Best Hiking Boots for Women – 2020 Reviews

There are so many options for all kinds of women’s hiking boots, and the choice of footwear available is quite staggering.

There are, however, some very basic features for picking hiking boots specifically for women that will quickly narrow down your search, and make that choice a great deal easier.

best hiking boots for women reviews 2016

People come in different heights, shapes, weight and sizes. The boots that you buy should be suitable for your anatomical shape and size.

The boots that you put on your feet need to be able to support you, keep your feet dry and cool/warm, and also provide the utmost in comfort.

As well as that, we all have to consider the purse strings. While it would be wonderful to be able to buy the most expensive shoes or boots, we are all limited by what we can afford to spend.

When it comes to buying a good set of walking boots, the good news is that there are plenty of choices.

To help make those choices easier, we have collected the many thousands of reviews out there, analyzed them, and then summarized them, to try and narrow down the choices, to what we think are the Top 10 best women’s hiking boots available on the market right now.

Ariat Women’s Terrain Pro Waterproof Java Size 105 B/Medium Us

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Ariat Women’s Terrain Hiking Boot, Tundra, 9 B Us

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Oboz Yellowstone Bdry Hiking Boot – Women’s Barley 6

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Keen Women’s Targhee Ii Outdoor Shoe, Magnet/Periwinkle, 8 M Us

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Ariat Terrain H20 Women’s Hiking Boot

Ariat Women's Terrain H2O Hiking Boot 5

Of course, it’s hard to make the perfect list of anything, because there are always so many choices, and this is particularly true for women’s hiking boots.

That said, some hiking boots definitely rise to the top for a number of reasons, and the Ariat Women’s Terrain H20 definitely has many things going for it.

For starters, these Ariat boots are both waterproof and full grain leather, with a padded collar for added comfort and warmth. 

Many women have reported that wearing these hiking boots is like getting a free foot massage, and this is due to the excellent design and craftsmanship on the part of Ariat – they’ve really hit a home run with these sporty, elegant, and somewhat demure hiking boots.

If you’re looking for flash, these may not be the flashiest of all hiking boots, but looking flashy is only a bonus if all of the internal workings of the boot are done right, when it comes to footwear science.

Ariat are masters of their craft, and we defy you to find a better pair than the Ariat Women’s Terrain H20 Hiking Boots!


Ariat Terrain Women’s Hiking Boot

Ariat Women's Terrain Hiking Boot

Here we have the Ariat Terrain Women’s Hiking Boots, which are basically the same as the H20 model we just mentioned, with a few slight alternations.

If you look closely at the two boots, there are a few stylistic differences between them, but mainly they share many of the same great characteristics we look for in the best of women’s hiking boots, such as the essential EVA midsole for added support.

There’s also the shock-absorbing shell forefoot, the natural curves in the outsole, and of course the waterproofing that makes it a boot you can wear in the winter, without worrying about snow or puddles.

We are partial to the color scheme of these hiking boots, which is derived from being made from a combination of both leather and rubber.

What we really like about these hiking boots is that they simply look great, but also deliver all of the comfort and footwear necessities to be a great boot to trudge through the snow in. 

They are stylish enough for a night out (we realize they aren’t exactly high-heels, but…), and they will last you several winters of tough, salty weather. 

We always recommend taking care of your footwear, but these Ariats can really take care of themselves.


Oboz Women’s Yellowstone BDRY Multisport Mid Cut Boot

Oboz Women's Yellowstone BDRY Multisport Mid Cut Boot 1

These Oboz Women’s Yellowstone BDRY Multisport Mid-Cuts are very highly rated walking boots for women, and have an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

That puts them right at the top of the tree, if you consider ratings only. These cost around $140, so not everyone will be able to afford them.

If you could afford to purchase them, we assure you, that you would  not be disappointed.

Again these are in the mid-cut style, and we believe those are the best style for hiking and for longer walks.

They stand up really well in even the most rugged and difficult of terrains. One reviewer said this about these boots,

“I bought these boots in 2008, while on an extensive road trip in the Lower 48.

Since I live in Alaska, I had a few misgivings about how well they would hold up here, in the rugged terrain and the especially harsh winter season.

It turns out that I have been wearing them non-stop ever since….”

The traction and grip on these boots is simply quite remarkable.

When you combine this with the overall comfort, then you have a winning pair of boots.


KEEN Women’s Targhee II Waterproof Hiking Boot

Targhee II Hiking Boot

We also like this model of boot from KEEN. It is made with waterproof Nubuck leather and has a rubber sole.

They also come in a nice range of 7 colors, so you should be able to find one that you like from among those choices. KEEN advertises these as the ideal hiking partner.

Now we try to avoid listening to most of the marketing hype, but this description does seem pretty appropriate.

It provides all the comfort and support of a good athletic shoe, and yet has the important attributes of protection and durability, that a good hiking boot should provide.

They have a built-in liner which helps draw away any moisture caused by sweating, and that ensures dry feet, an important thing to consider when hiking, and covering the long miles.

The heel and sole of these boots have been designed very well, and are perfect for trail conditions.


KEEN Women’s Voyageur Mid Hiking Boot

KEEN Women's Voyageur Mid Hiking Boot

KEEN is one of those footwear brands that come up again and again on “Best Of…” lists when it comes to boots and shoes, so we would be remiss if we didn’t include a pair of KEEN hiking boots (or 2) on our list of the 10 finest.

If you’ve had your share foot problems like many of us have, then KEEN is a good brand to go with, as they design their hiking boots with this in mind.  

If foot pain is something you experience, leave it to KEEN to come up with a hiking boot for women that will soothe your feet, and actually motivate you to get out there and get moving once again.

If you’re simply looking for a high quality hiking boot, the KEEN Voyageur offers a durable, flexible, and breathable option, which is also waterproof, and gives you plenty of extra padding with a metatomical EVA footbed.

If this is your style of boot, which is very similar to a running shoe or a cross-trainer, in that it’s very sporty, with some nice stylistic highlights, you will be pleased to note that these KEEN Voyageurs are just as good on the inside as they look on the outside.


Ahnu Montara Women’s Hiking Boots

What more can you ask for in a hiking boot than one which looks great, but also offers you the support and comfort you need to take with you on just about any imaginable adventure? 

We all have been out there, taking a long walk on some more challenging terrain when we notice our feet are just not feeling that comfortable. 

This would often be the fault of cheap or shoddy workmanship, when it comes to your hiking boots, because that type of discomfort should never be a problem. 

And with the Ahnu Montara model of hiking boots, you will be treated to style and comfort that you won’t find in most other boots.

The Ahnu company offers a uniquely designed, high quality hiking boot for women that comes in several stylish colors, which will attract attention, but aren’t the wildest shoe on the block.

From their design and color scheme, you can tell they’re designed for multiple purposes, from simply walking, to going on challenging hikes. 

The Ahnu Montara shoes will keep you warm in the winter, and are fully waterproof with an oiled-leather exterior.


Northside Women’s Snohomish Waterproof Hiking Boot

Northside Women's Snohomish Waterproof Hiking Boot

With great arch support, and uppers made from suede and nylon fabric, these Snohomish women’s hiking boots from Northside offer a little something different style wise, but with many of the same great features that we know are essential to having a hiking boot that you can include on a list of the very best.

Equipped with back and front rubber bumpers, a 1.5 inch heel, and a seam-sealed waterproof membrane, these are a light and cushioned hiking boot that will get you moving for just about any occasion you can think of.

The tongue and lace structure offers a good deal of comfort and insulation, and yet it also has been designed to provide wearers of this Northside footwear, with a breathability that allows you to wear these shoes in any conditions for hours on end, and feel nothing but comfort the whole time. 

Highly recommended!


Timberland Women’s White Ledge Hiking Boot

Timberland Women's White Ledge Hiking Boot

This elegant combination of leather and polyester fabric hiking boots from Timberland are a feast for the eyes (and feet) for fans of leather, who want to make a simple statement without going too overboard style wise.

These hiking boots for women are a practical choice for anyone who wants a snug, secure, and classy boot, that they can wear outside in any type of weather.  

With uppers made from premium, waterproof leather, your feet will be kept 100% warm and dry.

To keep these boots nice and dry, the footwear specialists at Timberland have gone to lengths to ensure that these boots are a good choice for women concerned about having good airflow around their feet.

With a durable, man made outsole and toe bumpers, as well as a man made heel protector to protect your toes and heel, these shoes are simply made for the outdoors.


Timberland Women’s Flume Hiking Boot

Timberland Womens Flume Mid Waterproof Boot

Another favorite hiking boot for women and lovers of leather, the Timberland Women’s Flume Hiking Boot is similar to the Timberland White Ledge, with a few distinctive differences.

The fairly minimalist design of these hiking boots means that you can get away with wearing them just about anywhere, whether it’s on a mountain climbing trek, or you’re out walking the dogs on a winter’s day. 

Like the White Ledge, you get only a few different brown color selections, but the few that you do get are quite appropriate, and many people are fans of these earthy tones.

With a seam-sealed, waterproof construction and firm D-ring lacing, you can be sure that going out during wind, rain, snow, etc. is not going to be a problem with these hiking boots.

As we said, these are just a great casual boot for bumming around in, but if the need calls, these boots can be there with you as you attempt to scale some icy slope. 

Either way, the wearer of this boot will be quite pleased!

Keen Women’s Voyageur Hiking Shoe, Brindle/Alaskan Blue, 85 B – Medium

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Ahnu Women’s Montara Waterproof Boot,Midnight Blue,6 M Us

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Northside Women’s Snohomish Hiking Boot, Tan/Periwinkle, 10 M Us

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Timberland Women’s Flume Mid Waterproof,Brown Waterproof Leather,Us 10 M

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Merrell Women’s Fluorecein Waterproof Hiking Boot

Merrell Women's Fluorecein Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

This hiking boot for women by Merrell really stands out on our list, mainly due to its combination of snazzy styles and great craftsmanship. 

We are always leery of boots or shoes which go for style over substance, but luckily these Merrell Women’s Fluorecein Waterproof Hiking Boots cut the mustard both ways, although we have to admit, it’s their interesting choices in color and style that we always notice first about them.

With its M-Select DRY breathable, waterproof membrane, these boots have been specially designed to withstand the more extreme types of weather, while keeping things dry and toasty down below.