The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 - OutdoorGearLab
The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 - OutdoorGearLab
The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 - OutdoorGearLab
Men's Women's Footwear Camp/Hike Climb Bike Snow Fitness Travel Sign In
Looking for women's hiking boots? We can help. We evaluated the 40 most popul
models and subjected the 10 best to side-by-side tests over three months and
hundreds of miles. With so many options and bold marketing claims, it's not easy
determine which ones provide solid traction on slippery paths or are truly
comfortable mile after mile. Our lead testers designed tests and wore these hikers
tirelessly, from well-traveled trails of Yosemite Valley to cross-country through th
wilds of the Sierra Nevada backcountry, to create a comprehensive analysis of this
category. Trails, hikers, and climates are diverse, and so is this review. Whether
you're seeking a champion all-around boot, the best value, or a pair that will last y
years underfoot, we help you narrow down the options for your perfect fit.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 1/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
Rank #1 #2 #3 #4 #5
Product
HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - Vasque Monolith UltraDry - Ahnu Sugarpine
HI - Women's - Women's Women's Women's Read the Review
Read the Review Read the Review Read the Review Read the Review
Awards
Price $219.95 at Amazon $123.40 at Amazon $183.96 at Backcountry $90.96 at Backcountry $139.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 6 sellers Compare at 7 sellers Compare at 4 sellers Compare at 4 sellers Compare at 4 sellers
Star Rating
Pros Very comfortable, lots of cushion Well-padded, comfortable, good Comes in 11 di erent color Easy to break in, comfortable, Fashionable design, sti so
underfoot, good traction, water ankle support, very waterproof options! PU monowrap frame supportive underfoot, e ective good ankle support, water
resistant, lightweight, rockered construction, narrow and wide t water resistance, inexpensive, resistant, good value
sole to assist with even stride options, seamless Gore-Tex lining lightweight
Cons Expensive, oversized sole can Sizing runs big, exible and soft No arch support, expensive, bulky, Rubber on sole provided Minimal tread, do not carry
appear bulky sole doesn't provide support for heavy suboptimal traction, mesh very well
long hikes, extra padding in paneling could wear quickly
tongue feels bulky
Bottom Line The revolutionary design was These well-padded, easily broken Our award winner and Top Pick Our Best Value Award Winner These boots were our favo
de nitely a risk on the part of the in boots are top notch in water for Durability, these boots all- combines comfort, durability, and synthetic mid-height conte
manufacturers, but it proved to be resistance, making them a great leather construction provides support in an a ordable all they were not only comfor
a success, as the Hokas took the all-season boot. unbeatable protection and around boot. and durable on the trail, bu
cake for the most comfortable support reminiscent of a fashionable when worn aro
boots in our review. traditional leather hiking boot of town.
days past.
Ratings by Category HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra HI - Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX - Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - Vasque Monolith UltraDry - Ahnu Sugarpine
Women's Women's Women's Women's
Comfort - 25% 0 10 10 0 9 10 0 8 10 0 9 10 0 8
Support - 20% 0 9 10 0 8 10 0 9 10 0 8 10 0 8
Weight - 15% 0 9 10 0 8 10 0 5 10 0 8 10 0
Traction - 15% 0 8 10 0 7 10 0 8 10 0 7 10 0 7
Water Resistance -
0 8 10 0 9 10 0 9 10 0 8 10 0 7
15%
Durability - 10% 0 8 10 0 9 10 0 10 10 0 8 10 0 8
Specs HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra HI - Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX - Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - Vasque Monolith UltraDry - Ahnu Sugarpine
Women's Women's Women's Women's
Weight Per Pair 1.81 lbs. 1.63 lbs. 2.19 lbs. 1.63 lbs. 1.46 lbs.
Review by: Updated April 2017
Jane Jackson
Follow Us
To provide the latest and greatest models out there this Spring, we have updated this
Senior Review Editor
OutdoorGearLab
review with new award winners. HOKA ONE ONE won our top spot in its first
inclusion in this review category, while Lowa's all-leather construction provided
unbeatable durability. We are stoked to find that the market of hikers, as a whole, is
Last Updated: becoming more comfortable and lightweight every year. We also added charts and
Thursday Table of Contents
tables to highlight each model's performance in the test metrics. Best Overall Women's Hiking Boot - HO
April 6, 2017
ONE ONE Tor Ultra HI - Women's
Best Bang for the Buck - Vasque Monol
Share: UltraDry - Women's
Top Pick Award for Durability - Lowa
Best Overall Women's Hiking Boot Renegade GTX Mid - Women's
Analysis and Test Results
HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra HI - Women's Weight
Support
Traction
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 2/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
Traction
Comfort
Water Resistance and Breathability
$219.95 Durability
Conclusion
at Amazon
See It
See all prices (6 found)
Good traction
Water resistant
Lightweight
Rockered sole
$90.96
at Backcountry
See It
See all prices (4 found)
Supportive underfoot
Inexpensive
Lightweight
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 3/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
construction also breathes well while keeping water out. The moderate tread
pattern was grippy on unstable, slick granite boulders. The Monoliths felt light,
even after a full day of hiking. After numerous hikes around Yosemite Valley, these
became our go-to for all-day hikes and day-to-day walking on the valley floor.
$183.96
at Backcountry
See It
See all prices (4 found)
Very waterproof
Trailing close behind our 2017 Editors' Choice in our ratings is the Lowa
Renegade GTX Mid Women's, last year's returning champion. This is a great
boot that shines in its durable construction and waterproofness. The Renegades
are a throwback to hiking-specific boots of yesteryear when you could buy a pair of
leather boots and know they would last decades. In that way, these boots are
classic; burly, leather, and waterproof. They are lined with GORE-TEX and have a
waterproof coating on their Nubuck leather upper to keep your feet dry while
allowing them to breathe. Lowa has also done an amazing job making these boots
comfortable as well as durable. They break in quickly and will last you a long time.
We are excited about the lightweight, hybrid boots, but the Lowa Renegades are
a tried-and-true choice for a well-crafted, comfortable hiking boot.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - $230 Our award winner and Top Pick for Durability, these boots all-leather construction provides
81 Women's unbeatable protection and support reminiscent of a traditional leather hiking boot of days
past.
Vasque Monolith UltraDry - $130 Our Best Value Award Winner combines comfort, durability, and support in an a ordable
81 Women's all around boot.
Ahnu Sugarpine $140 These boots were our favorite synthetic mid-height contender; they were not only
79 comfortable and durable on the trail, but fashionable when worn around town.
Keen Targhee II Mid - $135 For a fairly inexpensive hiking boot, the Keen Targhee II are both durable and comfortable
79 Women's all day on the trail.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 4/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
Score Product Price Our Take
Ahnu Montara $165 These durable, all-leather boots are lightweight and stylish, making them one of our
78 favorite boots we tested this season.
Oboz Bridger Mid BDry - $170 The sti est boot in the eet this year, these boots are all leather and take time to break in;
77 Women's once broken in, they make a sturdy boot for any type of hiking.
Columbia Redmond Mid $100 The Columbia Redmond Mid is a great introductory hiking boot; its soft, exible forefoot
64 Waterproof - Women's and lightweight design make it a good boot for day hikes.
Merrell Capra Bolt Mid - $140 The Merrell Capra Bolt falls somewhere between a hiking boot and a running shoe with its
59 Women's lightweight, mesh construction and exible sole.
Weight
Hiking shoes will often be lighter than boots. The boots selected this year are
focused on being light, so the difference between the two categories is becoming
less and less significant. The top women's boots tested this year weigh between 1.7
and 2.2 pounds. While lighter footwear makes for more comfortable hiking, this
small weight difference is insignificant when considering the benefits and long-
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 5/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
term durability of hiking-specific boots.
We evaluated the weight of each pair on and off trail; weight reflected in the chart
above was measured by our reviewers to ensure accuracy. While some boots weigh
less than others, the lightest did not always feel the lightest on foot. Actual weight
is only one of many considerations when selecting a pair of boots. Weight also
encompasses how heavy the boots feel while hiking.
This year, most of the boots tested were lighter than previous years, reflecting a
trend toward lighter boot designs. The award-winning HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra
- Women beat the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Women's, in large part due to
their light feel, while still providing the support and comfort of a top hiking boot.
Similarly, the Vasque Monolith - Women and the Ahnu Sugarpine got high scores
in weight, each well under two pounds. That said, the sturdy Lowa Renegade
and the Oboz Bridger Mid - Women (our heaviest boots) each weigh around two
pounds per pair (size 7). That is only one pound per foot, giving these boots a light
feel, even with the added weight.
Support
Boot support is determined by sole stiffness, midsole construction, arch support,
and forefront flexibility. The height of the boot also lends support to the ankles
and feet — the higher the ankle shaft, the more stable and supported the ankles
will feel. This ankle height is the main difference between a hiking boot and a
hiking shoe in terms of support. For rugged trails where the ankle is prone to
rolling, boots with relatively high ankle heights are optimal.
Support
Ahnu Sugarpine 8
Ahnu Montara 8
Columbia Redmond… 5
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 6/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
Stability is synonymous with support while hiking. All of the women's boots
reviewed have stiff rubber soles incapable of bending the toe downward toward
the heel. This provides support on rugged terrain by limiting the contortion on
rocks and roots.
Boots like the Columbia Redmond Mid - Women and the Merrell Capra Bolt Mid -
Women have low ankle heights and offer less ankle support. Many hikers that have
used the HOKA feared ankle rolling because of the oversized sole, but the HOKA
ONE ONE Tor Ultra bypasses this issue by having ankle support. When we wore
the Tor Ultras, our feet felt stable on uneven terrain, despite the tall soles.
Midsoles are the layer between the outer sole and the insole. Boots often have
shanks and plates either above or beneath the midsole layers, adding support and
stability. The shanks serve as a barrier from impact on rugged surfaces. These
inner shanks create additional stiffness that the rubber soles cannot achieve on
their own. Hiking shoes do not need this stiffness, but rather offer flexibility that is
suitable for day hiking, so they do not have shanks. The overall construction of
boots is more durable and stable than hiking shoes.
Arch support varies by foot. Some women may find enough comfort in the original
insoles. Other women will need to customize by replacing the original insoles with
aftermarket insoles or orthotics. Depending on how flat or pronounced the arches
of your feet are, differing levels of support will be necessary. To avoid foot cramps
and discomfort, accurately support the arches of your feet.
The Oboz Bridger Mid BDry - Women has a stiff sole and offers support in this
way, but for some this might be too stiff to be comfortable in the long term. The
Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX - Women scores high in the support metric, because
they provide cushioned ankle support as well as a moderately stiff sole, making
them a happy medium between the ultra stiff OBoz and the lighter weight boots,
like the Ahnu models.
The Columbia Redmond Mid is one of the most exible boots we tested. With short ankle heights and a
exible sole the boots are best suited for day hiking.
Unlike hiking shoes that are flexible in the sole and forefoot, boots should only
offer flexibility in the forefoot. When you take a step, your feet bend upward,
creasing at your toes. This area of the boot should accommodate your stride. The
HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultras address this with their rockered sole design. The
oversized sole is turned up at the toe and in the heel. This propels you forward as
you walk and allows the foot to flex naturally because of the cushion.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 7/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
We rated the support of all 10 pairs of women's boots based on sole stiffness,
midsole construction, forefront flexibility, and ankle shaft support. We reviewed
them with and without backpacks up to 40 pounds.
A quality hiking boot will o er ankle support, arch support, and have sturdy,
beefy soles for varied terrain. A comfortable, well- tting pair will make your day
of hiking or backpacking more enjoyable.
Traction
Tread on the soles of footwear acts similarly to tread on a bike or car tire. The
pattern, spacing, and depth affects grippiness, stability, and handling. Tread
patterns that have spaced lugs in variable patterns manage dirt, sand, mud, and
snow by pushing them out from the bottom of the shoe. When these accumulate
on the bottom of shoes and boots, it is a result of poor tread design and depth (or
there is a better application). Semi-aggressive to aggressive tread patterns are
expected design features on the soles of boots.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 8/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
Traction
4 5 6 7 8
There are many di erent tread patterns and types of rubber used
for the soles of these boots. These factors dictate the way they
handle on talus, loose gravel, and steep terrain.
Comfort
Comfort is the most important consideration for boots. If you sense discomfort in
the fit, sizing, or performance of a pair of boots, you should consider other sizes,
models, or styles. Comfortable boots will be more enjoyable on trail. Comfort is a
rating that will vary individually, therefore we have rated each pair of boots based
on overall comfort while noting obvious uncomfortable design features. We kept
our focus on insole and lining padding, comfort in support, materials, and how our
feet felt after multiple miles on the trail.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 9/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
Comfort
The lacing system of the Bridger Mid locks midway for maximum adjustability between the foot and ankle.
A lot of this comes down to personal preference; some people find that stiffer soles
provide more comfort, while others prefer a flexible shoe. Adjustability in the
lacing system adds to the overall comfort. On a wide foot, for example, the Ahnu
Montara was uncomfortable, because the laces are not adjustable toward the toe
of the shoe/the widest part of the foot. The Lowa Renegade, on the other hand,
has a lacing system that is adjustable and can be tweaked to provide more support
in the ankle than the foot by the locking mechanism at the flexing part of the foot.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 10/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
Laces tied and feet secure for another trail day! We love the lightweight comfort
of this boot.
Water Resistance
Ahnu Montara 8
Ahnu Sugarpine 7
Columbia Redmond… 6
The higher ankle shaft heights withstood deeper water crossings, as did the thicker
soled boots, like the HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra. Mesh paneling on the
Vasque Monolith Women is treated with Vasque's own version of GORE-
TEX, called UltraDry. We found these boots to be water resistant, keeping water
out during creek crossings. The boots with the best waterproof qualities are the
Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX and all-leather boots, like the Lowa Renegade
GTX and the OBoz Bridger BDry.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 11/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
Leather models are heavier than mesh and synthetic uppers commonly found on
hiking shoes, offering less breathability. This is an important consideration for
mid-summer hiking in hot climates. If you intend to hike mostly in dry climates
and regions, a pair of boots that do not have a waterproof lining and have mesh on
the uppers may be the best option. Most of the models reviewed are offered in
waterproof (GTX) and non-waterproof models.
Once feet become wet, they are prone to blisters and hot spots. If you intend to
hike in a region that could get your feet wet, bring an extra pair of socks. Keeping
your feet dry is aided by choosing the best boots for your intended uses as well as
noticing when your feet become wet and attending to them. Consider waterproof
features as well as breathability.
Durability
In order to lose weight in materials and construction, there is also a loss in
durability. A full-leather boot will last longer than a synthetic leather and mesh
shoe. Yet, lightweight boots require little break-in period and are more
comfortable when trekking long distances (when compared to a clunky
heavyweight boot). All of these boots have a longer lifespan than a shoe, though
they will not last as long as a heavyweight option. We are pleased with the
durability of all of the models reviewed and believe they can last for a couple of
seasons or more when seeing regular use.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 12/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
Durability
Ahnu Montara 8
Ahnu Sugarpine 8
Columbia Redmond… 4
Though we tested these boots for three months, as opposed to years of use on trail,
we got a good idea of what boots would last longest without showing significant
wear. The boots with all-leather uppers tend to be more durable because they have
fewer seams — the first place to show weakness. The Merrell Capra Bolt Mid boots,
for example, are constructed entirely of mesh, and showed significant signs of
wear almost immediately out of the box. All leather boots, such as the Lowa
Renegade GTX, stand up to wear much better.
Trail work or outdoor labor, requires footwear to be sturdy, durable, and capable of handling dirt. The Keen
Targhee II Mid became our go-to boot for working long days building trails in Tuolumne Meadows. We wore
these boots day-in and day-out and they maintained their composure and support.
Conclusion
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 13/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
The quality of your boots will have a large effect on your ability to enjoy a hike of
any length. However, with many choices available, finding the right pair that suits
your type and level of activity can be a tricky task. We tested each model rigorously
in a variety of settings and uses in hopes of helping you come to an informed
choice. For additional tips on how to get the right boots for your feet, see our
Buying Advice article.
— Jane Jackson
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 14/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
How to Choose Hiking Boots for The Best Backpacking Tents of The Best Women's Backpacking
Women 2017 Pack Review
With so many options for hiking To find the best backpacking tent of 2017, What is the best women's backpack for
footwear, it can be a challenge to know we researched 65 models and took the top backpacking? Whether heading out into
what to look for. Hiking footwear should 15 on months worth of varying... the mountains for a weekend trip with...
match...
The Best Hiking Shoes for Women The Best Hiking Socks Review The Best Trail Running Shoes for
Review Women Review
Socks are a dime a dozen these days and
In need of a new pair of hiking shoes for In our comparison of 13 of the best
finding the best pair is daunting. We
2017 but don't know where to start? You women's trail running shoes, we ran over
carefully researched more than 50...
came to the right place. We've done... a range of terrain in all kinds of...
The Best Daypacks of 2017 The Best Hiking Pants for Women The Best Trekking Poles Review
Intimidated by the countless daypack With so many options, we researched Trekking Poles have come a long way. In
options? We hear you. That's why we more than 50 hiking pants, picking 7 just over a decade, they have gone from a
researched 65+ top models and bought models and testing them ourselves. This... seldom-seen item to near mandatory...
the best...
Home | Camping & Hiking | Climbing | Shoes & Boots | Men's Clothing | Women's Clothing | Bike | Snow | Fitness | Travel
Search | FAQ | Newsletter | RSS | Mobile | Terms | Privacy | Jobs | Contact Us | About Us
Follow Us
Did you know?
We buy all the products we review at OutdoorGearLab ourselves, at retail just like you, to help ensure complete
objectivity and independence in our ratings. We won't accept any free evaluation units from manufacturers. Read
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 15/16
2017-5-23 The Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2017 | OutdoorGearLab
more about our process to create the world's most carefully tested and objective outdoor gear reviews on our
About page.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots-womens 16/16