What Are Best Women’s Hiking Boots For Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Your Questions Answered!

Whether you’re going backpacking or hiking through the mountains, hiking boots should have great ankle and foot support. The soles of the boots should have a lug pattern that gives the hiker better stability and traction.

You should be considering where you’ll wear the boots to understand what features you’ll find important. For example, a hike through the mountains, such as Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, means you’ll need to have ankle stability for the changing terrain.

Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Hiker (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid),Brown/Brown,7 M Us Toddler

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Keen Women’s Koven Mid Waterproof Outdoor Boot, Gargoyle/Mineral Blue, 8 M Us

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

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Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot, Elk/Mountain Red, 85 Regular Us

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Before we talk about a great pair of hiking boots for women who might want to make this trek, let learn some fantastic facts about Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Mt. Kilimanjaro is located in the northern part of Tanzania in east Africa.  It is Africa’s highest mountain, and also the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Free-standing means that it is not part of a mountain chain.  It is almost 20,000 feet high and magnificent.  It’s volcano has been dormant for a very long time and it has 3 volcanic cones.  The Kibo cone in the centre is the biggest.

Map of Tanzania - Mt. Kilimanjaro

People young and old from all over the world, come every year with one goal in mind.  They want to say to themselves and others that they trekked to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  A German geologist, his friend, and a local guide were the first to conquer this mountain back in 1896.

Let’s talk a little about the weather.  From March to May, it is very wet on the mountain due to the Trade Winds.  From June to October, it is dry and windy.

The Monsoon winds blow in from the north east in November, bringing more rain.  Probably the best time to visit Mt. K., would be either from January to March, or from June to September.

Kilimanjaro weather chart

Snow can be found on this mountain at any time.  Global warming has been melting the glaciers here in Tanzania for over 100 years.  Conditions on the mountain have been changing a great deal, and the environment here in Africa, can be unpredictable at times, so be careful.

Here is one of many videos that are out there, featuring adventurous people who have climbed Kilimanjaro.  If this is a totally new experience for you, let these scenes inspire and amaze you before you make the trek yourself!

Some Suggestions

  1.  Take your time since the ascent can be very steep near the end.  It might even take you a week to get to the top.
  2.  Be ready for all kinds of terrain and crazy weather. You might want to take some crampons with you.
  3.  Do your research ahead, so you know what to expect.
  4.  The clothing and footwear is always very important, when you are out trekking, especially if you’re climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
  5.  Make sure your boots are waterproof, have sturdy soles that crampons can attach to, have room in the boots for extra wool socks that absorb moisture, and will protect the ankles.
  6.  Break the boots in before you attempt any arduous hikes, otherwise you will get the dreaded blisters, and you might even loose toenails.

Uhuru Peak Mt. Kilimanjaro

Kyle Maynard:  An Inspiration

Kyle crawled to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2012.  Watch Kyle’s story here …

Crampon Traction Device

If you have to take a route or passage to Uhuru Peak (top of mountain) that is rather treacherous, you will probably need crampons.  Otherwise, a good quality comfortable boot will do the trick.

What is a crampon?  It is a metal plate with spikes, that attaches to the boot sole for gripping ice and rocks.

One brand that stands out is Hillsound, a company which makes an excellent and highly rated crampon designed for winter trails of all kinds.  The crampon pictured here is meant to be worn over a good pair of quality hiking boots, as we will get to momentarily.

And now, our selections for the best women’s hiking boots for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro


Timberland’s White Ledge Hiking Boot

timberland-womens-white-ledge-hiking-boot

When it comes to comfort and sturdiness, Timberland’s White Ledge hiking boot is one of the best. They’re water resistant and with treatment can be made waterproof, which is an important consideration, depending on where you’ll be hiking.

The footbed of these boots have superior comfort, as well as having a lining that will wick moisture away from the foot during your hike. It’s removable in case you need to have your own orthotics placed in the boot.

The outsole is made of rubber, which will provide great traction for climbing and hiking through various styles of terrain.  

If you are mountain climbing, this traction may prove to be enough for you, but if you are preparing to ascend any steep peaks, look at getting some crampons as we mentioned before.

With these boots, the padded collar and tongue will give you added comfort and ankle stability.


KEEN Women’s Koven Mid Hiking Boot

KEEN Women's Koven Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boot

The shaft of this boot measures 4.5 inches from the arch, which gives the wearer good support for the ankles. For this reason, the boot can make a great mountain hiking option. The upper is breathable, yet waterproof mesh.

The foot bed is made of EVA foam for comfortable walking and hiking. It’s removable in case you need to add your own orthotics.

The sole of the boot is made of synthetic material that provides non-marking traction, as well as lugs in multiple directions for a great hiking experience.


Northside Women’s Snohomish Waterproof Hiking Boot

Northside Women's Snohomish Waterproof Hiking Boot

The shaft of this boot is 6 inches from the arch, which gives ankle protection from twists, while hiking through rocky terrain. The entire boot is a good balance of form and function.

The removable insole means that you can add your own insoles into the boot itself. This is great for those who need extra comfort.. You can also protect the interior from odor by switching out your own insoles over time.

The boots are waterproof and have great traction with their thick, synthetic lugs. This means that you can walk and hike in a variety of locations and terrain, without worrying about slipping or falling.


Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot

Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot 7

This is another pair of boots that are high enough to keep your ankle from rolling or twisting on rocky terrain.  That’s pretty much a must if you plan on hiking in areas that have less-than-smooth trails. The shaft is 5.25 inches from the arch to the top of the boot.

The hiking boot is waterproof, so it can be worn in muddy, wet or snowy terrain without worries. The boot itself will keep moisture from entering through the sides, since it has Omnishield water resistant, as well as stain resistant treatment, applied to it.

The rubber sole is a Columbia proprietary design called Omnigrip, which provides superior traction and grip with its large lugs.


Ahnu Women’s Montara Boot

These boots come in a few different colors, which make them the most stylish hiking boots on the list. They have a high shaft for ankle support, and a sole that is going to keep you safe and secure on any terrain. It also comes with a padded collar for further ankle support.

The leather hiking boot has a waterproof upper that will keep your foot from becoming damp in the rain or snow. With the synthetic sole, you don’t have to worry about slipping on a rock, or twisting your ankle.

These boots are comfortable for all-day hiking or walking on bumpy trails. It’s recommended that when ordering these boots, you order a half size larger. If you plan on wearing thick socks in these boots, a full size might make more sense.


Conclusion

climbing-kilimanjaro

The best hiking boots for women who are looking to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro has to have non-slip outsoles for climbing over rocks and traveling on bumpy terrain.

The ankles must be provided with extra support to keep the joint straight and secure. You don’t want to twist or roll your ankle while hiking.

It’s even better when you don’t have to worry about twisting your ankle at all. The uppers should be waterproof, or at least water resistant.

Wet feet while you’re hiking can take all the pleasure out of the day. It can send people straight back home, too. The boots you choose for your next hike should be supportive, waterproof and comfortable.