The Best Hiking Boots for Women in 2025

From steep climbs to scenic strolls, one of the best climbing boots preserve you transferring with confidence and ease. Fortunate for you, we’ve been testing one of the best climbing boots for ladies for years to deliver you our favorites.

Since 2021, we logged lots of of miles throughout the rugged terrain of Torres del Paine, the steeps of the Tetons, the gentler hills of Virginia, and the whole lot in between to check over 45 completely different pairs of climbing boots for ladies. We wore them on multiday backpacking journeys, fast native jaunts, and epic full-day peak climbs in diversified circumstances to study every boot’s strengths and weaknesses. For every pair of trainers, we assessed sturdiness, traction, consolation, breathability, and extra to deliver you an in depth information positive that will help you discover one of the best boots in your subsequent journey.

We selected the light-weight Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX as our prime decide on account of its good stability of efficiency and luxury. If you’d like a extra relaxed, wallet-friendly choice, the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is stellar. Whether or not you want perfect footwear for backpacking, mild and quick adventures, technical terrain, or day hikes, we now have the highest ladies’s climbing boots to get you out on the path with confidence.

Editor’s Notice: We up to date our Mountaineering Footwear for Girls Purchaser’s Information on June 12, 2025, by altering our decide for finest general with the newly award Salomon X Extremely 5, including the high-performance On Cloudrock Mid WP and the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak 9 Mid, taking a deeper have a look at the versatile Salomon Quest 4, and together with match data for every boot based mostly on additional testing.

Different Girls’s Mountaineering Boots Constructed to Tick off the Miles

Girls’s Mountaineering Boots Comparability Chart

How We Examined the Greatest Girls’s Mountaineering Boots

Our Professional Testers

Our GearJunkie crew has examined dozens of climbing boots (since Might 2021) and whittled them all the way down to an inventory of one of the best to assist make your decision-making course of a streamlined affair.

A gear tester for six+ years, our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, lives in Bishop, Calif. Proper outdoors her entrance door are limitless trails from rocky desert slopes to aspen-lined switchbacks. She logged many miles within the boots she examined. Editor Chris Kassar, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and hiker extraordinaire Pam LeBlanc, took over this information in 2025. They examined boots in Patagonia, Texas, the Colorado Rockies, and the rugged Teton backcountry.

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton additionally contributed to this information. She’s a lifelong hiker from Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, an adventurous backpacker, and a global trekker.

Our Testing Course of

Our closing checklist of ladies’s climbing boots is the mixed results of firsthand expertise throughout the globe and numerous circumstances. Utilizing quite a lot of metrics, from efficiency, high quality, sturdiness, match, consolation, safety, ergonomics, distinctive options, and worth — we had been capable of come to goal conclusions about every boot’s strengths and weaknesses.

Our testers took every mannequin on numerous hikes. We hiked with and with out weight on our backs, over various terrain to finest imitate real-life purposes. We regularly take a look at new boots to find out in the event that they’re worthy of including to this information.

The highest picks additionally consider the preferred, timeless, extremely rated, progressive, and well-acclaimed merchandise. In the end, these climbing boots serve a spread of athletes, environments, goal objectives, and budgets. When you’re in search of completely different choices take a look at our information to Greatest Mountaineering Footwear for Girls. Or, for winter-focused choices, seek the advice of our information to the Greatest Winter Mountaineering Boots.

Purchaser’s Information: Select the Greatest Mountaineering Boots for Girls

Right here we give attention to one of the best climbing boots for ladies. Now we have a separate information should you’re in search of males’s climbing boots.

Match

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

It’s additionally widespread for ladies to have the next arch. Girls’s particular climbing boots are all constructed on a final that considers what’s particular about ladies’s ft.

However as with something, one measurement doesn’t essentially match all. If in case you have a wider or bigger foot, a unisex or males’s boot is perhaps a better option. A number of boots we examined, together with the Nucleo Excessive II GTX and the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof provide a large model.

Boot sizes aren’t common. The size, width, and quantity differ throughout every model. There are additionally wider and narrower toe field choices. That’s why you may discover some boots to be significantly streamlined or roomy in comparison with others.

In the end, it’s extraordinarily useful to go to a neighborhood retailer to get your ft professionally measured. We additionally advocate attempting on at the very least one boot per model to determine the dimensions that works for you. This additionally helps decide the general compatibility of the final together with your foot form and desires.

Match is a very powerful consideration when shopping for a boot. Whereas all climbing boots break in to a point — it’s at all times sensible to put on them round your 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 had 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 certain to finish up with blisters. Likewise, your toes mustn’t really feel smushed or graze on the prime finish of the toe field. In any other case, you may find yourself with toe bang, particularly after a descent and whereas carrying a heavy pack.

Notice your socks. Take your most-used climbing hosiery with you to attempt in your climbing boots. To that finish, be sure to’re selecting the finest climbing socks in your wants. We typically like merino or merino blends for stability of breathability and safety towards chilly whereas additionally serving to to struggle odors, particularly for back-to-back days.

Why Mountaineering Boots?

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

A climbing shoe is often low-cut and fewer inflexible, providing extra consolation for cross-over use. The higher is often product of artificial supplies (versus leather-based) and is breathable. The tread and outsole are extra average in comparison with a built-out boot.

Additionally, there’s been a surge of climbing boot designs which are running-inspired. Examples embody the Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX, the Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX, or the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX. They provide a extra versatile higher with a extra rugged sole. These provide one of the best of each worlds by mixing the traits of a boot with a sneaker.

Mountaineering boots are an ideal choice should you plan to hold extra weight, journey massive miles, or enterprise by way of rocky or variable terrain. In case you are more likely to journey by way of a spread of climate circumstances, akin to snow and rain, or creek crossings, a boot can function a robust protect.

The extra rugged boots in our lineup embody the The North Face Offtrail LT Mid, La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX and the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Mountaineering Boots It additionally comes down to private choice and should you really feel extra comfy and guarded in a boot.

A decrease, lighter choice is an efficient selection should you take pleasure in climbing quick. You’ll need extra aeration and may not want as a lot help. Some hikers choose want a minimal, close-to-ground really feel — even with weight in a pack.

Mountaineering Boot Peak: Low, Mid, or Excessive

Mountaineering boot peak is a matter of private choice and is influenced by the terrain you’ll be wandering in. A better-reaching boot is created by way of 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, presents 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

A better boot collar will provide extra ankle help, akin to safety when traversing unfastened rock or safety towards abrasive vegetation. The upper profile the boot, the higher it could do at conserving particles or moisture out. And most of the people will advocate a tall boot should you’re backpacking a heavy load.

The tradeoff is {that a} higher-cut boot gained’t be as versatile. This is probably not perfect should you’re scrambling on rocks beside the path and also you want extra ankle articulation, or if you could crouch all the way down to are inclined to kiddos or pets. Larger ankle help additionally typically holds in additional warmth with much less airflow across the ankles. Taller socks will likely be extra comfy with the next cuff.

For 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 plenty of ankle help, so don’t be afraid to experiment with extra versatile choices should you’re uncertain.

Additionally among the many over-the-ankle heights, we preferred the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX finest for day hikes and the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Girls’s Huge finest for backpacking. Although loads of thru-hikers additionally put on decrease lower fashions on their Appalachian Path or Pacific Crest Path quests.

Our prime decide for a light-weight but sturdy climbing boot with ankle safety is the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX. We additionally love the Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX for light-weight backpacking adventures with their trail-runner-type really feel. 

Breathability

Waterproof climbing boots differ of their breathability. Usually, if this is a vital consideration for you, we’d advocate you go together with a sneaker or a lighter decrease choice with breathable mesh higher supplies. However that’s to not say that among the climbing boots in our lineup aren’t breathable as effectively.

Whereas 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 one of the best available on the market at conserving your ft 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, are at all times going to sacrifice breathability to some extent. Whereas an artificial mesh higher does assist, boots which are one of the best at conserving water out gained’t examine to mild path runners with skinny membranes which are assured to maintain your ft cooler in the long term. 

Our testers discovered that the On Cloudrock Mid WP boots, nevertheless, did surprisingly effectively at conserving our ft from getting that swampy feeling that tends to occur with waterproof boots. They stored our ft from overheating within the peak of the summer time whereas additionally having nice waterproofing capabilities, making them a good selection for these in search of a extra breathable climbing boot. 

Along with boot peak, stability is determined by 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 climbing boot is the outsole, or tread, which contacts the bottom. It’s product of rubber. Every pair has its personal lug sample, which gives various levels of traction in numerous path circumstances and terrain.

• Shallower lugs: Good for pavement, filth, grass, crushed gravel, fallen leaves, pretty flat (simple to average steepness)
• Reasonable lugs: Greatest for looser terrain akin to mud, gravel, scree (average or higher steepness)
• Deep lugs: Ultimate for essentially the most supple surfaces like mud, snow, unfastened rock, combined terrain, usually on mountaineering or backpacking boots (finest 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 known as the heel brake, is the place a shelf at the back of the boot, beneath the heel of the foot, helps present traction.

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 way of cushion and shock absorption. It additionally provides buffer towards no matter you stroll over together with rocks or roots.

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

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

The supplies are usually EVA, which is plush and light-weight, or polyurethane, which is extra dense. EVA tends to interrupt down sooner 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 ranges from inflexible to delicate.

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 model 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 may 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 typically 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 shortly once they get damp or moist. Nonetheless, they don’t usually final so long as full-grain leather-based and might tear or put on holes a lot sooner. That’s seen within the value, as they don’t usually price as a lot.

Hybrid uppers (also referred to as split-grain leather-based) like on the SCARPA Rush 2 Professional Mid GTX 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 dashing off the mountains? Dwell within the soggy PNW? Hate switching to sandals whenever you’re backpacking? Take into account going waterproof. Plenty of choices on this information stood as much as creek crossings galore, just like the SCARPA Rush 2 Professional Mid GTX, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, and the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX.

It’s additionally necessary in your general well being and security to contemplate should you want waterproof safety. When your ft are moist or damp for prolonged intervals of time, particularly if they’re additionally preventing chilly (however above-freezing temperatures), your ft will be susceptible 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.

Take into account selecting a boot made with GORE-TEX supplies to make sure one of the best waterproofing, such because the The North Face Offtrail LT Mid GORE-TEX and the Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX.

So contemplate the local weather and topography the place you’ll be climbing and what time of yr you prefer to hike. Examine-in with different backpackers or hikers who’ve skilled that local weather or path, or name a neighborhood out of doors retailer to ask if waterproof boots are really useful for that goal.

When you’ll be carrying this boot when it’s wet, snowy, chilly, or in variable circumstances, we typically advocate choosing a water-proof boot. It should preserve moisture out, conserving your ft dry, protected, and comfy no matter what number of miles you’re ticking off.

Alternatively, should you’re climbing primarily or solely in scorching, dry circumstances, a water-proof boot will doubtless be stifling and trigger your ft to perspire extra, particularly on summer time days. A membrane-free and treatment-free boot will preserve your ft cool and dry simply wonderful.

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

Arch Assist

Arch help is one thing that’s extremely individualized. Mountaineering boots can differ broadly with how supportive their arches are, and should you undergo from any explicit ache in your ft, hips, or knees from climbing we at all times advocate shopping for some third-party insoles to raised help your ft. 

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has zonal arch and heel help for folks with excessive arches. They had been made with help in thoughts, and since our arches help a lot of our physique weight whereas strolling or 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 lady’s foot, making it one of the comfy in our lineup. “Girls’s foot” nearly at all times means a slim foot with a extra curved internal and better arch. In fact, ladies’s ft will be wider with low arches as effectively, however some boots, just like the Extremely Raptor II, goal to supply help and luxury for the prototypical feminine foot.

The Altra Lone Peak boots function a zero-drop design, which signifies 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 which you could take away the insoles of any boot and add in your personal to make them work finest for you if vital. 

Including Insoles to Your Boots

Most climbing boot insoles are product of fundamental foam supplies which simply flatten out over time and add little safety or arch help. If you realize you have got a sure arch sort, undergo from plantar fasciitis, or typically expertise knee or hip ache after logging some miles, then you definitely may profit vastly from including some insoles to your climbing boots. Not solely will this improve consolation, however it may possibly additionally assist to stop accidents and enhance joint operate and stability. 

We advocate taking your climbing boots to a retailer the place you’ll be able to attempt on several types of insoles so you discover one of the best match in your foot and your boot. Mountaineering boots are usually high-volume, to allow them to accommodate quite a lot of insoles and arch sizes, however you gained’t know for positive till you attempt them out for your self.

Worth & Worth

Mountaineering boots can vary in value from anyplace between $100 to nearly $300. The boots in our overview fall principally inside the center of that vary, providing you with quite a lot of choices so you will discover one thing that works finest in your wants.

Funds

Whereas $150 is just not precisely a “price range” value, on the planet of climbing boots, the place you wish to have efficiency, high quality, and luxury multi function bundle, it’s the start line for boots we examined. The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof ($150) is a cushty, weather-resistant choice good for the informal to intermediate hiker. They strike the right stability between efficiency and sturdiness, making them a superb worth.

Mid-Tier

Mid-tier costs for climbing boots usually ring in above $150. At these value factors, you’ll discover high-quality boots together with our prime general decide, the Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX ($185). and our msot versatile choice, the SCARPA Rush 2 Professional Mid GTX ($189). Designed as a nimble, light-weight choice, this GORE-TEX-protected boot pairs weatherproofing with breathable mesh, so your ft don’t ever really feel too scorching. Additional care is taken to design a TPU body that limits the quantity of torsion out of your heel, and these boots are general a incredible selection that’s effectively price their price.

It’s onerous to strike a stability between light-weight and luxury, however by spending a bit more cash, you will discover a boot like these that do a superb job at offering each. Nonetheless, essentially the most premium qualities are reserved for boots of an excellent increased price ticket.

Premium

The very best high quality boots will in the end fall within the $200-$300 vary and can in all probability be reserved for the extra critical and discerning hiker. Nonetheless, the truth that SCARPA made its new Rush 2 Professional fall beneath $200 is a large exception to this rule.

The La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Boots ($239) are the most costly boot in our lineup on account of their very tall, over-the-ankle design, nubuck leather-based, and GORE-TEX safety. The North Face Offtrail LT Mid GORE-TEX ($200) falls in the identical class; they’ll final ceaselessly so long as you don’t thoughts a little bit of added bulk. When you want a critically supportive and sturdy climbing boot, you’ll usually spend on this value vary in change for one made with extra and higher supplies. However to be sincere, most selections in our mid-tier class will cowl the bases for almost all of hikers.

Incessantly Requested Questions