Before I left my job to freelance and travel, I worked full-time as a fitness editor at a popular editorial brand where I had the opportunity to test more fitness apparel and gear than I could ever list. I still get to test new and cool gear as a freelance writer and editor, just not quite as frequently. From leggings to sports bras to running sneakers and fitness trackers, I’ve become pretty discerning about the gear I use. Admittedly, I’ve been a little spoiled. But that puts me in a unique position to share what I’ve tried and specifically, what I think is worth spending money on. Recently, a friend asked me about what women’s hiking boots I’d recommend, so I thought I’d share my favorites here.
There are a ton of great hiking boots out there, which makes it hard to make a choice. Normally, I’d say the best way to pick any boot or sneaker would be to go to a store and try a bunch on. That way, you can figure out if you have any material or structural preferences that you never knew you could have a preference on. You can learn if a brand or style runs a little narrow or wide or if the toe box fits the way you need it to. The thing is, during the coronavirus pandemic right now, many people are still avoiding stores and ordering online. So always make sure to order from somewhere that will allow returns/exchanges if necessary.
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1. Adidas Terrex AX3 Mid GTX Women’s Hiking Boot
I have an older pair of Adidas Terrex hiking boots and I love them so much. They don’t make the same model anymore (and mine are slowly wearing away and I am very sad), but these are a newer version. They’re waterproof and the soles have really awesome treads and the rubber is super grippy, so you won’t wipe out in slippery conditions. The mesh and synthetic materials make the boots wear in really nicely, too, for a comfortable fit.
2. HOKA ONE ONE Toa Gore-tex
HOKA ONE ONE is known for making lightweight and cushioned running sneakers. Their hiking boots are no different. I’ve been wearing these for months and my husband has the men’s version. They’re extremely comfortable—no weird rubbing or hotspots after hours of non-stop hiking. I don’t have the Gore-tex version, but I’m linking that one here because I think if you’re going to buy hiking boots, it’s always worth going for the waterproof version.
3. Vasque Breeze LT GTX
One time, I put on a fresh pair of these boots and hiked all day in them. My feet felt fine. That’s how you know they’re good: You don’t need to spend time breaking them in to make them finally be comfortable. They’ve got all my requirements: substantial and grippy rubber soles, breathable and flexible material, some cushioning, and waterproofing. Note: I had to go a half size up in these, so unless you have narrow feet, I’d recommend that.
4. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
Full disclosure: I do not own these boots, but have other shoes from Merrell that I love. They make great products. These boots in particular are a best-seller and fan-favorite, getting lots of enthusiastic reviews on the Merrell site and Amazon. The soles are very similar to a pair of trail running sneakers I have from the brand—the lugs are deep and the rubber is very slip-resistant. These boots are waterproof and made of a mix of mesh and suede, and the brand usually runs true to size.
5. Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid
These Keen boots are a little stiffer than some of the others, because they’re made partially with leather. But they’re still really comfortable—I’ve never gotten a blister from them. They’re impressively waterproof, and the rubber soles provide top notch slip-resistance. These boots also have some solid arch support, if that’s something you need.
6. The North Face Women’s Ultra Fastpack IV Mid Futurelight
Again, I’ve been hiking in an older (and shorter) version of these, but I absolutely love them and so am recommending the updated model. I tried to find the exact ones I have, but they’re nowhere to be found. These shoes have great structure without being too stiff, and the foam cushioning makes them really comfortable on the bottoms of your feet. Like all my hiking boots, I’ve worn these for hours at a time and my feet have stayed as happy as possible. My feet also never get sweaty in them, which is key. Oh, and I’ve been hiking in some packed snow with them—they’re very waterproof and slippage is VERY minimal. That’s how you know they’re good.