Trail-bound this summer? When you’re hiking hills, forests or coastal paths, in warm weather you’ll want to swap your trusty old leather boots for lightweight, breathable footwear that can handle long distances and varied terrain, all while keeping you cool.
To that end, meet the perfect summer hiking boots for women.
Warm weather hiking is all about comfort and performance. Sure, you could get away with just wearing trainers on easier trails, but proper hiking boots will offer you better traction and support - and lightweight boots aimed at balmy hikes are designed to let feet breathe, too.
The right women’s summer hiking boots will keep your feet cool, supported and blister-free thanks to cushioned soles, breathable mesh panels and grippy outsoles built for all terrains.
Best summer hiking boots for women at a glance
- Best on test: Keen Targhee Apex - £150, Keen
- Best for wet weather: AKU Adapta NBK GTX - £209.95, Alpine Trek
- Best for casual wear: Teva Hurricane Daybreaker - £125, Teva
- Best leather boot for summer: Jack Wolfskin Apex Hike Pro - £180, Jack Wolfskin
- Best under £100: Craghoppers Dura Pro - £97.50, Craghoppers
- Best recycled/vegan boot: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid - £160, Merrell
- Best lightweight: Helly Hansen Cascade - £160, Helly Hansen
- Best premium boot: LOWA Explorer GTX - £220, Lowa
- Best for multi-day hikes: Salomon Quest Echo GTX - £180, Salomon
- Best low shoe: Columbia Tellurix Titanium Outdry - £125, Columbia
How I tested
I tried out all these hiking boots on the Cotswold Way and the South West Coast Path. This spring’s sunshine was very welcome as I checked each model was breathable and comfortable in warm temperatures, but still waterproof enough to cope when the heavens (inevitably) open.
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Keen Women's Targhee Apex Waterproof Hiking Boot
Best for: best on test
If comfort is top of your shopping list, look no further than the Targhee Apex.
With its generously wide toe box, Keen’s popular hiker is a particularly good fit for broader feet, allowing room to move without any rubbing or pressure points. This boot is pleasingly trainer-like and light underfoot, making long summer walks far less taxing, and is reliably breathable in warmer weather yet waterproof enough to keep up on wet days.
The colour options are fun too, steering away from traditional hiking neutrals. If you already own a sturdy winter hiker, swap to this boot for summer jaunts and hiking holidays.
Buy now £150.00, Keen
AKU Adapta NBK GTX
Best for: wet weather
Beautifully crafted in Italy, Aku’s Adapta boot is expensive - but we think it’s worth it if you love to walk all summer long. A nubuck leather upper gives this boot a premium finish, while ever-reliable Gore-Tex ensures a level of waterproofing that’ll rival winter boots. Underfoot, the Vibram sole offers dependable grip across mixed terrain, and the stride feels notably smooth. This boot may be a big hitter for waterproofing but it’s lightweight and reasonably breathable too, so it’s particularly well suited to warm but wet conditions - think coastal hikes or summer trips abroad where sudden downpours are part of the deal.
Buy now £209.95, Alpine Trek
Teva Women's Hurricane Daybreaker Mid Hiking Boot
Best for: casual wear
Blurring the line between hiking boot and everyday trainer, the Hurricane Daybreaker is an easy option for casual outings. This attractive boot is soft, breathable and immediately comfortable to lace up, with a relaxed look that works just as well for city wandering as it does for light countryside strolls. The trade-off comes in the form of reduced ankle support, thanks to its lower, wider cut - swap to something with more ankle support for technical terrain. Still, for easy summer days when you want something versatile and unfussy, it’s a reliable, good-looking choice.
Buy now £125.00, Teva
Jack Wolfskin Apex Hike Pro
Best for: leather boot for summer
There are lots of benefits to leather as a material for hiking boots - it’s naturally waterproof, warm and long-lasting. Leather can also be heavy and tough to break in, but Jack Wolfskin have solved those issues with the Apex Hike Pro, a leather design you can still reach for in summer – and wear straight out of the box. This boot offers reassuring support through the ankle and a stable base underfoot, making it well-suited to longer day hikes. The design is classic without being dated and the bouncy, thick soles and cushioned midsoles really stood out on test.
Buy now £180.00, Jack Wolfskin
Craghoppers Dura Pro
Best for: best under £100
Many summer hikers have eye-watering price tags – but not this solid choice from Craghoppers. A strong budget-friendly contender that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Dura Pro offered solid grip, dependable waterproofing and a comfortable fit straight out of the box on test, making it a practical choice for occasional hikers or for packing for your travels abroad.
This model is not the most refined in appearance, but it’s sturdy and hardworking where it counts – and all for under £100. The Dura Pro is a unisex design, so it’s one to try on at home before you head for the hills to ensure you get the right fit.
Buy now £97.50, Craghoppers
Merrell Moab Speed 2
Best for: best recycled/vegan boot
Merrell’s Moab boots are a much-loved staple you’ll spot on plenty of hiking paths, and the popular model has now had a facelift in the Moab Speed 2. This boot leans into practicality, with a lightweight build that feels comfortable everywhere from city streets to less challenging trails. The polyester upper keeps things breathable, and the double technical whammy of Gore-Tex waterproofing and Vibram soles can tackle rocky terrain and bad weather. This design is 100% waterproof and vegan, so it’s an eco-friendly pick, too.
Buy now £160.00, Merrell
Helly Hansen Women's Cascade HellyTech® Waterproof Mid Cut Hiking Boots
Best for: best lightweight
Helly Hansen is probably best known for their sailing gear and waterproof outerwear, but the Norwegian brand has also been expanding its range of hiking footwear in recent years.
The Cascade Mid is designed to sit in that sweet spot between lightweight trail shoe and traditional hiking boot, promising waterproof protection without the bulk of heavier mountain footwear. The Cascade Mid felt notably light and flexible on test, making it a comfortable option for faster-paced walks or longer summer days on your feet.
Waterproofing is reliable, and the grip performs well on slick ground. The synthetic upper does have a slightly plasticky feel.
Buy now £160.00, Helly Hansen
LOWA Explorer GTX Mid
Best for: best premium boot
We always rate LOWA’s sturdy boots on test, and they’ve just launched their lightest model yet in time for summer.
The Explorer GTX Mid ticked all the boxes on test – it’s highly waterproof, instantly comfortable and lightweight enough that it won’t drag you down even if you’re hiking from dawn to dusk. The sticky Vibram soles also stood out on test – you can wear this boot on slippery rock or steep mountain sides without any worries.
This boot is expensive, and casual hikers can get away with picking something half the price, but if you want a reliable boot you can wear from spring to autumn, the Explorer could be your new best mate.
Buy now £220.00, Lowa
Salomon Quest Echo GTX
Best for: best for multi-day hikes
Built for serious mileage, the Quest Echo GTX is a robust boot ready for more demanding hikes. This design stood out for stability on test, and feels secure and grounded to stride along in, even on uneven or technical terrain.
Despite this, the Quest Echo doesn’t feel overly rigid, allowing for a natural stride as you move and breathing enough to keep you comfortable on hot hikes. Waterproofing is excellent thanks to Gore-Tex.
This is more boot than most casual walkers will need, but for committed hikers, it delivers confidence and durability.
Buy now £180.00, Salomon
Columbia Tellurix Titanium Outdry
Best for: low shoe
If you love to swap to a low-cut trainer shoe rather than a high hiker boot as soon as the sun comes out, Columbia’s Tellurix is the perfect balance of relaxed sneaker and technical footwear. This comfy design boasts seriously chunky soles with Vibram technology for great grip, is fully waterproofed and feels light and freeing to wear. The Tellurix looks great worn casually, too, so these shoes are worth the spend if you want a design that can swap between trail and town all summer long.
Buy now £125.00, Columbia
Verdict
Keen’s light and comfy Targhee Apex was made for summer hiking fun, while serious trekkers should shop at Aku or LOWA for great waterproofing and grip.
Merrell ticks the sustainable box with their new Moab 2. After a low shoe? Try Columbia’s Tellurix.
What to look for in women’s summer hiking boots
Comfort is key on the trail, especially when your feet are likely to sweat. Well-made hiking boots should feel supportive and cushioned, offer stability on uneven ground and keep your feet ventilated in warmer temperatures.
Look for breathable materials such as mesh and fabric, cushioned midsoles for shock absorption and durable rubber outsoles for grip. Good ankle support is essential for longer or more technical hikes. Lightweight designs will help reduce fatigue, while secure lacing systems ensure a snug fit.
Don’t forget waterproofing -you’ll still be likely to encounter wet weather on your adventures, so pick a pair with a waterproof membrane built in, and keep an eye out for branded technology such as Gore-Tex.
How to get the perfect fit
Choose hiking boots with enough room in the toe box to prevent rubbing. Your feet should be comfortable straight out of the box, and you should be able to move your toes but without too much movement or sliding about and be able to lace your boots up tightly for a snug fit around the ankle. Pair your new boots with moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry.
How to find stylish summer hiking boots
While looks aren’t the most important factor in a good hiking boot, they don’t hurt – and you’ll be more likely to pair your new boots with jeans when you’re not in the mountains, and therefore get more use of them. Neutral tones are versatile, but don’t shy away from modern colourways. The key is choosing boots you’ll reach for all season long, whether you’re heading out on a weekend hike or exploring a new city on foot. When autumn arrives, swap to warmer boots with a layer of insulation or made with leather to keep feet snug.
