10 Best Hiking Boots for Women in 2021

Shopping for new hiking boots can get pretty stressful and overwhelming. There are so many options, and it can become confusing when diving into the different technical bits of the shoe. I would say the most important part of shopping for a hiking boot is finding the right fit for you. Comfort is everything. There’s really nothing worse than being 5 miles into a trip only to find out that the boot is extremely uncomfortable.

Start out by reading my guide on: how to pick the right kind of hiking boot for you.

These are what I believe to be the 10 best hiking boots for women in 2021:

Quick Recommendations:

Best overall versatile boot: Oboz Sawtooth (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

Best boot for wide feet: Keen Targhee (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

Best boot for narrow feet: Salomon X- Ultra (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon) & Vasque Breeze (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

Best boot for carrying heavy loads: Lowa Renegade (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon), Vasque Breeze (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon) & Oboz Bridger (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

Best budget-friendly boot: Colombia Newton Ridge (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon) & Merrell Moab (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

Best lightweight boot: Altra Lone Peak (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon) & Salomon OUTline (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

Best boot for out-of-the-box comfort: Merrell Moab 2 (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

1. Oboz Sawtooth II Mid BDry

Price: $155.00

Weight per pair: 1 lb. 15 oz.

Waterproof: Yes, BDry

Sizing: Standard fit, True to size, Wide available

Overall: Best all-around hiking boot

Comments: The Oboz Sawtooth is my all-around favorite boot, not to mention they have some of the best built-in support I’ve ever felt in a boot. Made in Bozeman, Montana, these boots are stiff enough to provide durability, built well enough to handle your 3-day backpacking trip or your day hike around the lake, and provide enough comfort to push you to do those extra few miles. You can plan on having these boots for a long time.

2. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

Price: $240.00

Weight per pair: 2 lbs. 2 oz.

Waterproof: Yes, Goretex 

Sizing: Standard fit, True to size, Wide and Narrow available

Overall: Best shoe for carrying heavy loads

Comments: The Lowa Renegade is the best boot for longer hikes and backpacking as it’s built to handle rough terrain. These boots offer maximum stability and support and are one of the most durable boots I have ever tried on. While they are a little heavier than others, the renegade will protect your feet from any rough terrain, are durable enough to last many miles, and offer ankle support that’s necessary when backpacking! 

3. Salomon X-Ultra 4 Mid GTX

Price: $165.00

Weight per pair: 1 lb. 11.2 oz.

Waterproof: Yes, Goretex

Sizing: Narrow to Standard fit, True to size, Wide sizes available

Overall: Best shoe for narrow feet

Comments: The Salomon X-Ultra has been made to contour women’s feet. When I put these shoes on, I feel extremely secure and my ankle/heel is locked into place for maximum support and comfortability. This makes these shoes feel like the cross between a trail runner and a hiker which is really what Salomon wanted to accomplish with these boots. You receive the lightweight feel of a runner but the support and durability of a hiker. These shoes are extremely comfortable and keep my feet from feeling tired.

4. Keen Targhee III Mid

Price: $150.00

Weight per pair: 1 lb. 12.4 oz.

Waterproof: Yes, KEEN.DRY

Sizing: Standard to Wide fit, True to size, Wide sizes available

Overall: Best shoe for wide feet

Comments: The Keen Targhee boot is a special boot as they are comfortable enough to wear right out of the box – no break-in period needed. These boots are perfect for those that need a little bit more room, especially in the toe box. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and have a secure fit. 

5. Altra Lone Peak Hiker

Price: $140.00

Weight per pair: 9.9 oz

Waterproof: Yes, Goretex, non-waterproof available

Sizing: Standard fit, True to size

Overall: Best lightweight shoe

Comments: I still can’t get over how much I love these Altra Lone Peak Hikers. These boots are the Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes built to be a hiker. I have had many people express their difficulty finding supportive lightweight hiking boots so they often just opt for a trail runner but now we have a shoe that resembles both. These boots are insanely lightweight, flexible, comfortable and they offer great ankle support. We can’t forget the amazing room in the toe box that Altra provides. While these shoes are amazing, they won’t last as long as a super stiff, durable hiking boot but the comfort of these Lone Peaks are worth it. 

6. Colombia Newton Ridge Plus WP Leather

Price: $80.00

Weight per pair: 9.9 oz

Waterproof: Yes

Sizing: Standard fit, True to size

Overall: Best lightweight shoe

Comments: The Colombia Newton Ridge was my first ever hiking boot. At only $80, it fit my high school budget and I figured one day I could save enough to upgrade. But then this boot ended up last me years, including my 2-week trek through the Himalayas, so, I actually ended up getting another pair. I use this boot on a lot of my day hikes and it helps that it actually has a feminine and simple look to it. I absolutely love this boot!

7. Merrell Moab 2 Mid

Price: $135.00

Weight per pair: 2 pounds

Waterproof: Yes, non-waterproof available

Sizing: Standard fit, True to size, Wide available

Overall: Best soft shoe

Comments: The Merrell Moab is a favorite among many people and it helps that they come at a more affordable price. They provide out-of-box comfort that gets people coming back every time. I love their ventilated version (non-waterproof) for a breathable, lightweight option for the summer. These boots are super comfortable and dependable and I understand why so many people stay true to the Moab!

8. Oboz Bridger Mid BDry

Price: $180.00

Weight per pair: 2 lbs. 0.4 oz.

Waterproof: Yes, BDry

Sizing: Standard fit, True to size, Wide available

Overall: Best backpacking shoe

Comments: I can’t express how much I love Oboz, so, two of their shoes ended up on this list. These Oboz Bridgers are insanely comfortable with great built-in support (amazing for my flat feet). They are a little bit more heavy-duty and durable and provide more protection than the similar Oboz Sawtooth. They are built to take on rough terrain and help provide support when carrying heavy loads. These boots are amazing for longer day hikes and backpacking!

9. Salomon Outline

Price: $150.00

Weight per pair: 1 lb. 8.6 oz.

Waterproof: Yes, Goretex

Sizing: Narrow to Standard fit, True to size, Wide available

Overall: Best lightweight shoe

Comments: Another amazing lightweight shoe, the Salomon OUTline. This shoe will be great for all your day hikes with its deep lugs for amazing traction and lots of flexibility to keep your foot from getting tired. They have the feeling of a trail runner but with a bit of extra stiffness to protect your feet. 

10. Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX

Price: $190.00

Weight per pair: 2 lbs. 4 oz.

Waterproof: Yes, Goretex

Sizing: Narrow to Standard fit, True to size, Wide available

Overall: Best narrow fit backpacking boot

Comments: The Vasque Breeze really delivers when it comes to stability, durability, and reliability. They have a snug, supportive fit that molds to your foot and will definitely protect your ankles and feet when walking long distances or through rough terrain. If ankle support is your main priority, these are boots for you. 

Other Boots Worth Mentioning:

Another great boot for wide feet and backpacking: Keen Durand 2 Mid WP (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

Great arch support and lightweight: Oboz Sapphire Mid BDry (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

Good quality, comfortable, and stylish: Danner Women’s Explorer 650 (Shop on Amazon)

Great narrow supportive hikers: Salomon X-Ultra 3 Mid GTX (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon) & La Sportiva Saber GTX (Shop on Amazon)

Lightweight version backpacking boots: Vasque Breeze LT GTX (Shop on REI | Shop on Amazon)

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