The Best Hiking Boots for Women in 2025

Hitting the path in consolation begins from the bottom up, and we’ve been testing the very best mountain climbing boots for ladies for years to deliver you our favorites.

Since 2021, our testers have been on the hunt for the very best boots for each kind of mountain climbing. Whether or not you want the perfect footwear for backpacking, mild and quick adventures, technical terrain, or all the pieces in between, we have now the highest mountain climbing boots to get you thru.  When you’re looking for prime efficiency, try our general alternative, the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX. Or, for a extra wallet-friendly choice, the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is stellar.

Our lead testers, Miya Tsudome and Chris Kassar logged a whole lot of miles in dozens of mountain climbing boots for ladies from the Rocky Mountains to the hills of Virginia and the japanese slopes of the Sierra Nevada. We wore them on multiday backpacking journeys, fast native jaunts, and around-town errands in situations starting from dry to muddy to evaluate them for match, breathability, stability, supplies, and extra. Discover the one which works greatest for you, step into your subsequent mountain climbing boot, and hit the path.

Editor’s Be aware: We up to date this text on March 15, 2025, by including the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX, our best choice for day hikes of any size.

The Finest Mountain climbing Boots for Ladies in 2025

Ladies’s Mountain climbing Boots Comparability Chart

How We Examined the Finest Ladies’s Mountain climbing Boots

Our Skilled Testers

Our GearJunkie crew has examined dozens of mountain climbing boots (since Might 2021) and whittled them right down to a listing of the very best to assist make your decision-making course of a streamlined affair.

A gear tester for six+ years and an avid rock climber and hiker, our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, lives in Bishop, Calif., within the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain vary. Proper outdoors her entrance door are infinite trails from rocky desert slopes to aspen-lined switchbacks, the place she logged many miles within the boots she examined. Senior Editor Chris Kassar, an avid hiker and mountain climber, contributes to this information by testing mountain climbing boots within the rugged Teton backcountry.

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton, one other contributor to this information, is a lifelong hiker from Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, a passionate summiteer of the Centennial State’s 14,000-foot peaks, an adventurous backpacker, and a world trekker.

Our Testing Course of

Our remaining checklist of really helpful girls’s mountain climbing boots is the mixed results of thorough firsthand expertise throughout the globe and varied situations. Utilizing a wide range of metrics, from efficiency, high quality, sturdiness, match, consolation, safety, ergonomics, distinctive options, and worth — we have been capable of come to goal conclusions about every boot’s strengths and weaknesses.

Our testers hiked at the very least 3 miles in every mannequin, with and with out weight on their backs, over various terrain to greatest imitate real-life purposes. We added three new boots to this most up-to-date replace and are repeatedly looking out for brand spanking new boots that could possibly be worthy of our subsequent spherical. 

The highest picks additionally consider the preferred, timeless, extremely rated, modern, and well-acclaimed merchandise. In the end, these mountain climbing boots and footwear serve a spread of athletes, environments, goal objectives, and budgets. When you’re searching for mountain climbing footwear, try our information to Finest Mountain climbing Sneakers for Ladies, or if you happen to’re searching for winter-focused choices, seek the advice of our information to the Finest Winter Mountain climbing Boots.

Purchaser’s Information: Easy methods to Select the Finest Mountain climbing Boots for Ladies

Right here we concentrate on the very best mountain climbing boots for ladies. We now have a separate information if you happen to’re searching for males’s mountain climbing boots or mountain climbing footwear.

Match

The primary purpose to purchase a girls ‘s-specific mountain climbing boot is the match. Most ladies have narrower heels than males, and many ladies have smaller and narrower toes than males.

It’s additionally widespread for ladies to have the next arch. Ladies’s particular mountain climbing footwear and boots are all constructed on a final that considers what’s particular about girls’s toes.

However as with something, one measurement doesn’t essentially match all. In case you have a wider foot, a bigger foot, or a broader heel, a unisex or males’s boot could be a more sensible choice. There are additionally a number of boots amongst our picks on this information that supply a large model of the design, such because the Nucleo Excessive II GTX, the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, and the Columbia Newton Ridge mountain climbing boots. 

Boot sizes should not common. The size, width, and quantity range throughout every model. There are additionally wider and narrower toebox choices. That’s why you would possibly discover some boots to be notably streamlined or roomy in comparison with others.

In the end, it’s extraordinarily useful to go to a neighborhood retailer to get your toes professionally measured and to attempt on at the very least one boot mannequin per model to get an thought of the scale that works for you in addition to the general compatibility of the final together with your foot form and wishes.

Match is a very powerful consideration when shopping for a boot. Whereas all mountain climbing boots break in to some extent — it’s all the time sensible to put on them round your own home or round city earlier than hitting the path all day — a boot ought to really feel comfy within the store. The Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX boots and the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX have been extremely comfy proper out of the field.
Plus, your heel mustn’t slip up and down. If it does, select one other boot — otherwise you’re sure to finish up with blisters. Likewise, your toes mustn’t really feel smushed or graze on the e prime finish of the toebox. In any other case, you would possibly find yourself with toe bang, particularly after a descent and whereas sporting a heavy pack.

Be aware your socks. Take your most-used mountain climbing hosiery with you to attempt in your mountain climbing boots whether or not that’s a minimal, well-cushioned, light-weight, mid-weight, or heavyweight mountain climbing sock. To that finish, be sure you’re selecting the greatest mountain climbing sock for the journey you intend to take and in keeping with the season. We usually like merino or merino blends for a very good steadiness of breathability and safety in opposition to chilly whereas additionally serving to to combat odors, particularly for back-to-back days.

Mountain climbing Boot vs. Mountain climbing Shoe

Usually, mountain climbing boots are extra built-out in comparison with mountain climbing footwear. They provide extra rigidity, traction, and safety from the outsole and tread and across the higher. Typically, mountain climbing boots have extra materials across the ankle however the peak can vary from low-cut to mid to excessive. Some mountain climbing boot uppers are full-grain leather-based whereas others are a hybrid of leather-based and nylon mesh or nylon mesh and plastic overlays for reinforcement.

Usually a mountain climbing shoe is low-cut, and the shoe is much less inflexible, providing extra consolation for cross-over use. The higher is often fabricated from artificial supplies (versus leather-based) and is breathable. The tread and outsole are extra reasonable in comparison with a built-out boot.

Additionally, there’s been a surge of mountain climbing boot designs which can be running-shoe impressed, such because the Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX, the Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX, or the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX, providing a extra versatile higher with a extra rugged sole — it’s the very best of each worlds with a mountain climbing boot and shoe mix.

Mountain climbing boots are an amazing choice if you happen to plan to hold extra weight in your again, journey massive miles, or enterprise by rocky or variable terrain the place you want the safety and help of a built-out boot. If you’re more likely to journey by a spread of climate situations, akin to snow and rain, or creek crossings, a boot can function a robust protect.

The extra rugged boots in our lineup embody the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX and the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Mountain climbing Boots It additionally comes down to non-public desire and if you happen to really feel extra comfy and guarded in a boot versus a mountain climbing shoe.

Mountain climbing footwear are a good selection if you happen to get pleasure from mountain climbing quick once you’ll need extra aeration and light-weight so that you may not want as a lot help. Some hikers go for a mountain climbing shoe as a result of they like the minimal, close-to-ground really feel — even with weight in a pack.

Others go for a mountain climbing shoe as a result of it may be a very good versatile crossover for path working or on a regular basis walks, for example. Usually, mountain climbing footwear additionally dry out quicker and pack down effectively, so they could be a good selection for airplane journey or to make use of together with a mountain climbing sandal, particularly in sizzling, humid environments.

On the finish of the day, some hikers would possibly choose a narrower, athletic, precise-fitting mountain climbing shoe for extra freedom of motion versus a bulkier, sturdier, and higher-tread boot.

Since mountain climbing footwear don’t provide fairly as a lot help as boots — notably across the ankle — it’s vital to coach up the muscle groups round your toes earlier than setting off on any lengthy mountain climbing journey with footwear.

Mountain climbing Boot Top: Low, Mid, or Excessive

Mountain climbing boot peak is a matter of private desire and is influenced by the terrain you’ll be wandering in. The next-reaching boot is created by a taller collar or cuff, which is often padded, and a few are extra inflexible than others.

• Low-cut: Ankle bone is uncovered, biggest vary of movement
• Mid-cut: Cuff rises above the ankle bone, gives ankle bone safety from abrasion, a hybrid of stability and mobility
• Excessive-cut: Cuff rises a couple of inches above the ankle bone, the sturdiest design

The next boot collar will provide extra ankle help, akin to safety when traversing unfastened rock or safety in opposition to abrasive vegetation. The upper profile the boot, the higher it might do at retaining particles or moisture out. And most of the people will advocate a tall boot if you happen to’re backpacking a heavy load.

The tradeoff is {that a} higher-cut boot received’t be as versatile. This is probably not ultimate if you happen to’re scrambling on rocks beside the path and also you want extra ankle articulation, or if it’s good to crouch right down to are inclined to kiddos or pets. Increased ankle help additionally usually holds in additional warmth with much less airflow across the ankles. Taller socks shall be extra comfy with the next cuff.

For mountain climbing in technical terrain, we advocate the Salewa Alp Coach 2 Mid GTX, and for top-notch, locked-in ankle safety, go for one thing just like the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hikng Boots. Not everybody wants a number of ankle help, so don’t be afraid to experiment with extra versatile choices if you happen to’re uncertain.

Additionally among the many over-the-ankle heights, we preferred the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX greatest for day hikes and the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Ladies’s Broad greatest for backpacking. Although loads of thru-hikers additionally put on mountain climbing footwear on their Appalachian Path or Pacific Crest Path quests.

Our prime decide for a light-weight but sturdy mountain climbing boot with ankle safety is the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX. We additionally love the Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX for light-weight backpacking adventures with their trail-runner-type really feel. 

Breathability

Mountain climbing boots, being extra built-out and usually extra water resistant than mountain climbing footwear, can range of their breathability. Usually, if this is a vital consideration for you, we might advocate you go along with a mountain climbing shoe with breathable mesh higher supplies. However that’s to not say that a number of the mountain climbing boots in our lineup aren’t breathable as effectively.

Whereas mountain climbing boots like our prime decide, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX, include an artificial mesh higher for enhanced breathability, it’s also made with GORE-TEX waterproof materials, which is the very best in the marketplace at retaining your toes dry.

Our testers discovered that boots made with GORE-TEX, just like the Rush Mid GTX, the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX, the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX, or the Teva Grandview, are all the time going to sacrifice breathability to some extent. Whereas an artificial mesh higher does assist, boots which can be the very best at retaining water out received’t evaluate to mild path runners with skinny membranes which can be assured to maintain your toes cooler in the long term. 

Our testers discovered that the Lone Peak All-Climate Mid boots, nevertheless, did surprisingly effectively at retaining our toes from getting that swampy feeling that tends to occur with waterproof boots. The eVent higher materials of those trail-runners-turned-hiking-boots saved our toes from overheating within the peak of the summer season whereas additionally having nice waterproofing capabilities, making them a good selection for these searching for a extra breathable mountain climbing boot. 

Along with boot peak, a boot or shoe’s stability is dependent upon what’s underfoot, how the boot is structured within the heel, and what stabilizers and reinforcements have been constructed into the boot higher.

Outsole (Tread)

The underside of the mountain climbing boot or shoe is the outsole, or tread, which contacts the bottom. It’s fabricated from rubber. Every pair has its personal lug sample, which gives various levels of traction in several path situations and terrain.

• Shallower lugs: Good for pavement, filth, grass, crushed gravel, fallen leaves, pretty flat (simple to reasonable steepness)
• Reasonable lugs: Finest for looser terrain akin to mud, gravel, scree (reasonable or higher steepness)
• Deep lugs: Supreme for probably the most supple surfaces like mud, snow, unfastened rock, combined terrain, usually on mountaineering or backpacking boots (greatest for steep slopes)
• Wider-spaced lugs: Enhance friction for an enhanced grip, akin to on rock, and extra simply discard particles like mud
• Angled (versus spherical) lugs: Formed like a V, these lugs present much more chunk than spherical lugs (good for steep hikes)

The heel, additionally referred to as the heel brake, is the place a shelf at the back of the boot, beneath the heel of the foot, helps present traction, too.

Midsole

The midsole is the layer of supplies between the outsole (the outermost a part of the boot) and the higher (the fabric that wraps across the prime of your foot). The midsole influences general consolation by cushion and shock absorption. It additionally provides buffer in opposition to no matter you stroll over together with rocks or roots.

In some instances, hikers choose much less cushion and extra stiffness or a closer-to-ground really feel, particularly if the terrain is tremendous uneven or rocky. This is because of the truth that an excessive amount of cushion can result in a bowling ball feeling the place your toes aren’t as steady.

Midsole supplies break down over time. Take note of when that midsole begins to crumble or crack, which implies the help you want is gone, and it’s time for brand spanking new mountain climbing footwear.

The supplies are usually EVA, which is plush and light-weight, or polyurethane, which is extra dense. EVA tends to interrupt down quicker and prices much less.

Higher Supplies

The higher is the realm that covers the highest of the foot and attaches to the supplies beneath the foot together with the midsole and outsole. The supplies that comprise the higher a part of the boot or shoe vary from inflexible to mushy.

A full-grain leather-based (additionally plainly known as leather-based) is stout, sturdy, and weather- and water resistant. Nubuck leather-based as discovered on the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX resembles suede and is full-grain leather-based that has been buffed. These boots are extra conventional in type and require extra break-in time (nubuck leather-based can really feel a tad extra versatile). In addition they don’t present as a lot breathability as different supplies.

Uppers will also be a mix of artificial supplies, together with mesh and plastic overlays that present reinforcement and stability akin to on our prime decide, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX. Artificial uppers usually are a mix of nylon and polyester, however artificial leather-based is an choice.

They break in simpler, are extra malleable, provide extra breathability, and dry rapidly once they get damp or moist. Nevertheless, they don’t usually final so long as full-grain leather-based and might tear or put on holes a lot quicker. That’s seen within the value, as they don’t usually price as a lot.

Hybrid uppers (often known as split-grain leather-based) like on the Teva Grandview GORE-TEX can function each leather-based and artificial supplies, so that you get extra breathability and stability. These designs nonetheless aren’t as sturdy as full-grain leather-based boots.

Waterproof Higher

Love getting after it within the spring when snowmelt is speeding off the mountains? Dwell within the soggy PNW? Hate switching to sandals once you’re backpacking? Contemplate going waterproof. Plenty of choices on this information stood as much as creek crossings galore, just like the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX, the e Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof and the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX.

It’s additionally vital in your general well being and security to think about if you happen to want waterproof safety. When your toes are moist or damp for prolonged durations of time, particularly if they’re additionally preventing chilly (however above-freezing temperatures), your toes might be prone to trench foot, which may result in sensations akin to persistent itching, prickliness, or different extreme signs. That’ll do greater than finish a visit.

Contemplate selecting a boot made with GORE-TEX supplies to make sure the very best waterproofing, like discovered on the Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX’s.

So contemplate the local weather and topography the place you’ll be mountain climbing and what time of yr you wish to hike. Examine in with different backpackers or hikers which have skilled that local weather or path, or name a neighborhood outside retailer to ask if waterproof boots are really helpful for that goal.

When you’ll be sporting this boot when it’s wet, snowy, chilly, or in variable situations, we usually advocate choosing a water-resistant boot. It is going to maintain moisture out, which is able to maintain your toes dry, protected and cozy no matter what number of miles you’re ticking off.

Alternatively, if you happen to’re mountain climbing primarily or completely in sizzling, dry situations, a water-resistant boot will seemingly be stifling and trigger your toes to perspire extra, particularly on summer season days. A membrane-free and treatment-free boot will maintain your toes cool and dry simply high-quality.

Some mountain climbing boots have an built-in waterproof/breathable membrane, like GORE-TEX, eVent, Texapore Ecosphere, and no topical therapy. Different footwear is (or might be) handled with a water-resistant therapy product for waterproofness. When you do go along with waterproof, make sure you learn the product’s directions about any required waterproof therapy software or repairs.

Arch Assist

Arch help is one thing that’s extremely individualized. Mountain climbing boots can range broadly with how supportive their arches are, and if you happen to undergo from any specific ache in your toes, hips, or knees from mountain climbing we all the time advocate shopping for some third-party insoles to higher help your toes. 

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has a zonal arch and heel help made for people with excessive arches. These footwear have been made with help in thoughts, and since our arches help a lot of our physique weight whereas strolling or mountain climbing, we admire that Merrell incorporates this into its design.

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mid Leather-based GTX has stable help and is contoured to suit a girl’s foot, making it probably the most comfy footwear in our lineup. “Ladies’s foot” virtually all the time means a slender foot with a extra curved inside and better arch. After all, girls’s toes might be wider with low arches as effectively, however some boots, just like the Extremely Raptor II, purpose to supply help and luxury for the prototypical feminine foot.

The Altra Lone Peak boots function a zero-drop design, which implies that there isn’t any peak change between the heel and forefoot. This lack of help is meant to encourage extra pure foot motion and construct foot power, however it’s not for everybody and might take a while to get used to. 

Ultimately, arch help is a really private function, and can change from foot to foot! The great factor is you can take away the insoles of any boot and add in your personal to make them work greatest for you if obligatory. 

Including Insoles to Your Boots

Most mountain climbing boot insoles are fabricated from primary foam supplies which simply flatten out over time and add little safety or arch help. If you recognize you have got a sure arch kind, undergo from plantar fasciitis, or typically expertise knee or hip ache after logging some miles, then you definitely would possibly profit significantly from including some insoles to your mountain climbing boots. Not solely will this improve consolation, however it will probably additionally assist to forestall accidents and enhance joint perform and stability. 

We advocate taking your mountain climbing boots to a retailer the place you may attempt on various kinds of insoles so you discover the very best match in your foot and your boot. Mountain climbing boots are usually high-volume footwear, to allow them to accommodate a wide range of insoles and arch sizes, however you received’t know for positive till you attempt them out for your self.

Worth & Worth

Mountain climbing boots can vary in value from anyplace between $100 to virtually $300. The boots in our assessment fall principally inside the center of that vary, supplying you with a wide range of choices so yow will discover one thing that works greatest in your wants.

Funds

Whereas $100 isn’t precisely a “price range” value, on this planet of mountain climbing boots, the place you need to have efficiency, high quality, and luxury multi functional package deal, it’s the start line for a worthy boot. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus ($100) is a superb choice that’s waterproof and cozy with a lightweight midsole and leather-based higher, excellent for the informal to intermediate hiker. Whereas these footwear will do the trick for many informal hikers, by spending much less money, you’ll be sacrificing options like GORE-TEX waterproof expertise, Vibram outsoles, or taller ankle safety. 

Mid-Tier

Mid-tier costs for mountain climbing boots usually fall anyplace between $100 and $200. At these value factors, you’ll discover high-quality boots such because the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof ($150) and Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 ($180). The Altra’s are a brilliant light-weight boot that appears like a nimble path runner however with ankle help. And the Moab 3 Boots are our budget-friendly alternative. Whereas they aren’t the lowest-priced choice on this information, they strike the right steadiness between efficiency and sturdiness, making them a superb worth.

It’s arduous to strike a steadiness between light-weight and luxury, however by spending a bit extra money, yow will discover a boot like these that do a superb job at offering each. Nevertheless, probably the most premium qualities are reserved for boots of a fair greater pricetag.

Premium

The best high quality boots will finally fall within the $200-$300 vary and can in all probability be reserved for the extra critical and discerning hiker. Our prime decide, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX, is an effective instance of this and even falls on the much less spendy finish of the vary at $219. Additionally designed as a nimble, light-weight shoe, this GORE-TEX-protected boot pairs weatherproofing with breathable mesh, so your toes don’t ever really feel too sizzling. Further care is taken to design a TPU body that limits the quantity of torsion out of your heel, and these boots are general a improbable alternative that’s effectively price their price.

The La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Boots ($239) are the costliest boot in our lineup attributable to their very tall, over-the-ankle design, nubuck leather-based, and GORE-TEX safety. When you want a critically supportive and sturdy mountain climbing boot, you’ll usually spend on this value vary in change for a shoe made with extra and higher supplies. However to be trustworthy, footwear in our mid-tier class will cowl the bases for many hikers.

Continuously Requested Questions