Lowa Banff Lady

The Lowa Banff Lady, now discontinued except in a wide width, may still be available at some retailers. It's a mid-weight, ankle-high hiking boot that's not only made on a women's last (with a men's version also available), but also comes in three widths. The Lowa Banff Lady hiking boots are also notable for their seamless all-leather construction -- water-repellent but more breathable than hiking boots that use a synthetic membrane. Most say fit is great for most women, but a few users with very narrow feet may prefer the Lowa Renegade II GTX (*Est. $200) for less heel slippage.

The trend in hiking boots is toward lighter weight and waterproof membranes -- and away from classic all-leather mid-weight hiking boots like the Lowa Banff and Lowa Banff Lady. However, we found quite a few owner-written reviews that appreciate the extra breathability and durability of the Lowa Banff Lady, as well as its options for a good fit. We found the most owner-written reviews at Zappos.com and Backcountry.com, but reviews at TrailSpace.com are also useful.