We tested three products and found the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Women’s Hiking Boots to be the best investment for serious hikers.
As experienced female hikers ourselves, we know the importance of a good hiking boot. We also know how stressful it can be to pick the most suitable option out of the hundreds of women’s hiking boots available.
The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Boots are a great option for day hikers, overnighters, and backpackers who need a lightweight boot with excellent traction and support for mid-to-long mileage hikes.
Keep reading to view some other excellent hiking boot options for your next trail adventure.
The 3 Best Hiking Boots for Women
Even with the Salomon X Ultra ranking as our top pick for women’s hiking boots, there are various options on the market for your hiking needs. Check out our favorite three below.
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GORE-TEX Women’s Hiking Boots – Best Overall
The best overall women’s hiking boot is easily the Salomon X Ultra 2 Mid GTX. It combines incredible traction and sturdy construction that is perfect for experienced hikers and outdoorswomen.
This hiking boot is designed to handle a range of terrains but is especially good for rugged terrain due to its tread pattern. Many wearers report that the boot is also suited for colder temperatures on the shoulder seasons.
100% Synthetic.
Imported.
Rubber sole.
Shaft measures approximately Mid top from arch.
Waterproof Hiking Boots: Whether you are hitting the trails or looking for a solid work shoe, these extra durable, waterproof, mid height hiking boots are designed for women and offer maximum traction on all terrains.
A Better Way Down: Designed with Descent Control Technology, the X Ultra 3 GORE-TEX mid height hiking shoe efficiently tackles technical hikes and really shines during tough descents, even in wet conditions.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking – Best Economy Boots
Columbia is known for its quality materials and construction. This boot is an affordable option that stylish hikers of all experience levels will find helpful. It is suited for cold weather and moderate hiking – they are designed with women who do some trekking every day in mind.
The Newton Ridge Plus is waterproof and has a good traction sole so that you can use it in a variety of terrains. It’s also focused on comfort and durability, another feature that allows you to use it daily. Comfort is achieved not only through the shape and soft lining, but these boots are also more lightweight than others.
Imported.
Rubber sole.
Shaft measures approximately ankle-high from arch.
Platform measures approximately 1.0 inches inches inches.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot features our lightweight, durable midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return as well as an advanced traction rubber sole for slip-free movement on rough ground.
HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this boot’s waterproof full-grain leather and mesh bootie construction and its durable mesh tongue for breathability.
ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot features a lace-up closure for an adjustable, secure fit.
KEEN Women’s Targhee II MID Waterproof Hiking Boots – Best Leather Boots
The best leather hiking boots we’ve found are the Keen Women’s Targhee II MID Waterproof boots.
These boots are the toughest, sturdiest leather hiking boots made of 100 percent leather with an all-terrain rubber outsole. As a bonus, the leather on these boots is treated with a PFC-free water repellant, which means guaranteed dry feet without all of the added chemicals. Rugged and challenging terrain will also not be a problem with the quality traction on the bottom and the non-slip laces.
This leather hiking boot runs about a ½ size small. However, they have excellent arch and ankle support which help prevent your legs, knees, and feet from fatiguing on long journeys.
Like most leather products, these boots do come with a little required upkeep to maintain the leather’s appearance in the form of common leather cleaners and conditioners. This boot comes in eight enjoyable color options for hikers looking for a bit of pizazz in their outdoor footwear.
A small note:
These boots were actually a very close contender for the title of best hiking boots for women overall. Probably even tied. We understand that us fangirling Salomon’s shoes and boots may bias us a bit. The Keen boots are really great boots! We just had to put that in here… 🙂
100% Leather.
Imported.
Rubber sole.
Shaft measures approximately ankle-high from arch.
Boot opening measures approximately 5″ around.
WATERPROOF: The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water in; All leather is treated with a PFC-free water repellant so you get the same protection without the chemicals.
TRACTION: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces; Non-marking rubber outsoles leaves no trace or imprints when walking indoors.
Buying Guide
It is essential to follow some buying guidelines to ensure you end up with a proper hiking boot fit for your foot and the terrain you’ll be hiking on. However, it can be difficult for someone unfamiliar with buying hiking boots to know what to look for. Here’s what you should consider when purchasing hiking boots.
Consider Your Hiking Boot Needs
Before purchasing a new pair of hiking boots, it is crucial to consider what kind of hiking you plan to do and the amount you want to spend. It is easy to spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy pair of hiking boots, but if you are new to hiking or maybe just looking to hike casually, an expensive, top-of-the-line pair of boots might not be necessary.
Think about what you’ll be carrying with you while you hike as well. Will you have a heavy-duty backpack full of camping equipment, or are you just bringing a water bottle and a spare pair of socks? The heavier you plan to pack, the sturdier your hiking boot will need to be.
Look for Quality Materials
As a general rule, it is vital to find a boot in your price range that is also constructed with high-quality materials that will hold up on the trail. After all, a good pair of hiking boots is an investment. Look for waterproof materials, comfortable insoles, sturdy midsoles for shock absorption, and thick outsoles with good tread.
A high-quality hiking boot will not only last longer but will provide you with the proper support and stability needed to navigate the trails.
Find the Right Fit
Because you’ll be standing, walking, climbing, and maybe even jumping around in your hiking boots for long distances and in all types of weather, you want to find a comfortable hiking boot. After all, no one wants to do a 12-mile hike with feet covered in blisters!
The fit should be right as well. As some boots are narrower or stiffer than others, you’ll want to test a few options and sizes before committing to a pair. When trying on hiking boots, make sure to try them on while wearing a thick pair of hiking socks. You will want the boot to fit snugly but be able to wiggle your toes slightly.
To account for swelling, we recommend trying boots on in the evening when your feet are swollen from a day’s worth of walking.
Review the Terrain
It is also imperative that you consider the type of terrain you plan to hike and the style of hiker you are.
If you are a day-hiker who logs low miles on mostly flat terrain, you’re not going to need as much foot or traction support as a backpacker hiking over rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it is always best to prepare for the worst-case scenario on your hike and select a pair of hiking boots that can handle whatever comes.
The type of terrain you hike on will also affect the cut of hiking boots you choose. For example, easy trails with flat terrain will benefit from a low-cut boot, while a challenging route with rocky slopes and inclines will need the support a high-cut boot provides.
Conclusion
There are many hiking boots for women on the market to choose from. Still, ultimately, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Women’s Hiking Boot is the best overall choice for affordability, construction, and durability.
We hope this guide will help you narrow down the options and purchase the best pair for your next outdoor adventure.
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