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15 Best Hiking Boots for Women That Provide Ultimate Comfort

Time to tell your old shoes to take a hike!

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best hiking boots for women
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Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Any experienced adventurer will tell you that what you wear is just as important as what you pack. The right hiking outfit will include all of hiking essentials like a raincoat and protective headgear, and that's the critical difference between a successful hike and turning back early. Worth adding to this list: shoes, which are the item that can make or break your adventure. (Blisters, five miles in? No, thank you!)

Luckily, we've made the shopping experience a little easier by curating a selection of the best hiking boots for women. Whether you're trekking up a mountain or just need a sturdy pair of waterproof shoes to wear outside (on a ranch, perhaps!), these styles will fit your needs. Of course, as with any bigger-ticket purchase, it's important to shop smart. For starters, it can be helpful to choose a brand you've worn before. Secondly, after you've bought the boots, try them on at night rather than in the morning. Feet usually swell after standing and walking, so trying on shoes at the end of the day ensures they won't be too small. When you do try them on, wear thick hiking socks or wool socks. Then, wiggle your toes. If you can't comfortably move in the shoes, you need to size up. Finally, take a walk around the house. You'll be traveling a considerable distance in your new muck boots and should test out their comfort by walking around your home and up and down the stairs. Just remember that most hiking boots require some time to break in. Once you're ready, pick your favorite pair and head out on an adventure!

1
Best Budget

Denali Utah Mid Top Hiking Boots

Denali Utah Mid Top Hiking Boots
Credit: Walmart

If you’re a casual hiker and don’t want to drop big bucks on a pair of boots, the Denali Utah is a great choice. They feature mesh panels to keep your feet cool on warm afternoons, and the TPR outsole can withstand some wear and tear.

2
Best for Wide Feet

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots
Now 38% Off
Credit: Amazon

Fashion meets function in the Newton Ridge boot, with Columbia’s signature midsole for lasting comfort and a stylish leather exterior that promotes breathability. Plus, it’s an affordable choice for the mid-level hiker.

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3
Bestseller

Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Boots

Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Boots
Credit: Amazon

The Moab 2 Vent is the #1 best seller on Amazon for a reason: It is extremely comfortable and breathes well so your feet won’t heat up on a hot summer day. The reason it's so much more breathable is it doesn’t have a waterproof membrane, so make sure you’re out in dry conditions.

4
Best for Cool Weather

Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Hiking Boots

Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Hiking Boots
Credit: REI

Another lightweight choice, the Thermo Chill features low-bulk insulation that can keep you comfortable in cooler temperatures. Its waterproof tech doesn’t trade breathability.

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5
Most Versatile

Altra Lone Peak Hiker Hiking Boots

Altra Lone Peak Hiker Hiking Boots
Credit: REI

These top-rated boots would fit in just as much on a town street as on a hiking trail. Their soft midsole offers soft responsiveness, and their innovative construction allows for low-impact foot landing. Plus, they blend in with regular walking sneakers.

6
Best Lightweight

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Credit: REI

These over-the-ankle boots are made to take on muddy trails! They're lined with a GORE-TEX waterproof material that's lightweight and breathable.

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7
Award-Winning

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots
Credit: REI

This sturdy hiking boot has been tested by the experts at REI and received their Editor's Choice Award. It features a unique sole design that offers all-day comfort and unbeatable traction.

8
Sturdiest for Backpacking

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
Credit: REI

A supportive over-the-ankle design and thoughtful technology make the Low GTX Mid an obvious pick. It'll keep your feet dry and comfortable on your longest treks, making it a solid boot for difficult terrain and long backpacking trips.

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9
Great Mid-Level

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

Editor’s Choice
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Credit: Merrell

As cute as it is functional, the Moab 2 Mid also boasts a waterproof exterior, breathable mesh lining, and a contoured footbed that will keep you dry and comfortable while you're on the move.

10
Budget Waterproof Pick

Northside Snohomish Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots

Northside Snohomish Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots
Now 31% Off
Credit: Walmart

What we love most about the versatile Snohomish's waterproof exterior is that it holds up well in all conditions. Whether you're trekking through cold winter slush or warm spring rain, this boot will keep you dry.

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11
Multiple Colors Available

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots

Amazon’s Choice
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots
Credit: Amazon

The Newton Ridge Plus is one of Columbia's best-selling boots—and that's apparent from the more than 3,000 5-star reviews it's garnered over on Amazon. It's available in dozens of color combinations and offers free shipping and returns, so you're sure to find the perfect fit.

12
Best Splurge

On Cloudrock Hiking Boots

On Cloudrock Hiking Boots
Credit: REI

It's true, this unique trail boot comes with a hefty price tag. But happy customers say it's worth every penny. According to reviews, the Cloudrock is one of the most comfortable styles on the market.

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13
Best Hiking Shoes

Merrell Moab Speed Hiking Boots

Merrell Moab Speed Hiking Boots
Credit: Merrell

If you want one shoe that does it all, the Moab Speed's minimalist design will support your foot from the trails to the gym.

14
Breathable

Keen Terradora II Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots

Keen Terradora II Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots
Credit: REI

Fans of the Terradora II praise the lightweight, breathable, and waterproof design that sets this boot apart from other bulkier styles and makes it ideal for warm-weather hiking.

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15
Memory Foam Footbed

OTAH Waterproof Forestier Hiking Boots

OTAH Waterproof Forestier Hiking Boots
Credit: Walmart

This bargain boot has a waterproof membrane, memory foam footbed, cushioning EVA midsole, and sturdy rubber outsole to protect you from slips and falls—all for a fraction of the price of other similar styles.

Headshot of Kelly O'Sullivan
Kelly O'Sullivan
Senior Editor
Kelly O’Sullivan is the senior editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to overseeing content strategy and news.
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