Women's Trekking Shoes

Women’s trekking shoes: Why do I need them?

For flat-terrain walks, you can slip on any comfortable pair of shoes. However, when the paths become steeper and more challenging, sporty trainers and basic women’s walking shoes reach their limits. Off-road, they can even become a hazard. Women’s trekking shoes are right at home in such situations. With extra-robust, grippy soles and a sturdy upper construction, they ensure that even scree and tree roots won’t cause you to stumble.

The right women’s trekking boot for your next hike

Your next trekking trip is already planned. All you need now is a new pair of boots. But which ones should you choose? A lightweight low-cut shoe or a sturdy boot? That depends on the type of hike you’re planning. If you’re heading off with all your kit to the lofty heights of the Alps, you’ll naturally need different footwear to that required for a leisurely hike through the Sauerland or the Black Forest.

For day hikes with light kit (A/B)

If you’re travelling light and your outdoor trips mainly take you along paved paths, lightweight women’s trekking shoes with flexible soles are ideal. They’re comfortable, provide the necessary grip when walking and prevent your feet from tiring too quickly on longer excursions.

That leaves the question of what ankle height you need. This depends on your personal preference and the terrain. If you prefer a breathable fit and aren’t scrambling over rough and rocky terrain, a low-cut boot like the Meindl Arone Lady GTX will suffice. However, if you like to head off-road or take shortcuts across rugged trails, an ankle-high trekking boot like the Meindl Tonale Lady GTX is the better choice.

For multi-day hikes with a moderate load (B)

If you’re out and about for longer periods and your rucksack is heavier due to provisions and a change of clothes, your feet will need noticeably more support. Class B women’s trekking boots are designed for this purpose with a sturdier sole and a higher, more stable upper, which provides your ankles with extra support over longer distances and on rough terrain.

If you’re looking for extra comfort, a model like the Meindl Bellavista MFS GTX is the perfect choice. What makes it special is the Memory Foam System (MFS), which allows the women’s trekking boots to mould to the shape of your foot as you wear them. Combined with comfortable cushioning, this ensures you’ll reach your destination without sore feet, even on long stages.

For challenging terrain and heavy luggage (B/C)

Do your trekking tours take you into the mountains, with steep and sometimes unpaved sections? Especially when carrying heavy luggage on your back, you need a women’s trekking boot that can cope with the demands. The best choice is a proper women’s trekking boot with a stiff sole and a high shaft, which is even crampon-compatible to a certain extent if required. This will allow you to cross a firn field or tackle a slightly more challenging via ferrata.

The choice of upper material is important. If you’re looking for a robust and durable companion for your trekking tours, sturdy nubuck leather – as found, for example, in our Hanwag Tatra II Lady GTX – is a good choice. These will last you for years and see you through thousands of metres of elevation gain. The Air Revolution Lady by Meindl from our range is noticeably lighter on the foot and more breathable.

Tip: If you want to go even higher on your tours – for example, to explore glaciers or venture on proper high-altitude treks across the Alps – our women’s trekking boots will gradually reach their limits. In that case, you’re better off with our women’s mountaineering boots.

Why you should always choose a women’s model when buying trekking boots

When you come across an attractive offer, it’s naturally very tempting to simply pick up a men’s trekking boot in your size. However, you won’t usually be happy with them. Men’s boots are designed for the anatomy of men’s feet. If you’re a woman wearing them, the boot may slip at the heel or pinch in other places. On longer hikes, neither of these issues is welcome.

Good hiking boot manufacturers such as Lowa, Meindl and Hanwag therefore build their women’s models on their own lasts and adapt every detail – right down to the cushioning – to women’s needs. You can easily recognise these models by the abbreviation ‘Lady’ or ‘Ws’ in the product name.

Buying women’s trekking shoes: what to look out for

Before you order your new shoes, there are a few things you should bear in mind:

• Trekking shoes need a bit of space at the front so that your toes don’t bump against the front of the shoe when going downhill. For most models, half a size to one size larger is ideal. You’ll find more details on this in the product descriptions.
• When it comes to the sole, quality is key. Our high-quality women’s trekking shoes are fitted with Vibram soles, which ensure a secure grip even on slippery and loose surfaces.
• If you want your shoes to be ready for use in all weathers, it’s best to choose a model with a Gore-Tex membrane. It allows moist air to escape from the inside, whilst keeping out moisture and wind from the outside.
• If you’re looking for a pair that will last for years to come, we recommend a model that can be resoled. That way, you won’t have to part with your women’s trekking shoes even if the sole has worn out after many hikes.