The outdoor industry seemed to move past the "shrink it and pink it" days of women's hiking boots when several brands released hiking boots designed by women for women. However, those styles never sold well, so the women-specific hiking boots I've previously recommended sadly have been discontinued. That means my 2024 list of the best hiking boots for women features some standouts offered in both men's and women's sizing. Here are my 2024 picks for the best women's hiking boots.
Woman hiking NH's White Mountains in the Oboz Bridger
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best hiking boots for women
From lightest to heaviest, the best hiking boots for women are the HOKA Trail Code, adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2, Salomon X Ultra, La Sportiva Nucleo, Oboz Bridger, and Salomon Quest. My picks are based on my personal experience managing footwear at Appalachian Outdoors and polling my female customers and Gearheads at Backcountry. Scroll down to learn more about the "best fits" and "best matches" for each of these recommended hiking boots.
HOKA Trail Code GTX
Max Cushion Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
Built more like a sneaker than a traditional hiking boot, the HOKA Trail Code GTX is the best lightweight hiking boot for women who prefer easy to moderate trails. The Trail Code stands out for its massively cushioned midsoles, but it's more than just a comfortable hiking boot. The GORE-TEX provides durable and breathable waterproofing, and the Vibram Megagrip outsoles deliver great grip on a range of trail surfaces. My Trail Code review gives you more of my first-hand scoop on this super-cushy, lightweight hiking sneaker—a new addition to this list in 2024.
Best Fit
standard feet (size up 1/2 size)
Best Match
well-maintained trails, max-cushion fans
adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2
Best Casual Hiking Boot for Women
Main Benefits:
Another super-cushy hiking boot, the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 provides comfort and support for women who prefer more casual hikes on well-maintained trails. The Free Hiker provides indulgent comfort, thanks to the BOOST cushion midsoles (used in adidas running shoes) and hidden stability plate that keep feet fresher as the miles add up. Heavier and more supportive than the Trail Code above, the Free Hiker 2 (see my first-hand review) is another casual hiking boot that puts comfort first.
Best Fit
standard to slightly narrow feet
Best Match
casual hikes, travel
Salomon X Ultra
Lightweight Support for Women
Main Benefits:
When I managed footwear at Appalachian Outdoors, I sold more X Ultras to women than any other hiking boot. Why? They weigh just a little bit more than trail-running shoes but almost match the stability and support of mid-weight hiking boots. The X Ultra 4 GTX is the highest performing boot in the series with its GORE-TEX ("GTX") waterproofing and aggressive climbing and braking lugs for traction on steep trails. However, women may prefer the new X Ultra 360 line for more all-around hiking and a more modern look? Like most Salomons, the X Ultra runs a little narrow, but it's also available in wides. If you're looking for both stability and agility, this has been a best-selling lightweight hiking boot for a long time.
Best Fit
standard to slightly narrow feet; wides available
Best Match
moderate to difficult day hikes
See available sizes, styles, and color options for women:
La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX
High-cut Ankle Support for Women Hikers
Main Benefits:
La Sportiva's Nucleo High II GTX is light for a high-cut hiking and backpacking boot, making it an attractive option for women who want more ankle support. It’s an athletic hiking boot that’s lighter than it looks, thanks to its soft and light nubuck leather uppers. It's absolutely stacked with premium materials, too, including GORE-TEX Surround—the most breathable GORE-TEX waterproofing—and Vibram's Megagrip outsoles, known for wet and dry traction. La Sportivas run narrow and small, like most Italian brands. However, the Nucleo is now available in wide. This good-looking hiking boot may be a premium pick for women who want a moderately light hiking boot with ankle support and high-end waterproofing and traction. This was another one of my go-to recommendations for women when I worked at Appalachian Outdoors.
Best Fit
runs small and narrow (size up), wides available
Best Match
day hiking, backpacking with light to moderate pack
Oboz Bridger Mid
Most Durable Hiking Boot for Women
Main Benefits:
The Oboz Bridger is a classic mid-weight hiking boot that's sturdy enough for backpacking yet comfortable enough for day hiking. It's a good choice for moderate to difficult hikes, thanks to its sturdy soles, nubuck leather uppers, protective toe cap, and deep lugs and heel brake for safer descents. The boots also boast Oboz's famous insoles, which add cushioning and almost orthotic support to Oboz's cushioned midsoles and strudy outsoles--that adds up to great protection and all day comfort. Finally, the Bridger is the most durable hiking boot that I've worn and could easily double the mileage of the average hiking boot. See below for a mix of bright, brown, or muted colorways for women.
Best Fit
standard sizing with wide sizes available
Best Match
moderate to difficult day hikes, backpacking
See available sizes, styles, and color options for women:
Salomon Quest 4
Best Backpacking Boot for Women
Main Benefits:
For years, outdoor magazines and gear review sites have recognized the Salomon Quest as the best overall hiking boot for backpackers. The Quest is built on a chassis that feels like a trail running shoe, but it matches the stability, support, and durability of much heavier boots. That’s a killer combination for backpackers, trail crews, or off trail hikers. This award-winning boot also features waterproof-breathable GORE-TEX, a smart locking shoelace system, and excellent traction on snow, mud, and steep trails. This is more boot than the average day hiker needs—and the price is steep (but fair). But, if you’re looking for an athletic backpacking boot, the Salomon Quest 4D is one of the best hiking boots for women.
Best Fit
standard fit
Best Match
backpacking or hard, off-trail hiking
See available sizes, styles, and color options for women:
the best women's hiking boot for you
The best women's hiking boot for YOU is the one that best fits your feet and best matches your hikes. That's why this post offers fitting tips and narrows your choices down by weight class—to help you find your best fit and your best match.
My recommendations are based on my outdoor industry experience, where I'm an outdoor gear expert for Backcountry and the former footwear manager at Appalachian Outdoors. I'm not a woman myself. However, I've put these these hiking boots on hundreds of women's feet and also have specialized brand knowledge and footwear training to make sound recommendations for the best women's hiking boots.
With luck, you may have found your new favorite hiking boot?! If this post helped you pick out your next pair, please consider purchasing them through the affiliate links above. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). These commissions fund this site (and compensate me for the hundreds of unpaid hours I spent creating free content to help you buy the best footwear for you.) If this site hooked you up, please consider hooking me up, too. Thanks, I appreciate it!
