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Best hiking boots for women

Investing in the right footwear is necessary for hiking like a pro

Tuesday 08 January 2019 21:23 GMT

Hiking boots are about going the distance. Designed for support and comfort sustained across many miles, old-school models involve stiff leather and lace hooks that can make tying your shoes feel like the countdown to a veritable lift off. Traditionally, that also involves a heft and non-breathability that can make application of such shoes to the day-to-day feel unsavory, especially for style purposes, and left their application strictly for the woods, where the smallest number of humans might notice your fashion blunder.

Not to worry - the classic hiking boot has been given a serious upgrade, and function no longer must take precedence over form. Combined with the normcore take-over of fashion, can make even your grandma’s hiking boots can be a statement. We tested the following boots according to their durability, their wearability, and the best uses for each. Here are our nine favorite boots that can be as at home in the backcountry as in the urban jungle.

1. Palladium - Pampa Hi Originale: $70

Palladium began as a French tire manufacturer, building canvas and rubber bands for aircraft during World War II. When the war ended, Palladium used the same materials to begin building boots, and soon became the official boot maker for the French Foreign Legion and others working in the most rugged conditions.

The shoes also happen to be a style win, and the Pampa Hi Originale, with a stripped down canvas body that keeps the shoes lightweight and reinforced rubber soles, they’re a sure thing as a fashion statement and for your hiking needs.

2. L.L. Bean - Women’s Knife Edge Hiking Boots: $169

Named for the Knife Edge trail on Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine (where L.L. Bean was founded more than a century ago), these boots are our pick for versatility. Both durable and a great looking play on the classic hiking boot, with a waterproof leather exterior and fleece lining making these an ideal cold-weather hiker, they includes a breathable barrier and an antimicrobial layer to support airflow and prevent odor.

3. Cole Haan - Zerogrand Waterproof Hiker Boot: $149.95

Cole Haan focuses on shoes, and as more of a fashion brand than an outdoor outfitter, their boots are hiking-inspired rather than technical hikers, with an emphasis on practical outdoor chicness. The shoes waterproof construction makes them a great fit for slogging through the outdoors, and they’re cute enough to be dressed up for the office or dressed down for a day-hike.

4. Asolo - Megaton GV: $197

Asolo has been a leader in outdoor, performance footwear for more than 40 years. Founded in Italy and with 100% of its production facilities in Europe, the brand is also committed to ethical and innovative craftsmanship applying the latest technologies in performance footwear.

The Megaton GV is nothing if not a performance shoe, designed for hardcore backcountry use. It’s a hiker that looks like a sneaker, but applies Gore-tex lining and their patented megagrip sole for additional support and adaptability without extra weight.

5. Merrell - Sugarbush Valley Waterproof: $154.99

The update to Merrell’s best-selling hiking shoe, The Sugarbush Valley combines contoured footbeds, a durable Vibram sole, and a waterproof leather for maximized performance, comfort, and durability. With a snug heel to secure the foot combined with a roomy toe for comfort, the Sugarbush boot has the comfort and flexibility of a sports shoe without sacrificing the fashion-forward look of a classic leather boot.

6. Teva - Sugarpine II Waterproof Boot: $145

Legend has it that Teva was born when a river guide strapped two watch bands to a flip flop to keep it from floating away. While best known for their sandals, Teva also has made inroads in the world of performance hiking boots, and they have a winner with the Sugarpine II Waterproof Boot. Constructed with a combination of waterproof leather and mesh, it’s lightweight, durable, and comfortable in any terrain.

7. Danner - Women’s Ridge: $360

While more expensive than our other picks, the Danner Ridge boot out of Portland, Oregon as a top-of-the-line update on the classic Danner style. Full grain leather pairs with waxed canvas and a handcrafted, stitch-down construction for a unique, understated look perfectly suited for city-wear and light hikes. Danner also offers recrafting services, including resoling that extends the life of your boot and justifies the extra cost.

8. Timberland - Flyroam Hiker Boots: $130

Timberland’s classic boot is a standard bearer the urban boot, deceptively simple, understatedly cool, and eternally practical. The Flyroam Hiker is like taking the best of Timberlands classic boot, putting it in a sneaker, and updating it with high rebound cushioning and breathable mesh linings to minimize weight and maximize comfort. The athletic-inspired sole design made with recycled rubber also gives the shoe max sneaker vibes that won’t wear down over time.

9. KEEN- Oakridge Mid Waterproof Boots: $124.95

KEEN has a good reputation with avid hikers and the Oakridge lives up to the name that proceeds it. All around a great hiking boot for the price with the freedom and flexibility of a mid shoe. The waterproofing is great, you will be dry and comfortable, 100% leather, rubber sole, with a fit tip keeping you snug. The style screams "I am a hiker" which is either a good thing or a bad thing depending on the look you're going for.

10. Timberland- Women's 6" Premium Boot: $170

The Classic! You can't have a list of hiking boots without at least mentioning the old reliable Timberlands. Don't get it twisted. These aren't the same boots that came out all those years ago, no, the only things that have remained truly classic are the style and look. That's a good thing. Timberland has updated and improved every aspect of their famous footwear over the years. The latest in waterproofing, comfort, and anti fatigue technology can be found here. Truly a multipurpose boot, you can go straight from the hike into the city.

The Verdict: Women’s Hiking Boots

For the boot that does it all on a budget, it’s hard to go wrong with the Palladium Pampa. Not only is it the cheapest boot on our list, it will also serve you equally well in the city as in the backcountry. If you’re looking for a straight performance boot, Merrells Sugarbush Valley is a great pick, with additional cushioning and support and a waterproof body. If you have some extra cash to spend, Danner’s Ridge Boot will make you the envy of your most granola associations, with quality that will last a lifetime.