Without question, a solid pair of boots are a hiker’s most essential piece of gear. Having the right pair can make a world of difference. It can be the difference between gritted teeth and bloody feet, and snuggly toes and a happy hiker! When it comes to hiking, never accept a low-quality shoe; it may save you money, but it’ll cost you in the form of health, sanity, or foot aches in the long run! Once you have a boot picked out, make sure it’s a good fit. The heel should feel snug and your toes should have enough room in the front to wiggle around!
When selecting a boot, it is extremely important to consider what type of hiking you’ll be doing. Not all shoes are created equal! Mountaineering, hiking, and backpacking boots were all created for different purposes. Understanding the terrain and activity type you’ll encounter on your trip is a crucial first step to finding the best boot for you!
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Types Of Women’s Hiking Boots
- Mountaineering boots are heavier with stiff soles. These are designed to accommodate heavy loads and to support you as you traverse glaciers, snow, and ice. Mountaineering boots are designed with extreme conditions in mind and are usually heavily insulated. This also adds to their weight.
- Backpacking boots are made with heavy loads in mind and often worn when carrying on longer backpacking trips in the backcountry. They are suitable for on and off trail, super supportive, and feature stiffer midsoles.
- Hiking boots are perfect for day hikes or weekend-long backpacking excursions with light loads. They are relatively light, but still durable.
Boots For Different Terrain
Now that you’ve picked your boot type, let’s look at what type of terrain you’ll encounter and the load weight you’re expecting to carry. For example, a pair of heavy boots designed for off trail hiking would be awful for a weekend backpacker with a light load that sticks to trails.
- Trail: Low-cut or midcut boots are your best bet if the road you’re planning on taking if well-maintained and your pack is light. Boots for trail hiking may not be waterproof, so make sure you reinforce them with a waterproof sock, like a Gore-Tex one, or spray them with a waterproof spray found at a sporting goods store.
- Rough trail: Best for light backpacking or more aggressive day hiking, ankle-high boots come made for a variety of purposes. Some have waterproof liners and others are more porous and designed to ventilate your feet in a dry desert environment. The think plastic midsoles of these boots give enough foot protection against rocky trails and allow good flex for the balls of your feet.
- Off trail: Boots will a full-grain leather, above-ankle support, and a rigid sole are best for an off trail experience. Boots with these qualities are able to survive heavy pack and difficult terrain. While they take a while to break in, an experienced hiker will pummel the soles into softness. These are waterproof and offer incredibly durability.
- Mountaineering: Insulated full-grain leather boots are perfect for mountaineering. They provide excellent traction and support well above the ankle for backing on mountainous terrain. If you opt for these, make sure you break them in before attempting a high mile trek! These come with gnarly blisters!
Weight Of The Boots Are Important
Hiking boots are offered in lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight versions. Again, there are different weights for different uses. Remember, because added ounces on your feet really take their toll on your energy, opt for the lightest shoe that will still fit your needs!
- Lightweight: Ranging from 1 to 3 pounds per pair, lightweight hiking boots feature a low to mid-cut height for ankle support. These are ideal for day hiking and backpacking with a lighter pack (typically under 20 pounds).
- Midweight: Ranging from 2 to 4 pounds per pair, midweight boots also cover the ankle and rise between 4 to 5 inches. These are intended for day hiking, backpacking with slight heavier loads (20 to 40 pounds), and traversing across rugged landscapes.
- Heavyweight: Included in the heavyweight category are mountaineering boots and all leather backpacking boots. Made to provide foot protection in alpine environments and designed to support backpacking loads of 40 to 50 pounds or heavier, heavyweight boots require a lot more time to break-in. they usually last longer though!
Other issues you should consider are comfort, durability, stability, weight, warmth, and water resistance of the boot you are looking at. If you plan to hike during the wet season, anticipate having to cross streams or encounter mud, choose a more water resistant boot. Traveling in the winter? Stock up on thick socks and a boot with built-in insulation to protect your feet from the outside environment. Hiking in the dry heat and worried about sweaty feet? Pick up a boot with good ventilation!
So without further ado, here are the:
Top Hiking Boots For Women
1. Northside Pioneer Hiking Boot
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Featuring a mid-cut cuff for ankle stability and a Speed Lacing System for secure fit and easy on-and-off, this boot is perfect for day hikes or weekend-long backpacking trips. Because of their intended use, the sole of this boot is not as thick as other boots. All in all, you get what you pay for with these boots.
2. Ahnu Women’s Montara Boot
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Designed for more intense hiking, these boots are also perfect to traverse a light snowfall in. They are insulated, breathable, and waterproof. Most hikers find these boots easy to break in and very comfortable while out in the elements. Providing excellent support on uneven terrain, these boots are sure to impress even the most seasoned hiker!
3. KEEN Women’s Targhee II Waterproof Hiking Boot
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These boots have excellent traction in wet and dry conations, and provide terrific arch support. They also feature eyelets at the top to keep your laces in place while hiking and are super comfortable! Boasting awesome ankle support, these boots will support you anywhere you go- literally! The soles are very thick and add height, so it may be more difficult to hike in. Keens are machine washable, making cleanup a breeze!
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