Research has proved how beneficial walking can be for your health and mental well-being. Getting outside in the fresh air and staying active are two things that can be difficult to achieve with our busy lifestyles, but once you do get out, you won't regret it. One way you can ensure that you have a pleasant time whilst walking is to buy some ladies hiking boots that will give you the right ankle support when you're exploring the outdoors in the UK.
Hiking puts a lot of strain on your feet and knees, and if you're out for hours and hours, you're going to notice anywhere where your shoes don't fit quite right. To help you find the perfect boots, we've found some of the best brands, like Berghaus and Adidas, on Amazon, John Lewis and ASOS so you can be comfortable on those walking holidays!
Quick List - Top Hiking Boots for Women
AKU
Anti-microbe Boots for Fresh-Smelling Feet, Suitable for Multiple Terrains
Jack Wolfskin
A Neutral Brown Pair Made of Suede and Synthetic Fabric, Available in a Range of Sizes
Merrell
A Trusty Boot That’s Waterproof but Breathable Featuring Gore-Tex Fabric and a Deep Tread
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It seems the jury is slightly out as to whether full support is actually necessary, or even effective, with some people saying they make all the difference and others saying the opposite. That being said, lots of people like the addition of a high ankle support to help keep their feet in place and properly aligned in their shoes.
Often best for longer backpacking trips or treks, not only does an ankle support, well, support, but it also keeps water and other debris from coming into your shoes thanks to the slightly higher – and tighter – opening.
If you don't tend to have any issues with your ankles whilst walking, but do often get hot and sweaty feet, a shorter hiking boot might be the answer. They are lighter and more summery, perfect for shorter hikes in less inclement weather.
This style will lack some of the structure of ankle boots and it will be easy for bits and bobs like leaves and stones to get into your shoes, but they are easy to take off to sort this out. You may also find these aren't the most protective against the elements in winter.
Pair a lower-cut shoe with waterproof socks to keep out the elements.
There is a reason that leather has been used to make shoes for centuries. It is a hard-wearing, sturdy, natural material, making it particularly perfect for hiking boots. The colours tend to be more muted and have a more traditional feel, which might be the more authentic look you are going for.
On the downside, leather's sturdiness might be an issue when it comes to breaking in your shoes. They take a while to mould to your feet and might be uncomfortable for the first few wears. In addition to this, leather can be much heavier than some of the synthesised plastic fabrics.
These days, boots made of synthetic fabrics do tend to be the preferred choice. These fabrics are often trademarked creations such as Gore-Tex. First and foremost, they are normally cheaper than leather, but they are also lighter and easier to break in so you can start walking straight away.
Synthetic fabrics might be less appealing if you want a more classic look to your walking boots as these options often come in bright colours and might seem less attractive. They also may not last quite as long as good old fashioned leather but are a perfect choice for vegans and vegetarians.
Nobody likes having wet feet, much less if you still have another couple of hours walking to do with no access to dry socks. Whether you like to get out into the British countryside year-round or you'd just like to be able to saunter through the odd stream, waterproof shoes are always worth considering.
The waterproofing or water resistance could come in the form of a boot liner (made from a brand-specific material or the infamous Gore-Tex) or from treatment on the outer and/or inner fabrics. It's also worth noting that there are waterproofing sprays you can also purchase for some extra protection.
Don't forget to stay hydrated while hiking by taking a stainless steel water bottle with you!
Due to their adaptability and security, laces are the chosen fastening for the vast majority of hiking shoes. You can change their tightness at different parts of the shoe, making sure they stay in place.
Other fastenings, like velcro or zips, don't have the stability or flexibility needed for this kind of shoe. Similarly, while there are many slip-on or elasticated boots on the market, these aren't suitable for walking due to the fact they don't offer enough ankle support.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | AKU Women's Selvatica Mid GTX Hiking Boots | ![]() | Anti-microbe Boots for Fresh-Smelling Feet, Suitable for Multiple Terrains | |
2 | Jack Wolfskin Women's Vojo Hike 3 Texapore Mid | ![]() | A Neutral Brown Pair Made of Suede and Synthetic Fabric, Available in a Range of Sizes | |
3 | adidas Women's Terrex Ax3 Mid GTX W | ![]() | A Great Mix of a Trainer and a Hiking Boot | |
4 | Merrell Siren 3 Women's Waterproof Walking Boots | ![]() | A Trusty Boot That’s Waterproof but Breathable Featuring Gore-Tex Fabric and a Deep Tread | |
5 | Haglöfs Skuta Mid Proof Eco Women's Walking Boots | ![]() | Reinforced Suede and Synthetic Wide-Fitting Shoes to Provide Extra Comfort | |
6 | Danner Women's Trail 2650M | ![]() | A Versatile, Lightweight Trainer-Replacement Hiking Shoe That Thrives on All Terrains | |
7 | Berghaus Women's Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Waterproof Walking Boots | ![]() | A Modern-Look Durable Leather Boot That’s Surprisingly Lightweight and Comfortable | |
8 | Columbia Women's Peakfreak X2 Outdry Hiking Shoe | ![]() | A Small and Lightweight Shoe That’s Also Rugged and Provides Plenty of Cushioning | |
9 | Northwest Territory Peak Hiking Boot | ![]() | A Big, Strong Boot Covered in Leather to Keep Your Toes Warm During Winter | |
10 | Mountain Warehouse Latitude Extreme Waterproof Vibram Womens Boots | ![]() | A Brown Leather Boot With a Classic Design That’s Breathable and 100% Waterproof |
The soles of these shoes are breathable and anti-microbial. This means that they not only get rid of excess moisture, but they also stop your shoes from smelling bad, which is wonderful news if you plan on spending day after day in your shoes on a hike.
These shoes can easily be used on multiple different terrains, and their modern look hints at the modern technology used to make these boots comfortable and odour-free. They're also made from synthetic materials, making them a great option for vegans and vegetarians.
Starting at a 3 and going all the way up to a 9, including half sizes, the range of sizes that this boot comes in is a big positive, which anyone with smaller or bigger feet can attest to.
The neutral brown colour won't be a problem if you find yourself walking through a muddy patch and the joining of suede and synthetic fabric to make the shoe's outer layer means you get the best of both – and all for a very reasonable price, too.
These shoes, from Adidas, do a great job of bridging the gap between sportswear and walking boots. They fall somewhere in the middle, casual enough that they look good but they will still keep your feet warm and dry on a hike.
These hiking boots are perfect for if you enjoy a stroll now and then over some tougher terrain, while also wanting something a little more fashionable for general wear. There's also a choice of six different designs to choose from!
While it is essential that your boots are completely waterproof, it is also vital that they remain breathable. This means they let out sweat and excess moisture that you don't want in your shoe, without letting any external moisture in.
Luckily, these shoes have that problem sorted. The Gore-Tex fabric is designed for just that, so your feet will stay as dry as a bone. You'll also feel steady on your feet with the deep tread of the sole.
Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to these hiking shoes. The soles are reinforced with gel to add a spring to your step and maximise your power per stride. All the materials have been treated so they don't just keep water and dirt out of your shoes, they repel it.
Fortunately, focusing on comfort hasn't led to any style being sacrificed and the combination of the suede and other synthetic materials works perfectly. These boots manage to be soft and sturdy enough for the harshest environments.
This shoe is considerably lighter than most other options on this list, and that's thanks to some clever weight-saving techniques that Danner have managed to perfect. Inspired by the Pacific Crest Trail, this shoe has versatility built into it, so whatever terrain you find yourself on, these shoes will cope.
Whilst these shoes thrive on different terrain, they might struggle in harsh weather conditions without the protection of ankle support. Heavy rain and mud will be harder to keep out as these hiking boots function more as a replacement for trainers.
This hiking boot uses the style of a more modern shoe and pairs it with leather, which would usually appear on a more traditional design. This means that it has all the positives of leather (its strength and durability, for example) and blends that with the lightness and comfort of a newer boot.
The shock-absorbing sole will protect your joints as you walk, meaning you can keep going for longer. Although half sizes are available, the main thing that lets these shoes down is that you can only find them in women's 4-8.
These shoes, although small and lightweight, are ready for whatever might be thrown at them, including rain. They will also work brilliantly when it's hot and sunny due to them being more open than other, more boot-like, designs.
The lack of ankle support does make them lighter and cooler on your feet, but this might be an issue for those who prefer their hiking shoes to have more structure. You will be able to secure your feet in place with the laces, but they might not stay in quite as well.
Designed to be used in the cold Northwest Territories in Canada, these boots will keep your feet warm during the chilliest months. They, unlike most shoes on this list, are covered all over in leather and this gives them a lovely, traditional look. Considering the fact they are leather, they also manage to be good value.
These boots do have the drawbacks that lots of boots with an outer layer made entirely of leather might have. They might be uncomfortable at the start, and this isn't helped by how solid and bulky they could feel on your feet.
With brown leather all over, this hiking boot really takes it back to basics. The design may look simple and traditional, but these boots have a few new tricks up their sleeves. The outer is breathable, allowing the moisture to get out, but it remains 100% waterproof.
However, this leather outer, whilst hard-wearing, might be a bit too tough on some people's feet. The size range of this boot is also limited, so they are not accessible to everyone in this respect, too.
What you don’t want to do is take them straight out on a hike! Instead, you should break the boots in and acclimatise your feet to them by wearing them nice and snug with well-padded socks and possibly insoles around the house or on a quick walk around your neighbourhood.
You’ll want to try and get a half-size up from your actual shoe size to compensate for the thicker socks that you’ll most likely be wearing with them on the hike. Another great tip: try shoes on later in the day when your feet have swelled somewhat to really get a feel for the boots.
Start by checking that your boots are clean so that you won’t miss anywhere, then make sure that they’re fairly damp so as to help with absorbing the product. Once you’ve applied it all over, let the boots dry away from any sources of heat like a radiator. Always read the waterproofing product instructions before use.
No. 1: AKU|Women's Selvatica Mid GTX Hiking Boots
No. 2: Jack Wolfskin|Women's Vojo Hike 3 Texapore Mid
No. 3: adidas|Women's Terrex Ax3 Mid GTX W
No. 4: Merrell|Siren 3 Women's Waterproof Walking Boots
No. 5: Haglöfs|Skuta Mid Proof Eco Women's Walking Boots
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