14 best walking boots and shoes for women, tried and tested by hikers

Score: 94/100

Columbia is known for its high-performance hiking shoes and after testing them, we can see why. Testers found them very lightweight and comfy from the start, and they were easy to slip on and off thanks to the trainer-like design and easy lacing system.

Despite the lack of ankle support, they proved supportive and grippy on all types of terrain, from grass to gravel. Thanks to the ADAPT TRAX™ outsole and 4mm lugs (tread), they excelled on wet, slippery surfaces, too. They remained comfy during lengthy hikes, and they held up well in light rain. However, due to some gaping at the top, we wouldn't recommend them in heavy downpours.

Rubber reinforcements protect your toes and heels on tough terrain and the breathable mesh upper means they’re suitable for warm weather, too.

Score: 93/100

Another trainer style, these North Ridge hikers feature a ripstop nylon upper (made from recycled plastic bottles) and a waterproof membrane to keep your toes dry as you traverse the trails.

They aced our in-house waterproof tests and panellists said they protected their feet when the heavens opened on their walks. “I’m almost looking forward to another rainy day now!” said one satisfied tester.

These shoes never felt clunky or cumbersome thanks to their ultra lightweight design and they remained comfortable throughout, with no rubbing or pinching noted. They were also grippy enough to support testers through treks on a variety of terrain.

Just note, like our Columbia winner, the low collar means they won’t offer lots of ankle support.

Score: 91/100

We’re big fans of Craghoppers at the Good Housekeeping Institute (the brand features in our best waterproof trousers and best waterproof jackets round-ups) so we had high hopes when we put these shoes to the test. Thankfully, they didn’t disappoint. “I’ve tried lots of boots for walking and these are my favourite,” said one panellist.

Testers praised the “classy” design, saying they would wear the suede shoes in a variety of settings. But they don’t just look the part – they were easy to lace up, the Vibram outsole offers grip on tricky terrain and the EVA foam midsole (which is made with repurposed algae) provides plenty of cushioning.

Heading out in dodgy weather? The shoes feature AquaDry technology to prevent soggy toes and testers confirmed they shrugged off water successfully. Everyone rated them highly for overall comfort and breathability, too.

Score: 90/100

Arc’teryx claims these shoes are ‘fast, light, agile and secure’ and after testing them, we’d have to agree. Our panel of walkers said they were extremely light – ideal for day-long hikes – and there was plenty of space for their toes to spread out comfortably. There’s also room for thick hiking socks.

Deep lugs (treads) offer unrivalled grip in slippery conditions, including grassy fells and smooth rock faces, while GORE-TEX technology helps to keep your feet dry when you’re trudging through puddles. One tester, who stomped through streams in the shoes, said their socks remained completely dry. Hurrah!

Some found them a little stiff to begin with and they may not be suitable for those with narrow feet, so it's worth trying them around the house before you head out.

Score: 89/100

These walking boots might be at the lower end of the price range, but you wouldn’t know it. “I absolutely loved these boots!” one tester told us, while another said: “They manage to balance aesthetics with functionality.”

The midsole is delightfully thick and spongy, helping to cushion the blow of rocky terrain, while the integrated EVOFIT tech is designed to adapt to your foot shape for ultimate comfort. The lightweight construction, grippy soles and deep lugs also made walking on uneven terrain effortless.

They performed well in our waterproof lab tests, and they didn’t let us down when our expert walked in long grass and wet conditions, either. We wouldn’t wear them in torrential rain, though.

Score: 88/100

Despite their modest price tag, these lightweight shoes performed well across the board. “These are a really good all-round walking shoe for a variety of country terrains,” noted one tester.

They felt ultra lightweight and did a good job of absorbing impact on our testers’ short and long hikes. Despite the low-ankle design, they were sturdy enough to support them on all types of terrain and those who wore them in the rain were pleased with their performance. “My feet remained dry when walking in puddles,” confirmed one happy hiker.

With a suede mesh upper, they scored highly for breathability, with no complaints about hot, sweaty feet. Granted, they’re not the prettiest pair on our list, but if practicality is your priority, you can’t go wrong.

Score: 88/100

Ariat is popular for its fashion-forward cowboy boots, but its line of walking shoes also comes highly recommended. These trainer-style leather hikers, which are designed to handle a range of terrains and weather conditions, went down well with testers. “I can’t fault the boots at all,” said one.

The sole delivered steadfast grip on uneven paths, while heel and toe caps offered extra protection and panellists said no water seeped in when the heavens opened thanks to the DRYMax waterproof finish.

They were on the stiffer side but, nonetheless, testers found them comfy to wear over long distances. One tester, who wore them during a nine-mile hike in the rain said: “I hardly noticed I was wearing them.”

Score: 88/100

Our panel loved these Merrells, finding them comfy from the first wear, and easy to lace up and slip off quickly – rare for boots. They provided our walkers with sufficient ankle support, yet they were still lightweight and allowed for a lot of foot flex.

Along with a pillowy foam midsole, the boots feature a Vibram outsole, which was extremely stable on dry and rocky paths. Some testers did experience issues with grip on wet, slippery surfaces, though.

The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane kept our panellists' feet dry on rainy walks, and the breathable fabric prevented sweaty feet in warm weather. They’re not designed for rugged hikes, but for casual to moderate adventures, they’re more than up to the job.

Score: 88/100

Comfortable, supportive and waterproof, there’s lots to love about these Salomon boots. They earned a resounding thumbs up from testers, with one saying: “I love everything about these boots.”

The padded ankle collars and grippy soles offer excellent support, no matter how technical your terrain. Though sturdy and durable, testers said they felt super light and flexible on their walks, and the breathable lining prevented any overheating. Plus, thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane, they can handle a range of conditions. “Dry feet for me!” said one tester who wore them on a rainy trek.

One tester experienced a little bit of rubbing so we recommend breaking these one in before setting off on a long hike, and the chunky laces were a bit awkward to tie up but, overall, these are a reliable pair of hikers for all your adventures.

Score: 88/100

If you’re in the market for a pair of classic leather hiking boots, this reliable pair from North Ridge is a great shout. The supportive design means you don't have to worry about your ankle rolling over, even on the most uneven paths, and the Vibram rubber outsole will help you traverse down tough hills without slipping.

They scored highly for comfort thanks to the cushioned interior and padded ankles, and the waterproof lining also lived up to its claims. One tester, who strolled through a stream while wearing the boots, said: “They didn’t leak, which I loved.”

They are on the heavier side, and there is an initial breaking in period, but according to our testers, it’s worth the effort.

Score: 87/100

If you’re after a bouncy, high-top-style hiking shoe to keep you nimble on the trails, then walk this way.

The cushioned foam midsole cradles the heel to absorb impact and the deep flex grooves are designed to propel you forwards and make your walks feel easier. “They definitely gave me a spring in my step,” said one hiker, while another raved about how flexible they felt.

The ADAPT TRAX outsole performed brilliantly on dry, dusty trails, steep hills and muddy paths, and testers were pleased with the level of ankle support, too. The lightweight upper fabric kept things cool and breathable on demanding hikes, and those who wore them in rainy conditions had no complaints, either. The fit around the ankle was a bit too snug for some, so it might be worth sizing up if you’re unsure.

Score: 85/100

Another bouncy pair of walkers designed to drive you forwards, our panel said these KEEN shoes were seriously comfortable on long hikes. They offer arch support and feature an achilles pad for extra protection. “My feet feel so much better at the end of the day in comparison to previous boots I have worn,” said one tester.

With a rugged foam outsole and 4mm multi-directional lugs, they excelled in terms of traction and stability, and the KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane coped with muddy puddles and rainy walks, with no soggy socks or leakage reported.

Some found the toe box was a little restrictive – you may want to size up – and the laces were on the short side, but this wouldn’t put our testers off wearing them again and again.

Score: 85/100

If heavy-duty hiking boots aren’t for you, consider these lightweight trainers from Danish footwear brand ECCO. Whether you’re hiking up hills or strolling around the city, they’re designed to cushion every step and keep you supported. “I wore them on long walks and all day at work, and they were particularly comfortable on the soles of my feet,” commented one panellist.

The rugged outsoles and multi-directional grooves ensured top-notch grip on smooth, slippery, uneven ground, while the GORE-TEX technology kept water at bay and prevented hot, stuffy feet. The soles had plenty of flex for speedy hikes and scrambles, too.

Testers also praised their sleek, subtle style. Just note, one panellist found them difficult to slip on (they had to use a shoehorn), and they do run small, so considering sizing up if you’re in between sizes.

Score: 84/100

Think walking shoes can’t be stylish and practical? Think again. One tester told us they’d received “plenty of compliments” with these and another thought they were “much cooler” than typical hiking boots.

Our panel also gave them top marks for grip and stability on wet and dry trails. “I didn't worry about slipping when walking downhill in the wet,” said one tester. Those who trialled them in the rain agreed that the GORE-TEX waterproofing tech was effective and the synthetic upper layer allowed air to circulate and prevented sticky feet.

Our expert found the speed lacing system a little fiddly to begin with and they were a bit stiff around the middle. Still, the Skychaser hits the sweet spot between a trail running shoe and a lightweight walking boot, offering trainer-like comfort with superior protection.