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Jul 14, 2025, 11:40 PM

The Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2025

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From steep climbs to scenic strolls, the best hiking boots keep you moving with confidence and ease. Lucky for you, we’ve been testing the best hiking boots for women for years to bring you our favorites.

Since 2021, we logged hundreds of miles across the rugged terrain of Torres del Paine, the steeps of the Tetons, the gentler hills of Virginia, and everything in between to test over 45 different pairs of hiking boots for women. We wore them on multiday backpacking trips, quick local jaunts, and epic full-day peak climbs in varied conditions to learn each boot’s strengths and weaknesses.

For each pair of boots, we assessed durability, traction, comfort, breathability, and more to bring you a detailed guide sure to help you find the best boots for your next adventure.

We chose the lightweight https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F245050%2Fsalomon-x-ultra-5-mid-gore-tex-hiking-boots-womens">Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX as our top pick due to its perfect balance of performance and comfort. If you want a more relaxed, wallet-friendly option, the https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F237486%2Fmerrell-moab-3-mid-waterproof-hiking-boots-womens">Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is stellar. Whether you need ideal footwear for backpacking, light and fast adventures, technical terrain, or day hikes, we have the top women’s hiking boots to get you out on the trail with confidence.

Editor's Note: On July 11, 2025, we updated our Hiking Shoes for Women Buyer’s Guide by adding the max-cushioned, high-performance https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.rei.com%252Fproduct%252F242803%252Fhoka-kaha-3-gtx-hiking-boots-womens">Hoka Kaha 3 GTX to our lineup.

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The Best Hiking Boots for Women in 2025

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Best Overall Hiking Boots for Women

https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F245050%2Fsalomon-x-ultra-5-mid-gore-tex-hiking-boots-womens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX – Women’s

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               9.0/10 Rating

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https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F245050%2Fsalomon-x-ultra-5-mid-gore-tex-hiking-boots-womens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at REIhttps://backcountry.tnu8.net/c/381569/358742/5311?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbackcountry.com%2Fsalomon-x-ultra-5-mid-gtx-hiking-boot-womens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at Backcountry

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Best Budget Hiking Boots for Women

https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F237486%2Fmerrell-moab-3-mid-waterproof-hiking-boots-womens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

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               7.3/10 Rating

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https://schema.org/Offer">https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F237486%2Fmerrell-moab-3-mid-waterproof-hiking-boots-womens" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$150 at REIhttps://schema.org/InStock">

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Best Women's Hiking Boots for Fast & Light Adventures

https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.rei.com%252Fproduct%252F242764%252Fon-cloudrock-mid-waterproof-hiking-boots-womens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">On Cloudrock Mid WP – Women’s

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               8.8/10 Rating

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https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.rei.com%252Fproduct%252F242764%252Fon-cloudrock-mid-waterproof-hiking-boots-womens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at reihttps://backcountry.tnu8.net/c/381569/358742/5311?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.backcountry.com%252Fon-running-cloudrock-mid-waterproof-hiking-boot-womens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at backcountry

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Best Women's Hiking Boots for Backpacking

https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F235502%2Fla-sportiva-nucleo-high-ii-gtx-hiking-boots-womens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

               https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/03/la-sportiva-nucleo-high-ii-gtx.jpg">            https://schema.org/Review">

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               8.3/10 Rating

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https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F235502%2Fla-sportiva-nucleo-high-ii-gtx-hiking-boots-womens" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check Price at REIhttps://backcountry.tnu8.net/c/381569/358742/5311?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.backcountry.com%252Fla-sportiva-nucleo-high-ii-gtx-boot-womens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check Price at Backcountry

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Best Women's Hiking Boots for Day Hikes

https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F237600%2Fmerrell-moab-speed-2-mid-gtx-hiking-boots-womens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX

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               storm.It's incredibly comfortable when you first step into it and doesn't require break-in time. Our first hike, a steep 5-mile adventure up a rocky canyon, brought no complaints. In fact, we felt a solid amount of energy return with each step. The ride was cushy and supportive, likely due to the 30% more foam Merrell added to the midsole this time around. We appreciated the generous toebox so our feet could relax and spread out, but without the clunky feel we mentioned in our review of the Merrell Moab 3. This shoe feels true to size in terms of length. However, the wide toebox and loose heel made the fit feel slightly sloppy. For all-day comfort, this works well, but for a performance fit, we recommend a pick like the Salomon X Ultra 5. Though more streamlined and lightweight than others, the Moab Speed 2 boots don't skimp on protection or support. The protective toecap and bellowed tongue safeguard you from anything you might encounter on the trail. The GORE-TEX membrane delivers superb waterproofing, so we stayed dry and warm when crossing creeks or traversing snowfields on early spring hikes in the Tetons. And the beefy, nubby Vibram sole delivered extreme traction. On a steep, wet, off-trail hike from Grand Teton's Lake of the Crags, we didn't slip a bit, while our hiking partner, who was testing the KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof boots, slipped a fair amount.This is an ideal hiking boot for day hikes, mountain adventures, and short and light overnights, but it lacks breathability for hot summer hikes. We discovered this on a 10-mile suffer-fest in the desert in St. George, Utah, when our feet overheated. Choose the non-GORE-TEX version or the lower version if you primarily hike in hotter climates. And, if you're going on a more extended backpack trip or tackling technical terrain, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX will deliver better support and stability.Still, if you're looking for a comfortable, stable, and durable daily driver, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX is hard to beat.">
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               8.5/10 Rating

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https://schema.org/Offer">https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F237600%2Fmerrell-moab-speed-2-mid-gtx-hiking-boots-womens" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$180 at REIhttps://schema.org/InStock">

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Most Versatile Hiking Boots for Women

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D84MDG4R/?tag=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">SCARPA Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX – Women’s

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               top.One boot weighs a mere 13.1 ounces. Despite that bantamweight measurement, the boot delivers solid protection. A Dynamic Stabilizer Torsion (DST) insert — a TPU frame in the heel area that provides extra support against torsion or twisting — makes them feel secure. A padded ankle cuff keeps footing stable on sketchy terrain.Tested in Patagonia and while researching an urban hiking guide to Austin, the Rush 2 Pros didn't need any break-in time, and they worked well for narrow feet. They run true to size with a middle-of-the-road fit; they're not too narrow and not too wide. We typically fit better in more narrow footwear, and these boots fit well with that foot profile. They're waterproof and breathable and effectively hold out moisture while sloshing through creek crossings. We also like the color palette — sage gray on the outside with apple green accents and interior padding.Unlike most hiking boots, which have two or three metal hooks at the top to fine-tune the fit, the Scarpa has just a single pair. We looped our laces through those same hooks twice to perfect the fit. The tongue is soft, and reinforced toe boxes keep tootsies protected in the likely event that you bang them into a boulder while you're out exploring. If you need extra arch support, other options like the more traditional Nucleo High II GTX might work better.Ultimately, this versatile and confidence-inspiring design has an untraditional feel, given that the shoe is made with lighter materials than we've seen in other SCARPA hikers and offers stability, comfort, and temperature regulation.These boots work well for hikers who want the nimble, fleet-footed feel of a light trail runner, with the ankle support of a beefier boot.">
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               8.7/10 Rating

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https://schema.org/Offer">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D84MDG4R/?tag=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots-20" class="amazon-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$199 at Amazonhttps://schema.org/InStock">

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Best Women's Hiking Boots for Technical Terrain

https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F236430%2Fsalomon-quest-4-gore-tex-hiking-boots-womens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots

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               bonus.Smart design details enhance trail performance: a gusseted tongue keeps out trail debris, while the lace system features setback ankle hooks that let you fine-tune the lower foot tension separately from the ankle — ideal for dialing in a custom fit on long ascents or descents.This isn't your casual, wear-around-town boot — it's overbuilt for daily errands or easy dog walks. But if you're after a protective, supportive hiker that doesn't feel overly stiff or sweaty, the Quest 4 is a top-tier option. And if you want something lighter for shorter missions, Salomon's X Ultra 5 boots are excellent alternatives at a lower weight and price.">
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               8.4/10 Rating

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https://schema.org/Offer">https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=gjbgoutdoorhikingwomensboots&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F236430%2Fsalomon-quest-4-gore-tex-hiking-boots-womens" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$230 at REIhttps://schema.org/InStock">

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Best Overall Hiking Boots for Women

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9.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

Height:
Mid and Low

Waterproofing:
Yes

Upper:
Matryx® (made of individually coated polyamide and Kevlar® yarns)

Weight:
1 lb. 11.6 oz.

Available in wide:
No

Pros

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                                    Comfortable

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                                    Agile

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                                    Great waterproofing

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                                    Stellar traction

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                                    Supportive and stable throughout the foot

Cons

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                                    Runs large

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                                    Could use more ankle support

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Read Review:https://gearjunkie.com/footwear/salomon-x-ultra-mid-5-review"> A Great Light Hiking Boot Gets Better

An impressively lightweight hiking boot, it's easy to tell that the https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F245050%2Fsalomon-x-ultra-5-mid-gore-tex-hiking-boots-womens">Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX ($185) comes from a brand that prioritizes moving through the mountains with ease and efficiency. These boots aren't technically the lightest in our lineup, but they feel extremely light and agile on our feet, regardless.

Softer materials around the collar and heels and a lower-density midsole help tailor the fit to women. This boot is undeniably comfortable and noticeably softer than other boots we tested.

Previous iterations of these boots, including the X Ultra 4, have been long-time award winners in our guide. However, Salomon continues making upgrades that further elevate the boots’ performance. The updated X Ultras sport a PFAS-free GORE-TEX membrane that ups the waterproofing and durability. On a couple of spring hikes in Grand Teton National Park, we slogged through partially frozen puddles and snowy trails but didn't even get slightly damp.

We were impressed with the traction on these boots, which easily handled rocky terrain, snowy trails, and gritty slabs. We did a slip test on wet rock, and the newly improved All Terrain Contagrip outsole did a great job keeping us upright.

This time around, Salomon added a new ultra-durable upper, which provides added protection and support. An advanced chassis adds greater support and stability. On multiple hikes with big ascents and descents, we maintained maximum control even while pushing the limits of adventure on technical terrain.

While the softness of these boots makes them undeniably comfortable, we would like to see a more rigid, supportive collar. While a high collar often means more ankle support, which is generally preferable while carrying heavier loads, the softness of the collar in these boots doesn't inspire as much confidence as others we tested, including the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX. We also noticed these boots run bigger than others we tested at the same size, so we recommend you size down half a size.

Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX boots are ideal for hikers seeking supportive, grippy, waterproof boots that can safely and quickly transport them to countless breathtaking destinations.

The deep lugs and contragrip rubber soles make the Salomon X Ultra's great at gripping a variety of surfaces; (photo/ Miya Tsudome)

The Salomon X Ultra's are undeniably soft and comfortable right out-of-the-box; (photo/ Miya Tsudome)

A comfortable, lightweight semi-technical hiking boot; (photo/ Miya Tsudome)

ActivSupport wings help you dial in the fit of these boots; (photo/ Miya Tsudome)

https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/07/wearing-salomon-x-ultra-4-mid-gtx-hiking-boots.jpg" alt="woman hiking in salomon x ultra 4 mid gtx hiking boots">

https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/07/salomon-x-ultra-4-mid-gtx-hiking-boots.jpg" alt="woman showing salomon x ultra 4 mid gtx hiking boot sole">

https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/07/pair-of-salomon-x-ultra-4-mid-gtx-hiking-boots.jpg" alt="pair of light green salomon x ultra 4 mid gtx hiking boots">

https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/07/salomon-x-ultra-4-mid-gtx-hiking-boot-1.jpg" alt="woman in green tights wearing salomon x ultra 4 mid gtx hiking boots">

https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/07/light-green-salomon-x-ultra-4-mid-gtx-hiking-boots.jpg" alt="close up of light green salomon x ultra 4 mid gtx hiking boots">

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