Updated October 2026
5 Best Hiking Boots for Women for 2026
We compared women's hiking boots and shoes from Columbia, NORTIV 8, Merrell, and OUTJET.
- 5 top picks compared
- 4 brands
- Specs from real Amazon listings
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots
A full-grain leather waterproof boot with a winter tread zone.
- Full-grain leather.
- Waterproof bootie.
- Winter tread zone.
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Quick picks
The best hiking boots for women at a glance
Every pick has a clear job. Find the one that matches how you hike, then check today's price on Amazon.
- 1BEST OVERALL
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots
A full-grain leather waterproof boot with a winter tread zone.
- Full-grain leather.
- Waterproof bootie.
- 2
MOST DURABLEColumbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped
A seam-sealed mid boot with a reinforced toe and heel.
- Seam-sealed.
- Reinforced toe and heel.
- 3
BEST VALUENORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots
A 14.98 oz waterproof suede boot with a wide toe box option.
- 14.98 oz per boot.
- Wide toe box version.
- 4
BEST WINTERMerrell Women's Speed Strike 2 Leather Thermo Mid Waterproof
A waterproof mid boot with 246 g insulation and sticky rubber.
- 246 g insulation.
- Waterproof membrane.
- 5
BEST SHOEOUTJET Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes
A 10.7 oz shoe with a waterproof inner sock.
- 10.7 oz.
- Waterproof sock.
Compare
Hiking Boots for Women comparison
Key specs side by side. Prices, sizes, and colors change often, so check Amazon for the latest.
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots
Best Women's Hiking Boot
- Type
- Women's ankle hiking boot
- Upper
- Full-grain leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof bootie
- Sole / Traction
- Omni-Grip; dual-zone winter tread
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped
Most Durable Women's Boot
- Type
- Women's mid hiking boot
- Upper
- Leather and suede
- Waterproofing
- Seam-sealed waterproof
- Sole / Traction
- Omni-Grip non-marking
NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots
Best Value Women's Boot
- Type
- Women's ankle hiking boot
- Upper
- Suede leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof
- Sole / Traction
- EVA and rubber
Merrell Women's Speed Strike 2 Leather Thermo Mid Waterproof
Best Women's Winter Boot
- Type
- Women's insulated mid boot
- Upper
- Coated leather and ripstop
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof membrane
- Sole / Traction
- Merrell sticky rubber
OUTJET Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Best Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoe
- Type
- Women's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof inner sock
- Sole / Traction
- EVA and rubber
Reviews
Hiking Boots for Women reviews
Why each product made the list, who it suits, and where it falls short.
1. Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots
Best Women's Hiking Boot
Best for: Most women's hikes.
Why we picked it
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus earns our Best Overall spot as a classic, highly rated women's boot.
Columbia lists full-grain leather and mesh, a waterproof bootie, a lightweight midsole, a mesh tongue, and Omni-Grip with a dual-zone winter tread.
What we like
- Full-grain leather.
- Waterproof bootie.
- Winter tread zone.
- Highly rated.
Could be better
- Leather needs care.
- Weight not listed.
Key specs
- Brand
- Columbia
- Series
- Newton Ridge Plus
- Type
- Women's ankle hiking boot
- Upper
- Full-grain leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof bootie
- Sole / Traction
- Omni-Grip; dual-zone winter tread
- Weight / Extras
- Lace-up; mesh tongue
- Recommended Use
- All-season hiking
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Newton Ridge for all seasons.
Consider Other Hiking Boots for Women If...
Consider OUTJET for a lighter shoe.
Bottom line: the Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots is our best women's hiking boot.
Check Price on Amazon2. Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped
Most Durable Women's Boot
Best for: Rocky trails.
Why we picked it
The Newton Ridge Plus Amped earns its spot with reinforced wear points.
Columbia lists seam-sealed construction, a TechLite midsole, Omni-Grip rubber, reinforced toe and heel, and leather and suede.
What we like
- Seam-sealed.
- Reinforced toe and heel.
- TechLite midsole.
- Highly rated.
Could be better
- Weight not listed.
- Not insulated.
Key specs
- Brand
- Columbia
- Series
- Newton Ridge Plus Amped
- Type
- Women's mid hiking boot
- Upper
- Leather and suede
- Waterproofing
- Seam-sealed waterproof
- Sole / Traction
- Omni-Grip non-marking
- Weight / Extras
- Reinforced toe and heel
- Recommended Use
- Three-season hiking
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Amped for rough trails.
Consider Other Hiking Boots for Women If...
Consider NORTIV 8 for less money.
Bottom line: the Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped is our most durable women's boot.
Check Price on Amazon3. NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots
Best Value Women's Boot
Best for: Budget hikers and wide feet.
Why we picked it
The NORTIV 8 earns its spot with a large review base and a wide-fit option.
NORTIV 8 lists suede leather, a waterproof build, an EVA insole, rubber traction soles, 14.98 oz per boot, and a wide toe box version.
What we like
- 14.98 oz per boot.
- Wide toe box version.
- EVA insole.
- Large review base.
Could be better
- Firm sole.
- Waterproof system not named.
Key specs
- Brand
- NORTIV 8
- Type
- Women's ankle hiking boot
- Upper
- Suede leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof
- Sole / Traction
- EVA and rubber
- Weight / Extras
- 14.98 oz per boot
- Recommended Use
- Day hikes, travel
Who Should Buy It?
Choose NORTIV 8 for value.
Consider Other Hiking Boots for Women If...
Consider Columbia for a branded boot.
Bottom line: the NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots is our best value women's boot.
Check Price on Amazon4. Merrell Women's Speed Strike 2 Leather Thermo Mid Waterproof
Best Women's Winter Boot
Best for: Winter hikes.
Why we picked it
The Merrell Speed Strike 2 Thermo Mid earns its spot as the warm pick for women.
Merrell lists a waterproof membrane, coated leather and ripstop, a protective heel and toe cap, 246 g synthetic insulation, and Merrell sticky rubber.
What we like
- 246 g insulation.
- Waterproof membrane.
- Sticky rubber.
- Premium brand.
Could be better
- Small review base.
- Too warm for summer.
Key specs
- Brand
- Merrell
- Series
- Speed Strike 2 Thermo Mid
- Type
- Women's insulated mid boot
- Upper
- Coated leather and ripstop
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof membrane
- Sole / Traction
- Merrell sticky rubber
- Weight / Extras
- 246 g insulation
- Recommended Use
- Winter hikes
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Merrell for cold trails.
Consider Other Hiking Boots for Women If...
Too warm for summer.
Bottom line: the Merrell Women's Speed Strike 2 Leather Thermo Mid Waterproof is our best women's winter boot.
Check Price on Amazon5. OUTJET Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Best Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Best for: Light, wet hikes.
Why we picked it
The OUTJET earns its spot as a light waterproof shoe.
OUTJET lists 10.7 oz, a waterproof sock, leather and mesh, a thick EVA midsole, and anti-slip rubber.
What we like
- 10.7 oz.
- Waterproof sock.
- Thick EVA midsole.
- Large review base.
Could be better
- No ankle support.
- Smaller review base.
Key specs
- Brand
- OUTJET
- Type
- Women's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof inner sock
- Sole / Traction
- EVA and rubber
- Weight / Extras
- 10.7 oz
- Recommended Use
- Hiking, walking
Who Should Buy It?
Choose OUTJET for light hikes.
Consider Other Hiking Boots for Women If...
Consider a boot for rocky trails.
Bottom line: the OUTJET Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes is our best women's waterproof hiking shoe.
Check Price on AmazonOur process
How we chose these hiking boots for women
1. Real listings only
We compared 5 hiking boots for women from 4 brands using the specs and features published on each Amazon listing and by the manufacturer.
2. One clear job per pick
Each product earns a specific role — like best overall, best budget, or best for a technique — so you can match a pick to how you actually fish.
3. Honest trade-offs
Every review lists what could be better and who should skip it. We only state features the listings support — never invented specs or prices.
Buying guide
How to Choose Hiking Boots for Women
The right hiking footwear depends on terrain, weather, and how much weight you carry.
- 1
Boots vs. shoes
Boots add ankle support for rocky trails and heavy packs; low shoes are lighter and faster.
- 2
Waterproofing
Waterproof boots keep feet dry in rain and snow but breathe less in heat.
- 3
Traction
Deep lugs and sticky rubber grip mud, rock, and wet roots.
- 4
Fit
Try boots in the afternoon with hiking socks, and leave a thumb's width at the toe.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do hiking boots need breaking in?
Most modern boots need little break-in. Wear them on short walks first.
Should hiking boots be a size bigger?
Often a half size up leaves room for socks and downhill swelling.
How long do hiking boots last?
About 500–1,000 trail miles depending on use and care.
Still deciding?
Our #1 pick is the Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots.
Most women's hikes.
Keep exploring
More Hiking Shoes & Boots Guides
Related guides and a path back to the hiking shoes & boots hub.