The Greatest Mountaineering Boots for Ladies in 2023

Why You Should Trust Us

Our GearJunkie crew has tested dozens of hiking boots and whittled them down to bring you the best. Staff writer Morgan Tilton is a lifelong hiker from Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, a passionate hiker of the Centennial State’s 14,000-foot peaks, an adventurous backpacker, and an international trekker.

Miya Tsudome lives in the high desert of Bishop, California, in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range where she spends most of her days off in the summertime. Both testers bring together a wealth of experience hiking in different boots plus years of gear testing expertise to make sure you find the right shoe for your next hiking adventure. 

Hailing from Montana, reviewer Kylie Mohr is an avid, lifelong hiker from day hikes in her home state of Washington and the Olympic Peninsula to backpacking in the Tetons of Wyoming. Like many, Mohr struggles to choose between lighter, faster pairs and boots with more ankle support. So when the holy grail of hikers comes along, they stand out.

The final list of recommended women’s hiking boots is the combined result of thorough firsthand experience across the nation and various conditions. Beyond our field tests and personal experience, we determined the best hiking boots based on a variety of metrics including performance, quality, durability, fit, comfort, protection, ergonomics, unique features, and value.

The top picks also factor in the most popular, timeless, highly rated, innovative, and well-acclaimed products. Ultimately, these hiking boots and shoes serve a range of athletes, environments, objective goals, and budgets.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Buy a Hiking Boot

Here we focus on the best hiking boots for women. We have a separate guide if you’re looking for men’s hiking boots or hiking shoes.

Fit

The main reason to buy a women’s-specific hiking boot is the fit. Most women have narrower heels than men, and many women have smaller and narrower feet than men.

It’s also common for women to have a higher arch. Women’s-specific hiking shoes and boots are all built on a last that takes into consideration what’s specific about women’s feet.

But as with anything, one size doesn’t necessarily fit all. If you have a wider foot, a larger foot, or a broader heel, a unisex or men’s boot might be a better choice. There are also several boots among our picks in this guide that offer a wide version of the design, such as the Nucleo High II GTX, and the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof hiking boots. 

Boot sizes are not universal. The length, width, and volume vary across each brand. There are also wider and narrower toe box options. That’s why you might find some boots to be particularly streamlined or roomy compared to others.

Ultimately, it’s extremely helpful to go to a local retailer to get your feet professionally measured and to try on at least one boot model per brand to get an idea of the size that works for you as well as the overall compatibility of the last with your foot shape and needs.

Fit is the most important consideration when buying a boot. While all hiking boots break in to some degree — it’s always smart to wear them around your house or around town before hitting the trail all day — a boot should feel comfortable in the shop.

Plus, your heel should not slip up and down. If it does, choose another boot — or you’re bound to end up with blisters. Likewise, your toes should not feel smushed or graze the top end of the toebox. Otherwise, you might end up with toe bang, especially after a descent and while wearing a heavy pack.

Note your socks. Take your most-used hiking hosiery with you to try on your hiking boots whether that’s a minimal, well-cushioned, lightweight, mid-weight, or heavyweight hiking sock. To that end, make sure you’re choosing the best hiking sock for the trip you plan to take and according to the season. We generally like merino or merino blends for a good balance of breathability and protection against cold while also helping to fight odors, especially for back-to back-days.

Hiking Boot vs. Hiking Shoe

In general, hiking boots are more built-out compared to hiking shoes. They offer more rigidity, traction, and protection from the outsole and tread and around the upper. Often, hiking boots have more material around the ankle but the height can range from low-cut to mid to high. Some hiking boot uppers are full-grain leather while others are a hybrid of leather and nylon mesh or nylon mesh and plastic overlays for reinforcement.

Typically a hiking shoe is low-cut, and the shoe is less rigid, offering more comfort for cross-over use. The upper is typically made of synthetic materials (versus leather) and is breathable. The tread and outsole is more moderate compared to a built-out boot.

Also, there’s been a surge of hiking boot designs that are running-shoe inspired, such as the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, the Salomon OUTpulse Mid GORE-TEX  or the Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid, offering a more flexible upper with a more rugged sole — it’s the best of both worlds with a hiking boot and shoe blend.

Hiking boots are a great option if you plan to carry more weight on your back, travel big miles, or venture through rocky or variable terrain where you need the protection and support of a built-out boot. If you are likely to travel through a range of weather conditions, such as snow and rain, or creek crossings, a boot can serve as a strong shield. The more rugged boots in our lineup include the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX and the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots It also comes down to personal preference and if you feel more comfortable and protected in a boot versus a hiking shoe.

Hiking shoes are a good choice if you enjoy hiking fast when you’ll want more aeration and light so you might not need as much support. Some hikers opt for a hiking shoe because they prefer the minimal, close-to-ground feel — even with weight in a pack. Others opt for a hiking shoe because it can be a good versatile crossover for trail running or everyday walks, for instance. In general, hiking shoes also dry out faster and pack down well, so they can be a good choice for airplane travel or to use in combination with a hiking sandal, especially in hot, humid environments.

At the end of the day, some hikers might prefer a narrower, athletic, precise-fitting hiking shoe for more freedom of movement versus a bulkier, sturdier, and higher-tread therefore more displaced boot.

Hiking Boot Height: Low, Mid, or High

Hiking boot height is a matter of personal preference and is influenced by the terrain you’ll be wandering in. A higher-reaching boot is created through a taller collar or cuff, which is typically padded and some are more rigid than others.

• Low-cut: Ankle bone is exposed, greatest range of motion
• Mid-cut: Cuff rises above the ankle bone, offers ankle bone protection from abrasion, a hybrid of stability and mobility
• High-cut: Cuff rises a few inches above the ankle bone, the sturdiest design

A higher boot collar will offer more ankle support, such as security when traversing loose rock or protection against abrasive vegetation. The higher profile the boot, the better it may do at keeping debris or moisture out. And most people will recommend a tall boot if you’re backpacking a heavy load.

The tradeoff is that a higher-cut boot won’t be as flexible. This may not be ideal if you’re scrambling on rocks beside the trail and you need more ankle articulation, or if you need to crouch down to tend to kiddos or pets. Higher ankle support also generally holds in more heat with less airflow around the ankles. Taller socks will be more comfortable with a higher cuff.

For hiking in technical terrain, we recommend the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX, and for top-notch, locked-in ankle security, go for something like the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hikng Boots. Not everyone needs a lot of ankle support, so don’t be afraid to experiment with more flexible options if you’re unsure.

Also among the over-the-ankle heights, we liked the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Women’s Wide best for backpacking. Though plenty of thru-hikers also wear hiking shoes on their Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail quests.

And our favorite all-around light-yet-sturdy hiking boot with ankle protection is our top pick, the SCARPA Rush Mid GTX. And we love the Salomon OUTpulse Mid GORE-TEX for lightweight backpacking adventures with their trail-runner-type feel. 

Breathability

Hiking boots, being more built-out and typically more water-resistant than hiking shoes, can vary in their breathability. In general, if this is an important consideration for you, we would recommend you go with a hiking shoe with breathable mesh upper materials. But that’s not to say that some of the hiking boots in our lineup aren’t breathable as well.

While hiking boots like our top pick, the SCARPA Rush Mid GTX, come with a synthetic mesh upper for enhanced breathability, it is also made with GORE-TEX waterproof material, which is the best on the market at keeping your feet dry. Our testers found that boots made with GORE-TEX, like the Rush Mid GTX, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, or the Teva Grandview, are always going to sacrifice breathability to some extent. While a synthetic mesh upper does help, boots that are the best at keeping water out won’t compare to light trail runners with thin membranes that are guaranteed to keep your feet cooler in the long run. 

Our testers found that the Lone Peak All-Weather Mid boots, however, did surprisingly well at keeping our feet from getting that swampy feeling that tends to happen with waterproof boots. The eVent upper material of these trail-runners-turned-hiking-boots kept our feet from overheating in the height of the summer while also having great waterproofing capabilities, making them a good choice for those looking for a more breathable hiking boot. 

Footwear Stability

In addition to boot height, a boot or shoe’s stability depends on what’s underfoot, how the boot is structured in the heel, and what stabilizers and reinforcements have been built into the boot upper.

Outsole (Tread)

The underside of the hiking boot or shoe is the outsole, or tread, which contacts the ground. It’s made of rubber. Each pair has its own lug pattern, which provides varying degrees of traction in different trail conditions and terrain.

• Shallower lugs: good for pavement, dirt, grass, crushed gravel, fallen leaves, fairly flat (easy to moderate steepness)
• Moderate lugs: best for looser terrain such as mud, gravel, scree (moderate or greater steepness)
• Deep lugs: ideal for the most supple surfaces like mud, snow, loose rock, mixed terrain, typically on mountaineering or backpacking boots (best for steep slopes)
• Wider-spaced lugs: improves friction for an enhanced grip, such as on rock, and more easily discards debris like mud
• Angled (versus round) lugs: Shaped like a V, these lugs provide even more bite than round lugs (good for steep hikes)

The heel, also called the heel brake, is where there’s a shelf in the back of the boot, beneath the heel of the foot, that helps provide traction, too.

Midsole

The midsole is the layer of materials between the outsole (the outermost part of the boot) and the upper (the material that wraps around the top of your foot). The midsole influences overall comfort through cushion and shock absorption. It also adds buffer against whatever you walk over including rocks or roots.

In some cases, hikers prefer less cushion and more stiffness or a closer-to-ground feel, especially if the terrain is super uneven or rocky. In which case, too much cushion can lead to a bowling ball feeling where your feet aren’t as stable.

Midsole materials break down over time. Pay attention to when that midsole starts to crumble or crack, which means the support you need is gone and it’s time for new hiking shoes.

The materials are typically EVA, which is plush and lightweight, or polyurethane, which is more dense. EVA tends to break down faster and costs less.

Upper Materials

The upper is the area that covers the top of the foot and attaches to the materials beneath the foot including the midsole and outsole. The materials that comprise the upper part of the boot or shoe range from rigid to soft.

A full-grain leather (also plainly referred to as leather) is stout, durable, and weather and water resistant. Nubuck leather as found on the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX resembles suede and is full-grain leather that has been buffed. These boots are more traditional in style and require more break-in time (nubuck leather can feel a tad more flexible). They also don’t provide as much breathability as other materials.

Uppers can also be a blend of synthetic materials including mesh and plastic overlays that provide reinforcement and stability such as on our top pick, the SCARPA Rush Mid GTX. Synthetic uppers generally are a blend of nylon and polyester but synthetic leather is an option. They break in easier, are more malleable, offer more breathability, and dry quick when they get damp or wet. However, they do not typically last as long as full-grain leather and can tear or wear holes must faster. That’s visible in the price, as they don’t typically cost as much.

Hybrid uppers (also known as split-grain leather) like on the Teva Grandview GORE-TEX can feature both leather and synthetic materials, so you get more breathability and stability. These designs still aren’t as durable as full-grain leather boots.

Waterproof Upper

Love getting after it in the spring when snowmelt is rushing off the mountains? Live in the soggy PNW? Hate switching to sandals when you’re backpacking? Consider going waterproof. Lots of options in this guide stood up to creek crossings galore, like the SCARPA GTX Moraine Mid or the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof.

It’s also important for your overall health and safety to consider if you need waterproof protection. When your feet are wet or damp for extended periods of time, especially if they are also fighting cold (but above freezing temperatures), your feet can be at risk of trench foot, which can lead to sensations such as persistent itching, prickliness, or other severe symptoms. That’ll do more than end a trip.

Consider choosing a boot made with GORE-TEX materials to ensure the best waterproofing, like found on the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX’s.

So consider the climate and topography where you’ll be hiking and what time of year you like to hike. Check in with other backpackers or hikers that have experienced that climate or trail, or call a local outdoor retailer to ask if waterproof boots are recommended for that objective. If you’ll be wearing this boot when it’s rainy, snowy, cold, or in variable conditions, we generally recommend opting for a waterproof boot. It will keep moisture out, which will keep your feet dry, protected and comfortable regardless of how many miles you’re ticking off.

Alternatively, if you’re hiking primarily or exclusively in hot, dry conditions, a waterproof boot will likely be stifling and cause your feet to perspire more, especially on summer days. A membrane-free and treatment-free boot will keep your feet cool and dry just fine.

Some hiking boots have an integrated waterproof/breathable membrane, like GORE-TEX or eVent or Texapore Ecosphere, and no topical treatment. Other footwear is (or can be) treated with a waterproof treatment product for waterproofness. If you do go with waterproof, be sure to read the product’s instructions about any required waterproof treatment application or upkeep.

Arch Support

Arch support is something that is highly individualized. Hiking boots can vary widely with how supportive their arches are, and if you suffer from any particular pain in your feet, hips, or knees from hiking we always recommend buying some third-party insoles to better support your feet. 

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof feature a zonal arch and heel support made for folks with high arches. These shoes were made with support in mind, and since our arches support much of our body weight while walking or hiking, we appreciate that Merrell incorporates this into their design.

The KEEN Tempo Flex boots come with removable insoles that provide some light cushioning and arch support that will be sufficient enough for most, and easily replaced for those who seek more support. 

The Altra Lone Peak boots feature a zero-drop design, which means that there is no height change between the heel and forefoot. This lack of support is supposed to encourage more natural foot movement and build foot strength, but is not for everyone and can take some time to get used to. 

In the end, arch support is a very personal feature, and will change from foot to foot! The good thing is that you can remove the insoles of any boot and add in your own to make them work best for you if necessary. 

Adding Insoles to Your Boots

Most hiking boot insoles are made of basic foam materials which easily flatten out over time and add little protection or arch support. If you know you have a certain arch type, suffer from plantar fasciitis, or often experience knee or hip pain after logging some miles, then you might benefit greatly from adding some insoles to your hiking boots. Not only will this increase comfort, but it can also help to prevent injuries and improve joint function and stability. 

We definitely recommend taking your hiking boots with you to a store where you can try on different types of insoles so you find the best fit for your foot as well as the ones that will best fit your boot. Hiking boots are typically high-volume shoes, so can accommodate a variety of insoles and arch sizes, but you won’t know for sure until you try them out for yourself.

FAQ