Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2026: Top 10 Picks
Ten currently sold women's hiking boots and shoes — low-cut trail shoes, waterproof mids, a wide-width option and a budget non-waterproof pick — compared on published weight, drop, waterproofing and widths from Salomon, Merrell, Lowa, KEEN, Scarpa, Vasque, HOKA and Oboz.
How this guide was built: Guidevio compiled it from manufacturers' official product pages and named US retailer listings that cite brand spec sheets, plus Amazon where a genuine, matching listing exists. We did not buy, wear, or hike in any of these products, and nothing here is a lab result, review score, or sponsored placement. Prices are shown only where seen on an official or retailer page and can change at any time. Links marked Amazon are affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, Guidevio earns from qualifying purchases, and those links are marked sponsored. Other links go straight to the brand or retailer page and earn nothing. Commissions never decide which products are included or how they're ranked.
This guide rounds up ten currently sold women's hiking boots and shoes — meaning a genuine women's product line, not a men's boot simply relabeled — from Salomon, Merrell, Lowa, KEEN, Scarpa, Vasque, HOKA and Oboz. Every model is a real, currently listed product with a working manufacturer or named-retailer page confirmed during this research, and every price, weight, drop and width claim below comes from a brand or a named retailer that publishes it.
Fit is the focus here, and it varies more between brands than most marketing copy suggests. Lowa states outright that its women's Renegade uses a women's-specific last, not just a resized men's mold. Oboz's own US product page publishes a women's-specific width pattern (B in the heel, C in the forefoot) for the Bridger Mid, and a separate Oboz regional site states the brand uses gender-specific lasts across its line. Other brands, including Salomon and HOKA, sell a dedicated women's product line and women's-specific published weights but don't state a distinct last or construction change beyond sizing — this guide says that plainly rather than implying a hidden design difference. No claim here is about biological differences between men's and women's feet, only about what each brand documents.
This is desk research only: nothing on this list was worn, fitted, or field-tested by Guidevio. Two models — the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX and the Vasque St. Elias GTX (2024 redesign) — could not be fully verified on the brand's own US site during this research, and this guide says so directly in those entries rather than guessing at a current US price or URL.
Who this guide is for
- Hikers who want to compare published women's width options (standard, wide, extra-wide) across brands before buying
- Shoppers deciding between a lightweight low-cut trail shoe and a supportive waterproof mid boot
- Readers who want to know which brands state a genuine women's-specific last versus a resized unisex design
- Budget-conscious hikers who want a non-waterproof option for warm, dry-season trails
- Backpackers comparing a heavier mountaineering-leaning boot (Scarpa Zodiac Plus) against lighter day-hiking options
How we chose
- Only current, still-sold women's product lines were considered; each has a live manufacturer or named-retailer product page confirmed during this research
- Weight, drop and width figures are taken from brand or named-retailer pages; where a brand's US page didn't list a spec, this guide flags it as unverified rather than estimating
- Width and last information is stated only where a brand or named retailer publishes it directly — no assumptions are made about unstated designs
- The list spans low-cut trail shoes, waterproof mid boots, a wide-width pick and a non-waterproof budget option rather than defaulting to one style
- No boot on this list was worn, fitted, or evaluated by Guidevio
Top 10 at a glance
Specifications as published by the manufacturer or the listing we consulted. Scroll sideways on a small screen.
| Pick | Best for | Height | Waterproofing | Weight | Widths | Price | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. X Ultra 5 GTX W | Day hikers who want a lightweight, waterproof low-cut shoe rather than a traditional boot | Low | GORE-TEX | ~11 oz | Regular | $175 | Visit |
| 2. Moab Speed 2 GTX W | Hikers who want a fast, low-cut waterproof shoe for day hikes rather than a supportive boot | Low | GORE-TEX | Not published | Standard | $175 | Visit |
| 3. Moab 3 Mid Waterproof W | Hikers who need a genuine wide-width waterproof mid boot at a mid-range price | Mid | M Select DRY | ~16.4 oz (unverified US) | Standard, Wide | $175 | Visit |
| 4. Renegade GTX Mid Ws | Hikers who specifically want a brand-stated women's-specific boot last rather than a resized unisex design | Mid | GORE-TEX | 440 g | Standard | $255 | Visit |
| 5. Targhee IV Mid WP W (Wide) | Hikers with wider feet who want a genuinely wide waterproof mid boot rather than a standard width stretched to fit | Mid | KEEN.DRY (PFAS-free) | 470 g | Standard, Wide | $190 | Visit |
| 6. Zodiac Plus GTX W | Hikers and light backpackers who want a supportive leather boot for moderate mountain terrain | High | GORE-TEX | 455 g (half-pair) | Not published | $348.95 at Campman | Visit |
| 7. St. Elias GTX W (2024 redesign) | Hikers seeking a leather GORE-TEX boot at a lower price than Scarpa or Lowa, once the current US listing is confirmed | High | GORE-TEX | Not published | Medium | See current price at Vasque | Visit |
| 8. Moab 3 W (low, non-waterproof) | Budget-conscious hikers who mainly hike in dry conditions and don't need waterproofing | Low | None | Not published | Standard | $145 | Visit |
| 9. Anacapa 2 Mid GTX W | Hikers who want HOKA's cushioned ride in a waterproof mid-height boot | Mid | GORE-TEX | 14.7 oz | Regular, Wide (retailer-dependent) | $195 | Visit |
| 10. Bridger Mid Waterproof W | Hikers who want Oboz's published women's-specific width detail in a supportive, waterproof mid boot | Mid | B-DRY | 502 g | Standard (B/C pattern) | $200 | Visit |
The ten picks in detail
X Ultra 5 GTX W
Salomon
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageX Ultra 5 GTX W
Published 11 oz weight and 11 mm drop on a GORE-TEX low-cut trail shoe
Salomon's X Ultra 5 GTX is a low-cut waterproof hiking shoe that Salomon lists at approximately 11 oz with an 11 mm heel-to-toe drop for the women's version; a Mid-height GTX version is also sold as a separate SKU.
Why it is on this list: Its combination of a published women's-specific weight, GORE-TEX waterproofing and a low-cut build makes it the clearest lightweight starting point on this list.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- ~11 oz per shoe (women's), per Salomon
- 11 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Mid-height version (li6288) sold separately
- Drop: 11 mm
- Weight: ~11 oz (women's, per Salomon)
- Widths: Regular; no published wide option found
- Pros
- Salomon publishes a women's-specific weight (~11 oz) and drop (11 mm) directly on its product page
- GORE-TEX waterproofing on a low-cut, trail-runner-like shoe for hikers who prefer a lighter feel over a boot
- A Mid-height version (li6288) is sold by Salomon for hikers who want more ankle coverage in the same line
- Cons
- Salomon's US site did not list a wide-width option for this model during this research
- Low-cut design offers less ankle support than the mid and high-cut boots on this list
Before you buy: Salomon no longer sells the previous X Ultra 4 on salomon.com; this is the current women's low-cut version as of this research. No wide-width option was found listed for this model on Salomon's US site.
Moab Speed 2 GTX W
Merrell
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageMoab Speed 2 GTX W
Vibram TC5+ outsole and a rock plate on a low-cut GORE-TEX shoe
Merrell's Moab Speed 2 GTX is a low-cut waterproof trail shoe built with Vibram TC5+ rubber, a FloatPro Foam midsole and a rock plate, sold directly on Merrell's US site.
Why it is on this list: Its rock plate and Vibram TC5+ outsole make it a more protective option than most low-cut trail shoes at a similar price.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Vibram TC5+ outsole compound
- FloatPro Foam midsole with rock plate
- Drop: Not published by Merrell
- Weight: Not published by Merrell
- Widths: Standard; no wide version found for this low-cut model
- Pros
- GORE-TEX waterproofing paired with a Vibram TC5+ outsole compound, per Merrell's product page
- FloatPro Foam midsole and integrated rock plate for underfoot protection on rocky trail
- Part of Merrell's broader Moab family, so sizing feedback carries over from other Moab models
- Cons
- Merrell's US product page does not publish an exact weight or drop figure for this specific style
- No wide-width version of this particular Moab Speed 2 GTX low-cut model was found on Merrell's site
Before you buy: Weight and drop are not published on Merrell's US page for this exact style, so this guide marks those specs as unverified rather than estimating.
Moab 3 Mid Waterproof W
Merrell
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageMoab 3 Mid Waterproof W
A separate Wide-width SKU (52452W) at the same $175 price as the standard width
Merrell's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof pairs the brand's own M Select DRY waterproof membrane with an 11.5 mm drop, and Merrell sells a separate Wide-width SKU (52452W) alongside the standard-width version (52451W).
Why it is on this list: It's the clearest wide-width mid-boot option on this list, sold directly by Merrell rather than through a third-party wide-fit conversion.
Key features
- M Select DRY waterproof membrane
- 11.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Separate Wide-width SKU (52452W)
- Merrell's Moab-family outsole and midsole construction
- Drop: 11.5 mm
- Weight: ~16.36 oz (per a Canadian retailer listing; not shown on Merrell's US page)
- Widths: Standard (52451W), Wide (52452W)
- Pros
- Merrell sells a genuine separate Wide-width SKU for this model at the same price as standard width
- M Select DRY waterproofing, Merrell's own membrane technology, rather than a licensed one
- Well-established Moab platform with a long track record of available sizes and colors
- Cons
- Merrell's US page does not publish an exact women's weight figure; a Canadian retailer listing cites roughly 16.36 oz, which may not exactly match the US-market shoe
- M Select DRY is Merrell's proprietary membrane, not GORE-TEX, for buyers who specifically want GORE-TEX
Before you buy: Merrell's own US product page does not display a women's weight figure; the ~16.36 oz figure cited in some listings comes from a Canadian retailer page and should be treated as approximate rather than a confirmed US spec.
Renegade GTX Mid Ws
Lowa
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageRenegade GTX Mid Ws
An explicitly stated women's-specific last, published directly by Lowa
Lowa's Renegade GTX Mid Ws is built on a women's-specific last, not a resized men's mold, and Lowa's own site publishes a weight of 440 g for the pair alongside a GORE-TEX membrane and Vibram outsole.
Why it is on this list: It's the only boot on this list where the brand states, in its own words, a women's-specific last rather than simply women's sizing.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- 440 g published weight (per Lowa)
- Women's-specific last, per Lowa
- Vibram outsole
- Drop: Not published by Lowa
- Weight: 440 g (per Lowa)
- Widths: Standard; no wide option found published for the women's line
- Pros
- Lowa explicitly states this boot uses a women's-specific last, one of the few brands on this list to publish that distinction
- 440 g published weight from Lowa's own product page, among the lighter mid boots here
- A women's-specific Renegade EVO GTX Mid Ws ($280) is also sold by Lowa for buyers who want the updated platform
- Cons
- At $255, it's one of the pricier mid boots on this list
- Lowa's women's Renegade line was not found in a published wide-width option on lowaboots.com, unlike the men's version's narrow/medium/wide range
Before you buy: Lowa also sells a Renegade EVO GTX Mid Ws for $280 at us.lowa.com as a newer platform; this guide lists the original Renegade GTX Mid Ws as the mid-range option and notes the EVO exists for buyers who want it.
Targhee IV Mid WP W (Wide)
KEEN
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageTarghee IV Mid WP W (Wide)
A genuinely wide-fit waterproof mid boot, sold directly by KEEN in a standard and Wide option
KEEN's Targhee IV Mid Waterproof is built with the brand's own KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane and is PFAS-free; the specific listing on this list is KEEN's Wide-width women's version, at 470 g and a 12 mm drop per KEEN.
Why it is on this list: The Amazon listing here is confirmed to be KEEN's Wide-width version, making it a straightforward pick for readers specifically shopping for wide feet.
Key features
- KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, stated PFAS-free by KEEN
- 470 g published weight
- 12 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Standard and Wide widths sold directly by KEEN
- Drop: 12 mm
- Weight: 470 g (per KEEN)
- Widths: Standard, Wide (this listing is Wide)
- Pros
- KEEN publishes both standard and Wide-width versions of this boot directly on its own site
- KEEN.DRY waterproofing is stated as PFAS-free, a specific chemical claim KEEN makes on its own product page
- 470 g weight and 12 mm drop are both published by KEEN
- Cons
- The Amazon listing for this ASIN is specifically the Wide-width version, not the standard width — check the size/width selector before ordering
- KEEN's own retail price ($190) is on the higher end for this style of boot
Before you buy: This is specifically KEEN's Wide-width Targhee IV Mid WP; a standard-width version of the same boot is also sold by KEEN if the wide fit isn't needed.
Zodiac Plus GTX W
Scarpa
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageZodiac Plus GTX W
A leather, GORE-TEX backpacking-capable boot at a published 455 g half-pair weight
Scarpa's Zodiac Plus GTX is a leather, GORE-TEX-lined boot built for moderate mountain terrain and light backpacking loads, with a published half-pair weight of 455 g (size 38) and a Vibram Drumlin/Mont outsole.
Why it is on this list: It's the most supportive, backpacking-oriented option on this list for hikers who want more structure than a trail shoe or lighter mid boot provides.
Key features
- GORE-TEX Performance Comfort waterproof lining
- 455 g half-pair weight, size 38 (per Scarpa's Zodiac Plus GTX men's spec sheet; women's page not found on us.scarpa.com)
- Vibram Drumlin/Mont outsole
- Sock-Fit DV construction
- Drop: Not published by Scarpa for the women's version
- Weight: 455 g half-pair, size 38 (per Scarpa's spec sheet)
- Widths: Not published by Scarpa
- Pros
- GORE-TEX Performance Comfort lining and a full leather upper for more demanding terrain than the lighter shoes on this list
- Vibram Drumlin/Mont outsole and a Sock-Fit DV construction for a snugger fit, per Scarpa
- PFAS-related material disclosure is published directly on Scarpa's product page
- Cons
- This guide could not find a dedicated Zodiac Plus GTX Women's product page on Scarpa's US site (us.scarpa.com) during this research — pricing here comes from a named US retailer instead
- At 455 g per half-pair (roughly 2 lb per pair), it's one of the heavier boots on this list
Before you buy: Scarpa's US site (us.scarpa.com) sells the men's Zodiac Plus GTX directly, but this research could not locate a matching dedicated women's Zodiac Plus GTX product page on us.scarpa.com; the price and product listing above come from Campman, a named US outdoor retailer, instead of a direct Scarpa link.
St. Elias GTX W (2024 redesign)
Vasque
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageSt. Elias GTX W (2024 redesign)
A full-grain leather, GORE-TEX boot with a recycled-content midsole from a 2024 redesign
Vasque redesigned the St. Elias for 2024 with a full-grain leather upper, a GORE-TEX membrane, an EVA/recycled-sugarcane midsole and a Vibram Megagrip outsole, sold in women's sizes 6–12 in a medium width, according to Vasque's own 2024 launch materials.
Why it is on this list: It's included as a value-leaning leather option, but this guide flags clearly that the US product page and current price could not be confirmed directly — verify you're looking at the 2024 redesign, not the discontinued St. Elias FG GTX, before buying.
Key features
- Full-grain leather upper
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- EVA midsole with recycled sugarcane content, per Vasque's 2024 announcement
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Drop: Not published by Vasque
- Weight: Not published by Vasque (reported reduced vs. prior generation, unverified figure)
- Widths: Medium (per Vasque's 2024 launch materials); no wide option stated
- Pros
- Full-grain leather upper with GORE-TEX waterproofing and a Vibram Megagrip outsole, per Vasque's 2024 product announcement
- A recycled-sugarcane-content midsole, a specific published material claim from the 2024 redesign
- Vasque's own press materials describe reduced weight and break-in time versus the prior St. Elias generation
- Cons
- This guide could not verify a current vasque.com product page or a confirmed US retail price for the 2024 St. Elias GTX women's version during this research — most search results returned the older, discontinued St. Elias FG GTX (a different, prior-generation boot), which this guide does not recommend confusing with the current model
- Vasque's 2024 launch materials describe the women's version as available only in a medium width, not a stated wide option
Before you buy: Do not confuse this with the older 'St. Elias FG GTX,' a prior-generation boot still listed at some retailers with different specs (Summit last, ~2 lb 7 oz weight). The 2024 redesign is a different product, and this guide could not confirm its current vasque.com URL or US price during this research — verify both directly with Vasque before purchase.
Moab 3 W (low, non-waterproof)
Merrell
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageMoab 3 W (low, non-waterproof)
The only non-waterproof, budget-friendly pick on this list
Merrell's Moab 3 low-cut shoe drops the waterproof membrane found in the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, making it lighter and better ventilated for warm, dry-season hiking, at a lower price than the waterproof versions on this list.
Why it is on this list: It's the clearest lower-cost, warm-weather option on this list for hikers who don't need waterproofing and want to save on price and weight.
Key features
- No waterproof membrane (ventilated mesh upper)
- Merrell's established Moab outsole and midsole construction
- Lower price than every waterproof pick on this list
- Drop: Not published by Merrell
- Weight: Not published by Merrell
- Widths: Standard
- Pros
- Meaningfully cheaper than every waterproof boot on this list
- No waterproof membrane means better breathability for hot-weather hiking
- Part of the well-established Moab platform with a long track record of available sizes
- Cons
- Not waterproof, so it's a poor choice for wet trails or stream crossings
- Merrell's US product page for this specific non-waterproof, low-cut style does not publish an exact weight or drop figure
Before you buy: Merrell's US page does not list an exact weight or drop for this non-waterproof, low-cut style; readers who need those specs should confirm directly with Merrell before purchase.
Anacapa 2 Mid GTX W
HOKA
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageAnacapa 2 Mid GTX W
HOKA's cushioned midsole platform brought into a waterproof mid hiking boot
HOKA's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX pairs the brand's max-cushion running-shoe heritage with a waterproof nubuck leather and recycled-mesh upper, a GORE-TEX bootie, and a 30% sugarcane EVA midsole; named US retailers list the women's version at $195, 14.7 oz and a 7 mm drop.
Why it is on this list: It's the clearest option on this list for hikers who already prefer HOKA's cushioning in running shoes and want the same feel in a waterproof hiker.
Key features
- GORE-TEX bootie construction
- 30% sugarcane EVA midsole
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- 14.7 oz weight, 7 mm drop (women's, per named US retailers)
- Drop: 7 mm (per named US retailers)
- Weight: 14.7 oz (per named US retailers)
- Widths: Regular; some retailers list Wide
- Pros
- HOKA's signature cushioned midsole in a waterproof hiking-boot package
- Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproof nubuck leather, a specific published sourcing claim
- Vibram Megagrip outsole for grip across mixed terrain
- Cons
- This guide could not confirm a distinct US hoka.com women's product URL during this research, so the link below goes to HOKA's men's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX product page; weight and price figures below come from named US retailers selling the women's version
- Independent reviews (not affiliated with Guidevio) have described the fit as running narrow — this guide has not verified that claim itself and mentions it only because it's a common note in third-party coverage
Before you buy: This guide could not confirm a specific hoka.com US product URL for the women's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX during this research, so the link goes to HOKA's confirmed men's product page instead; the price, weight and drop figures cited are the women's-specific numbers as published by named US retailers (Mountain Sports, Road Runner Sports), not from hoka.com directly.
Bridger Mid Waterproof W
Oboz
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageBridger Mid Waterproof W
A published B-heel/C-forefoot women's width pattern, stated directly on Oboz's US product page
Oboz's Bridger Mid Waterproof uses the brand's own B-DRY waterproof membrane, a TPU chassis for stability, and a published women's width pattern (B in the heel, C in the forefoot) directly on Oboz's US product page, at a 12 mm drop and 502 g weight.
Why it is on this list: Its level of published width detail — a specific heel/forefoot width pattern rather than just 'standard' or 'wide' — makes it a useful reference point for readers comparing how much fit information brands actually disclose.
Key features
- B-DRY waterproof membrane (recycled materials, 25% post-industrial content)
- 12 mm heel-to-toe drop
- 502 g published weight
- TPU chassis and O FIT Insole for stability and arch support
- Drop: 12 mm
- Weight: 502 g / 17.7 oz (per Oboz)
- Widths: Standard (B heel / C forefoot, per Oboz's US page)
- Pros
- Oboz's own US product page states a specific women's width pattern (B heel, C forefoot), more detail than most brands publish
- B-DRY waterproof lining made from 100% recycled materials with 25% post-industrial content, per Oboz
- L.L.Bean, a named US retailer, sells this boot at a confirmed $200 price
- Cons
- Oboz's US site doesn't use the words 'women's-specific last' on this product page — that phrase appears on Oboz's UK site, not the US one, so this guide cites the UK claim separately rather than treating it as a confirmed US-page statement
- At 502 g, it's heavier than the low-cut shoes on this list, though lighter than the Scarpa Zodiac Plus
Before you buy: Oboz's US product page states the women's standard width as 'B in the heel and C in the forefoot'; a separate Oboz UK product page additionally states that Oboz uses gender-specific lasts across its footwear, though that specific phrase was not found on the US page during this research.
How the top picks actually differ
Weight and cushioning span a wide range
The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX (~11 oz) and HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX (14.7 oz, per named retailers) are the lightest options here, while the Lowa Renegade (440 g, roughly 15.5 oz), Oboz Bridger Mid (502 g / 17.7 oz) and Scarpa Zodiac Plus (455 g half-pair, roughly 2 lb per pair) climb into heavier, more structured territory built for support over pure speed.
Drop varies from 7 mm to 12 mm among the published figures
HOKA's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX has the lowest published drop at 7 mm, closer to a running shoe's geometry. Salomon's X Ultra 5 GTX and the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof sit at 11–11.5 mm, and the KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP and Oboz Bridger Mid both publish a 12 mm drop. Several models — the Moab Speed 2 GTX, Lowa Renegade, Scarpa Zodiac Plus and Vasque St. Elias — don't publish an exact drop figure on their US pages.
Price spans $145 to roughly $349
The Merrell Moab 3 (non-waterproof) is the cheapest at $145, followed by the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX and Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX and Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, all at $175. The KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP (Wide) and HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX sit at $190–195, the Oboz Bridger Mid at $200 (per L.L.Bean), the Lowa Renegade at $255, and the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is the most expensive at $348.95 MSRP per a named US retailer.
Who should choose what
You want the safest lightweight all-around pick
The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX W, with a published 11 oz weight and 11 mm drop on a GORE-TEX low-cut shoe.
You specifically want a brand-stated women's-specific last, not just women's sizing
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Ws, the only boot here where the brand explicitly states a women's-specific last.
You need a genuinely wide fit
The KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP (Wide) or the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof's separate Wide SKU, both sold directly by the brand.
You're doing multi-day trips with a heavier pack
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, a leather boot built for moderate mountain terrain and light backpacking loads.
You want HOKA's cushioned ride in a waterproof boot
The HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX, though confirm current pricing and the exact women's hoka.com listing before buying.
You want to spend as little as possible and don't need waterproofing
The Merrell Moab 3 (low, non-waterproof), the cheapest option on this list at $145.
How to choose
Women's-specific last vs. women's sizing
A women's-specific last means the boot's underlying shape and volume were built for a women's foot pattern, not just resized down from a men's mold. Lowa states this directly for its Renegade line. Oboz's US page publishes a specific women's width pattern (B heel, C forefoot), and a separate Oboz UK page states the brand uses gender-specific lasts more broadly. Most other brands on this list — Salomon, Merrell, KEEN, HOKA — sell dedicated women's product lines and publish women's-specific weights, but their US pages don't explicitly claim a distinct last or construction difference beyond sizing, which this guide states plainly rather than assuming.
Low-cut shoes vs. mid and high boots
Low-cut hiking shoes, like the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX and Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX here, weigh less and flex more like a trail runner, at the cost of less ankle support and coverage. Mid-height boots, like the Merrell Moab 3 Mid, Lowa Renegade, KEEN Targhee IV Mid and Oboz Bridger Mid, add ankle coverage and typically a stiffer sole for carrying more weight or crossing rougher terrain. The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is the highest-cut, most structured option on this list, built with light backpacking loads in mind.
Waterproofing technology differs by brand
GORE-TEX (used by Salomon, Merrell's Moab Speed 2 GTX, Lowa, Scarpa, Vasque and HOKA here) is a licensed third-party membrane. Merrell's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof instead uses the brand's own M Select DRY membrane, and Oboz uses its own B-DRY membrane, made from recycled materials per Oboz. None of these should be assumed interchangeable in performance — each brand publishes its own membrane, and this guide notes which is used on each pick rather than treating 'waterproof' as one uniform spec.
Widths: what brands actually publish
Merrell (Moab 3 Mid Waterproof) and KEEN (Targhee IV Mid WP) both sell confirmed, separate Wide-width SKUs at the same price as standard width. Oboz publishes a specific heel/forefoot width pattern rather than a simple 'standard/wide' label. Salomon, Lowa's women's Renegade, Scarpa and Vasque did not show a published wide-width option for the women's versions covered here during this research — if wide feet are a priority, start with the Merrell or KEEN picks.
Two picks with unresolved sourcing details
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX and Vasque St. Elias GTX (2024 redesign) are both included because they're genuine, currently sold women's hiking boots, but this research could not confirm a dedicated US brand page and current US price for either during this pass. Both entries above say so directly, and the Vasque considerations also warn against confusing the 2024 redesign with the older, discontinued St. Elias FG GTX, a different boot with different specs still listed at some retailers.
Common questions
- Which of these boots is genuinely built on a women's-specific last?
- Lowa states directly on its product page that the Renegade GTX Mid Ws uses a women's-specific last. Oboz's US page publishes a specific women's width pattern (B heel, C forefoot) for the Bridger Mid, and an Oboz UK product page separately states the brand uses gender-specific lasts overall. The other brands on this list sell dedicated women's product lines with women's-specific published weights, but don't state a distinct last on their US pages, and this guide doesn't imply otherwise.
- Which boots come in wide widths?
- The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has a separate Wide SKU (52452W) at the same price as standard, and the KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP is sold in both standard and Wide, with this guide's listing specifically covering the Wide version. Oboz publishes a specific B-heel/C-forefoot width pattern rather than a simple wide label. Salomon's X Ultra 5 GTX, Lowa's women's Renegade, Scarpa's Zodiac Plus and Vasque's St. Elias did not show a published wide option for women during this research.
- Why are the Scarpa and Vasque entries less confirmed than the others?
- This research could not locate a dedicated women's Zodiac Plus GTX product page on Scarpa's US site (us.scarpa.com), so that entry uses a named US retailer (Campman) for pricing instead of a direct Scarpa link. For the Vasque St. Elias GTX, most search results returned the older, discontinued St. Elias FG GTX rather than the 2024 redesign, and no confirmed current vasque.com URL or US price could be found. Both entries state this directly rather than presenting unverified information as confirmed.
- What's the difference between GORE-TEX, M Select DRY and B-DRY?
- GORE-TEX is a third-party licensed waterproof-breathable membrane used here by Salomon, Merrell's Moab Speed 2 GTX, Lowa, Scarpa, Vasque and HOKA. M Select DRY is Merrell's own proprietary membrane, used on the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof. B-DRY is Oboz's own membrane, which Oboz states is made from recycled materials with 25% post-industrial content. All three are marketed as waterproof and breathable, but each is a distinct, brand-specific technology rather than an interchangeable spec.
- Is a low-cut shoe or a mid/high boot the better choice?
- It depends on the terrain and load. Low-cut shoes like the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX and Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX are lighter and more flexible, suited to day hikes on established trail. Mid-height boots like the Merrell Moab 3 Mid, Lowa Renegade, KEEN Targhee IV Mid and Oboz Bridger Mid add ankle coverage for rougher terrain or heavier daypacks. The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, the highest-cut option here, is built with light backpacking loads specifically in mind, per Scarpa's own product positioning.
- Which boot is the best value?
- The Merrell Moab 3 (non-waterproof, low-cut) is the cheapest at $145, though it trades away waterproofing. Among the waterproof options, the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX, Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX and Moab 3 Mid Waterproof are all $175 and each brings a specific published feature (a stated weight/drop for Salomon, a rock plate for the Moab Speed 2, a confirmed Wide SKU for the Moab 3 Mid).
- Should I worry about the Anacapa 2 Mid GTX running narrow?
- Some independent, third-party reviews not affiliated with Guidevio have described the fit as running narrow for some wearers. Guidevio has not tested this boot and can't confirm or dispute that claim directly; this guide mentions it only because it recurs in outside coverage, and readers who are between widths should check sizing directly with a retailer that offers exchanges.
- Does Guidevio get paid if I buy through these links?
- For links marked Amazon, yes — Guidevio is a participant in the Amazon Associates program and earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Links that go directly to a brand's own site (Merrell's Moab 3, Oboz's Bridger Mid) do not earn Guidevio anything. Which products are included and how they're ranked is not influenced by commission.
Sources consulted
Official product pages, specification sheets and retailer listings used to compile this guide.
- https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/x-ultra-5-gore-tex-li6286
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-speed-2-gore-tex/58715W.html
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3-mid-waterproof/52451W.html
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3/51004W.html
- https://www.lowaboots.com/womens/hiking/renegade-gtx-mid-ws?v=44099
- https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/womens-targhee-iv-mid-waterproof-wide-brindle-nostalgia-rose
- https://us.scarpa.com/products/zodiac-plus-gtx-f24
- https://www.campman.com/women/scarpa-womens-zodiac-plus-gtx-hiking-boots/
- https://www.vasque.com/
- https://www.outdoorsportswire.com/the-vasque-st-elias-legacy-lives-on/
- https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-hiking/anacapa-2-mid-gtx/1141633.html
- https://www.obozfootwear.com/products/womens-bridger-mid-waterproof
- https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000010214?page=Oboz-Bridger-Mid-BDry-Hiker-Womens
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