The best hiking boots will take you a long way. Hiking, walking, rambling, trekking – whatever you call it – is brilliant for both your physical and mental health.
It’s great cardio, builds muscle and burns a ton of calories, as well as helping to ease stress and anxiety. Combine those exercise endorphins with the exhilaration of the outdoors and some beautiful scenery (and possibly a cosy country pub), and you’ll feel the emotional benefits.
Whether you’re going for a gentle countryside stroll or scrambling up mountains, the right hiking gear is essential – and a good pair of boots should be at the top of your list. Some hikers prefer the lighter, lower cut of a walking shoe, but for the best support, protection and durability you can’t beat a classic boot.
The decision to opt for leather or fabric boots is largely down to personal preference. Fabric boots often have the upper hand as they tend to be lighter, breathable, cheaper and the more ethical choice (although it’s worth noting that fabric boots aren’t always vegan boots).
Yet gone are the days when leather meant heavy, clunky boots that took an age to break in, as there are now some excellent leather women’s hiking boots that are low-maintenance and surprisingly lightweight.
The women’s hiking boots tested for this review— (Annabel Grossman)
How we tested
Each of these boots has covered many miles on our feet as we stomped our way along trails, up mountains, through peaty bogs and across muddy fields. We judged the boots on how comfortable they were (as much on mile 25 as on mile five), how long they took to break in, and the level of support, as well as technical features such as waterproofing, traction, cushioning, weight and breathability.
The best women’s hiking boots for 2023 are:
- Best overall – Scarpa rush TRK GTX: £180, gooutdoors.co.uk
- Best vegan boot – Lowa innox pro GTX mid WS: £185, amazon.co.uk
- Best all-season boot – Arc'teryx acrux TR GTX: £220, Arcteryx.com
- Best everyday boot – Merrell MQM 3 fast hike: £123.25 Wiggle.co.uk
- Best value for money – Columbia peakfreak II mid outdry boot: £87.50, Columbiasportswear.co.uk
