17 best women’s hiking boots for rambling and trekking

The affordable Ailish from Trespass proves that you don’t have to spend hundreds of pounds on a boot to get something that is waterproof enough to tackle temperamental British weather. The Ailish wouldn’t withstand prolonged dunking in a puddle, but it will repel rain and light snow, thanks to a decent waterproof membrane. It’s also reasonably comfortable and cushioned and boasts a solid toe guard, ideal for tackling rockier terrain. It’s great for occasional use or for anyone heading off on Duke of Edinburgh adventures this summer.

Zamberlan reckons the Salathé will go “from the car to the top” and we’d have to agree. On test, we found this suede boot outstanding in any scenario, from a casual stroll to tackling a via ferrata route. The Salathé is an ‘approach boot’ (a term for a shoe that can tackle rocky terrain and is a bit of a hybrid between hiking boots and climbing shoes). It boasts a Gore-Tex membrane and even a Recco rescue detector (a passive transponder that makes you findable by mountain rescue teams) but is still lightweight, at 480g per boot, making it ideal for climbers and tough trekkers.

Leather is a bit of a wonder material when it comes to warm walking boots, and Scarpa’s terra is a bit of a classic, both in looks and performance. The terra has that magical combination we look for – it’s tough and lightweight, and we love the high-cut ankle support, which ensures the boots stay in place, whatever you’re scrambling over. Gore-Tex keeps everything waterproof and Vibram provides tough soles and a great grip, even on slippery rock routes. They will be too warm for summer, but perfect in less clement conditions.

Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, Danner’s all-American hiking boots have a bit of a cult following over here, thanks to their lovely looks. That said, these beauties also deliver comfort and performance, thanks to a full-grain leather outer, which is naturally waterproofing and is topped up with a Gore-Tex membrane. Tough yet bouncy Vibram soles feel springy and grippy underfoot, and we like that regular and wide fits are available. Worth the splurge if you’re after boots that will look good with jeans as well as work hard on the hills.

Hanwag’s boots have always performed brilliantly when testing and will last and last if you look after them. We like the whole range for women but the blueridge boot excels on groomed valley trails and more challenging hill paths alike, thanks to tough rubber soles and deep lugs for great grip. Pleasingly soft suede uppers look and feel great to wear, moulding quickly to your foot, for a custom comfy fit.

This well-made all-rounder also stands out for its eco-friendly credentials – it’s constructed from recycled materials sourced in Europe and without using PFCs (perfluorochemicals – harmful chemicals that can be released into the environment). 

Get the toughness of leather and the comfort of a textile boot with Jack Wolfskin’s cyrox, which combines the best of both worlds. This boot stood out on test for its fit, too – some brands make female-specific boots by simply shrinking their male designs, but Jack Wolfskin has created the cyrox specifically to fit women’s feet. The cyrox shoe also boasts Vibram soles and soft inner soles that were some of the comfiest we tested. Meanwhile, Jack Wolfskin’s own-brand Texapore waterproofing technology proved reliably rainproof when testing, giving Gore-Tex a run for its money. 

Decent hiking boots needn’t cost a bomb – Mountain Warehouse’s offerings for women start at just £35, but we think the gale boot offers the best value for money. This affordable but high-performing boot gives pricier designs a run for their money when it comes to performance. Good-looking suede and lightweight mesh are reinforced with Mountain Warehouse’s own-brand IsoDry membrane, which we found waterproof enough to tackle puddles and rain when testing (it’s not waterproof enough to deal with snow or torrential weather, mind). The soles give a decent grip, too.

After a leather boot? We also rate Mountain Warehouse’s odyssey (£179.99, Mountainwarehouse.com).

Love to get off the beaten track? Keen’s new and improved targhee IV will keep up with you. This environmentally conscious leather hiking boot is warm, waterproof, and instantly comfortable. We loved the high, supportive, and well-padded ankle, which doesn’t let in rain; the protective toe box, and the thick soles, which offer great grip, even on slippery surfaces.

The targhee isn’t heavy, but it’s less breathable than some fabric boots, so this one is best kept for cooler weather. Take them outdoors from autumn to spring and they’ll do you proud.

If you like to explore above the tree line, you’re going to need a boot that tackles tougher ground. La Sportiva’s TX4 is a high-cut version of the brand’s popular ‘approach’ shoe (designed for climbers walking on rough, rocky ground) and sports seriously good grip, with Vibram Megagrip soles that are reliable even if you’re clambering over scree and wet rock.

These boots mean business and offer excellent ankle support, but they are a bit stiff out of the box, and their narrow fit may not suit all hikers. 

We’ve tested most of Keen’s range of hiking boots over the years and we’re going to say it – this brand makes the comfiest walking boots on the market. Keen’s zionic boots look and feel a bit like you’re sporting your favourite trainers, and are just delightful to wear, with cushiony insoles that feel springy even when you’re covering many miles a day. Plus, there’s a mesh upper that lets feet breathe during hot weather. Ideal for summer hikes or for taking travelling, this is the design to pick if comfort is top of your priorities list.

Trekking in snow and ice? If you’re headed for the highest mountains or are off on a glacier adventure, you’re going to need a trekking boot that will grip ice and is compatible with crampons. The North Face has been designing mountaineering kit since the 1950s, so, it knows a thing or two about alpine adventuring, and the brand’s Breithorn boot is aimed at mountaineers going further than your average weekend trail.

This boot is fully waterproof, breathable and grippy – it had the best grip on ice on test. Overkill for casual walkers, excellent for serious trekkers.

The Italian-designed trekker lite is our pick of the pack of fabric boots for wear in Britain and is full of all the lovely stuff we’d expect for a boot with a higher price tag – expect deep-lugged Vibram soles, Gore-Tex waterproofing and breathable suede and fabric mixed outer.

These boots also have excellent supportive, close-fitting high ankles. A good lacing system ties up snugly around the ankles, so if tend to sprain or roll your ankles, the trekker lite is perfect for protecting them.

While Columbia’s sturdy peakfreak boot works well for hiking year-round, it really stands out during warmer weather – it’s highly breathable and lightweight, so you’ll barely feel like you’re wearing boots at all, even on the dog days of summer. The flexible fabric and mesh upper feel comfortable even on all-day hikes and are fully waterproofed with Columbia’s own-brand OutDry technology, which we found could withstand striding through puddles without a problem. A great choice for walking holidays, travelling and backpacking.

This boot takes design elements from Merrell’s running shoes, resulting in a nifty hiking boot that’s lightweight and freeing to wear while still sporting meaty Vibram soles. The inner sole stood out when testing – it’s comfortable even on all-day hikes and makes the boots feel springy underfoot.

We didn’t think this boot felt as durable as some others we’ve reviewed, though – it’s great for lightweight day hikes in warm weather rather than winter slogs. This design is also vegan-friendly (unlike many other boots, which use leather or glue derived from animals).

If you don’t like clompy, heavy hiking boots but need something a bit tougher than your favourite pair of sneakers, we reckon this Adidas design has hit the perfect balance of relaxed trainer and tough walking boot. A springy sole and cushioning foam insole are paired with rain-repelling Gore-Tex, and the close-fitting stretchy collar is great for keeping rain and debris out of your socks. The Free Hikers look as good worn in the city as they do in the countryside, too.