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When you’re hitting the trail, or trekking the mountains, the most important part of your outfit is your boots. Find the best waterproof hiking boots for your needs!
Best Stylish Hiking Boots
Table Of Contents
TFG Editor-in-Chief, Alex, has done her fair share of treks around the world and swears by her trusty hiking boots to keep her feet in tip-top condition and make her walks memorable for the right reasons—nobody wants to cut a trip short by having blisters or a twisted ankle!
Requirements to look for are that they should be light, waterproof (or at least water resistant), breathable, durable, have ankle support, and are made for difficult cold conditions. And if you find cute hiking boots for women, that’s always a major bonus!
Here is our TFG reader round-up of the best fashionable hiking boots for women.
Fashionable Womens Hiking Boots for Treks And Trails
Keen Women’s Gypsum Ii Mid Wp-w Boot
Keen Hiking Boots Women’s Style
If you want a boot that’s waterproof and breathable then check out these Keen hiking boots. Women who trek and travel like them for their sturdy rubber sole and find that they offer great support around the ankle and heel for stability on uneven terrain.
One reviewer explained, “I wore these boots on a 4-day backpacking trip in Canyonlands, Utah. We traveled an average of 18 miles a day over various terrain (boulders, desert, sand, shale). They were AMAZING!”
KEEN Terradora Mid Wp Hiking Boot
Keen Terradora Womans Hiking Boots
When it comes to boots that are super lightweight, flexible, waterproof, and roomy, especially in the toe area, these womens leather hiking boots from Keen do the job for wearers who need to be assured of their comfort and support while extreme adventures.
One reader says, “I have these and love them. I wore them in Moab on 30 degree days with wool socks, and they kept my feet warm. I can also wear them in summer heat and they keep my feet cool.”
Danner Women’s Adrika Hiker Waterproof Hiking Boot
Danner Hiking Boots Women
Danner waterproof hiking boots for women have a suede upper and a classic style. Their high shaft supports the ankle, keeping you secure in tricky terrain. The cushioned foot bed promises comfort no matter how long your hike lasts.
One user explains, “Super cute, comfortable, and definitely do the job! Survived paddle, snow, and rocky road at Grand Teton with them, I didn’t have to break them in! And after hiking all day, they still looked beautiful unlike my partner’s muddy wet tennis shoes!”
Salomon Women’s Quest 4d 3 GTX W Backpacking Boot
Salomon Hiking Boots Women’s
Salomon hiking boots women style have an advanced 4D chassis to guide the foot on even the roughest terrain, but still allowing flexibility in each step. They are lightweight, but are supportive enough for backpacking with a load in tow. The Gore Tex waterproofing keeps your feet dry but are still breathable when wearing them for long days.
Reviews are top notch for these womens fashion hiking boots, one shares, “I LOVE these boots. They are extremely comfortable, very supportive, and most definitely waterproof! We do a lot of waterfall hunting, so a lot of creek crossings, and frequent muddy conditions. I also tend to roll my ankles, so I need a higher boot, these fit the bill.”
Merrell Women’s Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boot
Merrell Hiking Boots Women
At TFG we love Merrells for the outdoors. These Merrell hiking boots for women have great arch support, are comfortable and even more, they are sustainable, made from recycled materials. They have to be one of the top hiking boots Amazon sells for a reason!
TFG readers rave about these lightweight waterproof hiking boots, “They are great! I hiked the Inca Trail in them. No blister or pain of any kind. I wear them on all my hikes now.”
Another shares, “The low-cut Merrell’s are a great option. They’re lightweight because they don’t go as high. I have a pair that I love and wear for all hiking unless I need the really intense ankle support for backpacking or similar.”
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
Columbia Hiking BootsWomen
These durable, mid cut Columbia hiking boots women’s style, are built for comfort. The feature seam-sealed waterproof construction to keep your feet dry, even in the wettest conditions. The signature Omni-grip traction rubber soles provide a high level of grip across the slippiest and crumbliest of terrains too.
A reviewer shares, “These waterproof hiking boots women held up against all different types of climates and weather on my road trip and they still look great!. We went through water, desert, rain, and mud, and these boots held up fine.”
Timberland Women’s White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot
Timberland Hiking Boots Women
If you’re looking for leather hiking boots women love, in a more classic style, then consider these Timberland hiking boots for women. They have a mid ankle height support, and are waterproof for the wettest and coldest of conditions
One user shares, ”They were honestly very comfortable from the moment I put them on. I wore them for 12 hours while making firewood and by the time I took them off that evening they were broke in. (My feet were still dry AND did not hurt!) The padding around the ankle and the tongue is comfortable without being too bulky.”
Teva W Montara III Boot Event Hiking
Ahnu by Teva Montara Mesh Hiking Boot
If you want fashion hiking boots, these ones from Ahnu by Teva will look after your feet even on the most challenging trails. The upper is a combination of waterproof nubuck leather and a waterproof but breathable membrane. The sole is sturdy and grips well to troublesome surfaces.
TFG readers comment “I swear by Ahnu hiking boots for women. They have substantial ankle support without being too stiff, bulky, or heavy.”
Teva Women’s Sugarpine Ii Wp Boot
Ahnu by Teva Sugarpine Hiking Boot
For a brighter style on a warm weather ramble, these suede and textile Ahnu by Teva Boots are for you. These cute women’s hiking boots are work for travelers who are looking for something lightweight. Reviewers say they are really comfortable and supportive, but aren’t the best for wet or snowy conditions.
One TFG reader shares, “I have the Ahnu hiking boots women’s in black and love them!”
Teva Women’s W Arrowood Hiking Boot
Teva Arrowood Waterproof Hiking Boot
These Teva water-repellent boots are comfortable, waterproof, sturdy, and lightweight, so much so, you may just forget you’re wearing them. (How many hiking boots can you say that about?) These are a must have for any outdoor activity you indulge in while on your travels.
Vasque Women’s Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boots Women’s
These Vasque hiking boots women’s are comfortable and supportive. They have abrasion-resistant air mesh panels for breathability and a study sole.
TFG readers LOVE these boots, but recommend them more for dry and warm condition hikes. One reader says, “If you’re doing a trek where you may be at high altitude, but conditions will be dry (for example, Mount Kilimanjaro) you’d totally be fine with the Vasques.”
Another warns that she stumbled into an icy stream wearing hers, and although they were waterproof, they did leave her cold for the rest of the hike.
Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot
Lowa Hiking Boots Women’s
For long treks in any terrain, try Lowa Renegade hiking boots. Stylish and they hold your feet securely during a challenging trail. They’re comfortable in warmer, as well as wet and cold conditions.
But the best review comes from a TFG, who has worked in the outdoor industry, she shares, “My go-to boot is the Lowa Renagade! It’s been voted top for years now and it’s untouchable! The Gore Tex will keep you dry and warm plus you have a great Vibram sole! They’re a HEAVY DUTY boot but will have the lightness of the Ahnu! All in all, hands down the best boot on the market!”
Helly Hansen W Rapide Hiking Boot
Helly Hansen Rapide Top Hiking Boots
Traction, support, and comfort are the name of the game, and a little style never hurt, either. You can put the miles on these W Rapides and never feel anything but bliss as you make your feet happier than they’ve ever been before! This mid-cut shoe offers more versatility, comfort, and protection than you’ve ever dreamed possible.
Asolo Thyrus Womens Waterproof Walking Boots
TFG readers count these brown hiking boots from Asolos among their favorites for style, comfort, and functionality. Waterproof with a Gore-Tex lining, they offer protection, durable construction, reliability and keep you steady on your feet when you really need it the most.
One reader says, “I love the hiking boots Asolos sells, but I would suggest getting the high tops for ankle support.”
La Sportiva NUCLEO HIGH GTX Hiking Shoe
La Sportiva NUCLEO Hiking Shoe
Sure, La Sportivas are pricey, but they’re a lightweight hiking boots womens style that will last, and a reliable boot is always worth it, especially when you need something that’s lightweight, waterproof, and can handle rough terrain. One reader says, “I swear by these – they are super fun and snug.”
Best Hiking Boots Fashion Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
Keen Women's Gypsum Ii Mid Wp-w Boot |
“I wore these boots on a 4-day backpacking trip in Canyonlands, Utah. They were AMAZING!” | Check Price |
|
KEEN Terradora Mid Wp Hiking Boot |
“I have these and love them. I wore them in Moab on 30 degree days with wool socks, and they kept my feet warm.” | Check Price |
|
KEEN Terradora Mid Wp Hiking Boot |
"Super cute, comfortable, and definitely do the job!" | Check Price |
|
Salomon Women's Quest 4d 3 GTX W Backpacking Boot |
“I LOVE these boots. They are extremely comfortable, very supportive, and most definitely waterproof!" | Check Price |
|
Merrell Women's Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boot |
“They are great! I hiked the Inca Trail in them. No blister or pain of any kind. I wear them on all my hikes now.” | Check Price |
|
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot |
“These waterproof hiking boots women held up against all different types of climates and weather on my road trip and they still look great!" | Check Price |
|
Timberland Women's White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot |
”They were honestly very comfortable from the moment I put them on." | Check Price |
|
Teva W Montara III Boot Event Hiking |
“I swear by Ahnu hiking boots for women. They have substantial ankle support without being too stiff, bulky, or heavy.” | Check Price |
|
Teva Women's Sugarpine Ii Wp Boot |
“I have the Ahnu hiking boots women’s in black and love them!” | Check Price |
|
Teva Women's W Arrowood Hiking Boot |
These are a must have for any outdoor activity you indulge in while on your travels. | Check Price |
|
Vasque Women's Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Boot |
“If you’re doing a trek where you may be at high altitude, but conditions will be dry you’d totally be fine with the Vasques.” | Check Price |
|
Lowa Women's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot |
“My go-to boot is the Lowa Renagade! It's been voted top for years now and it’s untouchable!" | Check Price |
|
Helly Hansen W Rapide Hiking Boot |
his mid-cut shoe offers more versatility, comfort, and protection than you’ve ever dreamed possible. | Check Price |
|
Asolo Thyrus GV Hiking Boot |
“I love the hiking boots Asolos sells, but I would suggest getting the high tops for ankle support.” | Check Price |
|
La Sportiva NUCLEO HIGH GTX Hiking Shoe |
“I swear by these – they are super fun and snug.” | Check Price |
What Is Important to Consider When Purchasing Stylish Womens Hiking Boots?
Keep in mind the soles of the boots. One TFG reader shares this awesome advice. “Many boots will have thinner and lighter soles that put less strain on your ankles, but if they’re too thin you’ll feel every rock and crack after just a few miles. If the terrain you’ll be on is rugged with a lot of boulders, this will kill your feet. Try for a happy medium between thick and too thin.”
Also think about how supportive they are. Another TFG reader explains, “It’s also important to consider how much ankle support you really need, i.e., are you going to be carrying a heavy pack, do you have weak ankles, are you going to be going back down steep grades?”
How Do You Break In Your Trekking Boots?
TFG readers explain that you need to get your feet used to your boots before you wear them. It’s recommended you have about a month of wear in them before setting out on your big adventures. One gives this tip, “Wear them on all training hikes, with the pack weight you will carry.”
Any Advice To Avoid Blisters?
Blisters can be brutal, eh? And they can make a trail trip turn miserable. One TFG reader shares this awesome trick. “Pantyhose! The thin, knee-high kind. If you wear them under your socks, it reduces the rubbing that can cause blisters. I always use them when I’m breaking in a new pair of boots.”
Another point to mention is no matter how well your boots fit—if you don’t have well-fitting socks to go with them, then it’s not worth the bother! A TFG reader recommends, “Don’t skimp on socks, get the Bridgedales or other technical socks, and walk pain-free!”
How Do You Make Sure They Fit Properly?
If your womens stylish walking boots don’t fit well, it’s a sure fire way to get a blister. TFG readers recommend visiting an outdoor store and trying them on. Lots even have fully trained staff who specialize in fitting hiking boots, so you can find ones that fit like a glove.
How Do I Travel With Womens Outdoor Boots?
Women’s fashion hiking boots can be the heaviest and bulkiest of the items you take with you on a backpacking trip, for this reason, we recommend that you wear them on the plane for your journey, to optimize the baggage allowance you have in your backpack.
Editor-In-Chief’s Favorite Pair of Cute Hiking Boots for Women
Which of the above do you think are the best hiking boots for women waterproof and cute? What do you recommend—let us know!
Read the best travel shoes by category:
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I’d like to suggest New Balance Minimus 10v1, a non-waterproof low-profile shoe for hiking or trails. If you’re not carrying a heavy load and don’t need ankle support, these could be a great lightweight alternative to boots or trainers. They are low-drop shoes, so your feet may have to get used to them. If you have tried barefoot sneakers before you might love them. The Vibram soles provide great traction. Mine are black with a touch of navy on the sole. They are very lightweight and dry fast, so even when I get wet, I can change socks and have dry feet. These pack small, which is important to me. They are so light and comfortable that I forget about my feet when I wear these.
Hi Diane, thank you for sharing your recommendation for hiking boots with us! They sound fantastic! 😃
Hey Alex,
So which did you choose?
I can personally vouch for number 5. They are great! I hiked the Inca Trail in them. No blister or pain of any kind. I wear them on all my hikes now. I was wondering if you have any info on shoes that are good for in the city and a light hike? Like somewhat fashionable hiking shoes? I’ve been on a quest because I’m going on an ATW trip. I will be mostly in cities, but I do like to hike and don’t want to find myself slipping on rocks with just your average sneaker. Yet I don’t want to look like I’m hiking in the city! It’s tough! Great site BTW!
Hi Sheri, thanks for your comment! The Nike Free tends to be the favorite for light hiking plus city shoe: http://amzn.to/1d15SEk
I now travel with this and I see many other female travelers wear this as well. Hope it works for you too 🙂
I would stay off KEEN shoes! Once, 90% of the sole detached from my shoe as I was descending a mountain in Norway! The shoe was less than 2 years old and used maybe 2 or 3 times 🙁
Customer service was useless.
Now I support Columbia. Have owned 2 and so far, it’s holding up.
Good to know, thanks Minty!
Hello Alex!
Keep in mind the soles of the boots. While many boots will have thinner and lighter soles that put less strain on your ankles, if they are too thin you’ll feel every rock and crack after just a few miles. If the terrain you’ll be on is rugged with a lot of boulders, this will kill your feet. Try for a happy medium between thick and too thin.
Get some sock liners too!
Thanks Christina!
I wonder what boots would fit my perculiar ankles – in my family, we have averagely-broad toes, but a narrow heel and ankle, with very pertrusive ankle bones.
Hmm…
The best option seems to go to an outdoor shop and speak to a pro. I just went 2 weeks ago and they measured my feet as well as recommended the exact boots that would be most appropriate for my feet. Try it!
I worked in the outdoor retail industry for years – and our store specialised in fitting hiking boots. It’s a bit embarassing how much I care about people getting the correct fit for their feet with boots! 1 hour of walking in boots that don’t fit your foot properly means everlasting blisters!
Took me ages to find a pair of boots that fit me well, and I ended up with Aku Ultra Lights. They are super lightweight, with a Gore Tex membrane so still waterproof and fairly breathable.
Another point to mention is no matter how well fitting your boots are – if you don’t have good well fitting socks to go with them, then it’s not worth the bother! So don’t skimp on socks, get the Bridgedales or other technical socks and walk pain free!
Hi Jen, wow thank you so much for your insight, and for the tip on socks! I think I need to go get my feet measured and fit properly – that’s the first step so I know my options. No blisters 🙁 Thanks again and cute blog!
I have the Ahnu boots in black and love them! I tried on Keens but the seemed really stiff and I wanted a little more flexibility in the foot. I also tried Merrells but didn’t find them nearly as comfortable in the arch.
Oh these Ahnus are calling my name!
I swear by Ahnu. I have terrible ankles and part of my daily work commute is a substantial uphill hike. I wear my Ahnu boots all day at work, all around town, hiking, and through the (admittedly mild Pacific Northwest) winter. They have substantial ankle support without being too stiff, bulky, or heavy.
It’s great to hear good feedback about Ahnu – thanks!
Another thing to think about with hiking boots is that you have to really try them on. I know this seems like an obvious thing, but fit is more important with technical gear. I have really tiny ankles with respect to my feet so most hiking boots did not fit tightly around my upper ankles and didn’t provide the ankle support I needed. It took years but I finally found my perfect pair (these: womensfashionsboots.com/fashions-boots/womens-glacier-boots) (funny that the link is “fashion boots”). Make sure the boots you choose fit whatever your feet/ankle needs are.
It’s also important to consider how much ankle support you really need, i.e. are you going to be carrying a heavy pack, do you have weak ankles, are you going to be going back down steep grades? Because if not, the the low-cut Merrell’s are a great option. They will be more lightweight because they don’t go as high. I have a similar pair that I love and wear for all hiking unless I need the really intense ankle support for backpacking or similar.
Best of luck! I can’t wait to hear what the trip is!
I’m very lucky that England has millions of outdoor shops so I’m definitely getting fitted for boots. I went to a shop yesterday and they even had a test ramp. It’s so exciting! Thanks for the tips 🙂
I bought a pair of Teva Reva Peak Mid eVent boots a few months ago and have been wearing then in for a few months now, in preparation for a big world trip next year which includes hiking in Nepal. (Woooo!)
So far, so good!
They look great – red! So I’m happy wearing them out. They are also super comfortable. I’m working my way up to a full day hike this weekend and a couple of days in a month or two.
I tried a pair of Scarpa boots but found them much too narrow and so swapped them for the Teva’s. Teva boots are made with a wider last, so fit a wider foot (I don’t have particularly wide feet, I just found the Scarpas way to tight)
Good luck finding your perfect pair 🙂
Thanks Pamela, Sounds like you have a very exciting trip coming up! Let me know how the Teva’s work on your test hike. There aren’t much hiking choices around where I live right now so I think I’ll be hitting the stair master at the gym 😉
Hi There! I am a long distance hiker and fell traveler. I think you should consider the weight of your pack and type of terrain. If I’m carrying a heavier pack I need a studier boot that will help manage the load so my ankles don’t get crunchy. For cold weather hiking I would suggest a leather boot. I have the Asolo Power Matic 200 boots. Gortex lined. Nice arch support, check them out! Pricey but worth the money. Your feet are pretty important to keep happy on a hike. A smart wool liner sock and thicker hiking sock and your good and warm. On your list, I have the Salmon quest for lighter and warmer weather hikes.
Good luck!
Hi there, thanks for your tips! The leather ones are for sure most appealing to me. I’m not carrying a super heavy pack but I will be in an extremely cold place. I don’t do many intense treks like this so I hope one good investment will hold me up for many years 🙂
I just completed the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) hiking 90 miles around Mont Blanc going up and down over passes each day. For my feet, wide in the front and narrow heels, I had great success with Hoka trail runners. If I were going to elevation with cold and snow I would wear my Asolo Stynger boots.
First, find boots that fit your feet. Look at the shape of your foot and find a boot that looks like it. Pretty simple advise.
Second, wear them on all training hikes, with the pack weight you will carry.
Lastly, learn how to cope with blisters See the website Fixing Your Feet fixingyourfeet.com. Know how to AVOID problems and have the supplies and know-how to treat blisters.
I never have had blister problems, until the TMB. Blisters can ruin your trip, and perhaps end it early.
Best wishes and I will look forward to hearing about your adventure.
Hi Betsy, thanks for all the great tips! Hope to do a training walk once a week, there aren’t many hilly options where I live 🙂 It’s so exciting!
Yeah, blisters can be brutal, eh? I don’t get them very often, but my sister does, and she has really suffered on a few of our trips. But we learned an awesome trick a few years ago that really works wonders: panty hose. The thin, knee-high kind. If you wear them under your socks, it reduces the rubbing that can cause blisters. I always use them when I’m breaking in a new pair of boots.
AWESOME TIP! I am definitely going to try that. Thanks!
How exciting, Alex!
Without giving away your destination, can you tell us how cold will it be on your trek? (i.e. near freezing? Or mostly in the 10C range?) And will you be trekking through a lot of snow? Are you looking at a lot of stream crossings?
I ask because the Vasque Breeze 2.0 have been my main boots for a few months now and I have really mixed feelings about them. One the one hand, they’re really light and comfortable. The Goretex lining works well and they provide decent ankle support. But I don’t think they’re as durable and protective as my dearly-departed leather hiking boots (made by Garmont).
I’m not sure that I’d want to walk through a lot of snow in the Vasques. And I don’t think it would provide as much protection from the cold as leather boots. For example, on a recent 2 day backpacking trip in the Sierras, I stumbled into an ice-cold stream and the front part of my boots ended up in the water. My toes got cold so quickly that I thought that water must have gotten in! Turns out it wasn’t water (thank you, Goretex!) but the fabric was so thin that I just felt the cold water immediately.
If you’re doing a trek where you may be at high altitude, but conditions will be dry (for example, Mt Kilimanjaro — when I did this in 2009 there was barely any snow on the trail) you’d totally be fine with the Vasques. But if you know you’re going to be going through more wet conditions like snow and streams, I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking the Vasque.
Just my 2 cents. Good luck with the boot search!
Hi Sivanny, AWESOME feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share it with me 🙂 Yes I will be hitting a very high altitude and doing it during the coldest time of the year – the main perk for me is that this is also the driest! Temperatures are supposed to be around 0 and 4 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and much colder at night. Scary!
A waterproof boot with Goretex is a must – I don’t want to take any chances in this weather. So much to think about! Thanks again for your 2 cents 🙂
Hey I have worked in the outdoor industry for many of years now and have tried numerous pairs of boots in different conditions and trains and still my go too boot is the Lowa Renagade! Its been voted one of the best hikes for many of years now and it’s untouchable! The Gore Tex will keep you dry and warm pluss you have a great Vibram sole! The upper on the boot is very heavy duty as well! These boots are a HEAVY DUTY boot but will have the lightness of the Ahnu! All in all hands down the best boot on the market! Hope this helps!
Wow sounds like the perfect boot. Thank you so much for sharing your feedback! I’ll have to check it out 🙂