Our Tips for Choosing the Right Women’s Hiking Boots

By Maria Rogerson

July 21, 2021Sports

There’s nothing more freeing than tramping through and discovering uncharted territories in the great outdoors, is there? You’re away from all the hustle and bustle of the big city with no one to disturb you. It’s basically heaven on Earth. While there are a few things to consider before going into the great outdoors, choosing the appropriate footwear is perhaps the most important factor. Why’s that? Well, your feet are doing all the heavy-duty legwork and it’s important to show them some extra love and care.

women-hiking
Source: switchbacktravel.com/

Regardless of whether this is your first time buying hiking boots or you’re simply looking to replace your old ones which are completely worn out, there are a few important things you should keep in mind when making a decision. If you need some guidance along your hiking boot journey, we’ve got you covered with all the basics so you won’t have to worry.

What Are the Different Types of Boot Materials?

As is the case with literally any type of footwear, there are a few different types of materials used when making them. Each one brings something special to the table.

Leather Boots

Leather is an extremely durable and abrasive resistant material. This makes it perfect for extended trips along steep and unsteady terrain. There’s a number of designs of women’s hiking boots that are a stylish and comfortable addition to your hiking gear.

Although leather fits your foot like a glove and the material only gets softer overtime, it’s not as breathable and lightweight as other types of materials.

Mesh-Synthetic-leather-boots

Synthetic Boots

The most notable materials in this category are nylon, polyester and the so-called synthetic leather. These materials are taking over the hiking boot world by storm because they’re incredibly light, quick-drying and less expensive than the other options on the market. They’re also quite versatile and come in a variety of design patterns.

However, the downside is that they might show signs of ageing sooner than other materials and are more prone to damage over the years.

Mesh Boots

Mesh boots are the ideal option for those who wish to hike in somewhat warmer conditions because this material lets the airflow in and out of your boot freely, keeping your feet dry and cool in the process. This one dries the fastest out of all the options available so if you happen to splash in a puddle of water, you won’t feel the wetness for too long. Mesh is probably the airiest and thinnest material to consider when buying hiking boots for women.

What Are the Different Types of Boot Heights?

Hiking boots come in different heights and each one has its own purpose. Let’s dive into it.

Low-cut Boots

This type of boots is the most similar to running shoes. They give you complete freedom and ease of movement and as such they’re perfect for light hiking. One disadvantage is that because your ankle is completely exposed, you become more prone to ankle injuries and muscle sprains.

Mid-cut Boots

This one offers a little more support to your ankles and additional comfort for your feet. Since they’re a bit higher than low-cut boots, they provide extra protection from debris entering your footwear.

LowCut-HighCut-MidCut-Boots

High-cut Boots

These have the ideal height and ankle support for hiking along uneven and rugged trails. They’re the perfect option for more adventurous hikers who want to go off the beaten track because they provide additional stability.

What Factors Should Influence Your Decision?

So we’ve gone through the major types of shoes, now it’s time to go over a few other factors to take into account.

Durability And Water-Resistance

As we mentioned before, leather shoes are possibly the most durable option but that’s not saying that the others will tear the second you put them on. It all depends on how often you intend to wear them and how much you take care of them.

Ultra-modern waterproof womens hiking boots are supposed to provide a satisfactory degree of water resistance as well as wind resistance during your hiking trip. Are waterproof hiking boots worth it? Absolutely. You’re basically getting extreme comfort, ease of movement and high element protection all in one. Sleek yet rugged waterproof womens hiking boots are exactly what you need to take on your next hiking adventure.

DurabilityAndWater-Resistance-Fitness-Level

Your Level of Fitness

Many people might be unaware of this but your level of fitness plays a fundamental role in choosing the right hiking boots. If say, you’ve been hiking for a while now without having suffered any injuries and you know your way around, then low-cut boots might be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you’ve experienced a recent injury, you should wear high-cut boots to help your ankles out. Pretty simple, right?

Additional Footwear Equipment

We’ve speedrun through all the essentials so next up we’re going to have a closer look at some additional hiking equipment to keep your feet happy and healthy.

Hiking Socks

Word of advice – try out potential footwear with the hiking socks you intend to wear. That way, you’ll know how they feel when worn together. The slightest difference in a sock’s thickness can make it feel completely different even when worn with the same shoe.

A general rule for hiking socks is that they’re supposed to provide added cushioning in the right places and offer appropriate temperature control. These are all advantages when you’re trying to stay away from blisters.

HikingSocks-Hiking-Gaiters

Hiking Gaiters

This is where attention to detail kicks in. Protective gaiters are often overlooked in the hiking equipment department not because people don’t want to wear them but because they’re unaware of the many benefits they carry. The most important one is keeping water, mud, stones and various types of debris from entering your footwear.