Lightweight Waterproof Boots Women Will Love for Hiking & Style

Scarpa’s Rush 2 MID GTX Woman impressed us with a lightweight, supportive mid-height build and a GORE-TEX liner that kept feet dry in our testing. Scoring 9.5/10, it stands shoulder to shoulder with the Adidas Terrex, but the true ankle support and all-terrain grip feel more secure on rough, wet trails. The toe box runs narrow and some users report ankle rubs until break-in—size up if between sizes. With no insulation, it’s a breathable three-season choice and our best overall boot pick.

The Lems Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof earned 8/10 thanks to day-one comfort, a lightweight feel, and a waterproof membrane that handled rain and light snow in our testing. The ankle-height build with true support and an all-terrain outsole makes it a versatile city-to-trail option. We did note inconsistent sizing (a bit narrower than expected for some) and reports of seam or stitching failures with long wear. Grip is also less secure on ice, so pack traction aids for slick winter days.

Minimalists will love the Xero Xcursion Fusion, which earned 7/10 for delivering waterproof performance and a featherlight feel at a standout price in our testing. The wide toe box promotes natural splay and comfort, while the flexible sole and minimal cushioning transmit rocks and are not ideal for long, technical descents. For rocky routes, consider adding an insole or choosing a more cushioned option like the Hoka Anacapa or On Cloudrock; the mid-height cut still gives solid ankle support, but some feet find them narrow despite the wide-toe design.

Light and lively, the Salomon Outpulse GTX scored 7/10 in our testing for fast day hikes and long city-to-trail walks. The GORE-TEX membrane kept our feet dry, and, while not our highest scorer, the Contagrip outsole felt secure on varied all-terrain surfaces, though the low-cut height offers limited ankle support. We did see occasional durability quibbles with seams and uppers, and the fit can run slightly large or tricky in the heel. If you prioritize speed and breathability over support, it's a strong value pick.

Merrell's Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex earned a 7/10 in our testing for dependable out-of-box comfort, a proven Vibram outsole, and the wet-weather confidence of a GORE-TEX membrane. On groomed trails and rainy commutes, traction and protection were solid for a mid-height boot. That said, we saw occasional reports of sole peeling and fit inconsistencies, and some pairs developed leaks over time. If you prioritize initial comfort and value, it's a reliable pick, but long-term durability can be hit or miss.

Columbia's Newton Ridge Plus is a wallet-friendly starter boot that scored 5/10 in our review, best for casual trails and rainy errands. The seam-sealed leather upper kept us dry in showers and puddles, and comfort is excellent right out of the box. Traction, however, lagged on smooth rock and technical terrain, and water can enter through the tongue when fully submerged. If you're hiking infrequently on easier paths, it's fine; regular wet, rocky miles call for grippier, longer-lasting options.

Comfortable and supportive out of the box, the KEEN Targhee EXP Mid Waterproof notched 7.5/10 in our review for its lightweight feel, mid-height stability, and KEEN.DRY protection. The aggressive hiking outsole bites into loose dirt and wet roots, keeping pace on day hikes and weekend trips. We did see occasional water penetration during prolonged soaks and wished for more ankle collar padding. If you want a dependable mid that balances comfort and traction, this sits solidly in the middle of the pack.

Blending style with trail chops, the On Cloudrock Mid Waterproof scored 8/10 in our testing for its springy cushioning, lightweight feel, mid-height ankle support, and Missiongrip traction that handles slick sidewalks and muddy paths. We found the waterproof membrane reliable in rain, but fit tends to run small and the tongue seams can rub at the ankle on longer days; the thin eyelet webbing may wear with heavy use. Size up if between sizes and consider the Hoka Anacapa for a lighter, roomier alternative.

Our top-rated choice at 10/10, the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX nails the guide’s brief with ultralight comfort, dependable GORE-TEX waterproofing, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole that excels on wet, steep trails. During our review, the mid-height build provided confident ankle support while the cushioned ride stayed lively all day for hikes and city miles alike. Fit can run narrow in the toe box and hardware inconsistencies pop up occasionally, so try before you buy, especially in lighter colorways that stain.

The Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Mid 2 scored 7.5/10 for its featherweight feel, roomy toe box that lets toes splay naturally, and confident traction from 5mm Duratread lugs. We found it ideal for long miles where comfort matters, with mid-cut support that doesn't feel bulky. However, reports of water intrusion in sustained rain and ankle seam irritation kept it from ranking higher. It's a great fast-and-light pick for dry to moderately wet trails, less so for very rocky or soaked routes.

As our top-rated pick at 9.5/10 and best overall in this set, the Adidas Terrex hiking shoe blends featherweight mileage with plush Boost cushioning that keeps legs fresh. During our review, the Continental outsole gripped confidently on wet and uneven surfaces, and the ankle-height profile offers just enough support for fast-paced day hikes. It does need a short break-in and can feel less supportive under heavy packs, and the mesh may show wear sooner. For hiking-meets-street style and performance at $84.95, it's a standout value.

Danner's Mountain 600 Evo earned its high 8.5/10 rating during our review for out-of-the-box comfort and trustworthy GORE-TEX waterproofing. The mid-height design with supportive ankles felt great on mixed terrain, and the cushioning strikes a sweet balance for day hikes and weekend travel. We did have to double-knot the round laces, which tend to loosen, and the premium price may give budget shoppers pause. If comfort and build quality top your list, this is our top-rated everyday hiker.

Scoring 8.5/10, the Topo Trailventure 2 WP impressed us with featherlight feel and all-terrain grip that bites on wet rocks and muddy trails. The roomy toe box was a relief for wider feet and bunions, and true ankle support adds confidence on uneven ground. In our testing, however, waterproofing proved inconsistent and the forefoot's generous width let some feet slide on descents. Given a few durability reports after heavy use, we'd reserve these ankle-height boots for long day hikes in mixed, not soaking, conditions.

For technical trails, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX earned a strong 8/10 from our team. GORE-TEX kept feet dry and the FriXion outsole delivered bite on slick roots and rocky climbs, while the mid-height build adds supportive confidence. It does run narrow, and the tongue can feel short or stiff against the ankle; leather also adds a touch of weight. If you prioritize traction and protection over plushness, this is a fantastic value performer.

More street-savvy than trail-ready, the Sorel Emelie II Chelsea earned 5.5/10 in our testing for its sleek waterproof leather, cushy die-cut memory EVA footbed, and molded rubber traction that handles rainy commutes. The ankle/low height offers no true ankle support, and we found the fit runs narrow with a cramped toe box; a few pairs showed heel wear and insole placement hiccups over time. Great for stylish everyday drizzle, but for hiking comfort and durability, higher-scoring mid boots are better bets.

For city commutes and drizzly errands, the ECCO Modtray Chelsea scored 6.5/10 as a stylish, comfort-first option rather than a technical hiker. Soft full-grain leather, elastic panels, and a pull tab make on-off effortless, and the lightweight lugged sole feels stable on urban surfaces. Our experience shows the toe box runs narrow and that visible white sole detail isn't for everyone, plus a few buyers reported quality inconsistencies. Choose it for everyday waterproof convenience and support, not rocky, all-day trails.

Fashion-forward and cozy, the Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea scored 5/10 in our hiking-focused tests, making it better for city wear than trails. The faux-fur-trimmed interior adds warmth and the lug sole looks chic, but there's no waterproof membrane and the tread is built for urban surfaces. We found the fit can run narrow or small, and a few users reported durability hiccups over time. If style is the priority, it works; for wet hikes, choose a more technical option.

Budget-minded and cute, the Sorel Lennox Chelsea Rain Boot landed a 6/10 in our review for everyday wet-weather use. The waterproof leather kept us dry on rainy sidewalks, and break-in was easy enough for weekend walks or commuting. That said, we saw sizing inconsistencies, scuffs that appeared quickly, and an outsole that can feel slippery on smooth, slick surfaces. If your adventures stay urban, it's a value pick; for steeper trails, consider higher-scoring boots with grippier tread.

City adventurers will appreciate the Vessi Weekend Chelsea, which scored 7.5/10 for being totally watertight with Dyma-tex and as light as a sneaker, making soggy commutes and travel a breeze. In our experience, the ankle-height design feels supportive for everyday wear, but the outsoles lack aggressive lugs, so rugged or icy trails are not its wheelhouse. Sizing can be tricky without half sizes, so consider using their fit guide; for real mountain traction, step up to a Vibram-equipped mid boot.

While not the highest scorer at 6.5/10, the Tropicfeel Geyser Litli HDry delivers standout value at $68 for travel, commuting, and light trail days. In our review, the HDry membrane kept feet dry in ordinary rain and puddles, and the low, lightweight build stayed comfy all day. Fit runs narrow - our experience shows many will want to size up - and durability can fade with extended use. With no ankle support and an all-terrain tread, it's best for casual hikes over serious backcountry.

For serious wet-weather hiking, the Oboz Bridger Ridge Mid GTX earned a high 9/10 in our review thanks to its bombproof full-grain leather, reliable GORE-TEX waterproofing, and supportive mid-height collar with a molded heel cup. The aggressive outsole bites into muddy, slick trails, though our experience shows the boot feels heavier and needs a brief break-in around the ankle and forefoot. If you prioritize stability and longevity over ultralight speed, this premium pick is worth it, even at $260.

For wintery commutes and apres-trail errands, The North Face Shellista IV Mid WP earned a 7/10 with cozy synthetic insulation and waterproof, seam-sealed construction. In our testing it stayed warm and dry in slush and cold rain, though traction felt only adequate on packed or uneven snow. The mid height is comfortable, but there's minimal ankle support and they run small - consider sizing up. It's a great cold-weather companion, just not the boot we'd pick for technical, icy hikes.

Budget-friendly and nimble, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Winter scored 6.5/10 in our testing for its lightweight feel, ClimaWaterproof protection, and cozy Thinsulate insulation on cold, wet trails. We found the mid-height collar offers true ankle support and all-terrain grip, but the lower shaft can collect snow in deeper drifts unless you pair gaiters, and the laces tended to loosen on long walks. Breathability is limited, so they run warm in milder temps, making them best for shoulder-season hikes and wintry urban miles.

If warmth is the priority, the Columbia Minx Mid III brings 200g insulation and Omni-Heat lining that kept us toasty during our review, earning a 6/10 overall. The lightweight, mid-height design with true ankle support and Omni-Grip traction feels great for casual winter walks, but we found sizing runs small or narrow and some seams can leak over time. Consider sizing up and keeping the faux-fur trim maintained; for more reliable waterproofing, higher-rated GTX picks like the Anacapa offer better long-term confidence.

A standout vegan option, the WVSport Waterproof earned 8.5/10 in our review for its tough Lyliane 3DMX and Cordura uppers, sealed waterproof membrane, and Vibram outsole that grips and sheds mud on wet trails. The mid-height build provides true ankle support and long-mile confidence, though our experience shows a short break-in with some heel rubbing and slightly muted ground feel. If you want durability and ethics without GORE-TEX pricing, this boot hits the sweet spot for wet, moderate terrain.

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid lands a 5/10 in our testing, making it the weakest fit for this lightweight waterproof list despite out-of-the-box comfort and solid ankle support. While the leather build is sturdy, we found it heavier and bulkier than trail-light options and noted reports of narrow fit plus occasional seam or sole wear with hard use. If you find a great deal, it can work for shorter hikes, but for reliable waterproofing and lighter feel, consider Hoka or Oboz.

The KEEN Circadia Mid is a lightweight, mid-height option that scored 5.5/10 in our testing for comfort with caveats. KEEN.DRY waterproofing kept feet protected on light rain hikes, but we saw mixed reports of leaks and occasional sole delamination over time. Fit can run narrow or inconsistent, so dialing in size may take trial and error. If you want an affordable, comfy boot for mellow trails, it works; for consistently wet or rugged conditions, look to our higher-rated picks.

If you like to move fast, the Danner Trail 2650 GTX earned a solid 7.5/10 from us for its featherweight feel and reliable GORE-TEX protection. Vibram traction kept us confident on wet and dry trails, but the low ankle height provides limited support on technical terrain. Note the narrow fit and occasional midsole wear reports; wide feet or heavy mileage hikers may want to size up or look to higher-scoring mid boots. For speed-focused day hikes, it's a dependable, waterproof choice.