There’s no better time than a brand new year to turn your love of a stroll into a full-time hobby. Here, we reveal the best walking boots and hiking boots for women with genuine style credentials, from brands like The North Face, Danner, Berghaus and Timberland. We’re sorry, but your wellies just won’t cut it anymore.
I’m not usually one for fitness-themed New Year’s resolutions (I never stick to them and end up feeling rubbish about myself), but this year’s is a gentle ‘get outside more’, so I’m in need of the best walking boots for women to accompany me.
It’s time to give my fashion trainers a break and turn to proper hiking footwear instead. Hot girl walk, anyone?
Best walking boots for women 2024 at a glance:
- Best walking boots overall: Women’s Cragstone Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots, WERE £140 NOW £98, The North Face
- Best all-season hiking boots: Cloudrock 2 Waterproof Hiking Boots, £195, On Running
- Most affordable hiking boots: Jack Walker Women’s Trekking and Hiking Boots, £39.99, Amazon
- Most waterproof walking boots: Berghaus VC22 GORE-TEX Waterproof Trail Hiking Boots, £170, ASOS
- Fashionable women’s hiking boots: Lace-Up Hiking Boots, £345, GANNI
Skip to: Shop the best walking boots for women | Why do people wear walking boots? | Is it better to walk in trainers or walking boots? | What should I look for in walking boots? | Should walking boots be tight or loose?
Good old-fashioned walking remains constant as the one activity everyone can build into their day-to-day – and one that never fails to boost moods. Besides the obvious benefits for your physical health, the positive impact of a walk, when your mental health might be struggling, can’t be overemphasised.
“Research has found that there are significant psychological benefits in being around nature,” says Dr. Becky Spelman, counselling psychologist at The Private Therapy Clinic. “It’s calming for people and helps them to be mindful and be present in the moment. The benefits should not be underestimated – it really does wonders for mental health.”
Whether you’re actually mountaineering, backpacking/rucksacking, trekking on rocky terrain, or keen to simply stride through your local park, it’s time to add some bestseller walking shoes to your collection of activewear essentials. PSA: if you’re headed out for a long stomp, be sure to layer up with a waterproof jacket, gilet vest, sweat-wicking t-shirt and a pair of gym leggings and walking socks/hiking socks – and don’t forget the essentials like a water bottle for hydration.
Why do people wear walking boots? Are walking boots worth it?
Walking boots are infinitely better for long-distance walking than your normal running trainers, largely because they support your ankles, reducing the risk of twists and sprains. Just like you need to choose the best swimwear for watersports, it’s worth investing in some good outdoor footwear that’s fit for purpose.
Is it better to walk in trainers or walking boots?
Walking boots are better suited to rockier and uneven terrains than trainers as they offer more support and protection to your ankles (think scrapes and cuts when you’re walking on harsher terrain), so you shouldn’t even need gaiters. If you’re only going to be walking on roads and through parks, a walking shoe or trail-style running shoe should be adequate though.
What should I look for in walking boots? How do you tell if boots are good for hiking?
When you’re shopping for the best walking boots for women, there are a few things to consider. First: the fabric. Walking boots largely come in either leather or softer fabric. Leather boots are the more traditional and high-end, price-wise, in the walking boot arena. They tend to be warmer, and leather is naturally waterproof, although it does tend to be stiffer so your boots will take longer to break in. Nylon boots are lighter and the fabric flexes to your feet, meaning you’ll be instantly ready to hit the trails and most textile boots come ready waterproofed, so you can still walk on a rainy day.