A great pair of walking boots will get you outdoors in any weather. While you can get away with wearing trainers for a stroll in the park, more exciting, hilly terrain (or just walking through mud or in rain) calls for a proper pair of walking boots.
They’ll keep you warm and dry, support your ankles and give you a decent grip underfoot. It’s worth investing in a quality pair that fit well, and they’ll last years if you look after them. Here are the best hiking boots, tested and rated.
At a glance
Best overall:
Lowa Renegade EVO GTX
£220 at LowaBest leather boots:
Vasque St Elias
From £152.17 at AmazonBest fabric boots:
Aku Ultra Light Original GTX
From 140 at AkuBest summer boots:
Keen Terradora II Waterproof
From £62.50 at KeenBest for technical terrain:
Scarpa Mescalito TRK Pro GTX
£228 at Trekitt
Why you should trust me
I’m a seasoned adventure travel writer and gear-tester, and I’ve been putting outdoor kit through its paces for more than a decade. I’ve hiked thousands of miles in more than 100 different pairs of boots, and worn them everywhere from the summit of Mount Kenya to my favourite local trails in Cornwall and the Cotswolds. I’ve also just finished working on two UK walking guides – a great excuse to put my boots on and go exploring.
How I tested
The only way to determine if a hiking boot is up to scratch is to put in the miles, and the boots I’ve recommended came along for a good walk in the wild. I wore each pair on at least 10 miles of trails, ranging from Lake District fells and the South West Coast Path to wild-camping walks on Dartmoor. I’ve been able to test some boots over several months – I’ve walked more than 200 miles in my favourite Lowa Renegades, for example, so I know they’re built to last.
My first criteria when picking a hiking boot is waterproofing, so I made sure each boot was stomped through puddles and squished through mud (including an interesting detour into a Lake District bog). I also look for boots that fit like a glove (or should that be sock?), with a snug-fitting ankle, a bouncy sole and a comfy inner sole, so my feet feel cushioned over long distances.
The boots called in to test for this article will be donated to the Julian Trust Night Shelter in Bristol, which gives outdoor kit to homeless people.
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The best women’s walking boots in 2025
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Best overall:
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX
My favourite hiking boot for women is one I’ve tested over a few years and many miles: this is the model I recommend to those hoping to invest in a comfy boot that can tackle most terrain. And after comparing them with the other great models I tested, I’m still convinced they’re the best all-rounder. Lowa’s Renegades pack in Gore-Tex waterproofing and Vibram soles but still feel easy to wear – and they need no breaking in.
Why we love them
I’ve owned a pair of Renegades for a few years, so I’ve really been able to put them through their paces. They’re surprisingly lightweight for such sturdy-looking boots and are warm enough to deal with milder British winters but breathable enough to use in summer. These boots can be laced up snugly and feel light and springy underfoot, which makes them a treat to wear even on long walking days.
Lowa uses a female-specific last (the foot-shaped tool used to craft shoes), but the Renegades fit on the narrow side; if you have wide feet or bunions they may feel too restrictive. There’s also a “warm” version with an insulated lining you could swap to for bitter winter weather.
It’s a shame that … they won’t suit wide feet.
Suitable for: day hikes on varied terrain
Material: leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: 2.5-10
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Best leather boot:
Vasque St Elias
The St Elias is an eye-catcher straight out of the box: made with gorgeous chestnut-hued leather, it looks rather like a retro hiking boot. Vasque keeps it bang up to date, though, by using the two technologies I always find are a winning combo: Gore-Tex waterproofing and Vibram soles.
Why we love them
While testing them out on various terrains, I found they stood out from the crowd for grip – there are deep, clover-shaped lugs (the pattern on an outsole) that give good control even on mud and wet rock. These were among the grippiest boots on test – if you’re headed off the beaten track and on to rough or icy ground, these will keep you hiking confidently.
They also didn’t need much breaking in – a big plus for leather boots. The cut of the ankle is great, too: it fits snugly around your socks to stop rain from getting in and keeps your ankle supported as you move. These boots are waterproof and warm but aren’t super-breathable, so I’d swap them for something lighter in the summer.
It’s a shame that … they’re not breathable enough for summer use.
Suitable for: autumn and winter walks on challenging ground
Material: leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: 6-12
From £152.17 at Amazon
£39.99 at SportsShoes
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Best fabric boot:
Aku Ultra Light Original GTX
The Italian-designed Ultra Light – based on an Aku boot that’s been going strong for 40 years – is my pick of the pack if you’re after non-leather boots. This design is full of all the lovely stuff I’d expect from a boot with a higher price tag: deep-lugged Vibram soles, Gore-Tex waterproofing and a breathable suede and fabric upper.
Why we love them
The Ultra Light is here for your ankles – a good lacing system ties up snugly and the tops of the boots are lined with cooling mesh. If you tend to sprain or roll your ankles on tough ground, the Ultra Light is perfect for protecting them. The grip is reassuring and there’s a solid rubber toe to further protect your feet.
That snug fit and good grip, married with a light weight, make the Ultra Lights ideal for fast-paced adventures and all-day hiking in warmer conditions. These boots are breathable, so no more sweaty socks on summer hikes. There isn’t enough warmth for subzero temperatures, though: they’re best worn from spring to autumn.
It’s a shame that … they can be worn for only three seasons.
Suitable for: summer adventures and hiking trips abroad
Material: suede
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: 3-9
From £140 at Aku
£163.95 at Absolute Snow
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Best summer boot:
Keen Terradora II Waterproof
The Terradora IIs feel as light and breathable to wear as your favourite pair of trainers; if warm-weather comfort is top of your wishlist, these lightweight boots are ideal. They’re highly breathable and keep feet cool in hot weather, but don’t offer much warmth or protection in cooler months.
Why we love them
There’s much to like here for lovers of breezy summer hiking. I found the Terradora IIs rated highly for comfort and wicked away sweat well on mild days. Anti-odour insoles are effective at reducing, if not eliminating, sweaty smells after long days of walking, making these boots a good choice for taking on your next walking holiday abroad.
Multiple cheerful colourways also make the Terradora IIs stand out in a sea of boring brown and grey hiking footwear, and they’re good value for money. If you already own a warm leather hiking boot, this would be a great shoe to swap to in summer.
It’s a shame that … there’s limited warmth and the grip is best suited to easy-going terrain.
Suitable for: warm-weather hiking holidays
Material: fabric
Waterproofing: Keen.Dry
Sole: Keen.All-Terrain
Sizes available: 2.5-9.5
From £62.50 at Keen
£39.99 at SportsShoes
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Best for technical terrain:
Scarpa Mescalito TRK Pro GTX
If you’re headed higher up the mountain, shouldering a heavy pack or setting off on a multi-day hike in the UK (where, let’s face it, it’ll almost definitely rain), you need something tougher than your average boot. Scarpa is my favourite brand for fit – and the Mescalito is one of its hardier women’s boots, built with more challenging terrain in mind.
Why we love them
Solid as a rock, the Mescalitos feel ready for mountain summits and multi-day slogs through hill and high water. I tested these boots in the Cumbrian hills, and they proved happy in heavy rain and striding through puddles. Thick soles and a rubber toe box protect feet on rocks and grip well on wet surfaces, and leather means these boots are warm enough to wear in winter. All that good stuff does make them heavy, at 670g each, although the chunky soles and cushioned insoles go some way to mitigate that. Worth the splurge for high-mountain high jinks.
It’s a shame that … all that technical nous makes these boots heavy.
Suitable for: technical terrain and all-mountain treks
Material: leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: EU 37-42 (UK 4-8)
£220 at Nevisport
£228 at Trekitt
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The best of the rest
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Altra Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX
Best for: trainer-like comfort
Altra calls the Olympus a sneaker, which is a bit of a clue to how this wonderfully comfy boot is designed – this is basically a trainer with a higher-cut ankle, but there’s lots to like about that. These boots are breathable and comfortable straight out of the box, thanks to thick inner soles. They have surprisingly good technical chops, including a waterproof Gore-Tex upper and reliably grippy Vibram soles. The ankle support – or lack of it – lets them down, and if you’re prone to rolling yours (as I am), you may need something more solid and stable.
They didn’t make the final cut because … ankle support is limited.
Suitable for: casual walks
Material: leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: 3.5-10
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Hanwag Blueridge Lady ES
Best for: the eco-conscious
I’ve tried out a few of Hanwag’s boots and have always rated them highly. My pick of its designs for women is the Blueridge Lady: made from soft suede, it’s a good middle ground between leather and fabric that moulds quickly to your feet for a custom, comfy fit. These well-made all-rounders also stand out for their eco-friendly credentials: they’re constructed from recycled materials and made without using PFCs (perfluorochemicals, which can damage the environment). They’re aimed at country walkers, so are great for the lowlands but not robust enough to take on to high mountain trails.
They didn’t make the final cut because … they’re not tough enough for the hardest trails.
Suitable for: lowland day hikes
Material: leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Terragrip
Sizes available: 3.5-9
£165 at Hanwag
£138.99 at Trekkinn
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Haix Black Eagle Nature GTX
Best for: working outside
If you spend all day working outdoors in any weather, you need footwear that can go as hard as you do. Something like Haix’s tough-as-nails Black Eagle Natures, which were designed with the military, agricultural workers and the emergency services in mind. The Gore-Tex membrane and Vibram soles perform well on wet, stony paths. Different insoles are available to suit your foot width, and there’s also a low-cut version for summer and a high boot perfect for winter treks. These boots do look like part of a uniform, so you may not end up wearing them casually.
They didn’t make the final cut because … they look and feel like military boots.
Suitable for: wet, muddy conditions and working outdoors
Material: leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: 3-9
£194.90 at Haix
£194.90 at Brix Workwear
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Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX
Best for: good looks
Looks aren’t the most important factor to consider when buying hiking boots – but they don’t hurt. If you like the idea of a stylish boot you can wear with jeans as well as trekking tights, Danner’s handsome Mountain 600 Leafs are an eye-catching choice. Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, these all-American leather hiking boots have a cult following, but they also deliver comfort and performance on the hill. The midsole is cushioning and bouncy, the Vibram outer sole offers reassuring grip, and Gore-Tex makes sure they’re waterproof even in heavy rain – all in all, great performance outdoors.
They didn’t make the final cut because … they’re on the casual – and pricey – side.
Suitable for: all-weather day walks – and wearing to the pub
Material: leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: US 5-11(UK 3-9)
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Regatta Clydebank
Best for: affordability
Good hiking boots can be painfully expensive, but there are still some bargains to be had. Regatta’s suede Clydebanks feel light and lovely to wear from the get-go, and at just under £50 they’re excellent value for hiking boots that are waterproof enough to withstand rainfall. The Clydebanks don’t have the grippiest soles of the boots I tested, so they’re better for groomed paths rather than challenging rocky ground. They’re not warm in bitter winter, either: they’re best for casual country walks and spring and summer treks, and they’re a steal for relaxed weekend hikes.
They didn’t make the final cut because … they offer limited grip and warmth.
Suitable for: relaxed day walks in warmer weather
Material: suede
Waterproofing: Isotex
Sole: EVA
Sizes available: 3-8
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What you need to know
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Leather or fabric?
The first decision to make when choosing walking boots is whether you’re after leather or fabric. Leather is warm, long-lasting and naturally waterproof, while fabric boots tend to be lighter and more breathable, but less durable.
Stiff leather boots have traditionally required some breaking in, although these days many leather boots feel comfortable right out of the box. Leather boots tend to require more care to prevent them from cracking. Warm, insulated leather is better for winter use, while breathable fabric performs best in warmer weather – if you can afford to, it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of each, so you can tackle hikes in all seasons.
Waterproofing
Your new boots should be waterproof, rather than just water-resistant, so you can go adventuring in all kinds of weather. Water-resistant boots use durable water repellent (DWR) treatments to repel rain, while waterproof boots also use a membrane that blocks water but lets sweat out, so your feet can breathe. Boots may use branded or own-brand waterproofing technology – Gore-Tex (or GTX) is one of the best-known (and best-performing) waterproof technologies.
Fit
Always try hiking boots on in person and take along the hiking socks you’ll wear on walks. Check that boots feel comfortable when tightly laced, with plenty of wriggle room for toes and with a nicely supported ankle and heel. You’ll find high-, mid- and low-cut hiking boots on sale: higher-cut boots are best for hiking on challenging terrain as they offer ankle support. Wider feet? Look for boots that specify a wide fit, especially if you have bunions.
How much to spend
I often shop secondhand or choose more affordable models when I’m buying outdoor kit, but hiking boots are an exception: buy new and spend as much as you can afford. New boots will mould to your feet over time for a custom fit, and you’ll know they’re still waterproof and that their soles are sound from the get-go. Most decent hiking boots for women cost £150 and up, but it’s worth spending as much as you can afford and looking after them for years to come. Clean your boots after use, treat leather regularly and re-waterproof if needed; they’ll take you on many an adventure.
Read our guide to the best hiking boots for men for even more tried and tested recommendations
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Sian Lewis is an award-winning freelance outdoors and travel journalist and author who loves putting adventure kit through its paces while hiking, swimming and wild camping. She also shares her adventures at @sianannalewis and thegirloutdoors.com
