13 best hiking boots for women 2023 UK: ladies walking boots from Keen, Columbia, Jack Wolfskin
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There’s a huge range of choice on the market when shopping for walking boots, and the biggest decision is whether to go for leather or fabric boots.
Leather or fabric boots?
Leather is naturally waterproof but can be stiff and heavy, and takes a while to break in and mould comfortably to your feet. Fabric boots tend to be lighter and can feel more like wearing comfortable trainers straight out of the box, but are less durable and less warm than leather.
Leather is best for winter and mountain walks, while fabric is ideal for travelling and hiking in spring and summer. If you can afford to, it’s a good idea to own a pair of each.
Best women’s hiking boots at a glance
- Best all-rounder: Keen Targhee III Waterproof Boot
- Best for foul weather: Muck Boot Apex Lace-Up Boot
- Best for summer hiking: Columbia Peakfreak X2 Mid Outdry Boot
- Best for wider feet and bunions: Aku Trekker Lt III Gore-Tex Boot
- Best for quality: Hanwag Blueridge Lady ES Boot
- Best for comfort: Tundra Women's walking boot
- Best for style: Palladium Pampa Travel Lite + Boot
- Best for trekking: Jack Wolfskin Rebellion Texapore Mid
- Best leather boot: Meindl Kansas GTX Boot women's
- Best for cushioning: Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex
- Best budget boot: Vasque Breeze LT Boot
- Best vegan boot: Lowa Trek Evo Mid GTX Boot
What else should I look for in a women’s hiking boot?
Your boots must be waterproof (for wet weather) and breathable (for warm temperatures). Look for boots with built-in waterproofing technology such as Gore-Tex and with thick, bouncy soles with deep lugs (the indentations that help give good grip) – we always rate Vibram-branded soles on test.
Good boots should include a breathable membrane to wick away sweat and keep your feet from overheating.
Check that your new boots feel comfortable when tightly laced, with plenty of wiggle room for toes and without too much room to move your heel. If the boots have a high ankle, your ankle should feel nicely supported without any rubbing.
Wider feet? Look for boots that specify a wide fit, especially if you have bunions. Expect to pay around the £150 mark for a great pair of boots, although we’ve also included great options for tighter budgets.
Look after your new boots well and you’ll get many seasons of wear out of them.
Get kitted out for all of your camping adventures
We have detailed guides to the best hiking backpacks here, and the best backpacking tents for your adventures here. Want to steady your stride? These are the best walking poles for hiking.
Keep it comfy with the best camping folding chairs, and sleep on the best air beds around, as listed here. And keep things illuminated with a great camping head torch.
After waterproof trousers? These are the best women’s ones, or stay cosy with an excellent women’s fleece.
Love to go off the beaten track? Keen’s Targhee III could be your new best friend. This high-performing leather hiking boot is warm, waterproof and instantly comfortable.
We loved the high, supportive and well-padded ankle, which doesn’t let rain in, the protective toe box and the thick soles, which offer great grip even on slippery surfaces.
The Targhees aren’t heavy, but they’re less breathable than some fabric boots, so they’re best kept for cooler weather. Take them outdoors from autumn to spring and they’ll do you proud.
Waterproof wellingtons meet sturdy hiking boots in Muck Boot’s Apex Lace-Up Boots. They’re ready to wade through mud and water thanks to fully waterproofed rubber outers, and are ideal for use in cold weather because they’re lined with neoprene, which keeps feet snug and traps in body heat.
The lace-up front and close-fitting neoprene ankle give a great fit that doesn’t let rain get at your socks.
Ideal for shorter hikes in wet weather, rainy dog walks and working outdoors in the winter.
