The 9 best women’s hiking boots you can buy in 2021: from waterproof to ones with extra ankle support

BEGINNER and expert hikers alike know the value of the best hiking boots for women – and how good it feels to discover your perfect pair.

Unlike your usual trainers or boots, they provide specific support and protection against the trials of mountains, hills and country paths.

Not only do they provide different benefits, but come in multiple styles

A good pair of women’s hiking and walking boots provides support around the ankle, preventing leg or feet injuries if you fall down, or stumble. This is particularly helpful in the hills and mountains, where crevices and bumps in the road can often appear from nowhere.

You’ll also want a pair that are waterproof, as there are fewer things more detrimental to your walk than soggy feet… Is there anything worse than unpredictable British weather getting your socks damp and smelly?

But most importantly, you’ll need a pair that fits well and are totally comfortable – preventing blisters, or the usual complaints about scrunched-up toes, and too-tight laces. Even the thought is enough to stop you and your hike in its tracks!

For those looking to commit to a pair of the best hiking boots for women, our guide will help you find the perfect match for you from what’s available to buy on the market right now.

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1. We tested: Storm Women’s Waterproof IsoGrip Boots

These boots are currently in the sale

Storm Women’s Waterproof IsoGrip Boots, £89.99 from Mountain Warehouse – buy here

These powerful walking boots definitely provide comfort, support and durability.

The IsoGrip sole provides stability on difficult terrain, whilst the EVA footbed helpfully supplies that extra reinforcement, while still retaining comfort and a good fit.

Designed for hiking, we can attest that these boots are both waterproof and breathable – so they’re perfect for trails, hikes and walks of all kind (especially in Britain!)

We tested them out and couldn’t believe how comfortable they were from the get-go.

We put them through their paces during several long walks in the height of the summer and depths of winter found them to be lightweight, supportive and they kept our feet dry.

They feel very sturdy and we have faith that these surely are a long-lasting pair which we’re pleased we stumbled across.

2. We tested: On Running Cloudrock Waterproof Speed-Hiking Boots

These hiking boots are available in five colourways

Cloudrock Waterproof Hiking Boots, £180 from On Running – buy here

These are the first pair of boots we’ve tested from On Running, and it’s safe to say we’re really impressed.

We tested them out over the winter months in deep mud and heavy rain, and our feet stayed both dry and warm.

They’re really comfortable to wear due to their unique offering of Zero Gravity cushioning, and the Missiongrip rubber soles provides solid traction.

They’re windproof, waterproof, breathable and ultra-lightweight – making them a pleasure to wear on long walks, even when in difficult weather conditions.

We’d recommend going up half a size (yes, they come in half sizes!), especially if you’re going to wear them with thick socks in colder, perhaps more British weather conditions.

3. We tested: Merrell MQM Flex 2 GORE-TEX

These hiking boots have a GORE-TEX membrane

Women’s MQM Flex 2 GORE-TEX, £120 from Merrell – buy here

If you’re after a shoe that you could wear both hiking, and trail running, then this option from Merrell could be the way forward for you.

We tested them out and found them to be lightweight, breathable, and supportive with excellent grip – which was ideal for more treacherous weather and climbing conditions.

They have a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, and a protective toe cap – as well as comforting air cushioning in the heel for handy shock absorption and stability.

We recommend using the Virtual Size Assistant on the Merrell website to find the right fit, as some users have found they needed to go down half a size.

These women’s hiking shoes are vegan, too – and come in a range of eye-catching, stylish colours.

4. Mountain Warehouse Adventurer Women’s Boots

These trusty boots come in at under £50

(AD) Mountain Warehouse Adventurer Women’s Boots, from £34.99 at Amazon – buy here

Who said you can’t get trusty, high-quality women’s hiking boots for a fraction of the usual price? Certainly not us.

For under £50, Amazon are selling these Adventurer Women’s Boots from Mountain Warehouse – a trusted walking brand – at a more affordable price.

These boots have a unique mesh lining, meaning they’re extra breathable and will keep your feet feeling (and smelling…) fresher, for longer.

The soles have deep lugs, or grooves, meaning they’ll keep you stable and provide a little extra security on your next walk, or hike.

Plus, they’re fully waterproof – so a pretty good, budget-friendly all-rounder.

5. Mammut Ducan High GORE-TEX Walking Boots

As every walking boot should be, these are ready for every challenge

Mammut Ducan High GORE-TEX Walking Boots, £179.99 from Sportshoes.com – buy here

These heavy-duty hiking boots are perfect for tackling mountains, and for longer, more treacherous treks.

This pair of boots is designed to conserve your energy and provide vertical support, thanks to a spring-steel sole in the midsole.

The sporty and agile style is ideal if perhaps you plan on going on excursions, or for walking for a few days at a time – and the GORE-TEX lining means it’s fully waterproof for when you get caught out in the rain (or a stream!).

It has a specially-designed Vibram sole meant to deliver improved protection in all terrains, and to allow for a flexible, more organic fit.

We love the sky-blue colour, and think they’re super unique and stylish option when it comes to women’s hiking boots.

6. Brasher Women’s Country Walker Boots

A stripped-back design makes these a good looking pair of boots

Brasher Women’s Country Walker Boot, from £93.50 on Amazon – buy here

These country-style walking boots for women look great, and do the job – while the leather outer remains completely waterproof.

You’ll be safe from puddles and streams, all the while the Vibram outsole delivers on a stable grip.

The comfortable PU footbed cushions each step, so they’re ideal for longer walks, or multi-day hiking trips and excursions.

They are flexible, comfortable, and the suede cuff is a stylish, unique touch on an all-round great boot.

7. Berghaus Women’s Supalite 2 GTX Boot

In winter colours and can protect you from the elements

Berghaus Women’s Supalite 2 GTX Boot, from £108.09 on Amazon – buy here

The quality of the materials involved in this boot’s construction is what separates it from the others.

The combination of a leather outer, waterproof GORE-TEX and memory foam detailing means it’s not only incredibly durable and great for all terrains, but comfortable as well.

And, well, the truth is in the name Supalite – and Berghaus claim these are one of the lightest weighing leather women’s hiking boots around.

Though they weigh in at under a kilo a pair, they don’t cut corners on durability, support or comfort – with squashy memory-foam in each boot collar.

Amazon claim they’re true to size, too – so best to order your usual size in other footwear for best results.

8. Adidas Terrex Pathmaker CW Shoes

A great-looking boot, from a great brand

Terrex Pathmaker CW Shoes, £140 from Adidas – buy here

These all-black, well-rated hiking and walking boots from footwear-giant Adidas are definitely the coolest option on this list.

What’s more is you can personalise them, too – making them a one-of-a-kind gift for a friend… or yourself!

These boots from Adidas are made for hiking and long walks, with in-built breathable insulation to keep feet cosy and free from moisture – even in the coldest conditions.

Its fully sealed, textured rubber outsole provides secure footing, even on icy ground, and its insole is cushioned for that extra spring in your step.

Maximum comfort from a reliable brand is what we’re looking for in a hiking boot.

9. Cotton Traders Waterproof Walking Boots

Fully waterproof, yet doesn’t scrimp on style

Waterproof Walking Boots, £50 from Cotton Traders – buy here

At £50, these boots from renowned brand Cotton Traders are affordable, while still being fantastic.

They’re fully waterproof, and will help keep ankles and calves free from ache with its fully cushioned ankle support collar.

They’re also lightweight, so no need to heave around when on long walks and trails, and the insole is supportive, yet soft and springy.

They come in an array of colours, too – including pink – but we love this pine green colour.

Are Timberland boots good for hiking?

Sadly, your average brown Timberland boots are more for style and comfort, rather than for hiking.

While most Timberlands are sturdy and waterproof, they’re often not flexible enough to be worn while climbing, or on long treks through trails and rocky crevices.

While they’ll do you a solid on short, steady walks – we wouldn’t recommend your average Timberlands for hiking as you need a cushioned sole, a fully waterproof sealant, and some good ankle support.

Saying that, Timberland claims some of its range is suitable for hiking and has released a handy guide if you did want to invest in a pair.

How to clean hiking boots?

Before you start any walk or hike, we recommend giving your boots or shoes a spray for that extra security and protection against moisture and dirt. We’ve found this multi-purpose spray on Amazon for under £3.

Next, once you’ve completed your walk, try and dislodge any dirt in the grooves on the soles by walking through wet grass or dipping and swishing your sole in a puddle.

Next, at home, using a stiff-bristled brush and clean warm water (a clean toothbrush will do!) brush away any caked on dirt or grime – and be sure to remove the laces, as dirt gets stuck in the hoops and crevices. You could even chuck your laces in the washing machine, too.

Stuff your boots with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture, and let them dry naturally – then, reapply shoe spray. Voila!

How to take care of hiking boots?

As mentioned above, your best best is to clean regularly and apply shoe protection spray.

You could even invest in a brush, depending on the type of material your boot is (this horsehair brush from Amazon should do the trick) – as well as a spray or wax to keep them primed and buffed between wears.

We would recommend keeping them in the box, to stop any dust from settling in the cracks and keeping them feeling fresh and new.

How to wear in hiking boots?

Even the best boots, with the best fit, need to be broken in to make sure they’re offering the most comfort and support.

We recommend wearing an insole and some thick socks (or two pairs!) with your boots around the house.

Go on some short walks around the block in them, and gradually up the distance – but don’t rush yourself!

Make sure that your laces aren’t too tight, and the tongue is straight for extra comfort, but be sure to treat any pain points straight away to prevent sore spots from developing into blisters.

How snug should hiking boots be?

A hiking boot should be snug, but not uncomfortable, painful, or too tight.

Your feet should be able to flex in them, while not shunting around with too much room.

Sometimes, a boot can feel too tight as laces are tied too tightly, or the tongue has slightly shifted.

Climbing experts state that you should be able to get one finger between your heel and back of the boot – and no more, or no less.

Enjoyed our round-up of the best hiking boots for women? You might like to check out our guide to the best walking leggings you can buy in 2021.

Don’t know the first thing about hiking? Check out our guide on what to take hiking.

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This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.