Choosing the Best Women's Hiking Boot

by Shamir D. Digital Marketer

Feet, Boots, Jump, Adventure, Fashion

Choosing the best hiking boot may appear to be a difficult task. Like everything else, there are numerous makes, models, and price ranges. However, a little forethought and planning can help narrow your options and ensure that you get durable, well-fitted boots that will keep your feet (and you) happy for many miles. To find the Best Hiking Boot, click here

You can spend hours researching the best-rated, best-priced, most durable, and most popular hiking boots, but the most crucial factor is which hiking boots will best fit YOU and YOUR needs. What ranks highest in all surveys, what your friend claims is "the only boot to buy," or the most expensive boot on the market may not work for you.

Before purchasing hiking boots, there are two things to consider. The first can be done at home, while the second requires a local sporting goods store trip.

Preparation at Home

Determine Your Hiking Preferences

Casual walks with only a water bottle
Day hikes over rougher terrain with a day pack that is more strenuous.
Multi-day backpacking trips over various terrains with a 30-40 pound pack
Hiking only in the summer or winter?

Examine Your Feet

Do your feet/ankles have unique characteristics or problems that must be addressed?

Arches with wide or narrow feet high
Ankles Flat Feet Week
Hammer Bunions, toes, and bone spurs

Any of these factors could influence the selection or rejection of specific boots. (eg. Some brands are noted for being broader or narrower, having a roomier toe box, having better insole, or more conducive to adding an orthotic insole.)

Once you've decided what you want your boots to do for you, you should become acquainted with the various available features. If this isn't your first pair of boots, you may already have some preferences; write them down.

Some Considered Features

Low-cut shoes, mid-cut boots, and high-cut boots (your choice here will be determined by the hiking preference you chose - the higher r boots, the more protection, leverage, and ankle support)
Deep-lugged soles provide traction and prevent slipping. They should be stiff enough to provide support while remaining flexible for natural walking.
Construction - The fewer seams on the upper part of the boot, the more water-resistant and durable it will be.
Hiking Boot Weight - The lighter your boots are, the easier walking will be. It used to be that the heavier the boot, the more support you'd have; however, boot manufacturers are constantly working to create lighter hiking boots while still providing adequate support.
Waterproof - If you plan on hiking in the rain or through wet areas, consider GORTEX or other waterproof boots. (Remember that these may be hotter since they may not breathe as well.)
Insoles - Some hiking boot manufacturers use higher-quality insoles than others. This may be an issue depending on your foot features and problems. The sole should be shaped to your foot for maximum support and balance. (eg. You need an insole with a high angle if you have a high arch.) Another option is to replace the original insoles with better ones or orthotics to accommodate your unique needs.
Lacing - This may not seem like a big deal, but the type of lacing can affect how tight the boots are on your foot and how easy they are to get on and off.
Tongues - To keep water and debris out, the language should have a gusset that connects it to the upper. Check that the language and gusset fit snugly around your shin and ankle without creating pressure points.
Scree Collar - I had no idea what this was, but the collar on the back of the higher boots is cut lower and padded to protect the back of your ankle from chafing.

So, now that you've decided what kind of hiking you'll be doing and what boot features to look for, you're ready to start shopping. Take your list of "must-have" parts, "nice-to-have" features, and a rough budget to your local hiking or sporting goods store. Bring your favorite hiking socks and orthotic insoles if you intend to use them.

Please discuss your requirements with a knowledgeable salesperson, and have them recommend different boots to meet your needs. The most crucial step is to TRY THEM ON! Put on your socks, insert your insoles (if using), and try on both boots. Walk around the room, up and down inclines, twist, turn, flex, and stretch your feet. Are the shoes comfortable while also being supportive? Do your toes touch in front of you as you descend the incline? Do your ankles sway? Can you put your heel up? Is there enough space to wiggle your toes? Are there any kinks or rubs? Is the tongue positioned correctly, or does it shift to the side?

If the answer to these questions is no, try a different size or boot altogether. Even if it appears to be a minor annoyance, it could become a significant sore point after miles or days of hiking. Repeat the process until you find one or more that meet your needs, budget, and foot. At that point, you can purchase the boots, note the model and size, and shop around other stores or online for the best deal.

Best wishes!

She is also a self-professed hiking and backpacking addict, having hiked in many parts of the United States, including Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Florida, North Carolina, Alaska, and others, as well as in some parts of Europe. Anasazi is the trail name for those of you who are Appalachian Trail through-hikers or section hikers.