How to choose women's trekking boots? S'portofino guide

What is the difference between trekking shoes for women and men?

Women's trekking shoes differ from men's not only in length but also in width, especially around the toes and heels. Women generally have narrower feet, and these should be firmly supported by the footwear in all circumstances. Unisex trekking boots would be too loose and would pose a risk of injury on demanding trails, where surefootedness is essential for safety.

Women's boots are also generally lighter in weight than men's boots. This allows even petite women with little strength to cover kilometres of mountain trails without getting too tired.

Last but not least: women's trekking boots are available in a wider range of colours and combinations. This allows you to choose footwear to match your entire outdoor outfit, looking and feeling better in all circumstances. After all, who says you have to dress practically and ignore aesthetics on expeditions? The best trekking shoes for women combine these two elements. Wearing these shoes is a pleasure for both your feet and your eyes.

Which women's hiking boots are the right ones for you?

To choose the right women's hiking boots, consider your trekking needs:

• In which seasons of the year will you use the boots?
• Which trails will you be walking on?
• How long are your hikes?
• Do you have a heavy backpack?
• Do you already have experience with trekking?
• Are your ankles prone to injury?
• How would you rate your muscle strength?
• Do you want a high walking speed?

Once you know the answers to these questions, it will be easier for you to choose the right trekking boots, which will be comfortable and reliable.

Low trekking boots

Low hiking boots are designed for easier routes, relatively flat, travelled in good weather, i.e. mainly in summer. They are also suitable for undemanding mountain trails for people with some trekking experience.

They allow free ankle movement, but this also means that they are more prone to twisting or dislocating when obstacles are encountered or when a step is taken incorrectly.

Low hiking boots are breathable and very light, so they are indispensable in hot weather. This is especially true for models without membranes (this topic will be discussed later).

Women's low trekking boots are designed for dynamic hiking with a light load. They are useful for active weekends in the countryside or in the city. Some models are so stylish that they can be worn with casual outfits.

High trekking boots

High trekking boots protect the ankle from uncontrolled movements and provide better protection against the cold and water. They are recommended for mountain trips from autumn to spring, when temperatures are low and the weather can be unpredictable with sudden rainfall.

Regardless of the season, we recommend high mountain boots for people who have not yet done similar activities. This will help you avoid ankle injuries, which are not uncommon in demanding and unknown terrain, especially if you have not yet developed a good walking technique.

Trekking boots with uppers are also a better choice for long routes, multi-day trekking and expeditions with large amounts of luggage. The design of boots with uppers protects the ankles and feet from excessive strain.

Trekking boots made of leather

Natural leather is a common material for trekking boots. They can be fully or partially covered with leather. Leather is breathable, protects against water and is not susceptible to mechanical damage.

However, it is also relatively heavy and each piece of natural leather will make the boots less light. Low weight is especially important for women's boots. For this reason, we recommend leather trekking boots only for the most demanding, competitive routes, where their bulkiness and functional parameters are crucial for safety and weight is of secondary importance.

If you want to do less competitive trekking, you can choose boots with leather elements or completely without natural leather - the latter is discussed below.

Trekking shoes made of synthetic materials

Modern synthetic materials are just as resistant to moisture, breathable and durable as natural leather. They are also lighter, which makes them the perfect material for high-quality trekking shoes for women. They are comfortable to wear without compromising on effective foot protection.

Remember that there are many synthetic materials and not all of them are equally good. It is also important how the individual layers of the shoe construction work together. What can reduce the satisfaction with new shoes is also the low quality of workmanship, even if the materials used are good. The latter also applies to leather shoes.

Don't be afraid that synthetic shoes will be less breathable. The days of synthetic shoes resembling oilcloth are long gone. Check the parameter of breathability (vapour permeability) of the shoes to make sure they will keep your feet comfortable.

Synthetic shoes are suitable for almost any type of activity, except for competitive climbing in very difficult conditions. They are perfect for long expeditions because they do not add any extra weight. You just need to pay attention to their parameters, especially waterproofing and breathability, and when trying them on, make sure they provide the right flexibility and mobility for your foot.

Trekking boots with a membrane

Trekking boots with a membrane are equipped with a layer that protects them from soaking, but allows moisture to evaporate from the skin. This keeps your feet dry even in rainy and snowy weather and during strenuous exercise.

The vapour permeability of the membrane decreases as the outside temperature rises. This means that in summer, the membrane will restrict the dissipation of sweat and heat.

However, not all membranes are the same. Trekking boots with a membrane can have very different vapour permeability values. That is why it is important to read the specifications.

Trekking boots without a membrane

Shoes without a membrane provide the highest breathability and prevent your feet from overheating, even on hot days. This comes at the expense of water resistance. Without a membrane, your shoes will get soaked in heavy rain or when you step in a puddle. You can reduce the amount of water that gets inside the shoe somewhat by waterproofing it.

Trekking boots without a membrane are the best option for summer. They are suitable not only for the mountains, but also for all-day off-road trips in relatively flat areas, both natural and urban.

Top 5 hiking boots for women

Below, we present the best trekking boots for women:

1. Dolomite 54 High FG EVO GTX is a classic with a modern twist. The shoes are enriched with technical solutions that increase comfort and safety on the trail. The boots adapt to the shape of the foot, and thanks to the Perfecta construction, they take into account the anatomical needs of women. The Gore-Tex® membrane protects against water and ensures that moisture evaporates. The Vibram® Ice Trek 2 sole provides good grip and stability in all conditions, and the EVA foam layer absorbs bumps in the ground and reduces the weight of the shoes. The high upper and rubber edging also ensure the safety of the feet.

2. Dolomite Nibelia High GTX are lightweight and comfortable to wear thanks to the integrated Gore-Tex® Invisible Fit membrane and the stretchy and breathable upper. Every step is cushioned and stable thanks to the EVA foam and the ESS anti-stress insole. The Perfecta design makes this model fit perfectly on a woman's foot. The boots are made of synthetic materials, which has further reduced their weight. They are waterproof and breathable, suitable for trips on varied terrain.

3. The high leather hiking boots for women Dolomite Crodarossa Hi Gtx 2.0 are the perfect choice for women who demand a lot from themselves and their trekking boots. They are suitable for difficult routes, including granite and via ferratas, but you can also wear them on easier trails. The following features ensure the reliability of this model: a Gore-Tex® membrane, a Vibram® Winkler Evo sole for increased traction on dry and wet surfaces, and DAS – anatomically shaped insoles that prevent your legs from getting tired so quickly.

4. The low trekking boots for women Dolomite Crodanera GTX are a great choice for women who are looking for versatile hiking boots for relatively warm and dry weather. They are suitable for flat and undemanding mountain trails, but also for forest and field paths and city hiking. The model is waterproof thanks to the Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort membrane. This solution also protects the feet from the chill that they are exposed to when it cools down with rainfall. The medium-hard Vibram® Crodaner sole is suitable for both mountains and less demanding terrain.

5. Dolomite 54 Hike Low Evo GTXare versatile trekking boots without an upper. The Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort membrane ensures dryness and thermal comfort. A rubber rand protects the forefoot and increases the lifespan of the boots. The DAS Light system reduces fatigue, supports natural biomechanics and ensures that the shoes fit the shape of your feet. The Vibram® Predator II sole provides grip and stability, and the medium hardness means that you can wear the shoes in the forest as well as on rocks.

What else should you consider?

If you want to buy good hiking boots for women, consider your needs, your hiking style and the difficulty of your hikes. The boots should also be suitable for the season. Your trekking experience is also important when choosing.

Be sure to read the product specifications, but don't rely on them 100%, as every description is a generalisation. You won't know how a specific model will work with your feet until you try it on. Here are a few tips on how to do it right:

• When measuring women's trekking boots, pay attention to the stability of the heel and toes. They should not move in the shoe.
• For fittings, wear the socks you will be hiking in.
• Test the boots on the stairs, stand on your toes and crouch to assess comfort.
• Remember to measure your shoes on a tired foot. Slight swelling is normal during activity, especially all-day activity, and you need to anticipate that your foot will swell in your shoe during a trip.
• Take into account that different bindings allow you to adjust the shoes to the shape of your feet. If you feel that they are too tight in the toes, you can tie them from the second row of eyelets. If you feel loose, try to tie the shoes tighter or try different techniques.

Pay attention to whether the models you are considering have solutions designed for women. These include, for example, the design of the Perfecta and all technologies that reduce the weight of the shoe, such as the use of plastic and foam elements in the sole. Last but not least: don't forget the aesthetics. Shoes that you want to wear will make every trip more enjoyable.