As hiking gains popularity across the UK, finding the right footwear has become essential for women who seek comfort and performance on the trails. This article reviews several hiking boots currently on the market, highlighting their features, costs, and suitability for various hiking conditions.
The other featured boots are the Lowa Innovo GTX Mid, Aku Trekker Pro II, and Danner N45. You’ll see the Regatta Holcombe III, Scarpa Ranger 2, Columbia Peakfreak Rush Mid among them. With a model for every foot shape and every technical hiking condition, there’s a perfect Merrell hiker for every foot.
Lowa Innovo GTX Mid: A Balance of Comfort and Performance
The Lowa Innovo GTX Mid starts from £113.99. This boot has made waves with its proven performance and female-specific fit and comfort. This special design fits wider foot shapes. The other excellent thing about this shoe is the support it provides for people with wider feet.
All realistic buyers out there, take heed! The Lowa Innovo GTX Mid isn’t an ideal pick on this list for narrow-footed hikers, due to the relatively wide sizing. Its outstanding comfort and versatility, though, may leave people with narrow foot shapes looking for a different fit.
Aku Trekker Pro II: Supportive Yet Heavy
The Aku Trekker Pro II retails at £255. It’s specifically engineered to provide superior ankle stability and arch support. This model is better suited for dedicated long-distance trekkers that need more support on packing and rocky trails. The engineering behind the construction of the boot prioritizes a strong, durable closure while still avoiding compromising the fit around the ankle for paddling knee flex.
The Achilles heel of the Aku Trekker Pro II is its insulation. Hikers who enjoy a lot of warm weather may find this boot to be overkill temperature-wise. This awkwardness can prematurely spoil longer hikes almost in a heartbeat. Thus, it’s most appropriate in more temperate climates where its cradling qualities may be most enjoyed.
Versatility of Regatta Holcombe III
Returning to its roots, the Regatta Holcombe III has become a capable choice for all-mountain adventures. Made using a mix of leather and textile, this boot is tough yet light on your feet. Thanks to Gore-Tex waterproofing, it shields against wet conditions while promoting breathability.
And its Vibram sole gives you impressive grip on all kinds of terrain, ensuring you’ll be ready to tackle the tougher hikes. Price-wise, the Regatta Holcombe III comes in at an appealing point. It draws the family out for a leisurely hike and leads the expeditionary serious outdoorsmen.
Scarpa Ranger 2: Grip and Support
Another serious competitor in this turf, also from Scarpa, is the Ranger 2, £230. This model provides excellent traction and great ankle support. It’s ideal for outdoors enthusiasts who hike in rocky or other hazardous terrain. Its construction prioritizes stability while ensuring that wearers feel secure during their adventures.
As with many other models, it proves to be a bit too toasty for long summer hikes. Those scheduling trips during warmer temperatures should seek other modes that provide increased ventilation.
Columbia Peakfreak Rush Mid: Ideal for Wet Conditions
The Columbia Peakfreak Rush Mid is the best entry-level option, starting from £89.99. Interestingly, our favorite of this bunch shines in slippery circumstances. Water-resistant materials combined with a unique, waterproof design make sure your feet don’t get wet. With the right fit out of the box, this boot will handle short day hikes and much longer adventures with plenty of comfort and performance.
If you’re a budget traveler or camp more often in wet and rainy conditions, the Columbia Peakfreak Rush Mid is a smart option. Though it doesn’t offer as much cushioning as premium options, it adequately supports your feet while still being comfortable.