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Berne Broudy/Business InsiderThe most important feature of any hiking shoe or boot is that it comfortably fits your foot. Thing is, you won't always know if a boot properly fits when you first slip your foot into it — sometimes pressure points pop up after it's been on for an hour or two.
If possible, wear any new boots at home before they hit the trail. The last thing you want is to be several miles from a trailhead, nursing a painful blister. Even boots that say they've been pre-broken in still need some period of being actually broken in.
What to look for in a women's hiking bootIt's also important to know the kind of terrain you plan on traversing, as well as the load you intend to carry. All hiking boots have a shank in the midsole to stabilize the boot or shoe and to protect your feet from getting bruised by rocks and roots. That's what makes even the lightest ones different from running shoes.
If you're carrying a heavy backpack, you'll want increased support from your boot than if you're traveling fast and light. And if the trail is rocky, off-camber or uneven, be sure to choose a shoe or boot with a lot of stability, especially if you tend to turn your ankles. A taller boot provides more ankle support and helps you carry heavier loads more confidently.
Leather boots often last several years, even with endless abuse. Even modern textiles can take a beating and still hold up. The advantage of either fabric, or a combination of fabric and leather, is that it's often much lighter than a full leather boot.
Most boots feature a waterproof, breathable membrane that keeps your feet dry and comfortable in sloppy conditions. However, boots with a waterproof, breathable membrane will be hot for dry, summer hikes, so you'll want a membrane-free boot for those.
Women's boots are shaped differentlyWomen's hikers are typically built on a narrower last than men's boots. If you have wide feet and find that most women's boots don't fit, opt for a custom moldable boot like our top choice, Tecnica's Forge GTX.
You can also try a men's boot but you might trade the space you need in the forefoot for too much space in the heel. Some brands also offer a variety of width sizes. Going this route is better since the rest of the boot takes into account the shape of a women's foot.
Check out the boot sole before you buy to see if it's knobby enough to grip on the trails you'll be trekking, too. If you plan on hiking where it's rooty, rocky, steep, or slippery, a more aggressive tread is appropriate. If you'll just be scampering through National Parks on sandy herd paths or fine gravel, a lighter tread might serve you better.
This is also true if you want your hikers to do double duty. For travel, casual exploring, and weekend errands, opt for a lower profile sole and a lighter boot or shoe.
Weight on your feet is effectively heavier than the weight you carry anywhere else. That's because as you walk, you swing your feet and thus, your boots. Because it's in constant movement, a heavy boot can tire you out faster. Pick a boot that's heavy enough to handle your adventure but not so heavy it'll fatigue you.
With so many outdoor gear brands offering their own take on a women's hiking boot, it's often hard to narrow down what's worth buying. We've tested boots from top companies like Tecnica, Vasque, and Merrell to help make that selection process easier.
Here are the best women's hiking boots:Read the original article on Insider