The Greatest Mountain climbing Boots for Ladies of 2025

How We Examined the Greatest Ladies’s Mountain climbing Boots

Our Professional Testers

Our GearJunkie crew has examined dozens of mountaineering boots (since Could 2021) and whittled them all the way down to an inventory of one of the best to assist make your decision-making course of a streamlined affair.

A gear tester for six+ years, our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, lives in Bishop, Calif. Proper exterior her entrance door are limitless trails from rocky desert slopes to aspen-lined switchbacks. She logged many miles within the boots she examined. Editor Chris Kassar, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and hiker extraordinaire Pam LeBlanc, took over this information in 2025. They examined boots in Patagonia, Texas, the Colorado Rockies, and the rugged Teton backcountry.

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton additionally contributed to this information. She’s a lifelong hiker from Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, an adventurous backpacker, and a global trekker.

Our Testing Course of

Our last record of girls’s mountaineering boots is the mixed results of firsthand expertise throughout the globe and numerous circumstances. Utilizing quite a lot of metrics, from efficiency, high quality, sturdiness, match, consolation, safety, ergonomics, distinctive options, and worth — we have been in a position to come to goal conclusions about every boot’s strengths and weaknesses.

Our testers took every mannequin on numerous hikes. We hiked with and with out weight on our backs, over various terrain to greatest imitate real-life purposes. We regularly take a look at new boots to find out in the event that they’re worthy of including to this information.

The highest picks additionally consider the preferred, timeless, extremely rated, progressive, and well-acclaimed merchandise. In the end, these mountaineering boots serve a variety of athletes, environments, goal targets, and budgets. If you happen to’re in search of completely different choices, take a look at our information to Greatest Mountain climbing Sneakers for Ladies. Or, for winter-focused choices, seek the advice of our information to the Greatest Winter Mountain climbing Boots.

Purchaser’s Information: Learn how to Select the Greatest Mountain climbing Boots for Ladies

Right here we give attention to one of the best mountaineering boots for girls. We’ve a separate information when you’re in search of males’s mountaineering boots.

Match

The primary cause to purchase a ladies’s-specific mountaineering boot is the match. Most ladies have narrower heels than males, and many ladies have smaller and narrower ft than males.

It’s additionally frequent for girls to have the next arch. Ladies’s particular mountaineering boots are all constructed on a final that considers what’s particular about ladies’s ft.

However as with something, one dimension doesn’t essentially match all. When you’ve got a wider or bigger foot, a unisex or males’s boot could be a better option. A number of boots we examined, together with the Nucleo Excessive II GTX and the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof provide a large model.

Boot sizes will not be common. The size, width, and quantity differ throughout every model. There are additionally wider and narrower toe field choices. That’s why you would possibly discover some boots to be notably streamlined or roomy in comparison with others.

In the end, it’s extraordinarily useful to go to an area retailer to get your ft professionally measured. We additionally advocate making an attempt on no less than one boot per model to determine the scale that works for you. This additionally helps decide the general compatibility of the final along with your foot form and wishes.

Match is a very powerful consideration when shopping for a boot. Whereas all mountaineering boots break in to a point — it’s at all times good to put on them round your own home or round city earlier than hitting the path all day — a boot ought to really feel snug within the store. The Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX boots and the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX have been extremely snug proper out of the field.
Plus, your heel shouldn’t slip up and down. If it does, select one other boot — otherwise you’re sure to finish up with blisters. Likewise, your toes shouldn’t really feel smushed or graze on the prime finish of the toe field. In any other case, you would possibly find yourself with toe bang, particularly after a descent and whereas sporting a heavy pack.

Word your socks. Take your most-used mountaineering hosiery with you to attempt in your mountaineering boots. To that finish, ensure you’re selecting the greatest mountaineering socks to your wants. We typically like merino or merino blends for an excellent steadiness of breathability and safety in opposition to chilly whereas additionally serving to to combat odors, particularly for back-to-back days.

Why Mountain climbing Boots?

Usually, mountaineering boots are extra built-out than low hikers. They provide extra rigidity, traction, and safety from the outsole and tread and across the higher. Usually, mountaineering boots have extra materials across the ankle, however the top can vary from low-cut to mid-high. Some mountaineering boot uppers are full-grain leather-based. Others are a hybrid of leather-based and nylon mesh or nylon mesh and plastic overlays for reinforcement.

A mountaineering shoe is often low-cut and fewer inflexible, providing extra consolation for crossover use. The higher is often made from artificial supplies (versus leather-based) and is breathable. The tread and outsole are extra reasonable in comparison with a built-out boot.

Additionally, there’s been a surge of mountaineering boot designs which can be running-inspired. Examples embrace the Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX, the Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX, or the Merrell Moab Velocity 2 Mid GTX. They provide a extra versatile higher with a extra rugged sole. These provide one of the best of each worlds by mixing the traits of a boot with a sneaker.

Mountain climbing boots are a fantastic choice when you plan to hold extra weight, journey lengthy distances, or enterprise by means of rocky or variable terrain. In case you are prone to journey by means of a variety of climate circumstances, comparable to snow and rain or creek crossings, a boot can function a robust defend.

The extra rugged boots in our lineup embrace the The North Face Offtrail LT Mid, La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX, and the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Mountain climbing Boots It additionally comes down to non-public desire and when you really feel extra snug and guarded in a boot.

A decrease, lighter choice is an effective selection when you get pleasure from mountaineering quick. You’ll need extra aeration and may not want as a lot assist. Some hikers choose favor a minimal, close-to-ground really feel — even with weight in a pack.

Mountain climbing Boot Top: Low, Mid, or Excessive

Mountain climbing boot top is a matter of non-public desire and is influenced by the terrain you’ll be wandering in. The next-reaching boot is created by means of a taller collar or cuff, which is often padded, and a few are extra inflexible than others.

• Low-cut: Ankle bone is uncovered, biggest vary of movement
• Mid-cut: Cuff rises above the ankle bone, provides ankle bone safety from abrasion, a hybrid of stability and mobility
• Excessive-cut: Cuff rises just a few inches above the ankle bone, the sturdiest design

The next boot collar will provide extra ankle assist, comparable to safety when traversing free rock or safety in opposition to abrasive vegetation. The upper profile the boot, the higher it might do at conserving particles or moisture out. And most of the people will advocate a tall boot when you’re backpacking a heavy load.

The tradeoff is {that a} higher-cut boot shall be much less versatile. This is probably not superb when you’re scrambling on rocks beside the path and want extra ankle articulation. Increased ankle assist additionally typically holds in additional warmth with much less airflow across the ankles. Taller socks shall be extra snug with the next cuff.

For mountaineering in technical terrain, we advocate the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hikng Boots. Not everybody wants a whole lot of ankle assist, so don’t be afraid to experiment with extra versatile choices when you’re not sure.

We preferred the Merrell Moab Velocity 2 Mid GTX greatest for day hikes and the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Ladies’s Vast greatest for backpacking. Although loads of thru-hikers additionally put on decrease reduce fashions on their Appalachian Path or Pacific Crest Path quests.

Our prime decide for a light-weight but sturdy mountaineering boot with ankle safety is the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX. We additionally love the Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX for light-weight backpacking adventures with their trail-runner-type really feel. 

Breathability

Waterproof mountaineering boots differ of their breathability. Usually, if this is a crucial consideration for you, we’d advocate you go along with a sneaker or a lighter decrease choice with breathable mesh higher supplies. However that’s to not say that a few of the mountaineering boots in our lineup aren’t breathable as properly.

Whereas mountaineering boots like our prime decide, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX, include an artificial mesh higher for enhanced breathability, additionally it is made with GORE-TEX waterproof materials, which is one of the best in the marketplace at conserving your ft dry.

Our testers discovered that boots made with GORE-TEX, just like the Rush Mid GTX, the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX, the Merrell Moab Velocity 2 Mid GTX, are at all times going to sacrifice breathability to some extent. Whereas an artificial mesh higher does assist, boots which can be one of the best at conserving water out gained’t examine to mild path runners with skinny membranes which can be assured to maintain your ft cooler in the long term. 

Our testers discovered that the On Cloudrock Mid WP boots, nonetheless, did surprisingly properly at conserving our ft from getting that swampy feeling that tends to occur with waterproof boots. They saved our ft from overheating within the top of the summer time whereas additionally having nice waterproofing capabilities, making them a sensible choice for these in search of a extra breathable mountaineering boot. 

Along with boot top, stability depends upon what’s underfoot, how the boot is structured within the heel, and what stabilizers and reinforcements have been constructed into the boot higher.

Outsole (Tread)

The underside of the mountaineering boot is the outsole, or tread, which contacts the bottom. It’s made from rubber. Every pair has its personal lug sample, which supplies various levels of traction in several path circumstances and terrain.

• Shallower lugs: Good for pavement, filth, grass, crushed gravel, fallen leaves, pretty flat (straightforward to reasonable steepness)
• Reasonable lugs: Greatest for looser terrain comparable to mud, gravel, scree (reasonable or higher steepness)
• Deep lugs: Preferrred for essentially the most supple surfaces like mud, snow, free rock, combined terrain, sometimes on mountaineering or backpacking boots (greatest for steep slopes)
• Wider-spaced lugs: Enhance friction for an enhanced grip, comparable to on rock, and extra simply discard particles like mud
• Angled (versus spherical) lugs: Formed like a V, these lugs present much more chew than spherical lugs (good for steep hikes)

The heel, additionally known as the heel brake, is the place a shelf behind the boot, beneath the heel of the foot, helps present traction.

Midsole

The midsole is the layer of supplies between the outsole (the outermost a part of the boot) and the higher (the fabric that wraps across the prime of your foot). The midsole influences general consolation by means of cushion and shock absorption. It additionally provides buffer in opposition to no matter you stroll over together with rocks or roots.

In some circumstances, hikers favor much less cushion and extra stiffness or a closer-to-ground really feel, particularly if the terrain is tremendous uneven or rocky. An excessive amount of cushion can result in a bowling ball feeling, the place your ft aren’t as steady.

Midsole supplies break down over time. Take note of when that midsole begins to crumble or crack, which suggests the assist you want is gone, and it’s time for brand new ones.

The supplies are sometimes EVA, which is plush and light-weight, or polyurethane, which is extra dense. EVA tends to interrupt down quicker and prices much less.

Higher Supplies

The higher is the realm that covers the highest of the foot and attaches to the supplies beneath the foot together with the midsole and outsole. The supplies that comprise the higher a part of the boot ranges from inflexible to delicate.

A full-grain leather-based (additionally plainly known as leather-based) is stout, sturdy, and weather- and water resistant. Nubuck leather-based, as discovered on the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX, resembles suede and is full-grain leather-based that has been buffed. These boots are extra conventional in type and require extra break-in time (nubuck leather-based can really feel a tad extra versatile). Additionally they don’t present as a lot breathability as different supplies.

Uppers will also be a mix of artificial supplies, together with mesh and plastic overlays that present reinforcement and stability comparable to on our prime decide, the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX. Artificial uppers typically are a mix of nylon and polyester, however artificial leather-based is an choice.

They break in simpler, are extra malleable, provide extra breathability, and dry shortly after they get damp or moist. Nonetheless, they don’t sometimes final so long as full-grain leather-based and might tear or put on holes a lot quicker. That’s seen within the worth, as they don’t sometimes value as a lot.

Hybrid uppers (often known as split-grain leather-based) like on the SCARPA Rush 2 Professional Mid GTX can characteristic each leather-based and artificial supplies, so that you get extra breathability and stability. These designs nonetheless aren’t as sturdy as full-grain leather-based boots.

Waterproof Higher

Love getting after it within the spring when snowmelt is dashing off the mountains? Stay within the soggy PNW? Hate switching to sandals while you’re backpacking? Take into account going waterproof. A lot of choices on this information stood as much as creek crossings galore, just like the SCARPA Rush 2 Professional Mid GTX, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, and the Merrell Moab Velocity 2 Mid GTX.

It’s additionally vital to your general well being and security to think about when you want waterproof safety. When your ft are moist or damp for prolonged intervals of time, particularly if they’re additionally preventing chilly (however above-freezing temperatures), your ft could be liable to trench foot, which might result in sensations comparable to persistent itching, prickliness, or different extreme signs. That’ll do greater than finish a visit.

Take into account selecting a boot made with GORE-TEX supplies to make sure one of the best waterproofing, such because the The North Face Offtrail LT Mid GORE-TEX and the Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX.

So contemplate the local weather and topography the place you’ll be mountaineering and what time of 12 months you prefer to hike. Examine-in with different backpackers or hikers who’ve skilled that local weather or path, or name an area out of doors retailer to ask if waterproof boots are beneficial for that goal.

If you happen to’ll be sporting this boot when it’s wet, snowy, chilly, or in variable circumstances, we typically advocate choosing a water-proof boot. It can hold moisture out, conserving your ft dry, protected, and cozy no matter what number of miles you’re ticking off.

Alternatively, when you’re mountaineering primarily or solely in scorching, dry circumstances, a water-proof boot will doubtless be stifling and trigger your ft to perspire extra, particularly on summer time days. A membrane-free and treatment-free boot will hold your ft cool and dry simply wonderful.

Some mountaineering boots have an built-in waterproof/breathable membrane, like GORE-TEX, eVent, Texapore Ecosphere, and no topical remedy. Different footwear is (or could be) handled with a water-proof remedy product for waterproofness. If you happen to do go along with waterproof, make sure to learn the product’s directions about any required waterproof remedy software or repairs.

Arch Assist

Arch assist is one thing that’s extremely individualized. Mountain climbing boots can differ extensively with how supportive their arches are, and when you endure from any explicit ache in your ft, hips, or knees from mountaineering we at all times advocate shopping for some third-party insoles to raised assist your ft. 

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has zonal arch and heel assist for individuals with excessive arches. They have been made with assist in thoughts, and since our arches assist a lot of our physique weight whereas strolling or mountaineering, we admire that Merrell incorporates this into its design.

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mid Leather-based GTX has strong assist and is contoured to suit a lady’s foot, making it probably the most snug in our lineup. “Ladies’s foot” virtually at all times means a slim foot with a extra curved internal and better arch. After all, ladies’s ft could be wider with low arches as properly, however some boots, just like the Extremely Raptor II, goal to supply assist and luxury for the prototypical feminine foot.

The Altra Lone Peak boots characteristic a zero-drop design, which signifies that there isn’t a top change between the heel and forefoot. This lack of assist is meant to encourage extra pure foot motion and construct foot power, however it isn’t for everybody and might take a while to get used to. 

Ultimately, arch assist is a really private characteristic, and can change from foot to foot! The great factor is that you could take away the insoles of any boot and add in your personal to make them work greatest for you if needed. 

Including Insoles to Your Boots

Most mountaineering boot insoles are made from fundamental foam supplies, which simply flatten out over time and add little safety or arch assist. If you already know you will have a sure arch kind, endure from plantar fasciitis, or usually expertise knee or hip ache after logging some miles, then you definitely would possibly profit drastically from including some insoles to your mountaineering boots. Not solely will this enhance consolation, however it might additionally assist to stop accidents and enhance joint operate and stability. 

We advocate taking your mountaineering boots to a retailer the place you possibly can attempt on several types of insoles so you discover one of the best match to your foot and your boot. Mountain climbing boots are sometimes high-volume, to allow them to accommodate quite a lot of insoles and arch sizes, however you gained’t know for positive till you attempt them out for your self.

Value & Worth

Mountain climbing boots can vary in worth from anyplace between $100 to virtually $300. The boots in our evaluate fall principally inside the center of that vary, providing you with quite a lot of choices so you will discover one thing that works greatest to your wants.

Price range

Whereas $150 isn’t precisely a “funds” worth, on this planet of mountaineering boots, the place you need to have efficiency, high quality, and luxury multi functional package deal, it’s the place to begin for boots we examined. The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof ($150) is a snug, weather-resistant choice excellent for the informal to intermediate hiker. They strike the right steadiness between efficiency and sturdiness, making them a wonderful worth.

Mid-Tier

Mid-tier costs for mountaineering boots sometimes ring in above $150. At these worth factors, you’ll discover high-quality boots together with our prime general decide, the Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX ($185), and our most versatile choice, the SCARPA Rush 2 Professional Mid GTX ($189).

Designed as a nimble, light-weight choice, this GORE-TEX-protected boot pairs weatherproofing with breathable mesh, so your ft don’t ever really feel too scorching. Additional care is taken to design a TPU body that limits the quantity of torsion out of your heel, and these boots are general a implausible selection that’s properly price their value.

It’s onerous to strike a steadiness between light-weight and luxury, however by spending a bit extra money, you will discover a boot like these that do a wonderful job at offering each. Nonetheless, essentially the most premium qualities are reserved for boots of an excellent larger price ticket.

Premium

The best high quality boots will finally fall within the $200-300 vary and can most likely be reserved for the extra critical and discerning hiker. Nonetheless, the truth that SCARPA made its new Rush 2 Professional fall below $200 is a big exception to this rule.

The La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Boots ($239) are the costliest boot in our lineup resulting from their very tall, over-the-ankle design, nubuck leather-based, and GORE-TEX safety. The North Face Offtrail LT Mid GORE-TEX ($200) falls in the identical class; they’ll final ceaselessly so long as you don’t thoughts a little bit of added bulk.

If you happen to want a severely supportive and sturdy mountaineering boot, you’ll sometimes spend on this worth vary in alternate for one made with extra and higher supplies. However to be trustworthy, most decisions in our mid-tier class will cowl the bases for almost all of hikers.

Incessantly Requested Questions