A great pair of walking boots will get you outdoors in any weather. While you can get away with wearing trainers for a stroll in the park, more exciting, hilly terrain (or just walking through mud or in rain) calls for a proper pair of walking boots.
They’ll keep you warm and dry, support your ankles, and give you a decent grip underfoot. It’s worth investing in a quality pair that fits well, and they’ll last for years if you look after them. Here are the best hiking boots, tested and rated.
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At a glance
Best walking boot overall:
Lowa Innovo GTX mid
Best budget walking boots:
Regatta Holcombe III
Best waterproof boots:
Scarpa Ranger 2
Best walking boots for fit and support:
Aku Trekker Pro II
Best lightweight walking boots:
Keen Leiki
Best boots for trekking:
Hanwag Nazcat II GTX
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Why you should trust me
I’m a seasoned adventure travel writer and gear-tester, and I’ve been putting outdoor kit through its paces for more than a decade. I’ve hiked thousands of miles in more than 100 different pairs of boots, and worn them everywhere from the summit of Mount Kenya to my favourite local trails in Cornwall and the Cotswolds. I’ve also just finished working on two UK walking guides – a great excuse to put on my boots and go exploring.
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How I tested
The only way to determine if a hiking boot is up to scratch is to put in the miles, and the boots I’ve recommended came along for a good walk in the wild. I wore each pair on at least 10 miles of trails, ranging from Lake District fells and the South West Coast Path to wild-camping walks on Dartmoor. I’ve been able to test some boots over several months – I’ve walked more than 40 miles in the Lowa Innovos, for example, so I can feel that they’re built to last.
My first criteria when picking a hiking boot is waterproofing, so I made sure each boot was stomped through puddles and squished through mud (including an interesting detour into a Lake District bog). I also look for boots that fit like a glove (or should that be sock?), with a snug-fitting ankle, a bouncy sole and a comfy inner sole, so my feet feel cushioned over long distances.
The boots called in to test for this article will be donated to the Julian Trust night shelter in Bristol, which gives outdoor kit to homeless people.
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The best women’s walking boots in 2026
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<em>Best walking boot overall</em>:Lowa Innovo GTX mid
- What we love:Reliable performance, comfy female-specific fit
- What we don’t love:They’re wide, so won’t suit hikers with narrow feet
I always recommend Lowa to those who want to invest in a comfy boot that can tackle most terrain, and this year the brand’s Innovo GTX boot was the best all-rounder I tested. These waterproof boots have grippy soles and a high, close-fitting ankle, but still feel light and easy to wear all day, and on various surfaces.
Why we love them
I’ve owned a pair of Lowa Renegades for years, so I can vouch for the brand’s performance over time, and after five or six wears, I think the Innovos are even better. These sturdy-looking boots are surprisingly lightweight, at 418g per shoe, and are warm enough to feel comfortable through British winters, but just about breathable enough to use in summer.
These were also the comfiest hiking boots I tested and can be laced up snugly to support your ankles. They feel light and springy underfoot, making them a treat to wear even on long journeys and multiday walking holidays. Lowa uses a female-specific last (the foot-shaped tool used to craft shoes), and these boots are wide enough to suit women with bunions or who tend to get blisters. Sizing is on the bigger side – try these on at home before you head for the hills. There’s also a low trainer version that would be a nice swap for summer.
It’s a shame that … they’re not the lightest boots on test – and they fit on the wide side.
Suitable for: day hikes on varied terrain
Material: suede and fabric
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Lowa Terra Trac
Sizes available: 3½-9
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<em>Best budget walking boots:</em>Regatta Holcombe III
- What we love:Great value if you’re buying your first hiking boots
- What we don’t love :Limited grip, but great on groomed country trails
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Good hiking boots can be painfully expensive, but there are still some bargains to be had out there. Regatta’s Holcombe III boots feel light and lovely to wear from the get-go, and they’re good value for hiking boots that are waterproof enough to withstand rainfall.
Why we love them
The Holcombe IIIs are pleasingly comfortable, feeling much like trainers when you pop them on. They have supportive insoles and a cushioned collar that laces up snugly around your ankles. These boots are fully waterproof but don’t have the most grippy soles I tested, so they’re better for exploring groomed paths rather than trekking on challenging rocky ground. They’re not warm in bitter winter, either. But they come into their own on casual country walks and spring and summer treks, offering all-day comfort, repelling rain and proving breathable in hot weather.
If you’re on a budget, are buying your first pair of walking boots or simply don’t need a hiker designed for all-mountain terrain, these boots are a steal that’ll give you confidence (and dry feet, of course!) on relaxed weekend hikes or walking holidays abroad.
It’s a shame that … they offer limited grip and warmth.
Suitable for: day walks in warmer weather
Material: polyurethane and polyester
Waterproofing: Isotex
Sole: EVA
Sizes available: 3-8
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<em>Best waterproof boots:</em>Scarpa Ranger 2
- What we love:Outstanding grip meets good ankle support
- What we don’t love:Too warm for the dog days of summer
Scarpa has taken a perennially popular leather boot and made it more lightweight with this second iteration of the Ranger. The result may look like a retro leather hiking boot, but it’s bang up to date thanks to Gore-Tex waterproofing and the natural waterproofness of leather, plus great Vibram soles.
Why we love them
Out on the trail, the Ranger 2s impressed me with their great grip and stability. The Vibram outsole’s robust tread bites well on slick paths, loose scree and muddy trails, giving me confident footing wherever I roamed while testing them on the South West Coast Path. They’re supportive without feeling clunky and require very little breaking in – rare for leather boots.
The ankle support is another highlight: snug enough to keep my feet steady on uneven ground, and with a padded collar to help to seal out rain and grit. The Gore-Tex membrane kept my feet dry through wet grass and puddles, and the soft leather lining added warmth, making them a great choice for autumn and winter walking. They’re on the warm side for midsummer hikes, though: I’d swap to a lighter synthetic boot for hot weather.
It’s a shame that … they’re not breathable enough for summer use.
Suitable for: autumn and winter walks on varied terrain
Material: leather
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: 4-8
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<em>Best walking boots for fit and support:</em>Aku Trekker Pro II
- What we love:Good ankle and arch support
- What we don’t love:Too insulated to work in warm weather
The Italian-designed Trekker Pro II boots are full of all the lovely stuff I’d expect at this price: deep-lugged Vibram soles, Gore-Tex waterproofing and a breathable suede and fabric upper, plus a rugged rubber toe box and a solid, supportive fit around the ankles that came into its own when I ventured off the beaten track.
Why we love them
The Trekker Pro II is here for your ankles – a good lacing system ties up snugly around your feet, and the tops of the boots are lined with cooling mesh. If you tend to sprain or roll your ankles on tough ground, as I do, this boot’s design is perfect for protecting them and keeping you striding along confidently. The grip on these boots was reassuringly sticky even when I tested it on wet rock and scree, and there’s a solid rubber toe box to further protect your feet from knocks and bumps.
The sole and body of the Trekker Pro II felt more structured than other boots I tested, but didn’t weigh me down, rub or feel restrictive, and combined with a well-made insole, made my high arches feel supported and protected, mile after mile.
It’s a shame that … they’re expensive and too warm for summer.
Suitable for: cold-weather adventures
Material: suede and fabric
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: 4-8½
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<em>Best lightweight walking boots:</em>Keen Leiki
- What we love:These light and comfy kicks feel like (grippy) trainers
- What we don’t love:The wide fit won’t work for all; not warm enough for winter
Keen’s Leiki boots feel as light and breathable to wear as your favourite pair of trainers; if warm-weather wear and comfort are top of your wishlist, these lightweight boots are ideal. Thanks to a contoured arch, foam cushioning and a wide fit, they’re all about comfort.
Why we love them
The Leikis were my top pick for lightweight comfort on more casual walks – they’re cushioned and lovely to wear all day, and at 351g per shoe, they’ll never weigh you down. They wicked away sweat well on mild days and so far, have proved waterproof on wetter ones. Anti-odour insoles are effective at reducing, if not eliminating, sweaty smells after long days of walking, making these boots a good choice for taking on your next walking holiday abroad.
If you like the look and feel of leather but don’t want its usual stiffness and weight, this is a great choice. They fit on the wide side – great if you have wide feet or bunions, but they might swamp walkers with narrow feet.
It’s a shame that … they won’t suit narrow feet.
Suitable for: warm-weather hiking holidays
Material: leather and fabric
Waterproofing: Keen.Dry
Sole: Keen.All-Terrain
Sizes available: 2½-9½
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<em>Best boots for trekking:</em>Hanwag Nazcat II GTX
- What we love:Take challenging terrain and stormy weather in their stride
- What we don’t love:Heavy – you’ll notice them over long distances
If you’re heading higher up the mountain, shouldering a heavy pack or setting off on a multiday hike in the UK (where, let’s face it, it’ll almost definitely rain), you need something tougher than your average boot. Hanwag’s boots have always performed well on test for me, and the Nazcat II is one of its hardier designs for women, built with more challenging terrain in mind.
Why we love them
Solid as a rock, the Nazcat IIs feel ready for mountain summits and multiday slogs through hill and high water. I tested these boots in the Lake District, and they proved happy in heavy rain and when striding through puddles. Thick soles and a solid toe box protect feet on rocks and grip well on wet surfaces, and plush, soft leather means these boots are comfy and flexible but warm enough to wear in winter. I like the soft yet snug-fitting collar, too.
All that good stuff does make these boots feel a touch heavy, at 650g each, although the chunky soles and cushioned insoles go some way to mitigate that. Worth the splurge for multiday treks.
It’s a shame that … they’re heavy and expensive.
Suitable for: all-mountain treks
Material: leather and fabric
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Sizes available: 3½-9
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The best of the rest
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Xero Shoes Ridgeway
- What we love:Barefoot boots might just transform the way you trek
- What we don’t love:The Ridgeways aren’t fully waterproof – or very warm
Best for: barefoot walking shoes
If you’re after a boot that keeps you grounded – literally – try the Ridgeway from Xero Shoes for size. These barefoot-style boots have flat, flexible soles designed to let your feet move naturally while still offering protection on rough terrain. They feel strange to walk in initially, but I liked feeling the ground beneath my feet more closely than in a traditional hiker, and these barely there boots are lightweight and freeing at just 326g per shoe.
I like the retro styling of these boots, but I wouldn’t recommend the white version, which will look dirty at the first glimpse of mud – stick to the brown colourway. Although these boots do feature a waterproof membrane, I found the canvas uppers eventually soaked through in heavy rain or when immersed in a puddle during testing. These attractive boots are very breathable and cool, though, so they’re well suited to summer hikes when the forecast is for light rain at worst.
They didn’t make the final cut because … they’re not ideal for wet or cold conditions, and the white will look dirty fast.
Suitable for: dry warm conditions; material: canvas and suede; waterproofing: waterproof membrane; sole: rubber; sizes available: 4½-8½
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Danner N45
- What we love:They’re rather gorgeous – and pleasingly comfortable
- What we don’t love:Not much! Perhaps too casual a fit for techy mountain trails
Best for: looks and comfort on paths
Looks aren’t the most important factor to consider when buying hiking boots – but they don’t hurt. If you like the idea of a stylish boot you can wear with jeans as well as trekking tights, Danner’s handsome N45s are an eye-catching choice that I also rated highly for comfort. These all-American hiking boots have a cult following, and they’re perfect for comfort and performance on the hills.
The midsole is cushioning and bouncy; the Vibram outer sole offers reassuring grip; and Gore-Tex makes sure they’re waterproof even in heavy rain. I did find the ankles of the N45 too wide to give good support, though, so I’d only wear them on groomed paths rather than challenging hikes. Danner offers a recrafting service, extending the life of your boots by replacing the soles if they ever wear out, so despite being expensive, the N45s could technically last forever.
They didn’t make the final cut because … they’re expensive and the ankles are wide.
Suitable for: comfortable casual walks; material: nylon and polyester; waterproofing: Gore-Tex; sole: Vibram; sizes available: 7-13
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Haix Black Eagle Nature GTX
- What we love:Tough and hardwearing in the worst weather conditions
- What we don’t love:These boots look like you’re off on an army training course
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Best for: working outside
If you spend all day working outdoors in any weather, you need footwear that can go as hard as you do. Something like Haix’s tough-as-nails Black Eagle Natures, which were designed with the military, agricultural workers and the emergency services in mind. The Gore-Tex membrane and Haix Anti Slip soles perform well on wet, stony paths. Different insoles are available to suit your foot width, and there’s also a low-cut version for summer and a high boot perfect for winter treks. These boots do look like part of a uniform, so you may not end up wearing them casually.
They didn’t make the final cut because … they look and feel like military boots.
Suitable for: wet, muddy conditions and working outdoors; material: leather; waterproofing: Gore-Tex; sole: Haix Anti Slip; sizes available: 3-9
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Merrell Coldpack 3
- What we love:These warm, waterproof boots are great when temperatures drop
- What we don’t love:Only worth it if you’re a regular winter walker
Best for: winter weather
Bitterly cold weather doesn’t need to mean staying indoors and missing out on hiking adventures. When the trails turn icy and the wind bites, the Merrell Coldpack 3, a snow-boot-meets-hiking-boot, comes into its own. With 200g of synthetic insulation and a cosy fleece lining, the boots kept my feet warm without adding bulk when the temperature dropped below zero during testing. A waterproof membrane seals out slush and snow while letting moisture escape, and the full-grain leather feels durable and looks great, too, in smart black or brown.
I also loved the super-reliable grip of these boots, designed specifically for icy, slick trails. Ideal for cold conditions and ski trips, these boots are too warm for spring through to autumn, but are well worth having in your wardrobe for winter wear.
They didn’t make the final cut because … they’re too warm for most hikes.
Suitable for: cold weather, ice and snow; material: leather; waterproofing: waterproof membrane; sole: Vibram Arctic Grip; sizes available: 2½-9
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Columbia Peakfreak Rush Mid
- What we love:Heavy rain forecast? The Columbia Peakfreak can cope
- What we don’t love:Fit small, and may need re-waterproofing over time
Best for: wet conditions
The Columbia Peakfreak Rush Mid OutDry boots were built for soggy trails and unpredictable weather, and I found them to be reliably waterproof in my testing, even when trudging through pelting rain. A waterproof yet breathable membrane seals out sogginess effectively while allowing sweat to escape, keeping my feet dry even when walking through puddles. The mesh upper is reinforced with protective toe and heel caps, so the Peakfreak Rush was also great on unstable, rocky terrain.
At 332g, these boots are liberatingly lightweight, but I found sizing and fit let them down – my usual size of a UK 6 was too small and narrow. While you could simply size up, I haven’t included the Peakfreak Rush in my top picks here because other customers report that the excellent out-of-the-box waterproofing can fade over time, so you’re likely to need to re-waterproof them down the line.
They didn’t make the final cut because … they fit on the small and narrow side, and waterproofing may not last.
Suitable for: wet conditions; material: fabric; waterproofing: OutDry; sole: Adapt Trax; sizes available: 3-10
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What you need to know
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Leather vs fabric?
The first decision to make when choosing walking boots is whether you’re after leather or fabric. Leather is warm, long-lasting and naturally waterproof, while fabric boots tend to be lighter and more breathable, but less durable.
Stiff leather boots have traditionally required some breaking in, although these days many leather boots feel comfortable right out of the box. Leather boots tend to require more care to prevent them from cracking. Warm, insulated leather is better for winter use, while breathable fabric performs best in warmer weather – if you can afford to, it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of each, so you can tackle hikes in all seasons.
Waterproofing
Your new boots should be waterproof, rather than just water-resistant, so you can go adventuring in all kinds of weather. Water-resistant boots use durable water repellent (DWR) treatments to repel rain, while waterproof boots also use a membrane that blocks water but lets sweat out, so your feet can breathe. Boots may use branded or own-brand waterproofing technology – Gore-Tex (or GTX) is one of the best-known (and best-performing) waterproof technologies.
Fit
Always try hiking boots on in person and take along the hiking socks you’ll wear on walks. Check that boots feel comfortable when tightly laced, with plenty of wriggle room for toes and with a nicely supported ankle and heel. You’ll find high-, mid- and low-cut hiking boots on sale: higher-cut boots are best for hiking on challenging terrain as they offer ankle support. Wider feet? Look for boots that specify a wide fit, especially if you have bunions.
How much to spend
I often shop secondhand or choose more affordable models when I’m buying outdoor kit, but hiking boots are an exception: buy new and spend as much as you can afford. New boots will mould to your feet over time for a custom fit, and you’ll know they’re still waterproof and that their soles are sound from the get-go. Most decent hiking boots for women cost £150 and up, but it’s worth spending as much as you can afford and looking after them for years to come. Clean your boots after use, treat leather regularly and re-waterproof if needed; they’ll take you on many an adventure.
What to do with worn-out, old boots
by Paddy Maddison
You can practise rigorous boot care, but if you use your boots the way they’re supposed to be used, they will eventually wear out. When that happens, you have a few options.
Donate
If there’s some life left in your boots, you might be able to take them to a charity shop or a shoe bank. Just be mindful that these types of places waste lots of time disposing of items that aren’t fit for sale, so don’t donate if the boots are falling apart.
Repurpose
Your old boots might not be fit for hiking any more, but could you extend their life by using them in the garden or for walking the dog instead?
Repair
If you have leather boots and the sole has worn out, there’s a chance you may be able to have them repaired. Resoling is a common service offered by most cobblers, and you can find ones that are used to dealing with walking boots by searching the Vibram website.
Recycle
Some outdoor retailers and brands run recycling programmes where they take old kit, including boots, and rehome or repurpose them. Cotswold Outdoor goes as far as to put recycling points in many of its stores. If the boots are wearable or repairable, they’ll be given a second life with one of many participating charities around the world. If they’re completely done, they’ll be stripped down and used for their materials instead.
For more:
• The best waterproof jackets for women
• The best hiking essentials
• The best walking boots for men
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Sian Lewis is an award-winning freelance outdoors and travel journalist and author who loves putting adventure kit through its paces while hiking, swimming and wild camping. She also shares her adventures at @sianannalewis and thegirloutdoors.com
• This article was originally published on 23 January 2025. Reviews published in the Filter may be periodically updated to reflect new products and at the editor’s discretion. The date of an article’s most recent update can be found in the timestamp at the top of the page. This article was last updated on 19 January 2026; 10 new boot reviews were added after testing, and prices were updated throughout.
