If you are looking to buy ladies hiking boots, you have more choices than ever before. Women’s hiking boots are no longer just men’s boots in a smaller size. Most major manufacturers custom design their ladies hiking boots for a better fit and comfort. If you’re interested in purchasing any of the boots described below, just click on the link for pricing information.

Although for some types of shoes, women’s styles are simply the same shoe only proportionally smaller, there are basic differences in the shape of men’s and women’s feet that often make it difficult for a woman to use a man’s shoe. This is particularly troublesome with ladies hiking boots, where a poor fit can lead to blisters and severe pain, due to improperly supported arches and heels. In general, a man’s foot is both longer and wider than a ladies which is why most shoes scale down successfully. However, ladies feet also tend to be narrower overall, especially in the heel, than a man’s foot of a comparable length. Additional differences in the arch and first toe, will all combine to make the overall shape of a women’s foot different than that of a man’s. Since hiking is highly stressful on the feet, it is critical that you purchase a properly fitted boot, and ladies should be particularly careful that their heels and arches are properly supported.

Following, are a few manufacturers who offer hiking boots specifically designed for ladies.

La Sportiva offers the women’s Thunder II GTX light hiking boot. This boot features a molded rubber heel stabilizer for enhanced ankle support and a slightly wider toe box for a more comfortable fit. The Vibram sole provides excellent grip on any trail, and the Gore-Tex/leather construction is waterproof.

The women’s Blue Ridge GTX from Montrail, is truly a light hiking boot weighing in at only 1 lb 3 oz. This boot is designed to be gender specific with a padded cuff and reinforced ankle, a molded latex foam heel pocket, and a cupped polyurethane midsole for superior arch support. The one piece leather design and Gore-Tex liner makes this waterproof boot comfortable enough for day long hikes.

The ladies Vasque Wasatch GTX is also specifically designed for a woman’s foot, to further enhance comfort and performance. Like all of Vasque’s women’s hiking boots, the Wasatch is designed with a narrower heel pocket, additional instep support, an adjusted heel to ball ratio and higher arches. This creates a more snug, and comfortable fit for stronger performance. Combine these features with a Vibram outsole and a Gore-Tex inner bootie and you’ve got a hiking boot that is comfortable from dawn til dusk.

The ladies Power Matic 400 GV hiking boot by Asolo incorporates their new Power Matic sole. Manufactured from three different density polyurethanes, they are molded together into an integrated shock absorbing system. The front toe area is comprised of high density PU to keep your foot secure and provide maximum stability. The heel cup is a softer medium density PU to reduce shock as you stride, helping to minimize foot fatigue. Four additional shock absorbers of low density PU are located throughout the sole, and are linked to the Vibram outsole. The arch uses a very high density rubber for maximum support over long distances. This is a great all purpose boot, for use on all types of terrain.

An ideal boot for every day rugged trail hiking is the Scarpa Kailash GTX Lady Boot. A medium weight boot that features a new Vibram shock absorbing sole and a bi-directional ankle flex for enhanced support. Gore-Tex lining insures your feet will stay dry and comfortable, regardless of the terrain or temperature.

The Genoa Peak waterproof mid height boot from Keen is a truly lightweight hiking boot, weighing in at only 11.8 oz. In addition to Keen’s patented rubber bump toe protection, these boots incorporate their specially engineered S3 foot support. S3 stands for shock, suspension and stability which results from the combination of firm support and soft cushioning in the heel. The sole dissipates shock on impact and the enhanced stability reduces the risk of a twisted ankle. Keen’s proprietary waterproofing system incorporates a breathable membrane that lets water vapor out, without letting liquid water in.

Finally, the Danner Agitator 45 GTX is one of the lightest and most durable hiking. With a sleek 4.5 inch height, this boot is ideal for hillside trails and loose ground. The Gore-Tex bootie and nylon lining are waterproof and breathable keeping your foot secure and comfortable. The thermal molded PU shank provides additional support in the sole, while the nylon and leather uppers help keep your feet dry over the long haul.

Ladies hiking boots have come a long way with the realization that women’s feet are significantly different from men’s. So whether you’re going rim-to-rim at the Grand Canyon or hiking your favorite local trails, a well fitted hiking boot is the most important piece of hiking gear you will own. Make sure you get the right one for you.

Speaking of going Rim-to-Rim, here’s a video with some great tips for anyone who plans to hike the Grand Canyon.