11 best women’s hiking boots, tried and tested by our expert

You can rely on Quechua, Decathlon’s own brand, for a decent quality hiking kit that doesn’t cost a bomb, and our top pick of the brand’s female hiking boots are these comfortable MH100s. They may not sport innovative looks, but they’ll keep your feet dry over long distances and are reasonably breathable. The soles are nicely cushioned and there’s great toe protection. The ankles are cut rather wide and low, so they’re best used on dryer days and on marked paths rather than over boggy or uneven terrain.

Leather is a bit of a wonder material when it comes to warm walking boots, and Scarpa’s terra is a bit of a classic, both in looks and performance. The terra has that magical combination we look for – it’s tough and lightweight, and we love the high-cut ankle support, which ensures the boots stay in place, whatever you’re scrambling over. Gore-Tex keeps everything waterproof and Vibram provides tough soles and a great grip, even on slippery rock routes. They will be too warm for summer, but perfect in inclement conditions.

We’ve tested most of Keen’s range of hiking boots over the years and we’re going to say it – this brand makes the comfiest walking boots on the market. Keen’s zionic boots look and feel a bit like you’re sporting your favourite trainers, and are just delightful to wear, with cushiony insoles that feel springy even when you’re covering many miles a day. Plus, there’s a mesh upper that lets feet breathe during hot weather. Ideal for summer hikes or for taking travelling, this is the design to pick if comfort is top of your priorities.

Trekking in snow and ice? If you’re headed for the highest mountains or are off on a glacier adventure, you’re going to need a trekking boot that will grip ice and is compatible with crampons. The North Face has been designing mountaineering kit since the 1950s, so, it knows a thing or two about alpine adventuring, and the brand’s Breithorn boot is aimed at mountaineers going further than your average weekend trail.

This boot is fully waterproof, breathable and grippy – it had the best grip on ice on test. The payoff is that these are some of the most expensive boots we tested. They’re overkill for casual walkers, but excellent for serious trekkers.

Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, Danner’s all-American hiking boots have a bit of a cult following over here, thanks to their lovely looks. That said, these beauties also deliver comfort and performance, thanks to a full-grain leather outer, which is naturally waterproofing and is topped up with a Gore-Tex membrane.

Tough yet bouncy Vibram soles feel springy and grippy underfoot, and we like that regular and wide fits are available. It’s worth the splurge if you’re after boots that will look good with jeans and work hard on the hills, but these ae the most expensive boots we tested.

Get the toughness of leather and the comfort of a textile boot with Jack Wolfskin’s cyrox, which combines the best of both worlds. This boot stood out on test for its fit, too – some brands make female-specific boots by simply shrinking their male designs, but Jack Wolfskin has created the cyrox specifically to fit women’s feet.

The cyrox shoe also boasts Vibram soles and soft inner soles that were some of the comfiest we tested. Meanwhile, Jack Wolfskin’s own-brand Texapore waterproofing technology proved reliably rainproof when testing, giving Gore-Tex a run for its money. 

The Italian-designed trekker lite is our pick of the pack of fabric boots for wear in Britain and is full of all the lovely stuff we’d expect for a boot with a higher price tag – expect deep-lugged Vibram soles, Gore-Tex waterproofing and breathable suede and fabric mixed outer.

These boots also have excellent supportive, close-fitting high ankles. A good lacing system ties up snugly around the ankles, so if tend to sprain or roll your ankles, the trekker lite is perfect for protecting them.

If you like to explore above the tree line, you’re going to need a boot that tackles tougher ground. La Sportiva’s TX4 is a high-cut version of the brand’s popular ‘approach’ shoe (designed for climbers walking on rough, rocky ground) and sports seriously good grip, with Vibram Megagrip soles that are reliable even if you’re clambering over scree and wet rock.

These boots mean business and offer excellent ankle support, but they are a bit stiff out of the box, and their narrow fit may not suit all hikers. 

Hanwag’s boots have always performed brilliantly when testing and will last and last if you look after them. We like the whole range for women but the blueridge boot excels on groomed valley trails and more challenging hill paths alike, thanks to tough rubber soles and deep lugs for great grip. Pleasingly soft suede uppers look and feel great to wear, moulding quickly to your foot, for a custom comfy fit.

This well-made all-rounder also stands out for its eco-friendly credentials – it’s constructed from recycled materials sourced in Europe and without using PFCs (perfluorochemicals – harmful chemicals that can be released into the environment). 

If you don’t like clompy, heavy hiking boots but need something a bit tougher than your favourite pair of trainers, we reckon this Adidas design has hit the perfect balance of relaxed trainer and tough walking boot. A springy sole and cushioning foam insole are paired with rain-repelling Gore-Tex, and the close-fitting stretchy collar is great for keeping rain and debris out of your socks. The Free Hikers look as good worn in the city as they do in the countryside, too.