Best hiking boots for women
Most of the hiking shoes and backpacking boots discussed above come in women's sizes, and critics are split on whether female-specific lasts fit better than unisex designs. Nonetheless, we found reviews recommending several models specifically designed for women, and if you have especially narrow feet, or narrow heels but a wide forefoot, you may find these to be a better fit. The main drawback is that none of these use eVENT waterproof lining, the most breathable type so far. However, the Lowa Banff Lady discussed below doesn't use any membrane, so it's the most breathable of the women's backpacking boots, and easiest to fit since it comes in three widths.
The heavy classic Lowa Banff Lady (*Est. $210) doesn't use a waterproof lining but is built on a special women's last and comes in narrow widths as well as medium and wide. These all-leather backpacking boots made in Germany rely on good construction and seam sealing for waterproofness. These boots earn high praise from owners reviewing them at REI.com, though some owners say they need a break-in period. One woman reviewing them notes that since they don't use Gore-Tex or antimicrobial chemicals, they're an especially good choice for chemically sensitive hikers. The main drawback is their weight -- 51 ounces -- but this also adds to their durability. There is also a men's Lowa Banff (*Est. $235) that comes in three widths and weighs 63 ounces for an average men's size.
Outward Bound Wilderness programs recommend the Gore-Tex Lowa Lady GTX (*Est. $245) . Like the Lowa Banff Lady, it's designed for heavy backpacking loads up to 50 or 60 pounds, but the Lowa Lady GTX weighs 11 ounces less. It comes in medium and wide widths, but not narrow.
Merrell makes its women's hiking shoes and boots on gender-specific lasts for a better fit, so it's not surprising that the Gore-Tex-lined Merrell Chameleon ARC Mid Waterproof (*Est. $120) (*est. $120 earns high marks from women testers and is named 2008 Best for Women light-duty boot at Backpacker Magazine. This women's mid-cut hiking shoe provides enough support for backpacking loads up to about 45 pounds, even on rough trails. That's about the weight many women would prefer to carry anyway, and a pair weighs just 33 ounces, slightly over two pounds.
The Asolo Attiva GTX (*Est. $190) weighs three ounces more but is cut higher for more ankle support. Testers for Backpacker Magazine's 2008 Gear Guide issue give this women's hiking boot top ranking for the best fit for women. Editors say it's durable, comfortable even with a 45-pound load and has good traction.
For lighter loads, women reviewing hiking boots at both REI.com and Moosejaw.com give high praise to the Asolo Stynger GTX Women's (*Est. $180) , although these ankle-high boots weigh 40 ounces. Women say that despite their weight, these hiking boots are comfortable for day hiking as well as for backpacking with loads up to 35 pounds or so. Most women say they're comfortable right out of the box.
