December 12, 2024

hiking boots for women

During my research, I combed through several Reddit threads discussing women's hiking boots. These threads were from various subreddits such as r/hikinggear, r/CampingGear, r/BuyItForLife, r/hiking, and others. The sources were highly relevant to the original query as they provided multiple recommendations from users who have personally used and tested the boots they recommended. There was a reasonable amount of consensus on some brands, with certain brands like Oboz, Salomon, and Lowa appearing frequently across the threads. However, there was also a wide range of other brands and models mentioned, showing a diversity of options and preferences. It's important to note that the best choice largely depends on the individual's foot shape, hiking conditions, and personal preferences. Therefore, there is some level of uncertainty in declaring a single "best" option.

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Oboz

Oboz

Oboz hiking boots, particularly the Sawtooth and Bridger models, were frequently recommended in various threads. Users praised them for their comfortable fit, durability, and ample toe room. They were particularly recommended for those with high arches and wide feet. However, one user cautioned against the Sawtooth model, stating it wasn't wide enough for their foot volume.
Salomon

Salomon

Salomon hiking shoes, especially the X Ultra and Quest 4D GTX models, were also popular among the Reddit users. They were lauded for their comfort, support, and durability. One user with wide feet, high arches, and narrow heels recommended Salomon X Ultras or Speedcross trail runners. The Salomon X ultra 3s received positive feedback from a user who ended up purchasing them.
Lowa
Merrell

Merrell

Merrell was another brand that came up in the discussions, notably the Moab model. It was mentioned as a good option for light hikes and casual trails, with users appreciating its comfort and durability. However, it's worth noting that one user mentioned a preference for Lowa Renegade over her previous Merrell boots.
Hoka
La Sportiva

La Sportiva

La Sportiva boots, namely the Ultra Raptor II and Nucleo models, were recommended by some users. They were praised for their performance on hilly and rocky terrain, and their comfort.

Other Brands

Aside from the brands mentioned above, a few other names popped up in the discussions. These include Vasques, Ahnus, Meindl, Vasque hiking boots with Vibram soles, and Asolo Fugitive GTX. Each of these brands had their own set of advocates who vouched for their durability and comfort. In conclusion, the 'best' hiking boot for women greatly depends on the individual's foot shape, hiking conditions, and personal preferences. It's highly recommended to try on several models in-store before deciding on a purchase. Additionally, investing in high-quality hiking socks and considering insert options can also contribute to the overall hiking comfort.

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Research

"Best Women’s shoes for hiking!"

  • User asks for recommendations for women’s hiking boots that are water resistant, good for hiking rocky terrain, and comfortable.
  • A Reddit user suggests that the issue could be with the fit of the boots, and recommends trying on a bunch and flexing the foot to ensure that the heel doesn’t lift.
  • Another user emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality hiking socks to minimize rubbing and discomfort.
  • Several users suggest getting fitted by a professional at a store and trying on various makes and models to find the right fit.
  • Specific brand recommendations include Vasques, Ahnus, Lowas, La Sportiva, Keen, Oboz, and Salomon.
  • Some users suggest trying trail runners instead, which can be more breathable and lightweight. Brand recommendations include Altra, Solomon, Topo, Brooks, and New Balance.
  • Other tips include using inserts for comfort, with some mentioning specifically the Superfeet brand. Others suggest using heel inserts to reduce friction.
  • A user points out that if a user is experiencing Achilles rubbing, heel inserts may be able to help. They suggest using felt to make the inserts and experimenting with different thickness levels.
  • Some users point out that the time and effort devoted towards finding a comfortable and well-fitted pair of boots is worth it in terms of overall enjoyment of hiking trips.
  • One user mentions that the specific type of terrain the user plans to encounter while hiking may influence the type of footwear that is best suited to their needs.
  • Some users provide feedback on the specific boots they have tried and liked, with some users suggesting that the Lowa Renegade GTX and the La Sportiva Akasha are good options for those with narrow heels.
  • A user points out that The Trek website regularly conducts polls of AT thru-hikers to gather data on popular trail footwear, which may be a helpful resource for those looking for recommendations.
  • Some users provide feedback on specific types of shoes, including approach shoes and the ON Cloud Venture, which some users suggest may be more comfortable and suitable for certain types of terrain.
  • A few users mention doing other things to minimize rubbing and discomfort, such as wearing 2 pairs of socks or using lubrication on the affected areas.
  • One user links to an article discussing why hiking boot top 10 lists don’t matter and emphasizes the importance of getting fitted by a professional.
  • Some users thank REI employees for their knowledge and help in finding good hiking footwear.

(Note: total word count is less than 400 because bullet points are brief and concise

"Recommendation request—women's footwear for high arches with a roomy toe box that is also breathable"

  • Reddit post in r/hikinggear requesting recommendations for women’s hiking boots with a roomy toe box and breathable.
  • Poster’s girlfriend has high volume feet, high arches, and wide foot balls.
  • Salomon boots and other brands tried on in-store have not worked.
  • Comments suggest brands including Oboz, Hoka, Keen, Merrell, Lowa, and Meindl.
  • One user with high arches and wide feet recommends Oboz.
  • Another user recommends Hoka trail runners for high arches and orthopedic issues.
  • One user with wide feet, high arches, and narrow heels recommends Salomon X Ultras or Speedcross trail runners.
  • Several users suggest trying on men’s shoes instead of women’s.
  • One user suggests feetures PF socks for arch support.
  • Another user mentions the importance of breathable materials and arch support.
  • Some users mention specific models, including Oboz Sawtooth and Bridger, Keen Targhee, and Merrell Antora 3.
  • One user mentions German brands being generally better for wide feet.
  • Notes on socks: thin liner socks under hiking socks for boots.
  • Some users note that they had issues with specific brands or models, and recommend trying on multiple options in-store before purchasing.

"best women's hiking shoes?"

  • Reddit thread from two years ago discussing the best women’s hiking shoes to wear for running, normal wear, and waterproofing
  • OP describes a Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX that began to deteriorate in less than a year
  • Repeated recommendations for Merrell hiking shoes (3 karma, 1 karma, 1 karma, 1 karma)
  • Another well-reviewed shoe brand for durability and water resistance: Lowa (2 karma)
  • The Meindl and Hanwag brands are also recommended for being made to last (2 karma)
  • Salomon trail runners are lightweight, quick-drying, and have amazing traction (1 karma)
  • Vasque and Ahnu Montara are recommended brands (1 karma)
  • The New Balance Nitrel Trail running shoe has exceptional grip, but takes a month to break in (1 karma)
  • Importance of shoes being allowed to dry out between wears to extend their lifespan (1 karma)
  • It is important to choose a shoe appropriate to the terrain being hiked (no karma)
  • Merrell Moabs are recommended as comfortable and durable for light hikes and casual trails (1 karma)
  • A link is provided to a blog post with more recommendations on the best hiking shoes for both men and women
  • General agreement that it’s difficult to balance style, comfort, and durability in a hiking shoe (3 karma)

"Does Columbia have the best hiking boots? If not, what is recommended?"

  • A Reddit user is asking for recommendations on waterproof hiking boots for their move to Colorado, with a budget of less than $100.
  • Recommendations include trail runners, with the Altra and Hoka brands being mentioned.
  • Another user recommends trail runners with Salomon’s Speedcross 5 and Brook’s Cascadia as good options. The Speedcross has a quick-lacing system and good treads. They also recommend the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX for mid boots and the Salomon Quest 4D GTX for full boots.
  • Others emphasize the importance of finding the best fit for the foot shape and gait by visiting a running store and getting fitted there.
  • Some users suggest hiking boots for better ankle support for rock scrambles and snow, but trail runners are usually preferred in Colorado for their comfort and agility, and may work in most situations except for snow.
  • Columbia boots are not recommended due to low durability levels, with a user noting that they make good jackets but not hiking boots. Merrell is recommended as a cheaper alternative to pricier brands but still a solid option.
  • A user emphasizes that hiking shoes often cost more than $100 and suggests that OP be more flexible with their budget.
  • Other equipment suggestions include hiking poles and an insulated pouch and powerful battery bank for prolonged cold hikes to prevent smartphones’ battery drain.

"Any recommendations for women's hiking shoes?"

  • Original post asks for recommendations for long-lasting hiking shoes for women under $150.
  • One user stresses the importance of finding a shoe that fits and recommends going to a store with knowledgeable staff to help evaluate what kind of shoe is right for you.
  • Some users recommend the following brands for hiking shoes:
    • Oboz Sawtooth and Bridger (several recommendations with karma: 66, 19, 5, 3, 1, 1) for their sturdiness, comfort, and durability.
    • Keen (2 recommendations with karma: 11, 7) for lasting 8 years, but another user mentions lower quality in new product lines.
    • Salomon (1 recommendation) for being “rated” to last longer.
  • One user recommends using “you’re” instead of “your” for grammatical correctness.
  • Another user confronts the former user about grammar being irrelevant in this thread.
  • Several users recommend visiting stores with small, local businesses with knowledgeable staff instead of large franchises.
  • One user asks about shoes suitable for Arizona’s dry forests and deserts.
  • Another user suggests going to a trusted shop with someone knowledgeable and experienced to get better help than any Reddit comment.
  • Several users add details or personal experiences with their recommended hiking shoes.

"Women’s Hiking Boots Recommendations"

-Relevant: True -Importance: 7

Notes:

  • A woman is looking for recommendations for all-around women’s hiking boots that are waterproof.
  • She has hiked significantly but would like to transition from day hiking to backpacking.
  • Some users recommended the Oboz Bridgers, Salomon Quest 4 GTX, La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II, and other brands.
  • One user cited issues with the service at their local REI store.
  • Another user encouraged the woman to ask for help from people working at an outfitter.
  • A user also suggested that the woman exclude ankle support as a criterion.
  • Some users recommended specific boots or brands including Lowa renegades, Altra Lone Peaks, Meindl Vakuum boots, and La Sportiva Nucleos.
  • One user provided a comprehensive list of recommended boot brands.
  • Some users shared their personal opinions on the boots they recommended.
  • The woman mentioned liking REI’s return policy.
  • The thread is from one year, one day ago.

"[deleted by user]"

Not used in article

"Looking for very good quality waterproof hiking, boots/ work boots."

URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/sdltll/looking_for_very_good_quality_waterproof_hiking/

Date created: 2 years ago

Title: Looking for very good quality waterproof hiking, boots/ work boots.

Upvotes: 26 points

Original post:

  • A user requested recommendations for hiking boots/work boots within the $400 budget that will last for years
  • They work outdoors and do a lot of hiking

Replies:

  • A Reddit user recommended Red Wing’s store since they offer good quality waterproof boots that can be re-crafted at an affordable price.
  • They suggested stating the need for waterproof boots that are goodyear welted and can be re-crafted, as well as the foot measurement.
  • Another user suggested getting feet measured using a Brannock device if not done within the past five years.
  • Users recommended the following brands:
    • Salomon Quest 4D: sturdy and waterproof (4 karma)
    • Lowa Renegate: good for year-round hiking (7 karma)
    • Vasque hiking boots with Vibram soles: kept feet dry throughout work shift outside (6 karma)
    • Asolo Fugitive GTX: lasted 15 years and 3000 miles including century trips (11 karma)
    • Keen: mixed review; quality may vary for different types of boots (ranging from 1 to 4 karma)
    • Timberland 6 inch Premiums: recommended by a user but no additional information (1 karma)
    • Coleman winter boots: a user went with a cheaper option that might be found at Kohl’s, but unsure of the model (1 karma)
  • Some had experienced ill-fitting shoes and suggested getting feet measured and trying some shoes on before purchasing.
  • Several users discussed the utility of waterproof boots, but one advised that non-waterproof shoes may still be a good choice, especially when paired with quick-drying socks.
  • One user notes that the Jim Green Razorbacks are a good all-rounder but may not last a lifetime.

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