Whether you’re trekking up a mountain or going for a relaxed countryside ramble, a great pair of hiking boots is a must when it comes to walking in comfort this summer and beyond.
The first choice to make when looking for the best women’s hiking boots is whether you want to go for leather or fabric. In an ideal world, we’d recommend owning a pair of each type, as both have their benefits – leather is long-lasting, and warmer in winter, but can be stiffer and may take longer to break in, while fabric boots feel more like wearing trainers straight out of the box and are lightweight and breathable, but don’t tend to offer as much warmth.
Good hiking boots should be both waterproof and breathable. Look for walking boots with built-in waterproofing technology such as Gore-Tex and with thick, bouncy soles with deep lugs (the indentations that help give good grip) – we always rate Vibram-branded soles. If you plan to wear your new boots in warm conditions, they should also include a breathable membrane to wick away sweat and keep your feet from overheating.
Hiking boots come in different ankle heights (usually low, mid and high) – high-cut boots offer better support for your ankles on uneven terrain, and low-cut boots and trainer-style hiking shoes are a cooler choice in summer. Check that your new boots are still comfortable when laced tightly, with plenty of wiggle room for toes and without too much space to move your heels.
All of the hiking boots here have proven their mettle on test, in fair and foul weather. A good pair of well-made walking boots tends to cost around £100 to £150, but we’ve also tested a few budget options that won’t break the bank but still deliver decent quality.
How we tested
We tested each pair of women’s hiking boots on country trails and hillside treks in wet spring weather. During testing, we considered how comfortable and durable the boots were while walking mile after mile. We also looked for decent weatherproofing.
The best women’s hiking boots for 2024 are:
Altra Olympus 5 mid GTX
One boot to rule the trails – Altra’s Olympus is a great all-rounder for hikers who love to trek high and low on multi-day adventures and in challenging weather conditions. A Gore-Tex upper keeps snow and rain firmly away from your socks and these boots proved breathable and comfortable when we tried them out on all-day hikes. Vibram rubber soles are reliably grippy even on wet, slippery rock and the inner soles of the Olympus are cushiony and forgiving underfoot. A great go-anywhere boot.
Buy now £132.99, Sportshoes.com
Trespass Ailish walking boot
The affordable Ailish from Trespass proves that you don’t have to spend hundreds of pounds on a boot to get something that is waterproof enough to tackle temperamental British weather. The Ailish wouldn’t withstand prolonged dunking in a puddle, but it will repel rain and light snow, thanks to a decent waterproof membrane. It’s also reasonably comfortable and cushioned and boasts a solid toe guard, ideal for tackling rockier terrain. It’s great for occasional use or for anyone heading off on Duke of Edinburgh adventures this summer.
Buy now £37.99, Amazon.co.uk
Quechua MH100 Mid walking boots
You can rely on Quechua, Decathlon’s own brand, for a decent quality hiking kit that doesn’t cost a bomb, and our top pick of the brand’s female hiking boots are these comfortable MH100s. They may not sport innovative looks, but they’ll keep your feet dry over long distances and are reasonably breathable. The soles are nicely cushioned and there’s great toe protection. The ankles are cut rather wide and low, so they’re best used on dryer days and on marked paths rather than over boggy or uneven terrain.
Buy now £49.99, Decathlon.co.uk
Zamberlan Salathé trek GTX
Zamberlan reckons the Salathé will go “from the car to the top” and we’d have to agree. On test, we found this suede boot outstanding in any scenario, from a casual stroll to tackling a via ferrata route. The Salathé is an ‘approach boot’ (a term for a shoe that can tackle rocky terrain and is a bit of a hybrid between hiking boots and climbing shoes). It boasts a Gore-Tex membrane and even a Recco rescue detector (a passive transponder that makes you findable by mountain rescue teams) but is still lightweight, at 480g per boot, making it ideal for climbers and tough trekkers.
Buy now £233.63, Zamberlan.com
Scarpa terra
Leather is a bit of a wonder material when it comes to warm walking boots, and Scarpa’s terra is a bit of a classic, both in looks and performance. The terra has that magical combination we look for – it’s tough and lightweight, and we love the high-cut ankle support, which ensures the boots stay in place, whatever you’re scrambling over. Gore-Tex keeps everything waterproof and Vibram provides tough soles and a great grip, even on slippery rock routes. They will be too warm for summer, but perfect in less clement conditions.
Buy now £160.00, Amazon.co.uk
Danner mountain 600 evo
Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, Danner’s all-American hiking boots have a bit of a cult following over here, thanks to their lovely looks. That said, these beauties also deliver comfort and performance, thanks to a full-grain leather outer, which is naturally waterproofing and is topped up with a Gore-Tex membrane. Tough yet bouncy Vibram soles feel springy and grippy underfoot, and we like that regular and wide fits are available. Worth the splurge if you’re after boots that will look good with jeans as well as work hard on the hills.
Buy now £187.50, Global.danner.com
Hanwag blueridge lady ES
Hanwag’s boots have always performed brilliantly when testing and will last and last if you look after them. We like the whole range for women but the blueridge boot excels on groomed valley trails and more challenging hill paths alike, thanks to tough rubber soles and deep lugs for great grip. Pleasingly soft suede uppers look and feel great to wear, moulding quickly to your foot, for a custom comfy fit.
This well-made all-rounder also stands out for its eco-friendly credentials – it’s constructed from recycled materials sourced in Europe and without using PFCs (perfluorochemicals – harmful chemicals that can be released into the environment).
Buy now £165.00, Hanwag.com
Jack Wolfskin cyrox texapore mid
Get the toughness of leather and the comfort of a textile boot with Jack Wolfskin’s cyrox, which combines the best of both worlds. This boot stood out on test for its fit, too – some brands make female-specific boots by simply shrinking their male designs, but Jack Wolfskin has created the cyrox specifically to fit women’s feet. The cyrox shoe also boasts Vibram soles and soft inner soles that were some of the comfiest we tested. Meanwhile, Jack Wolfskin’s own-brand Texapore waterproofing technology proved reliably rainproof when testing, giving Gore-Tex a run for its money.
Buy now £155.00, Jack-wolfskin.co.uk
Mountain Warehouse gale extreme boot
Decent hiking boots needn’t cost a bomb – Mountain Warehouse’s offerings for women start at just £35, but we think the gale boot offers the best value for money. This affordable but high-performing boot gives pricier designs a run for their money when it comes to performance. Good-looking suede and lightweight mesh are reinforced with Mountain Warehouse’s own-brand IsoDry membrane, which we found waterproof enough to tackle puddles and rain when testing (it’s not waterproof enough to deal with snow or torrential weather, mind). The soles give a decent grip, too.
After a leather boot? We also rate Mountain Warehouse’s odyssey (£179.99, Mountainwarehouse.com).
Buy now £59.99, Mountainwarehouse.com
Keen targhee IV
Love to get off the beaten track? Keen’s new and improved targhee IV will keep up with you. This environmentally conscious leather hiking boot is warm, waterproof, and instantly comfortable. We loved the high, supportive, and well-padded ankle, which doesn’t let in rain; the protective toe box, and the thick soles, which offer great grip, even on slippery surfaces.
The targhee isn’t heavy, but it’s less breathable than some fabric boots, so this one is best kept for cooler weather. Take them outdoors from autumn to spring and they’ll do you proud.
Buy now £123.96, Alpinetrek.co.uk
La Sportiva TX4 walking boots
If you like to explore above the tree line, you’re going to need a boot that tackles tougher ground. La Sportiva’s TX4 is a high-cut version of the brand’s popular ‘approach’ shoe (designed for climbers walking on rough, rocky ground) and sports seriously good grip, with Vibram Megagrip soles that are reliable even if you’re clambering over scree and wet rock.
These boots mean business and offer excellent ankle support, but they are a bit stiff out of the box, and their narrow fit may not suit all hikers.
Buy now £168.00, Cotswoldoutdoor.com
Keen zionic
We’ve tested most of Keen’s range of hiking boots over the years and we’re going to say it – this brand makes the comfiest walking boots on the market. Keen’s zionic boots look and feel a bit like you’re sporting your favourite trainers, and are just delightful to wear, with cushiony insoles that feel springy even when you’re covering many miles a day. Plus, there’s a mesh upper that lets feet breathe during hot weather. Ideal for summer hikes or for taking travelling, this is the design to pick if comfort is top of your priorities list.
Buy now £69.73, Alpinetrek.co.uk
The North Face Breithorn futurelight
Trekking in snow and ice? If you’re headed for the highest mountains or are off on a glacier adventure, you’re going to need a trekking boot that will grip ice and is compatible with crampons. The North Face has been designing mountaineering kit since the 1950s, so, it knows a thing or two about alpine adventuring, and the brand’s Breithorn boot is aimed at mountaineers going further than your average weekend trail.
This boot is fully waterproof, breathable and grippy – it had the best grip on ice on test. Overkill for casual walkers, excellent for serious trekkers.
Buy now £199.96, Alpinetrek.co.uk
AKU trekker lite
The Italian-designed trekker lite is our pick of the pack of fabric boots for wear in Britain and is full of all the lovely stuff we’d expect for a boot with a higher price tag – expect deep-lugged Vibram soles, Gore-Tex waterproofing and breathable suede and fabric mixed outer.
These boots also have excellent supportive, close-fitting high ankles. A good lacing system ties up snugly around the ankles, so if tend to sprain or roll your ankles, the trekker lite is perfect for protecting them.
Buy now £220.00, Aku.co.uk
Columbia peakfreak hera mid outdry
While Columbia’s sturdy peakfreak boot works well for hiking year-round, it really stands out during warmer weather – it’s highly breathable and lightweight, so you’ll barely feel like you’re wearing boots at all, even on the dog days of summer. The flexible fabric and mesh upper feel comfortable even on all-day hikes and are fully waterproofed with Columbia’s own-brand OutDry technology, which we found could withstand striding through puddles without a problem. A great choice for walking holidays, travelling and backpacking.
Buy now £125.00, Merrell.com
Merrell moab speed 2
This boot takes design elements from Merrell’s running shoes, resulting in a nifty hiking boot that’s lightweight and freeing to wear while still sporting meaty Vibram soles. The inner sole stood out when testing – it’s comfortable even on all-day hikes and makes the boots feel springy underfoot.
We didn’t think this boot felt as durable as some others we’ve reviewed, though – it’s great for lightweight day hikes in warm weather rather than winter slogs. This design is also vegan-friendly (unlike many other boots, which use leather or glue derived from animals).
Buy now £125.00, Merrell.com
Adidas terrex free hiker 2
If you don’t like clompy, heavy hiking boots but need something a bit tougher than your favourite pair of sneakers, we reckon this Adidas design has hit the perfect balance of relaxed trainer and tough walking boot. A springy sole and cushioning foam insole are paired with rain-repelling Gore-Tex, and the close-fitting stretchy collar is great for keeping rain and debris out of your socks. The Free Hikers look as good worn in the city as they do in the countryside, too.
Buy now £144.00, Adidas.co.uk
Hiking boots FAQs
We spoke to Scarpa UK managing director Steve Roberts, to get the lowdown on all things hiking boots.
Leather vs fabric boots
“A well-made leather boot has spent a long time (upwards of 24 hours) being moulded on a unique foot shape known as a ‘last’. A well-lasted boot will provide a long-term sculpted fit that provides support and function. Leather is a fantastically durable material and easy to care for.
“Fabric boots are usually derived from a hybrid of modern fabrics that are lightweight, instantly comfortable and quick-drying. Fabric boots usually require an added waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex, to provide water resistance. They can be more challenging in terms of maintaining performance than an all-leather boot.”
How long will boots take to break in?
“A modern, well-made boot will provide out-of-the-box comfort. The more supportive the internal midsole and the more supportive the upper will dictate the amount of time the materials will take to optimally mould around your foot. A modern lightweight fabric boot will feel optimum on day one, in contrast, leather will feel comfortable out of the box but will get better and better with more miles.”
How should I look after my new boots?
“All boots will benefit from regular cleaning and application of care products – these vary from waxes and creams for leather and paint-on applications for fabric boots. On wet days, endeavour to dry your boots as naturally as possible. Removing the footbed will aid drying, and these can be replaced periodically, to reinstate shock absorption.”
What should I consider when buying hiking boots?
Steve recommends matching the style of boot you buy to the terrain on which you plan to walk. A mid-cut boot will do for flat trails or coastal paths, but a supportive boot is best for steep hills (particularly when carrying a pack).
The further off the beaten track you are, the more likely you are to encounter wet, muddy, boggy terrain – so, look for a boot with protection and waterproofing/repellency.
Soles tend to match the style of the upper, so, a higher-cut, more supportive boot will also have a more aggressive sole with multidirectional cleats for propulsion and grip.
You will also need to consider which shape is right for you. “Once you have narrowed your choice on an appropriate style, the most crucial selection comes down to the best fit for your foot shape. The best way to do this is to try multiple pairs on at an outdoor specialist store, where you will usually find both a broad selection of styles and expert advice.”
If you’re buying in-store, there may also be artificial slopes and terrain samples, so you can get a sense of how your boot feels going up or downhill.
If you buy online, however, consider buying a size larger than your usual shoe. You will want to wear thick hiking socks in your boots, as your feet will expand as the day goes on, and the added weight of a pack increases your toe spread. “If you have to buy online, we would recommend trying a number of pairs and wearing them around the home to ensure you feel entirely happy with your selection before venturing out on that first walk.”
It’s really important to get the fit right because blisters can ruin even the most glorious walk.
The verdict: Women’s hiking boots
There are boots in our round-up to suit all kinds of hikers but our top picks after testing are the Scarpa terra if you’re after a leather boot; AKU’s trekker lite if you like the idea of a fabric boot, and Altra’s Olympus as a go-anywhere all-rounder. If you need a tougher design specifically for trekking or mountaineering, La Sportiva and The North Face have some great mountaineering boots on offer.
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