soles perform exceptionally well on wet, slippery surfaces and rocky, uneven grounds. This feature alone has won over the confidence of several seasoned hikers.

Some reviewers have commented on the boots' less-than-ideal breathability. While the Gore-Tex lining does keep your feet dry from external elements, it can cause your feet to sweat a bit during intense hikes or in warmer climates.

In terms of pricing, it's not the cheapest option on the shelf, but considering its performance and durability, several users believe it's worth the investment for serious alpine hiking.

Lastly, buyers appreciate that this boot comes in a variety of attractive color options, allowing them to express personal style on their adventures. Word of advice, though: always put comfort and functionality over aesthetics while making the final call.