Hiking is definitely one of the most fulfilling outdoor activities that you can do. Not only is it healthy, but you also get to enjoy breathtaking sights. Yes, it really is enjoyable...until it’s not. You see, there’s also a lot of things that can happen out there, especially if you’re not equipped with the right footwear.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We will share with you the best hiking boots for women in the market this year, provide complete reviews and compare them with each other. Aside from that, we’ll also provide you with a quick buyer’s guide and answer the most frequently asked questions about hiking boots.
Comparison Chart
Best Hiking Boots for Women: A Review
1. Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots by Columbia
Columbia is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to hiking shoes. After all, it has been making outdoor footwear and gear since 1938. That’s 81 years of experience that you can count on.
No list of top hiking shoes would ever be complete without it. This pair, in particular, is great for both beginner and more advanced hikers. The price range is a bit up there, around the middle, but we ensure you, you’re paying for quality.
Product Highlights
The Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots has two premium features and they’re both brand-exclusive. First is the Omni-Grip; it is Columbia’s advanced traction technology that promises to give you steady footing on every type of terrain or environment.
The second feature is called TechLite. It is the manufacturer’s responsive cushioning technology. The midsole is specially constructed to provide superior comfort, shock absorption, and efficient energy return. This means that your energy is being conserved as the midsole expands and goes back to its original shape with every step.
The Good
There are definitely other features that we love about this pair of shoes aside from the ones we have already mentioned above. It is made of durable materials of leather and mesh, both treated to be waterproof. It’s nice to know that your pair will keep your feet dry and free of blisters for a very long time.
The Bad
Honestly, the only downside that we have of this pair so far is its cost, and it’s not even that expensive.
Pros:
- Well-known brand
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Brand-exclusive features
- Six available colors (Black, Cordovan/Brown, Delta/Sand, Gray, Mud, and Quarry/Dark Gray)
Con:
- More expensive than other pairs out there
2. Moab 2 Hiking Boots by Merrell
Here’s another well-known manufacturer of outdoor gear: Merrell. They were founded in 1981 creating specifically, you’ve guessed it, hiking boots.
They might not have existed for as long as Columbia, but there’s one thing that they have gotten ahead of; expertise. While the previous company creates different outdoor gear, Merrell has decided to focus on hiking shoes.
If there’s one thing they have in common, though, it’s that they’re both great for beginners and more advanced hikers. As for the price, this pair is more expensive than the previous one.
Product Highlights
This pair offers two premium, brand-exclusive features. The first one is the M Select Dry. It’s a special type of waterproofing technology that Merrell has developed to keep water from the inside in and the sweat from the inside out.
It’s also built with Vibram. It’s a traction technology designed by an Italian company of the same name. This pair is equipped with a special rubber sole that provides all the support and comfort you need.
The Good
The Moab 2 is not known as the “Mother of All Boots” for nothing. Aside from the features we shared with you above, it is also equipped with an excellent air cushioning system that provides shock absorption and even more comfort.
What sets Merrell apart from others, though, is they have sustainability features. What kind of outdoorswoman are we if we’re not concerned about Mother Nature, after all?
You’ll be pleased to know that each pair is made up of recycled materials and you can also send them to the recycling center once you’ve used this pair up completely—which wouldn't be several months from now because the Moab 2 is pretty durable.
The Bad
Just like the first pair, the only factor that we can say against the Moab 2 is its price.
Pros:
- Well-known brand
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Brand-exclusive features
- Six available colors (Granite, Bungee Cord/Sand, Boulder/Light Brown, Brindle/Flesh, Gray, and Falcon/Grayish Brown)
- Environmentally-friendly
Con:
- Expensive
3. Women’s Hiking Boots by Manfen
We’ve been featuring low-cut hiking boots so far, as well as pairs coming from big brands. Hence, the choices we’ve also given you also cost quite an investment.
Don’t you think it’s time to hear from a new brand that offers the same quality yet half the price? That’s what we’re going to talk about next. An affordable pair that both beginners and experienced hikers will appreciate.
Product Highlights
The main feature of this pair has got to be the brand-exclusive Hydroguard of Manfen. It is this manufacturer’s seam-sealed design that keeps your feet safe from the elements, especially water, but still makes sure that the inside of the shoes is breathable and comfortable.
The Good
Aside from Hydroguard, this pair is designed with more features like the ankle-high design with a padded collar. This provides full ankle support with toe cap and heel protection that ensures the prevention of unwanted injuries while hiking.
The traction on this pair is superb since it comes with a composite shank that provides not just friction with the ground, but more stability for your balance and shock absorption for your feet.
Finally, we love the anti-fatigue insole that even has anti-odor properties. Manfen knows how important it is for us women to have good smelling feet even after a long day of adventuring.
The Bad
Since the brand is still new, they really haven’t proven a lot yet as compared to the previous manufacturers we’ve included in the list. The color options are also limited to neutral colors, aside from camouflage, which can be a deal-breaker to some of you who are looking for a little bit more style or pop of color.
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Brand-exclusive features
- Affordable
Cons:
- Lesser-known brand
- Limited color options (Black, Gray, White, and Camo)
4. Arctic Ice Winter Boots by Muck Boot Company
Founded in 1999, this company is indeed, still young when compared to Merrell, and more so, Columbia. However, don’t underestimate them.
They have since been known to manufacture specialty boots for the outdoors and have made it to the high-end ranks. In fact, the pair we will feature is specially designed for the cold.
Product Highlights
Let’s start with the pair’s premium feature—the Vibram Arctic Grip. Yes, you’ve read that right. This is the same Vibram we mentioned above; only, this pair uses a different version of the same technology.
This traction is designed specifically for harsh winter conditions. It can even give you a good grip on wet ice! This certainly is not a feature you’ll find on other winter boots.
The Good
We understand, though, that one of the major concerns when it comes to winter hiking boots aside from traction is heat. Can it keep your feet from freezing? Yes. It has a built-in 8mm bootie made out of a neoprene material lined with fleece and carefully wrapped in multiple layers of soft rubber to keep your feet warm and comfortable even during negative degrees.
We also like the fact that this pair is so elegantly designed that it doesn’t really look much like winter hiking boots at all. In fact, you can even wear them with any casual getup.
The Bad
Speaking of style, the downside is that it only comes in one color, and that’s black. Its four variants only offer four other accent colors: black, hot pink, purple, and wine red. The price is also quite hefty, but that’s because it’s a specialty pair for winter hiking.
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Excellent traction
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited color options
- Can only be used for winter hiking
5. Norwood Hiking Boots by Timberland
Enough with the newer brands; let’s go back to a classic. Timberland, which was established way back in 1928, is almost a hundred years old.
They create other outdoor gear too, but their main focus is on creating durable and quality footwear. The piece we will feature can be used by both beginners and advanced hikers, and they come in a mid-range price tag.
Product Highlights
This pair’s best feature is the material that it’s made from. It’s made of sustainable yet silver-rated materials, which are leather and cloth. You can wear these hiking boots all year long and not even worry about their durability.
The Good
The other feature we love about this pair is its waterproof membrane. It promises to keep your feet dry no matter how wet the weather might get.
It is also equipped with a fully gusseted tongue. This means that no matter how much pebble and debris you’ll step on, they won’t get inside your shoes. This is a major concern for us since these small elements can cause unwanted injury if we’re not careful and even create a major inconvenience during your adventure if you’d have to stop every three minutes to remove pebbles from your shoes all day.
The Bad
The major downside is that since Timberland is a big brand, we’ve really expected them to equip this pair with some brand-exclusive features. We know that it’s not priced as high as the others, but we will gladly pay for the extra mile the shoe really delivers.
Another issue is that the traction in these shoes was not mentioned in the product description at all. This is very problematic, especially for those of us who love to explore slippery grounds. Finally, the color options are down to two. That’s the least compared to the others we have listed above.
Pros:
- Well-known brand
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Fully-gusseted tongue
- Environmentally-friendly
- More affordable compared to other pairs
Cons:
- Traction not featured
- Only two colors available: dark brown and dark gray
- No brand-exclusive features
Buyer’s Guide
In this section, we will with you the different features that you need to look for in a pair of women’s hiking boots to make a smart purchase, just in case you didn’t find what you were looking for in the five pairs we shared with you above.
1. Fit
The first factor you need to consider when buying hiking boots or any other type of footwear is the fit. This is especially important in hiking boots since you are most likely going to wear the pair all day doing some hardcore walking, hiking, and climbing.
You need to consider your shoe size, of course, but aside from that, you also need to consider how the shoes feel in all parts. The pair should feel snug everywhere, but it shouldn’t be too tight. It should also feel secure and padded for additional comfort.
Remember, if your shoes don’t fit well, we’re predicting a lot of blisters in your future. One rule of thumb to keep in mind during fitting is to do it at the end of the day wearing the socks you’re planning to wear.
That’s because that’s the time when our feet are most swollen up. If you’re really having some difficulties finding shoes that fit, then we recommend asking the help of a footwear specialist.
2. Durability
The next factor you have to consider is the pair’s durability. As we mentioned, you would do some really intense activities out there so your shoes need to withstand the harsh elements.
Leather is one of the most durable yet comfortable materials we have hiked with, but the downside is, they need to be maintained carefully. Otherwise, it will slowly show signs of wear and tear.
3. Comfort
In relation to the fit of the shoes, it should also be comfortable. Fortunately for us, most hiking boots are equipped with padding. Remember, each of us has different feet structures so the interiors of your hiking boots should also match that in order to provide the most comfort.
Also related to comfort is shock absorption. A challenging trail can easily tire your feet, but if your hiking boots are equipped with shock absorption features, then this force can easily be minimized and taken in by your shoes themselves. Cool, right?
4. Price
Of course, you also need to think about how much the pair costs. Are you still a beginner who’s not entirely sure if hiking is for you? If so, then we recommend getting a more affordable pair.
Plus points if you can find one from a well-known brand. In this way, even if you’ll only use this pair once or twice, you won’t feel too bad investing in a more expensive pair.
5. Hiking Trail
Finally, different boots are made for different hiking trails. Just take the Arctic Winter Boots by Muck Boot Company we featured above.
It is specifically made for snowy trails, right? Think about the trails that you want to conquer in the next couple of years. Are you thinking of strolling in beginner trails or do you enjoy going all-out with inclined trails?
In the end, just make sure that the boots you choose are designed to withstand the challenges of the trails you are planning to conquer.
So, do you have a specific pair that you are planning to buy already? For now, let’s move on to the next section where we will answer the most frequently asked questions about women’s hiking boots that our readers throw our way.
Just keep on reading. We’re sure that you’ll pick up a tip or two that can further help you in your hiking boots hunt.
Hiking Boots for Women FAQs
1. Are Hiking Boots Necessary?
Yes. You see, not all outdoor or sports footwear is made the same. They are each designed to serve a particular purpose, and for hiking boots, that’s hiking. These boots are designed to give your feet the most comfort, support, and traction as you walk or climb various terrains in different weather conditions.
These boots will also help you maintain your balance and traction especially if you’re carrying a heavy pack. This will prove to be quite difficult on slippery slopes. This means that by skipping hiking boots, you are also exposing yourself to unwanted accidents, and depending on the terrain you’re trudging on, this can even mean the difference between life and death!
2. Which One Is Better, Hiking Shoes or Boots?
Hiking shoes and boots are both footwear designed for hiking, but they’re not designed to walk on the same trails. Hiking shoes, for instance, don’t provide a lot of ankle support and stability. This might cause your feet pain, or worse, instability, as you’re climbing a steep trail and carrying a huge pack on your back.
Hiking shoes are more lightweight, though, and are easier to fit. You might want to consider them if you’re planning on simply going on easier trails.
Hiking boots, on the other hand, provide more balance, traction, and support, but can be a bit tricky to find the right fit and they are significantly heavier too. In the end, it will all boil down to the trails you are planning to go on.
3. Should I Buy a Size Bigger for Hiking Boots?
The two factors to consider when looking for the right size of hiking boots are our feet swell as they grow more tired and we are sometimes required to wear multiple socks when the weather’s too chilly.
Those are the reasons some hikers prefer to go a half or one full-size bigger than their actual size. The problem is if you’re not able to stuff all those extra centimeters with your socks.
Loose hiking boots will allow your feet to slide inside and push on your toes that can be very uncomfortable during a long hike. Anyway, there’s no need to worry. If you’ve followed our tip earlier to wear your socks during your fitting sessions, then we’re confident you’ll find a pair that perfectly fits your needs and preferences.
4. Do Hiking Boots Stretch?
Since most hiking boots are made of durable material, don’t expect them to stretch out too much in time. The only reason they’ll feel a bit less snug is when the padding or foam inside gets compressed due to constant use. That said, the size and the structure of your hiking boots will still stay the same.
5. What’s the Difference Between Hiking and Backpacking Boots?
Yes, there is! Let’s first distinguish the difference between hiking and backpacking. They are closely similar outdoor activities, so it’s no wonder why they’re commonly mistaken for one or the other.
Hiking refers to the activity of walking different trails, but they usually only last for a day. This means that your backpack is not that heavy and you expect to free your feet from confinement at the end of the day.
Backpacking, meanwhile, refers to staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time, usually for a few days. It involves long hikes and heavier packs full of supplies and other outdoor gear. This is the reason backpacking boots offer more support than hiking boots.
Final Verdict
We’ve finally reached the end of the article so it’s time to give our verdict. Honestly, we believe that the best pair that gives a holistic value for both money and features is the Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots by Columbia.
It’s not as expensive as the other pairs made by other well-known brands. You can trust the manufacturer, and it offers brand-exclusive features that you won’t find on other pairs!
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, though, then the Women’s Hiking Boots by Manfen will give you a great deal. If you don’t mind the limited selection of colors, the pair will give you the comfort and features you need at a significantly cheaper price.
In the end, the last say will still depend on you and on how both of these pairs perfectly fit your feet. Good luck and stay safe in your adventures!
