8 best walking boots for women to shop this summer, tried and tested (original) (raw)
Best for fair-weather hikes
Merrell Moab 3
Pros
- Extremely comfortable and lightweight
- Excellent grip
- Stylish trainer-like design
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Suede upper slightly tricky to clean
Score: 90/100
Lightweight design? Check. Plenty of support? Check. Confidence-inspiring grip? Check. Our testers rated these boots highly across the board, making them a go-to for all manner of hikes, from woodland tracks to rocky beach trails.
They were seriously impressed by how lightweight they felt to wear, allowing them to stride along any path with ease. They loved the design, which provided support, protection and flexibility, and nobody reported any blisters during testing. Music to our ears!
Our only issue is the suede upper, which makes the boots slightly trickier to clean, but this is hardly a dealbreaker; just give them a wipe once the mud has dried and you’re good to go.
Note: these boots are not waterproof so we'd only recommend them for fair-weather hikes.
Key specifications
| Waterproofing | These boots do not have any waterproofing claims. |
|---|---|
| Size range | 2.5-9.5 |
| Upper material | Pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper |
Best for comfort
Jack Wolfskin Terraquest Texapore
Pros
- Top marks for comfort
- Sufficiently supportive
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some testers experienced issues with grip on wet surfaces
- Pricey
Score: 85/100
Our panel raved about these boots, finding them *supremely* comfortable from first wear, with zero rubbing and not a blister in sight. They provided our walkers with sufficient ankle support thanks to the chunky platform design, yet still felt lightweight. The breathable fabric prevented sweaty feet during challenging treks, and the collar-to-toe lacing system made it easy to find the perfect fit.
Some testers experienced issues with grip on slippery surfaces, so these aren’t ones for rainy hikes, but this wouldn’t stop our panel reaching for them again. If comfort is the name of the game, these boots should be top of your list.
Key specifications
| Waterproofing | Water penetration was noted at 3,600 flexes, so they don’t qualify as fully waterproof according to our lab test. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3-9 |
| Material | Nubuck leather, Cordura, Texapore Ecosphere Pro membrane |
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Best hiking trainers
Veja Fitz Roy Trek Shell
Pros
- Versatile, stylish design
- Excellent grip on uneven surfaces
- Supportive despite long ankle design
Cons
- Need significant breaking in
- Expensive
**Score: 84/100
Known for its chic, ethically made trainers, Veja has hit the nail on the head it with its first foray into hiking shoes. Testers praised the stylish design, but these good-looking shoes don’t just look the part – they also scored highly for performance, offering excellent grip on steep inclines, rocky paths and slippery, uneven surfaces. Though the ankle sits quite low, they proved wonderfully supportive. They were also a cinch to slip on and off and everyone found them comfortable to wear over long distances.
If traditional hiking boots aren’t your thing, these Vejas are a great alternative. Whether you’re ambling about town or traversing country footpaths, they can do both. Just bear in mind that they do require a little breaking in.
Key specifications
| Waterproofing | Water penetration was noted after 10,800 flexes, so these shoes aren’t fully waterproof according to our lab test. They should be suitable for walks in gentle rain, however. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3 – 8.5 |
| Materials | Recycled polyester, Amazonian rubber, sugar cane |
Best for heavy rain
Merrell Speed Eco Waterproof
Pros
- Suitable for all weather conditions
- Lightweight and easy to slip on and off
- Scored highly for comfort and support
Cons
- A tad slippy on some terrain
**Score: 81/100
These trusty Merrell boots came out on top in our waterproof lab test and are described as “high performance” walking shoes. Impressive! As such, they’re a top choice for hardcore hikers who enjoy heading out in all weather conditions.
Despite their top-notch weatherproofing credentials, they still felt breathable, thanks to the lightweight trainer design. According to our panel, they allowed for “effortless walking” and proved comfortable, grippy and supportive on hikes of varying lengths.
A few testers thought they were a little slippery on sandy paths and when walking downhill, but that’s a minor issue for an otherwise excellent pair of hikers. Unlike heavy-duty walking boots, getting them on and off was a breeze and we found they fit true to size.
Key specifications
| Waterproofing | Water penetration occurred at 30,600 flexes, making these boots fully waterproof according to our lab test. They should be suitable for hiking in heavy rain. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 2.5 - 8.5 |
| Material | Recycled jacquard, recycled rubber, recycled mesh, EVA foam |
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Best for stability
Columbia Facet™ 75 Outdry™ Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Pros
- Extremely supportive and stable on challenging terrain
- Breathable fabric ideal for warm weather
- No breaking in required
Cons
- Chunky design not for everyone
**Score: 78/100
These sturdy boots, which the brand claims will give you “the freedom to work any trail like a goat” went down a treat with our panel. Testers praised the attractive design, grippy soles and top-notch ankle support, which allowed them to navigate slippery, uneven terrain with confidence.
They were comfortable from the very first step – no breaking in required – and the breathable material meant our hikers’ feet didn’t get to hot when the sun came out to play. Some testers found the design too chunky but that comes down to personal preference. If you’ll be traversing challenging terrain and stability is priority, you can’t go for wrong with these Columbias.
Key specifications
| Waterproofing | Water penetration occurred at 12,600 flexes, so these don’t qualify as fully waterproof, but they should be suitable for walks in light to moderate rain. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3 - 10 |
| Material | Suede, mesh, rubber |
Best for versatility
Berghaus Women's VC22 Mid GTX Hiking Shoe
Pros
- Comfortable during lengthy hikes
- Stellar grip on a variety of terrains
Cons
- Slightly tricky to get off
Score: 72/100
Berghaus is one of the go-to brands for adventurers across the globe, so it’s hardly surprising the brand’s latest boots excelled on test.
Despite the hefty design, our panel said they barely noticed they had them on, even after hours of tireless trekking. From wet, muddy fields to gravelly footpaths, they allowed us to tackle a variety of terrains with ease, providing unrivalled grip thanks to the durable opti-stud sole. The OrthoLite footbed also made them extra comfy for walking for hours on end.
The knit collar split opinion among our testers, with some saying it made the boots difficult to get on and off. The sock-like design also meant the boots were on the tight side, so we’d recommend sizing up for an enjoyable, blister-free hiking experience.
Key specifications
| Waterproofing | Water penetration was noted at 9,000 flexes, so they don’t qualify as fully waterproof according to our lab test, but they should be suitable for walks in light to moderate rain. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3-9 |
| Material | Polyester, suede |
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Best classic hiking boots
Ariat Skyline Solaris Waterproof Boot
Pros
- Supportive high-ankle design
- Good traction
- Cool and comfortable
**Score: 71/100
If you’re in the market for a pair of classic hiking boots, this reliable offering from Ariat is a great shout. The high, supportive design meant there was no risk of our ankles rolling, even on the most uneven paths, while the Duratread sole provided impressive traction on all terrains including grass, gravel, sand and concrete. “These boots helped me feel confident on all my walks in different conditions,” said one satisfied tester.
They offered a great fit, holding testers’ feet in place but also giving them plenty of breathing room and keeping them cool in warm weather. They were surprisingly lightweight and flexible and didn’t feel heavy or clunky as our panel clocked up the miles. Just note, they require significant breaking in, but according to our testers, it’s worth the effort.
Key specifications
| Waterproofing | Water penetration was noted at 9,000 flexes, so these boots don’t qualify as fully waterproof according to our lab test. They should be suitable for walks in light to moderate rain. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3-9 |
| Material | Polyester, suede |
Best for style
On Running Cloudtrax
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable
- Sufficiently grippy
- Handy no-tie lacing system
**Score: 70/100
Yes, these On hikers are as bouncy as they look. At just 430g and featuring the brand’s iconic CloudTec cushioning system, they felt ultra lightweight and did an excellent job of absorbing impact on our testers’ hikes. Despite the sneaker-like design, they were sturdy and grippy enough to support them through testing treks on all manner of terrain, including muddy forest trails, and felt comfortable on concrete and gravel. Our panel rated the no-tie lacing system – the boots never came loose – and liked the stylish design.
If you prefer trainers and want something sporty you can take from the city to the trails, these shoes are your perfect match. Not everyone was a fan of the heel design, though, and they do require breaking in. Size up for maximum comfort.
Key specifications
| Waterproofing | Water penetration was noted at 7,200 flexes, so these don’t qualify as fully waterproof, but they should be suitable for walks in light rain. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3-9 |
| Material | Polyester, suede |
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How should walking boots fit?
Finding a pair of walking boots that offers the right fit for you is crucial if you want to hike in comfort, but it isn’t as simple as feeling for your toe at the front of the shoe.
The first thing you should do is try them on with the laces undone. Stand up and make sure you're comfortable — if they're pinching in this situation, they're unlikely to provide a smooth ride up the side of Snowdon.
After this, stretch your toes to make sure they have plenty of room and won’t bash against the end of your shoes. They should have plenty of space to spread, giving you stability on uneven or slippery surfaces. You also want about a finger’s width in front of your toes, so they don’t bash against the front of the boot when walking downhill.
Next, push your foot to the front of the boots. You should then be able to place a finger between your heel and the heel of the boot, where it should fit snugly. If it doesn’t fit or is a tight squeeze, the shoes are probably too small for you. If there is a lot of room around the finger, then the boots are too big.
Now you can lace up your boots and stand up. They may feel odd at first, particularly if you’re used to wearing a softer shoe such as a plimsoll or trainer but walk around your house a bit to get used to this.
The heel and middle of the foot should be snug without feeling uncomfortably tight — to allow some space for swelling. Your heel shouldn’t lift out of the heel cup when you take a stride, reducing the risk of rubbing, and the ball of your foot should sit above the boot’s natural flex point in the sole.
GHI TIP: When deciding the best size for you, bear in mind that you’re likely to be wearing them with thicker walking socks.
If your boots tick all the boxes, it’s time to break them in...
How to break in walking boots
Walking boots need to be sturdy to support you through testing treks. However, this does mean you need to take some time to break them in before hitting the trails if you want to avoid blisters.
One of the best ways to do this is to don a pair of walking socks and wear them around the house. We recommend doing this a few times for around an hour before you put them to the test in the great outdoors.
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How to clean walking boots
To ensure your walking boots stand the test of time, scrub away any mud and grit with a soft brush and warm water after each use, then fill them with newspaper to absorb any moisture.
We also recommend taking action to keep the rain at bay. Every few wears, after cleaning, rub dubbin (a wax product used to maximise the water-repellent properties of leather) over leather boots or apply specialist proofer sprays to nubuck leather, suede and fabric shoes, then leave them to dry. This will help to restore your boots’ waterproof properties.
The verdict on walking boots
Our winning Merrell Moab 3 walking boots are great all-rounders for hiking in dry weather. If waterproofing is priority, however, go for the brand's Speed Eco Waterproof.
After a stylish pair of hikers to take you from the trails to the town? The Veja Fitz Roy Trek Shell walking shoes are equal parts practical and chic.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
At the GHI, we test thousands of products every year to find the very best on the market. We put each and every product through rigorous testing, both in real-world and lab conditions, to provide unbiased reviews you can trust.
Kim Hawley is the health and wellness tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing for a range of health and wellness products, including walking boots. She has over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, with a level 4 personal training qualification, a nutrition qualification and years of experience working in leading health clubs across the UK.
For this test, we also sent each pair of walking boots to a specialist lab to check their waterproofing claims.
Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges.
She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.
Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.