Tips For Choosing The Right Hiking Boots For Women

I’ve seen this situation many times over and cringe every time I do.  A young woman, stylishly dressed in the season’s latest jeans, shorts, top, etc. Instead of ankle-supporting hiking boots or at least hiking shoes with treads, on her feet are flimsy flip flops. Hello ladies! They make hiking boots for women too! And I’m here, sharing tips on how to choose hiking boots for women that will work for you.

Wearing the wrong footwear on trails is a hiking disaster waiting to happen. This is true, particularly when the trail is muddy, rocky or full of roots and other obstacles. Proper hiking boots for women for hiking trails – no matter how easy or difficult they are – are a must-have in my opinion.

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to Keen Footwear. If you decide to click the link and purchase items on their site, I’ll receive a commission from the sale, at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

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Flip Flops Are A No-No On Trails

Walking in flip flops for any extended period of time has been deemed to be unhealthy, altering the way you walk and damaging your feet, knees, hips, and back.

This is why I reserve flip flops for only the beach. Not on the trails!

For fall and spring hikes, I often see a young woman walking along in suede booties that really should be worn only indoors. My grandma used to wear them to keep her feet warm and because the rubber tread that kept her from slipping on the stairs. They offer no ankle nor arch support for tougher hiking trails. To boot (pun intended), they can easily be pierced by a sharp twig or thorn causing a painful walk back to the car.

Not to mention, Uggs don’t offer any protection against snake bites. If you didn’t think there were any snakes in Ontario, read up on the venomous Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. It will make you think twice about what’s on your feet!

Safety is the number one reason I choose to wear hiking boots for women that fit my foot and keep my toes and ankles protected.

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Women’s Hiking Boot Shopping Tips

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for hiking boots for women.

• It’s important to think about your specific needs and what you expect from your footwear. Where are you going? How long will you be on your feet per day? Are you carrying a heavy backpack? If you are travelling in a wet climate, consider boots or shoes with a waterproof, breathable membrane. If you’re hiking on steep, uneven ground, consider boots with ankle support, a moderate shank system, and aggressive traction.

• Fit, fit, fit! Don’t just try on the first pair you see and decide that those are the boots for you! You need to try different options to make sure you have the boot that is best for your own foot. Put on your boots and lace them up. The boot should feel snug and supporting around the ankle. It should have enough room in the toe-box to let your toes move and stretch without feeling cramped or pinched. Your toes should move, your foot should not. Remember – hours of hiking is tough work for your feet. By the end of a long day, they will swell. Try to go shopping at the end of the day, at a time when your feet are normally swollen.
• Wear your boots around your house when you get home. Fifteen minutes in a store isn’t always enough time to make absolutely certain that you have selected the correct outdoor footwear for your needs. It is important to test the boot BEFORE you hit the trails, particularly if it’s a long hiking trip.

| Related: Tips For Personal Safety On Hiking Trails

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Online Shopping Tips

If you’re shopping online, the same tips as for in-store shopping apply.

When you purchase your boots, get your correct size. After they get delivered to your home, wait until your feet are at their most swollen.

Like with in-store trial, wear the right sock and do a little walk around your home. Check to see if anything is rubbing against your foot. The boots and shoes should fit correctly and not be loose.

The only downside of online shopping is having to return shoes or boots that don’t fit.

To prevent this, read the reviews! If there’s an option to ask questions about concerns you have (e.g., if you have wide feet and need a wider-width shoe).

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Shop For New Hiking Gear

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My Hiking Boots And Top Tips

• I personally enjoy wearing Keen footwear because they fit so comfortably on our feet.
• Don’t forget your socks! Many new, inexperienced hikers hit the trails in a classic cotton sport sock. Just like investing in a good pair of boots, invest in a merino wool sock.
• Merino wool does not produce an itchy, coarse feeling. It’s also a longer, softer fibre that provides your foot with the temperature regulation you require on the trails, and moves the sweat produced by your foot through the sock and out for your boot to vent. Less moisture means fewer blisters; fewer blisters mean happier, more enjoyable hikes!
• My last piece of advice on how to choose hiking boots: don’t skimp on choosing the right footwear for hiking trails. Go for women’s boots over men’s, unless you have super-large feet.

Choosing the right boots can save you from lots of pain from blisters, sprained ankles and back pain. Invest in a quality pair of hiking boots that work with your usual activities and you will have a great time on long walks and hikes.

As for looking good on the trails, if you’re on a romantic hiking date, there are always other ways to look stylish.

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QUESTION: Ladies – what are your favourite hiking boots for women? Which brands do you like?

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