With winter upon us, it’s time to retire your walking shoes and crack out the big guns. Boasting waterproofing, superior ankle support and plenty of grip, a robust pair of hiking boots is best for cold weather walking. And in Britain, where it rains on average every other day throughout winter, they’re a must.
As well as waterproofing, many walking boots also offer better protection, with shielding from pesky rocks and roots, plus deeper, more aggressive outsoles compared with their lighter summer counterparts.
But where to begin? We’ve taken a look at this year’s best offerings and come up with the top 10 contenders. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a pair to last a decade or something more fashion forward.
I live in Cornwall, one of the wettest regions in the UK, and have a golden retriever, who needs at least one walk a day lest she go insane. Since I got my very first dog in 2015 I’ve been committed to daily walks across the rugged Cornish landscape, no matter the weather. So let’s just say, I’ve come to appreciate the value of a good pair of boots.
The best women’s hiking boots for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Altberg fremington walking boot: £229, Altberg.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Quechua women’s waterproof mountain walking boots - MH500: £79.99, Decathlon.co.uk
- Best out of the box comfort – Scarpa cyrus 2 mid GTX WMN: £152, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for grip and traction – La Sportiva aequilibrium hike woman GTX: £235, Alpinetrek.co.uk
- Best lightweight walking boot – Merrell women's moab speed 2 mid GORE-TEX: £160, Cotswoldoutdoor.com
How I tested
When investing in a new pair of walking boots, you want to be reassured they’ll do a good job. So I looked at five key metrics and interrogated each pair accordingly. I considered comfort and fit, waterproofing, grip and stability, weight and flexibility, and durability. I tested these on long walks on the Cornish coastline, short strolls in the local park, and on woodland adventures. You can read my full, detailed testing criteria at the end of the review.
Altberg fremington walking boot
Best: Women's walking boots overall
Main material: Leather
Waterproofing: Yes - Sympatex breathable 4 layer lining with military grade waterproof membrane interlayer
Size range: UK 3 - 8.5 (with half sizes and 5 width options)
Colour range: Brown
Weight: 525gms (UK size 6)
Why we love it
- Impeccable construction
- Five widths
- Traditional leather design
- Waterproof interior
- Bellows tongue to keep water and debris out
- Resoleable
Take note
- Not the cheapest
Altberg boots are iconic for good reason. Hallmarked by high-quality craftsmanship and enduring durability, Altberg is the last remaining British walking boot manufacturer still producing in the UK. So beloved and trusted are its boots, the brand even manufactures for the police and military.
I tested the fremington walking boot, a pleasingly traditional-looking leather boot. With half sizes and five width options, the scope for getting the perfect fit is endless.
One of my favourite features is the bellows tongue, which connects to the upper meaning no gaps for water or debris to enter. Plus, the six-point lacing system provides a great fit, and the waterproof membrane lining keeps feet toasty and dry. The soles also perform reliably across terrains, and the padded cuff supports the ankle comfortably.
They're not cheap, but considering the quality of construction and lifespan (they are resoleable), they're a smart investment and impossible to beat. For a cheaper but still traditional-looking leather boot, I’d recommend Scarpa’s Cyrus 2 mid GTX WMN. But really, Altberg’s fremington walking boot is hard to beat.
Buy now £229, Altberg.co.uk
Quechua women’s waterproof mountain walking boots - MH500
Best: Budget women's walking boots
Main material: Upper: 20% polyurethane, 40% polyester and 40% leather
Waterproofing: Yes
Size range: UK 3-7
Colour range: Ash green and celadon green, charcoal grey and graphite black
Weight: 378g (UK size 6)
Why we love it
- Super affordable
- Really comfortable on
- High spec for the price
Take note
- Only up to size 7
If you’re looking for a pair of waterproof women’s hiking boots for less than £100, you’d be hard-pressed to beat these. Slip them on, and they feel firmly in the territory of trainers in terms of comfort.
Considering how good value they are, there are a surprising number of nifty features. The midsole (which is made out of flexible and durable foam) is a joy to walk on, and, at just 378g per boot, these aren’t going to fatigue your legs on longer walks.
The decent grip, provided by way of generous 4.5mm gripping spikes, makes these ideal for proper hikes. There’s also a waterproof membrane lining, promising eight hours of waterproofing and the chunky rubber stone guards to the front and rear will keep your feet protected.
The quality of materials and the overall finish simply can’t compete with the high-end models, but given the low price and features, these boots are a steal.
Buy now £79.99, Decathlon.co.uk
Scarpa cyrus 2 mid GTX WMN
Best: Women's walking boot for comfort out of the box
Main material: Upper nubuck leather
Waterproofing: Yes - GORE-TEX ePE Most Breathable Bluesign and waterproof membrane
Size range: EU 37 - 42
Colour range: Brown
Weight: 360g (EU suze 38)
Why we love it
- Comfy out the box
- Soft nubuck leather
- Lightweight yet protective
- Traditional walking boot design
Take note
- Not the most breathable
The newly updated cyrus 2 mid GTX WMN aims to strike the perfect balance between a lightweight pair of walking shoes and a supportive boot. A tricky line to walk – but one they pull off.
First off, they're a dream to walk in. Soft leather uppers, generous ankle padding and a spacious toe box means these are comfortable fresh out of the box. No blisters, no rubbing and no awful breaking-in period.
The material, nubuck leather, feels supple, almost suede like, around the ankle, yet it provides excellent support on challenging walks. And when it comes to keeping your feet dry, the Gore-Tex ePE lining keeps the water out without the use of PFAS chemicals, sometimes called forever chemicals.
If you can’t justify the price tag, look at the Berghaus women's expeditor ridge 2.0 for a cheaper leather pair.
Buy now £152, Amazon.co.uk
La Sportiva aequilibrium hike woman GTX
Best: Women's walking boot on grip and traction
Main material: Synthetic fabric
Waterproofing: Yes - GORE-TEX Extended Comfort
Size range: EU 36 - 42
Colour range: Carbon with Malibu Blue, Aspen Green or Everglade
Weight: N/A
Why we love it
- Strikingly stylish
- Ankle support without compromising mobility
- Deep lugs ideal for uneven terrain and rain
- Resoleable tread
Take note
- A narrow fit
First impressions, these are a smart pair of walking boots. I found them tricky to get on and a tight fit overall, so I’d consider sizing up if you have a wide foot. Once on though, they’re surprisingly comfortable and my ankles felt incredibly well supported, yet still mobile: the goldilocks formula of walking boots.
Once on, the boots are easy to adjust, with just one single metal hook at the top making lacing a doddle. Said laces did feel quite short though, I would have preferred a touch longer length to secure better. I loved the two-tone colour scheme though.
If you like to cover punishing ground, you’ll appreciate the positively cavernous lugs on these - at 5mm they provide excellent stability on hard, slippery and uneven ground. It comes at a cost though and these are priced in the upper end, though resoleable tread extends the life of the boots significantly.
Speaking of good-looking boots, if you like your boots to be show stoppers, check out the Jack Wolfskin wild hike texapore mid W (£120, Jackwolfskin.co.uk) in rose pink for another stylish pair at a cheaper price point.
Buy now £235, Alpinetrek.co.uk
Merrell women's moab speed 2 mid GORE-TEX
Best: Lightweight women's walking boot
Main material: Nylon ripstop and TPU upper
Waterproofing: Yes - Gore-Tex
Size range: UK 2.5 - 8.5
Colour range: Greige, adobe rose, vapor grey and peach
Weight: 12.34oz (350g)
Why we love it
- Super lightweight to wear
- Comfortable out of the box
- Feels like a trainer
Take note
- Not as protective as sturdier boots
If you want boots that don’t feel like boots at all, you’ve found them in the moab speed 2 mid. Sitting somewhere between a shoe and a boot, these super lightweight boots feel like a trainer straight out of the box.
The grippy Vibram sole and Gore-Tex waterproofing both perform well and, call us vain, but we appreciate the choice of colours here. Who said walking boots had to be black or brown? Not the good people at Merrell.
Light as a feather and minimalist in design, you do lose a bit of ankle support here. They are an appropriate option for moderate hikes, but if you’re keen for big challenges you’d want something more robust, like the AKU alterra II GTX or Scarpa cyrus 2 mid GTX WMN.
Buy now £160, Cotswoldoutdoor.com
AKU women's alterra II GTX
Best: Women's walking boot for durable comfort
Main material: Suede and stretch fabric upper
Waterproofing: Yes - gore-tex more seasons
Size range: 4-8
Colour range: Anthracite with Bordeaux
Weight: 450g (UK Size 5.5)
Why we love it
- High quality materials
- Great fit with asymmetrical lacing system
- Made in Europe
Take note
- An investment
Everything about these AKU boots screams quality. Crafted out of durable Italian leather, topped with a robust toe cap and sat on a high-traction Vibram outsole, these made in Europe boots have been built to withstand adventure.
Even if it’s lashing it down! The Gore-Tex membrane underneath will keep your feet completely dry. As well as top tier materials, these boots are just straight up comfortable and I’d gladly pick them for a multi-day trek.
Plus, if you struggle to get a good fit, AKU could have the answer. The asymmetrical lacing system is divided between the lower and upper foot, with two blocking loops, effectively allowing you to tighten each area as needed. This clever system allows for a very snug closure of the forefoot and midfoot. You can check out Columbia women's geoterra outdry leather hiking boot for a similar, though not quite as customisable, style of lacing.
Buy now £275, Alpinetrek.co.uk
Berghaus women's expeditor ridge 2.0
Best: Women's walking boots for affordable leather
Main material: Leather upper
Waterproofing: Yes - AQ waterproof lining
Size range: 4 - 8 (with half sizes)
Colour range: Black and grey
Weight: 420g
Why we love it
- Affordable leather
- Grippy soles
Take note
- No other colour avaliable
If you're after a pair of leather walking boots without a hefty price tag, the expeditor ridge 2.0 boots are an excellent contender. At £140, you get a lot of bang for your buck. The midsoles feel really cushioned and their trademark opti-stud soles provide excellent grip on the most untrustworthy of surfaces.
The tough leather is also scuff resistant. But obviously, by their nature, walking boots take a bit of a beating. Berghaus offers free repairs, you just pick up the postage cost. If you’re after something even more robust, consider the Altberg fremington walking boot.
Buy now £140, Amazon.co.uk
Craghoppers unisex dura pro
Best: Wider fit women's walking boot
Main material: Suede upper
Waterproofing: Yes - AquaDry
Size range: 3-13
Colour range: Black and red
Weight: 675g
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Comfy
- Roomy fit
- Decent lugs and heel brakes
Take note
- Not for narrow feet
- On the heavier side
If you’ve got a wider foot, Craghopper’s unisex dura pro could be a great fit. Men and women's feet are, on average, quite differently shaped. Across the population, women tend to have narrow heels and a wider footfoot, along with higher arches and more flexibility in the joints and ligaments. Suffice to say, a unisex shoe is a bit of a gamble – but Craghoppers have pulled it off.
My feet are wider than average, and these shoes felt decidedly more roomy than its peers I tested in the same size bracket. That said, avoid it if you have very narrow feet. For styles better suited to narrower feet, look at the La Sportiva aequilibrium hike woman GTX or for a more wallet-friendly pair, the Columbia women's geoterra outdry leather hiking boots.
These are supportive, yet comfortable enough that you can rack up the miles without paying for it later. If you’re partial to tough terrain, the deep lugs and heel brakes perform well. Plus, the lacing system reaches the toes providing fantastic control – a lovely touch for such a well-priced model.
Buy now £130, Craghoppers.com
Columbia women's geoterra outdry leather hiking boot
Best: Women's walking boots for narrow feet
Main material: Leather upper
Waterproofing: Yes - OutDry technology
Size range: 3 - 10 (with half sizes)
Colour range: Black, dark brown
Weight: 568.0g (Size 5 UK)
Why we love it
- Affordable leather option
- Clever lace webbing style
- Huge size range
Take note
- Not for wide feet
These well priced leather walking boots offer a full grain leather upper, with robust textile collar and really decent ankle protection.
Our favourite part though? The lace-webbing style, which effectively allows you to tighten the lower and upper parts of your foot separately, similar to the idea behind the AKU boots. This smart lacing style enables both security and flexibility across difficult terrain.
The Vibram midsole is comfy enough, but don’t expect it to be like walking on clouds. Meanwhile the outsole provides good traction on a variety of terrains. For the price you also get waterproofing, by way of outdry technology, a waterproof membrane bonded directly to the leather and textile upper.
I found these boots a touch on the skimpy size width size. I’d definitely consider a half size up if you’ve got wider feet, or look at the Altberg fremington walking boot or Craghoppers unisex dura pro for a budget option.
Buy now £160, Columbiasportswear.co.uk
Jack Wolfskin wild hike texapore mid W
Best: Stylish women's walking boot
Main material: Synthetic
Waterproofing: Yes - TEXAPORE membrane
Size range: EU 35.5 - 43 (some half sizes)
Colour range: Rose garden, oyster or black
Weight: 585g
Why we love it
- Stylish rose colour
- Handy pull tab
- Waterproof and breathable
Take note
- One of the heavier pairs we tried
In a world of black and brown, these gorgeous pink walking boots from Jack Wolfskin truly pop! But this is not a case of style over substance.
The EVA midsole is plenty cushioned, and the waterproofing is from Texapore, the brand's proprietary weatherproof material that aims for breathable waterproofing.The outsole is a grippy rubber, and performs well across a range of terrains.
At 585g this is on the heavier side of a mid cut boot. If you like long hikes, you might want a lighter pair, like the Merrell women's moab speed 2 mids.
Buy now £120, Jackwolfskin.co.uk
Your hiking boots questions answered
What are the best women’s hiking boots?
For a traditional leather walking boot that will stand the test of time, you can't beat the Altberg fremington walkingboot. It's a classic for a reason. If money is tight, the QUECHUA women’s waterproof mountain walking boots - MH500 mid are an absolute steal for under £100. They pack a serious punch with a lightweight feel and excellent grip. If you're happy to spend in search of excellent quality and durable, ongoing comfort, consider the AKU alterra II GTX wmns.
How the best walking boots were selected
When testing I looked at five key metrics and interrogated each pair accordingly:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Abby Driver is a lifestyle writer based in Cornwall with a decade of experience writing for magazines, editorial websites and businesses. She has a passion for the outdoors and her coastal setting, for which exploration a walking boot is necessary. She applied real world testing setting alongside her keen eye for value for money and practicality when selecting the best boots for IndyBest.
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