This Is the Best Pair of Hiking Boots You Can Buy, Experts Say

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Going hiking? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, the shoes you wear can make or break your experience. You'll know you've found the right hiking boots when your feet are the last thing on your mind. That's because comfort is key: If you're happy with the comfort and support level of the shoe on all kinds of solid ground, you'll be able to fully enjoy the outdoors, from the fresh air to the beautiful scenery. Nothing's worse than spending your entire trek in the wrong shoes — especially when you're going downhill and your toes keep hitting the front of your boots, or when you're freezing in your low-cut hiking shoes during a colder-than-expected fall hiking trip.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we regularly test all kinds of footwear, from walking shoes and running shoes to winter boots and comfortable dress shoes, to find the most comfortable shoes for every activity. Our analysts evaluate aspects like ankle and arch support, cushioning, durability and more for each style, in addition to verifying specific brand claims, including moisture-wicking or waterproof properties. We then work with consumer testers to collect extensive feedback on overall comfort and real-world performance. Our picks for the best hiking boots for women include top-performing brands in our tests, popular boots that earned rave reviews from real users and new styles that offer exciting, innovative features for your next adventure out on the trails.

Our top picks:

Read on for more tips about what to look for when searching for your ideal hiking boots. Shopping for your perfect trail-ready outfit? Check out our guides to the best hiking socks and fleece-lined leggings to pair with hiking boots for your next trip.

Columbia's hiking boots are some of the most popular ones among hikers — chances are you'll bump into someone wearing this pair while out on a trail — and for good reason. They've got a classic look with all the bells and whistles, including excellent ankle support and comfy cushioning, a winning combo of style and substance that has several GH editors and analysts reaching for them over any other pair. In fact, these boots take two top spots — our best overall hiking boots and our best value hiking boots — because of their versatility for all kinds of weekend hiking adventures.

Testers found this pair comfortable enough to wear almost immediately, reporting back that it didn't take long to break them in. One GH analyst who's owned these boots for years also described them as "forgiving" and noted that they "meld with the movement of [her] foot."

Our experts also appreciate the ample and lightweight ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam midsole, the tall 5.25-inch ankle shaft for necessary stability and the rugged outsole to help navigate all sorts of terrain. Just note that although they may work in a pinch, these boots might not be the best option if you're planning on taking a weeklong backpacking trip or to hike challenging, technical terrain.

If you're new to hiking, you'll probably want a pair of boots that offers a balance of both comfort and support, and this pair from Merrell is our top pick for beginners and longtime hikers alike. It stands out to our experts for thoughtful features like mesh ventilation for added breathability and a toe cap for protection. Our testers gave these boots particularly high scores for their generous arch support, and one tester highlighted how they felt durable during hikes without feeling too clunky to walk around town in afterward.

Other testers praised the stable feel and excellent traction, with one noting, "These are some of the most solid-feeling shoes I've ever worn… I felt really safe in these shoes on both loose rock and slick surfaces." Our analysts found this pair to be true to size with a spacious toe box in our evaluations; however, some size-10 testers with wide feet told us the toe box wasn't wide enough, and others with wide, size-7 feet found it almost too wide at times.

Stiff and sturdy, these boots can help keep you supported almost anywhere, whether on long day hikes on the weekends or during weeklong backpacking adventures. Longtime fans of this pair at GH told us, "These boots have done a remarkable job protecting my feet on rocky trails and keeping them dry when stepping in mud or water." Testers gave these boots top scores for their supportive feel, highlighting the secure fit and good ankle support, with one noting, "I never felt like I was going to slip."

In particular, Oboz stands out for its cushioning insoles (which you can even buy separately and slip into your own shoes for extra arch support) and superior traction, thanks to lugs that cover every edge of the outsole for optimal grip in any direction. The caveat is that these particular boots have a longer break-in period and may be too stiff for someone who's used to flexible hiking shoes — but they still provide unparalleled stability.

Salomon’s X Ultra line combines durability with versatility and comfort, making it the perfect choice for a hiker who wants a functional shoe without feeling weighed down. This pair is one of the lightest on our list, and its supportive feel stood out in our evaluations. Testers raved about the high-traction outsole, complete with sharp lugs for much-needed grip on uneven ground, and the waterproof features. Some even found the upper more flexible than their normal hiking boots.

Several testers told us these boots took on rocky creeks and mud with ease, and one even shared, "We walked in the pouring rain, and I was soaked, but my feet were dry." Some found the boots ran a bit warm for the summer, but Salomon offers a lower-cut shoe that's just as great for warm-weather hikes. For this pair, our experts found that people who are between sizes may benefit from sizing up, especially if their feet are on the wider side.

The last thing you need while backpacking is a pair of heavy, clunky hiking boots. This pair is lightweight with all the functionality backpackers need: a nubuck leather upper for added durability, a Vibram outsole for exceptional traction, a Gore-Tex membrane to help keep out water and just the right amount of support. La Sportiva is known for its breathable, waterproof hiking shoes and has impressed our analysts and testers with its specialized designs. The brand's offerings use nano-size channels in the footbed and midsole for added ventilation and to help wick away excess moisture from the foot.

Testers raved about how their feet stayed dry when stepping in puddles without overheating, compared with similar shoes, and told us they'd never found backpacking-ready boots this lightweight. Plus, the outsole features slanted lugs near the heel for improved braking and grip, providing more stability than your typical high-traction hiking boot. For those with wide feet, consider sizing up or purchasing the wide version of these, as the brand's boots often run narrow — with the exception of the TX Hike GTX.

More hiking boots to consider

We've rounded up the best hiking boots we've tested, but here are other popular options and great performers in our evaluations to keep in mind while you're looking for a pair:

Best Hiking Boots for Women With Wide Feet: Altra Lone Peak Hiker All-WTHR Mid 2

• For those who have wide feet, Altra stands out for its unique toe box design that allows for full toe splay. This pair features a signature zero-drop midsole, which surprised some testers with its comfortable feel. Though we haven't tested these yet, the first iteration was extremely popular among hikers for its hybrid trail-runner and hiking-boot design but fell short among some for its outsole, which several reviewers deemed insufficient for long-term durability. The newest design features an all-new outsole that the brand calls "grippy."

Best Heavy-Duty Backpacking Hiking Boots for Women: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

• One of the most popular hiking boots, Lowa’s Renegade feels stable, supportive and protective because of the traditional nature of its design, which features a tall ankle shaft, a stiff collar, a nubuck leather upper, a rugged outsole and ample cushioning from the midsole. These boots are heavier than most picks and best suited for longer trips rather than day hikes, so we wouldn't recommend these if you're looking for a more versatile pair of hiking boots.

Most Cushioned Hiking Boots for Women: Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex

• Hoka’s cushioning is unique — so much so that the brand’s thick midsoles have taken the running world by storm. The Anacapa has a nimble feel with a hiking-boot-inspired design, complete with nubuck leather and a Gore-Tex membrane to help keep your feet dry in wet conditions on the trail. However, the tall midsole doesn't offer as much control as less-cushioned options and can feel unstable on rocky trails if you aren't used to the distinct feel of the brand's shoes.
  

Best Runner-Up Beginner Hiking Boots for Women: Keen Targhee III Mid

• A constant top performer in our tests for its comfortable walking sandals and hiking shoes, Keen is known among outdoor enthusiasts for its classic hiker. It's similar to the Merrell Moab 3 but comes at a steeper price and slightly heavier weight because of its leather construction. Our pros find that this pair works well for beginners and experts, thanks to the balance of stability and comfort.
  

Best Breathable Waterproof Hiking Boots for Women: Vasque Breeze

• With the protection and support of hiking boots but the breathability of a pair of favorite sneakers, these boots are great for those prone to sweaty feet out on the trails. Even better if you're in the market for something more resistant to water, which these are too. They have mesh panels throughout for ventilation and, according to reviewers, are comfortable straight out of the box, thanks to their lightweight, flexible feel.

Most Stylish Hiking Boots for Women: Forsake Patch Mid

• These boots have a trend-forward sneaker-boot look that can take you from city streets to hiking trails. Our experts found them to be instantly comfortable, with a flexible yet sturdy upper. However, our experts noted that they didn't offer great arch support.

How we test hiking boots

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluates gear and footwear for all types of exercise, from running to walking to hiking. Our analysts constantly vet popular brands and new styles for new tests. When testing hiking boots, we work with consumer testers who have different shoe sizes and foot shapes to collect data on real-world performance — from comfort and support to fit, cushioning, traction, appearance and more — across different experience levels. In the Lab, our analysts assess footwear construction, material performance and durability, including using standardized testing methods to test claims about features like moisture-wicking and water resistance. In all, we considered over 350 data points from more than 300 hours of hiking on all kinds of trails in the past year to make these choices.

How to find the best-fitting hiking boots

Finding hiking boots that fit your feet properly is essential. Too big, and your feet will slosh around, feeling uncomfortable with every movement, especially when hiking downhill. Too small, and your toes will hit the front of your boots the entire time you walk down.

1. Try shoes on after dinner. Since your feet usually swell throughout the day, your feet will likely be at their largest at night. This will help you check to make sure they aren't too small. If you're trying on boots earlier in the day, make sure you can fit one finger behind your heel once your toes are touching the front of the boot to accommodate potential swelling.

2. Wear thick or hiking-specific socks. You also want to factor in the socks you'll be wearing, and thicker pairs will help avoid blisters. Wool socks are some of the most popular hiking socks, since they help wick away moisture and are temperature-regulating. Just make sure you're not looking for 100% wool socks, as those won't have the necessary structure for long-term use. For those who have wool sensitivities, opt for acrylic for cold-weather hiking or polyester and nylon for summer hikes. Good hiking socks will also have ample cushioning along the soles.

3. Wiggle your toes. Your boots should feel snug all over — but not tight. You should have enough room to wiggle your toes. If the toe box feels too wide or too narrow, these shoes aren't suited for you. Too wide, and you can get blisters on your feet. Too narrow, and your feet will feel squeezed the entire trek.

4. Walk around. Go from room to room and up and down the stairs. If you notice your heels slipping up and down while walking, you may get blisters out on the trail. Check to make sure your toes don't hit the end of the boots on an incline and that there's no pinching in the forefoot, or uncomfortable bumps or seams. If the boot feels too tight near the laces, or too loose, the instep isn't the best fit for your foot.
   
   

What to look for when shopping for hiking boots

✔️ Materials: When searching for hiking boots, we recommend looking for a mix of materials, starting with waterproof treated leather and mesh for breathable ventilation. Always take a peek at the sole too. Hiking boots should have a rubber sole with deep crevices and lugs, which help provide strong traction on slippery slopes. Below are some common materials for the upper fabric of the boot:

• Leather: This is one of the most popular materials seen on hiking boots. Leather typically has a waterproof treatment, so it will keep your feet dry and shoes scuff-free in wet weather. Full-grain leather is seen in heavier-weight hiking boots, as it's not as light or breathable, but it is very tough, making it ideal for boots that will get a lot of wear.

• Suede: Similar to leather, suede is another common material for hiking boots. It's often been waterproofed, so can feel comfortable that your boots are mud-ready.

• Nylon: Woven nylon and nylon mesh panels are a popular fabric upper in mid-level boots. Creating areas of breathability, these panels allow air in, so your feet are unlikely to overheat on a long trail.

✔️ Weight: Hiking boots are sold at various weights for different needs. If you're a beginner, avoid super-heavy boots, as these are designed for seasoned hikers and backpackers. Typically, lower-weight styles offer less support and stability, making them best for fast hikers who aren't carrying a heavy pack. Whether you're planning on going on a casual hike or a longer trip, our pros recommend choosing something you'll feel confident maneuvering in.

✔️ Midsole material: The midsole of the hiking boot is what your foot will be directly seated on, providing cushioning between the ground and your foot. Most hiking brands use one of two materials for midsoles — ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyurethane (PU) — though you may find some brands that combine both.

• EVA: You'll likely find EVA in light- or mid-weight hiking boots, as it's soft and has a cushiony quality.

• PU: Although less cushiony, PU foam will likely last longer without losing its shape.

Key features: When shopping for new hiking boots, these features can make a huge difference in your hiking experience:

• Gusseted tongue: A "gusseted" tongue means that the tongue is connected to the boot on each side. This helps keep out debris so you leave the dirt and mud on the trail.

• Toe cap: Hiking boots should have a rubber sole, but not all styles have a toe cap. A toe cap consists of a sole that actually covers your toe box to keep your toes protected when you're forging ahead.

• Waterproofing: If you're planning on hiking in snowy or wet weather, look for a waterproof hiking boot to help keep your feet warm and dry. Just note that if you don't expect to be in a wet hiking environment, the waterproof membranes used in hiking boots typically cause the shoes to feel less breathable and run warm.

What's the difference between hiking boots and hiking shoes?

Though they're often advertised as the same thing, hiking boots cover your ankle, while hiking shoes cut below the ankle. Hiking boots offer ankle support and added stability on technical terrain, while hiking shoes are usually lighter and fit more like a sneaker.

If you're hiking in the fall or winter, hiking boots can help provide more protection and warmth. Warm-weather hikers, on the other hand, may prefer lightweight hiking shoes. Those who have larger calves and ankles and find boots uncomfortable during long treks may want to consider swapping to a supportive, stability-focused hiking shoe.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and most recently updated this story. An avid hiker, she recently oversaw all hiking-footwear testing throughout the past year and personally put several boots to the test herself. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, Grace earned a master's degree in engineering in materials science and engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in fiber science from Cornell University.

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst. She's been at Good Housekeeping for more than three years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for all kinds of footwear, including but not limited to walking shoes, running shoes, hiking shoes and winter boots. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, with a particular focus on athletic wear.

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