The rough terrain encountered in hiking adventures can only be conquered with the right footwear. Hiking boots offer the support and stability needed by women hikers. Whether you are a beginner or occasional hiker, you will benefit from the stiff sole and high ankle length provided by hiking boots.

There has been attempts to make comparison of boots for women. To find the best hiking boots for women, you first need to know the available style options available. They include;

Available options

Lightweight Hiking Boots

Boots in this category are suitable for day hiking and light backpacking. They usually weigh between 1 and 3 pounds a pair and will have a low or mid-cut height not more than 4-5 inches. Lightweight hiking boots offer minimal ankle support, but the ankle’s shaft is long enough to keep debris out.

And because of the materials used in construction, they wear out first and are only ideal for occasional light hikers. The best brands in this category include Merrell Salida Mid WP, Ahnu Montara – Women, and the Keen Targhee II Mid – Women.

Mid-weight hiking boots

This category of boots is ideal for women that love to hike all year round in a variety of terrains. They can also be used for backpacking with loads of between 20-40 pounds. Mid-weight boots offer stability while still maintaining a reasonable light weight.

They weigh between 2-4 pounds per pair, and their extra ankle stability differentiates them from the lightweight models. Most of the boots will have stiffer soles, integrated leather uppers and firm ankle shafts for adequate support. Among the top-rated mid-weight boots for women are La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 GTX, Salomon Comet 3D GTX, Timberland Chocorua Trail Mid, Asolo Athena, and Lowa Renegade GTX.

Heavyweight hiking boots

This comprises of full leather backpacking boots reserved for travel in high alpine settings. They are reserved for carrying pack loads of 40-50 pounds and are tough-built to last longer. Many women may not like boots in this category as they are often bulky. But if you are after maximum comfort while tackling any terrain, you will appreciate what these boots offer. They have an extra ankle shaft that keeps the ankle from spraining, twisting or jostling and a stiff sole for the rugged terrains.

While these three categories give you a clue on the different options you have when it comes to choosing boots, you may still need to consider other detailed factors in order to make a good purchase. These include traction, breathability, water resistance, durability, overall comfort and type and size of your feet.