Anyone who has spent any amount of time on trails, hillwalking, or even following a well-maintained city path knows you can never underestimate the benefit of good, comfortable shoes. Hiking boots, trainers, orthopaedic shoes – whatever form they come in, your feet just want to be happy and comfortable.
But finding a good pair of boots is tricky. Different styles have different benefits on different trails, and the right pair of boots even depends on the time of year.
For example, leather boots hold up well over time and are warm in winter, but prepare for them to take some wearing in. Fabric boots, on the other hand, are lightweight and breathable, but they don’t have the same longevity and aren’t great for soggier, rainy hikes.
Good walking boots should have built-in waterproofing and thick soles with deep lugs for grip. If you’re hiking in summer, a breathable membrane to wick away sweat and keep your feet from overheating is a must. All of this means that hiking boots can set you back between £100 to £150.
But you don’t need to make this purchase blind. I’m an outdoors gear expert, and I’ve spent the last few months testing a range of women’s boots on different trails, in different conditions, and during different times of year, all to find the best pair of boots. Even the budget-friendly options in this review have proven their mettle.
How I tested
I tested each pair of women’s hiking boots on country trails and hillside treks in all manner of weather conditions over the period of a few months. During testing I considered the same factors for each boot. These included:
- Comfort: This is always the most important factor when it comes to any walking shoe. I paid attention to how they felt straight out of the box, whether they caused rubbing or blisters, and how they held up over longer distances. I also considered support underfoot and around the ankle, another key factor – I don’t want to be rolling my ankles on rough terrain.
- Weatherproofing: Wet feet on a hike is the thing of nightmares, so no boot without efficient weatherproofing made this list. I wore each pair in wet and muddy conditions to assess their waterproof claims. I looked at how well they kept out water and how quickly they dried.
- Style: Function of course, comes first, but you want shoes that look good, too. I looked at whether each pair was something I’d feel good wearing. Some boots stood out for their sleek design, others for colours that blended well with everyday wear.
- Break-in period: I noted how long each pair took to feel truly comfortable, and whether they caused any discomfort during that period. I wanted to ascertain if I could head out on a long hike with shoes straight from the box, or do they need days of smaller hikes first to reduce the risk of blisters.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Sian Lewis is an award-winning travel and outdoors journalist with years of experience trialling outdoor gear. Her work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet, The Guardian and The Sunday Times. She has written for IndyBest since 2020, and since then she has tried and tested everything our readers might need before braving the great outdoors. From tents to walking poles, she knows exactly what we need for sturdy, durable and affordable hiking gear. For reliable reviews on outdoor products, Sian is a voice you can trust.
The best women’s hiking boots for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Altra Olympus 5 mid GTX: £94.99, Sportshoes.com
- Best leather women’s hiking boots – Scarpa terra: £178.50, Amazon.co.uk
- Best looking women’s hiking boots – Danner mountain 600 evo: £250, Global.danner.com
Best air beds for cosy camping trips and overnight stays, tried and tested by an expert
Best flasks and travel mugs that will keep drinks hot (or cold) for hours
9 best walking poles for all your adventures, no matter the terrain
The best men’s walking boots 2025, tried and tested out on the trails
16 best travel backpacks, tried and tested during hiking holidays and city breaks
Altra Olympus 5 mid GTX
Best: Women's hiking boots overall
Main material: Fabric
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Size range: UK 4.5-8
Colour range: Black, sand
Why we love it
- All-terrain abilities
- Keeps snow and rain firmly away
- Breathable
- Comfortable
One boot to rule the trails – Altra’s Olympus is a great all-rounder for hikers who love to trek high and low on multi-day adventures and in challenging weather conditions. A Gore-Tex upper keeps snow and rain firmly away from your socks and these boots proved breathable and comfortable when we tried them out on all-day hikes. Vibram rubber soles are reliably grippy even on wet, slippery rock and the inner soles of the Olympus are cushiony and forgiving underfoot. A great go-anywhere boot.
Buy now £94.99, Sportshoes.com
Quechua MH100 Mid walking boots
Best: Budget women's hiking boot
Main material: Fabric
Waterproofing: Own brand
Size range: UK 3-8
Colour range: Turquoise
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Comfy
- Good toe protection
Take note
- Not the most eye-catching
- Better for dry days
You can rely on Quechua, Decathlon’s own brand, for a decent quality hiking kit that doesn’t cost a bomb, and my top pick of the brand’s female hiking boots are these comfortable MH100s. They may not sport innovative looks, but they’ll keep your feet dry over long distances and are reasonably breathable. The soles are nicely cushioned and there’s great toe protection. The ankles are cut rather wide and low, so they’re best used on dryer days and on marked paths rather than over boggy or uneven terrain.
Buy now £49.99, Decathlon.co.uk
Scarpa terra
Best: Leather women's hiking boots
Main material: Leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Size range: UK 4-8
Colour range: Brown
Why we love it
- Classic look
- Tough yet lightweight
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 I look for – it’s tough and lightweight, and I 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 inclement conditions.
Buy now £178.50, Amazon.co.uk
Keen zionic
Best: Women's hiking boots for comfort
Main material: Synthetic
Waterproofing: Keen Dry
Size range: EU 35-43
Colour range: Green, grey, rose
Why we love it
- Super comfy
- Breathable
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.
Buy now £110.00, Keenfootwear.co.uk
The North Face Breithorn futurelight
Best: Crampon-compatible women's hiking boot
Main material: Fabric
Waterproofing: Futurelight
Size range: UK 3-9
Colour range: Black
Why we love it
- Great for icy terrain
- Fully waterproof
- Breathable
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. The payoff is that these are some of the most expensive boots I’ve tested. They’re overkill for casual walkers, but excellent for serious trekkers.
Buy now £250.00, Thenorthface.co.uk
Danner mountain 600 evo
Best: For women's hiking boots for looks
Main material: Leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Size range: US 5-15
Colour range: Tan, grey
Why we love it
- Handcrafted
- Lovely look
- Naturally waterproof
- Tough yet bouncy soles
Take note
- Expensive
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 I like that regular and wide fits are available. It’s worth the splurge if you’re after boots that will look good with jeans and work hard on the hills, but these are the most expensive boots I’ve tested.
Buy now £260.00, Global.danner.com
Jack Wolfskin cyrox texapore mid
Best: Women's hiking boot for a female-specific fit
Main material: Leather and textile
Waterproofing: Texapore
Size range: UK 3-9
Colour range: Beige, grey
Why we love it
- Tough yet lightweight
- Reliable
- Great fit
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.
Buy now £155.00, Jack-wolfskin.co.uk
AKU trekker lite
Best: Fabric women's hiking boot
Main material: Suede
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Size range: UK 3-9
Colour range: Grey/lilac, black/magenta, grey/aquamarine, violet/grey
Why we love it
- Good ankle support
The Italian-designed trekker lite is my 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 you tend to sprain or roll your ankles, the trekker lite is perfect for protecting them.
Buy now £220.00, Aku.co.uk
La Sportiva TX4 walking boots
Best: For ankle support
Main material: Leather, synthetic
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Size range: EU 37-42
Women's hiking boot for colour range: Blue
Why we love it
- Seriously good grip
- Excellent ankle support
Take note
- Narrow fit may not suit all
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.
Buy now £179.95, Cotswoldoutdoor.com
Hanwag blueridge lady ES
Best: Eco-friendly women's hiking boot
Main material: Suede
Waterproofing: EcoShell
Size range: UK 3.5-9
Colour range: Navy/grey, asphalt/ocean, petrol/mint, light grey/pink
Why we love it
- Last a long time
- Great grip
- Eco-friendly credentials
Hanwag’s boots have always performed brilliantly when testing and will last and last if you look after them. I 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).
Buy now £112.99, Trekkinn.com
Adidas terrex free hiker 2
Best: Trainer-boot hybrid women's hiking boot
Main material: Fabric
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Size range: UK 3.5-9.5
Colour range: Black, grey, green, carbon
Why we love it
- Comfy and light
- A more relaxed versatile options
If you don’t like clompy, heavy hiking boots but need something a bit tougher than your favourite pair of trainers, I 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.
Buy now £180.00, Adidas.co.uk
Your hiking boots questions answered
What’s the best women’s hiking boot?
There are boots in my round-up to suit all kinds of hikers but after vigorous testing, my top picks after testing are the Scarpa Terra if you’re after a leather boot; AKU’s trekker lite if you like the idea of a fabric boot, and Altra’s Olympus as a go-anywhere all-rounder.
If you need a tougher design specifically for trekking or mountaineering, La Sportiva and The North Face have some great mountaineering boots on offer to see you through harsher conditions.
Leather vs fabric hiking boots – which is better?
I spoke to Scarpa UK managing director Steve Roberts, to get the lowdown on all things hiking boots.
“A well-made leather boot has spent a long time (upwards of 24 hours) being moulded on a unique foot shape known as a ‘last’,” Steve explains. “A well-lasted boot will provide a long-term sculpted fit that provides support and function. Leather is a fantastically durable material and easy to care for.”
He adds that fabric boots are usually derived from a hybrid of modern fabrics that are lightweight, instantly comfortable and quick-drying. “Fabric boots usually require an added waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex, to provide water resistance,” he says. “They can be more challenging in terms of maintaining performance than an all-leather boot.”
How long will boots take to break in?
“A modern, well-made boot will provide out-of-the-box comfort,” Steve says. “The more supportive the internal midsole and the more supportive the upper will dictate the amount of time the materials will take to optimally mould around your foot. A modern lightweight fabric boot will feel optimum on day one, in contrast, leather will feel comfortable out of the box but will get better and better with more miles.”
How should I look after my new boots?
All boots will benefit from regular cleaning and application of care products – these vary from waxes and creams for leather and paint-on applications for fabric boots. On wet days, Steve recommends that you endeavour to dry your boots as naturally as possible. “Removing the footbed will aid drying, and these can be replaced periodically, to reinstate shock absorption,” he explains.
What should I consider when buying hiking boots?
Steve recommends matching the style of boot you buy to the terrain on which you plan to walk. A mid-cut boot will do for flat trails or coastal paths, but a supportive boot is best for steep hills (particularly when carrying a pack).
The further off the beaten track you are, the more likely you are to encounter wet, muddy, boggy terrain – so, look for a boot with protection and waterproofing/repellency.
Soles tend to match the style of the upper, so, a higher-cut, more supportive boot will also have a more aggressive sole with multidirectional cleats for propulsion and grip.
You will also need to consider which shape is right for you. “Once you have narrowed your choice on an appropriate style, the most crucial selection comes down to the best fit for your foot shape. The best way to do this is to try multiple pairs on at an outdoor specialist store, where you will usually find both a broad selection of styles and expert advice,” Steve says.
If you’re buying in-store, there may also be artificial slopes and terrain samples, so you can get a sense of how your boot feels going up or downhill.
If you buy online, however, consider buying a size larger than your usual shoe. You will want to wear thick hiking socks in your boots, as your feet will expand as the day goes on, and the added weight of a pack increases your toe spread. “If you have to buy online, we would recommend trying a number of pairs and wearing them around the home to ensure you feel entirely happy with your selection before venturing out on that first walk,” Steve explains.
It’s really important to get the fit right because blisters can ruin even the most glorious walk.
Stay dry during hikes, with the best women’s waterproof jackets
