Making sure you have the right footwear when out walking is essential. This guide to three-season hiking boots will help you find a perfect fit that promises to last as long as you do in the hills.
The three-season hiking boots listed in this guide are all suitable for women. In essence, three-season, means that they are appropriate for use in the spring, summer, and fall but not in the winter when a winter walking boot would be more appropriate.
However, with advances in technology and materials, the lines between three-season walking boots and winter boots have become slightly blurred. Some hiking boots will be perfectly adequate for winter walking, especially on gentler slopes and below the snowline. More generally, these three-season boots are designed for everyday outdoor use – from country trails to moorland, hill, and mountain paths.
Our expert reviewer, Lara Dunn has put the best three-season walking boots for women through their paces. This guide focuses on the best walking boots for women exclusively. If you’re looking for men’s walking boots then see our guide to the best walking boots for men. For both, see our article on The best hiking boots for men and women.
If you’ve found yourself in need of a new pair of boots prematurely, you can support this investment by brushing up on waterproofing your walking boots to make them last longer. If you aren’t quite ready for a new pair of walking boots and are wondering what can be done to your current pair to make them feel fresh again, we’ve answered your burning questions on resoling or repairing walking boots.
How we tested the best hiking boots for women
All the women’s walking boots in this guide were tested by Lara Dunn over a series of months and in a wide range of terrain.
Our picks of the best hiking boots for women
Salewa W’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
Lara Dunn’s Best in Test
comfortable and supportive fit and the good looks too, these mark excellent value for money, coming in as they do at a cheaper price that most similar boots.- Less expensive than equivalent boots
- Light
- Supportive
- Attractive
- None
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $200 | £190 Weight: 1018g (for size 41) Pros: Less expensive than some equivalent boots, light, supportive, attractive Cons: None really Materials: Suede leather uppers, Vibram Alpine Hiking outsole, Gore-Tex lined Features: Multifit Footbed + interchangeable footbed for fine tuning volume, protective toe rand, locking laces Sizes: UK3-UK9 (including half sizes)/EU36-43 Women’s/Men’s Version: Women’s (men’s direct equivalent available) www.salewa.com |
The Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX hiking boots from Salewa are a versatile choice for day walks with a light pack or longer treks with a heavy load. They have a continental look with an asymmetric toe rand, reminiscent of climbing shoes. Despite being sent the wrong size due to a technical issue, the boot’s comfort and customisable footbed make it suitable for most terrains and load carrying. The Vibram outsoles are grippy and easy to shed mud, making them ideal for claggy conditions.
The boot is high enough to support the ankle even with a heavier load and keeps debris and mud out. The Gore-Tex content ensures versatility for damp UK hiking conditions. The boots are excellent value for money, with attention to detail, quality build, comfortable fit, and attractive looks.
Read Lara’s full Salewa W’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX Review
Salewa W’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
Lara Dunn’s Best in Test
comfortable and supportive fit and the good looks too, these mark excellent value for money, coming in as they do at a cheaper price that most similar boots.- Less expensive than equivalent boots
- Light
- Supportive
- Attractive
- None
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $200 | £190 Weight: 1018g (for size 41) Pros: Less expensive than some equivalent boots, light, supportive, attractive Cons: None really Materials: Suede leather uppers, Vibram Alpine Hiking outsole, Gore-Tex lined Features: Multifit Footbed + interchangeable footbed for fine tuning volume, protective toe rand, locking laces Sizes: UK3-UK9 (including half sizes)/EU36-43 Women’s/Men’s Version: Women’s (men’s direct equivalent available) www.salewa.com |
The Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX hiking boots from Salewa are a versatile choice for day walks with a light pack or longer treks with a heavy load. They have a continental look with an asymmetric toe rand, reminiscent of climbing shoes. Despite being sent the wrong size due to a technical issue, the boot’s comfort and customisable footbed make it suitable for most terrains and load carrying. The Vibram outsoles are grippy and easy to shed mud, making them ideal for claggy conditions.
The boot is high enough to support the ankle even with a heavier load and keeps debris and mud out. The Gore-Tex content ensures versatility for damp UK hiking conditions. The boots are excellent value for money, with attention to detail, quality build, comfortable fit, and attractive looks.
Read Lara’s full Salewa W’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX Review
Meindl Bhutan Lady MFS
Lara Dunn’s Highly recommended
These are a bit like an original Landrover Defender pitted against newer, racier four-wheel drive vehicles. This boot has been one of Meindl’s bestsellers for over 10 years and it’s easy to see why.- Repairable
- Supportive
- Well-made
- Pricey
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $280 | £279.99 Weight: 1368g (for size UK6) Materials: Nubuck leather, Gore-Tex lining, Meindl Multigrip Vibram rubber outsole Features: Memory Foam System in ankle area, Digafix lacing system for superior hold and fit adjustment Sizes: UK3.5-UK9 (including half sizes)/EU36-43 Women’s/Men’s Version: Women’s (men’s direct equivalent available) www.meindl.co.uk |
The Bhutan Lady MFS are lightweight hiking boots that are both durable and lightweight. They have been a bestseller for over 10 years and feature a tough nubuck upper, Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing, and a Memory Foam System at the ankle for extra comfort. The Vibram double-density sole unit is self-cleaning and mud-shedding. The boots come in half sizes, making them easy to fit for average-shaped feet. The ankle support area is superbly comfortable, and there is enough flexibility to encourage a natural gait. The boot is designed to be stiff enough to tackle all but high mountain and winter conditions. Meindl’s approach to boots is repairable for long-term wear, allowing them to be sent to Meindl UK and then to Germany for rejuvenation. This sustainability helps keep the boots going indefinitely, making them a popular choice for those looking for a durable and comfortable hiking boot.
Read Lara Dunn’s full Meindl Bhutan Lady MFS Review
Zamberlan Salathe Trek GTX RR
Lara Dunn’s Highly Recommended
These are an exceptionally comfortable, supportive, capable and well-designed pair of boots and I would have happily awarded them 5 stars if it hadn’t been for that price. They are a solid investment.- Light
- Versatile
- Supportive
- RECCO Reflector
- Style won’t appeal to all
- Expensive
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $330 | £260 Weight: 908g (for size 39) Pros: Light, versatile, supportive, RECCO reflector Cons: Style won’t appeal to everyone, expensive Materials: Hydrobloc Suede, Gore-Tex lining, molded EVA midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole Features: RECCO reflector, Gore-Tex lining and waterproof leather upper, laces right down to toe-box Sizes: UK4-UK9 / EU37-43 (including half sizes) Women’s/Men’s Version: Women’s (men’s direct equivalent available) www.zamberlan.co.uk |
The Zamberlan Salathe Trek GTX RR hiking boots are a lightweight, modern alpine boot with asymmetric pointed toe and protective toe rand. They come in various colors and have funky graphics. Although built on a unisex platform, the boots are comfortable and suitable for various activities, including day walks, scrambles, and alpine hikes. The outsoles are well-suited for various terrains and conditions, and the protective asymmetric toe makes leaping from rock to rock appealing. The boots also feature a waterproof suede upper, Gore-Tex lining, and Vibram sole. The RECCO reflector is included to aid rescue services in locating the wearer. Despite their price, these boots are an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable, supportive, capable, and well-designed pair of boots.
Read Lara’s full Zamberlan Salathe Trek GTX RR Women’s Review
La Sportiva TX5 GTX
Lara Dunn Recommends
These are a capable and well-made hiking boot, perfect for hiking and trekking on varied terrain, making the £200 a sound investment in a very versatile and wearable piece of kit.- Light, supportive and grippy.
- Versatile for various conditions and surfaces.
- Worth checking the fit
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $250 | £200 Weight 930g (for size UK6) Materials: Nubuck leather, Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining, EVA shock-absorbing insole, Vibram MegaGrip outsole Features: Ortholite Approach 4mm footbed, rubber protective rand on upper, 3D Flex system for protection and precision Sizes: UK3.5-UK8 (EU36-42 including half sizes) Women’s/Men’s Version: Women’s (men’s direct equivalent available) www.lasportiva.com |
La Sportiva’s TX5 GTX hiking boots are lightweight yet rugged, designed for long-day wear in challenging conditions or with heavy loads. They offer a generous fit, suitable for narrow heels but not too wide for the average British foot. The boots are comfortable and capable over various terrains, with a shaped toe area and deep protective rand. They are warm but not overwarm, suitable for year-round use, and have a Gore-Tex that keeps out wet stuff. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole performs well on various surfaces and weather conditions. The Ortholite Approach 4mm insole is cushioned for long days with a heavy pack, and the boot’s stiffness and support offer support even with a slightly lower ankle height. The lightweight boot is particularly good for those who prefer a faster pace with a smaller pack. The La Sportiva TX5 GTX is a versatile and wearable piece of kit, making the £200 investment a sound investment.
Read Lara Dunn’s full La Sportiva TX5 GTX Review
Vivobarefoot Tracker Winter SG
Lara Dunn Recommends
For colder season use, these are a great addition to a barefoot hiker’s kit cupboard- Sensitivity to trail
- Lightweight
- flexibility
- Not the warmest
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $270 | £210 Weight: 870g (for size UK6) Pros: Sensitivity to trail, light weight, flexibility Cons: Not the warmest Materials: Wild hide leather, 50% wool/50% polyester lining, polymer/silica mix outsole, unspecified waterproof membrane Features: Low-profile, flexible barefoot-style fit, waterproof treatment to leather uppers and waterproof membrane in boot, removable/replaceable thermal insole Sizes: UK2.5-UK9 (EU35-43) – half sizes only at UK2.5 and UK8.5 Women’s/Men’s Version – women’s (men’s direct equivalent available) www.vivobarefoot.com |
The Vivobarefoot Tracker Winter SG is a rugged winterized boot designed to be both weatherproof and warmer. It offers feedback and sensitivity in hiking boots and shoes, making them suitable for cold weather wear. The SG “soft ground” outsole and wider sole profile provide good traction in mud, but not technical winter footwear with crampon capacity. The thermal insole and thicker outsole provide more insulation than other Trackers, but require thick socks and a fast pace to prevent warmth from seeping out. The waterproofing function also works well. While not as stable for carrying heavy loads as traditional boots, they are well-suited for a day out with good leg strength and confidence. The ankles are comfortably supported but not constrained, and the ability to adjust to the terrain is excellent. For colder season use, these boots are a great addition to a barefoot hiker’s kit cupboard.
Read Lara Dunn’s full review on the Vivobarefoot Tracker Winter SG
