Women Boot Options Introduction
The most popular styles among the entire collection of women's boots include the gorgeous "Chantel" with an ankle boot western style, the Hilary (also having a western twist - available in both mid calf and tall styles) and the Gwen - an oh-so-daring look that comes up over the knee with layered leather that stands out in any crowd. The Holly boot from Lucky Brand is a tall western boot style, with colorful designs and are like no other boots I've seen.
Women's Lucky Brand boots are definitely worth taking a look at if one is shopping. They have some of the finest craftsmanship and unique looks for women today.
Do women need specially designed hiking boot?
Most of the hiking shoes and backpacking boots discussed above come in women's sizes, and critics are split on whether they 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.
Women say that 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. Reviewers praise it for excellent traction, comfort and water resistance, but we found a few complaints about poor durability. At 2 pounds 8 ounces, these boots are also a bit heavy for light hikers.
The women's version of hiking boots also earns praise from reviewers. One advantage is that the Gore-Tex XCR lining is supposed to be more breathable than regular Gore-Tex. The Vasque Breeze GTX XCR is also slightly lighter than the Asolo Stynger Gtx, at 2 pounds 6 ounces. However, we did find a few reports that this light hiker isn't completely waterproof.
For lighter weight, it's worth considering the Merrell Chameleon ARC Mid Waterproof. Merrell makes its women's hiking shoes and boots on gender-specific lasts for a better fit, so it's not surprising that this boot earns high marks from female testers. Women reviewing the Chameleon ARC Mid Waterproof hiking boot at REI.com praise it as comfortable and waterproof, with excellent traction.
Backpacker editors named it one of the two best women's light-duty hiking boots in the 2008 gear guide. Based on extensive field tests by women, editors say it 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 2 pounds 1 ounce.
For excellent fit for most women, Backpacker editors also recommend the Asolo Attiva GTX. These light hikers weigh three ounces more than the Merrell Chameleon ARC Mid Waterproof, but are cut higher for more ankle support. Testers for Backpacker magazine's 2008 gear guide issue found the Attiva GTX boots durable and comfortable even with a 45-pound load, but "not exceptionally breathable." Quite a few of the women reviewing them at Buzzillions.com found them comfortable right out of the box.