It's a new year and it's time to get those feet into the best of 2022.

We've spoken to the experts in-store to get their ideas on the best hiking boots of 2022, so check out what they had to say to help you get into the perfect hiking boots. Selected by women for women.

Best Overall Hiking Boots:

SCARPA ZG TREK GTX

Weight: 530g
Waterproof: Yes, GORE-TEX
Features:

• Water-resistant suede leather upper
• Flex-Point: a special upper design over the flex area that allows for natural angle variation between your foot and leg while walking
• Ergonomic Autofit padded collar made from elastic fabric for perfect ankle wrapping
• Speed lacing system for quick and easy lace adjustment
• 3D TPU toe cap for ultimate protection
• GORE-TEX Performance Comfort lining for durable waterproofing in all kinds of outdoor activities (even the most adverse weather conditions)
• Double-density PU midsole for optimum cushioning
• Comfort-Flex Plus insole with a compressed felt upper coating
• Vibram Salix/XS Trek outsole with pronounced lugs for great grip across all terrain
• Heel Tension support system that lends lateral stability to your feet
• ACTIVimpact technology absorbs negative impacts with the ground to increase shock absorption.

Welcome in, the Scarpa ZG Trek GTX WMN, a quality and reliable boot, designed for all female excursionists for trekking on and off the tracks. The Scarpa ZG Trek GTX WMN boasts the latest designs for women’s feet and the speed lacing system with Bi-component loops and hooks assist with a fast and comfortable fit. The Heel Tension gives stability to the feet while the extra protection is assured by the protective toe cap, so worrying about those roots and rocks is a thing of the past. Scarpa has guaranteed optimum comfort and cushioning with the addition of Salix Trek sole which has a midsole made of double density PU areas. Thanks to the pronounced lugs and to the Vibram XS-Trek outsole, the ZG Trek GTX WMN assures a good grip on every terrain. These boots are the Porsche of all hiking boots and will have you hiking for days in comfort, style and at peak performance. 

Best Budget Hiking Boots:

UNDER ARMOUR MICRO G VALSETZ
 

Weight: 412g
Waterproof: No, Synthetic upper. 
Features:

• Lightweight synthetic leather & textile upper is durable & breathable
• Welded forefoot overlay & moulded TPU toe cap for added protection
• Pull loops on heel & tongue for easy on/off
• Anti-fatigue & anti-microbial moulded Insite® Contoura® Support footbeds with shock-absorbing foam
• Full-length Micro G® foam midsole for the ultimate in long-lasting, responsive cushioning
• Oil- & slip-resistant high traction rubber lug outsole for enhanced grip on a variety of surfaces

Under Armour has taken one of their best, most durable, and crazy-comfortable tactical boots up a notch with the Micro G Valsetz. Super lightweight, only 412g, and Micro G cushioning you'll appreciate more the longer you're on your feet. The Mid-height amps up the ankle protection to give you peace of mind on any uneven surfaces. The high traction rubber lug outsole enhances your grip on a huge range of surfaces and is oil and slip-resistant for those extra slippery conditions. These boots are perfect for the casual hiker looking to get maximum performance for minimal cost, and the reason they are our selected best budget hiking boots. There is one downside to these lightweight, value for money, hiking boots, and that is that they are not fully waterproof. They boast a lightweight synthetic leather and textile upper that maintains a nice water resistance for the slightly damper conditions but for the super wet conditions, you'll need to take some extra precautions.

Best Ultralight Hiking Boots:

THE NORTH FACE ULTRA FASTPACK IV FUTURELIGHT (WOVEN)
 

Weight: 360g
Waterproof: Yes, FUTURELIGHT membrane. 
Features:

• ESS Midfoot shank
• Gussetted mesh tongue
• Upper: Engineered-woven upper
• 3M reflective heel webbing
• Protective TPU toe cap and heel overlay
• Stairstep lug design
• Breathable-waterproof FUTURELIGHT membrane
• Sole Unit: Energy-returning FastFoam midsole system
• Vibram® Megagrip outsole
• OrthoLite Hybrid footbed

When we think of lightweight, high cushioning hiking shoes or boots, there is often a trade-off for some form of performance, most of the time the waterproofing. Well with the progressively styled The North Face Women's Ultra Fastpack IV FUTURELIGHT, this is not the case. Featuring The North Face’s waterproof, breathable FUTURELIGHT membrane, these ultralight hiking shoes weigh in at a staggeringly low 360g. Feels like you're wearing nothing at all and running on clouds. After reviewing these gifts from god we couldn't ignore the super-grippy outsole that gives you serious traction on any surface. For the extreme comfort feel to go along with all that performance, The North Face has included their responsive FastFoam midsole that makes you feel happier the longer they are on your feet. It's no wonder we couldn't go past these hiking shoes as our pick for the best ultralight and cushioning hiking boots. 

Best Hiking Boots for a Wide Fit:

ALTRA LONE PEAK ALL-WEATHER MID

Weight: 340g
Waterproof: Yes, eVent waterproof technology. 
Features:

• Altra Ego Midsole for an unmatched responsive yet soft ride
• eVent weatherproof bootie construction
• Supportive TPU heel for added protection and durability
• DuraTread outsole excels on rocky terrain
• BALANCED CUSHIONING: Places your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground to encourage proper, low-impact form throughout your trail run.
• GAITER TRAP: This innovative hook-and-loop tab conveniently secures your trail running gaiters to the shoe without having to strap them below the outsole. This prevents annoying debris from building up beneath the shoe.
• FOOTSHAPE TOE BOX: Allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally and the big toe to remain in a straight position for more stability and a powerful toe-off to maximize running performance.
• STONEGUARD: This amazing combination of grip, traction and durability will allow you to tackle more terrain, more often. Featured on the new Lone Peak 3.0 Series.

For those of you looking for a wide foot hiking boot, we've done the research for you. Pack up and head out with the Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid. This ground-stomper is thru-hike ready with Altra’s eVent Weatherproof bootie construction that keeps your feet dry but also boasts high level breathability to avoid the sweat. The newly added Altra Ego Midsole provides a soft response for every step of any journey regardless of the terrain. Extreme elements are no match for the rugged, grippy duratread outsole, and the ready to go GaiterTrap locks in protection against pesky debris. Whether you're taking on a day hike, or an overnighter, a long week trek or even months at a time, the Lone Peak All-Weather is ready to romp. 

Notable Mention:

SALOMON QUEST 4 GTX 

Weight: 535g
Waterproof: Yes, GORE-TEX. 
Features:

• Enhanced stability - The new ADV-C 4D Chassis guides the foot, targeting sensitive articulations, even on the roughest terrain.
• Smooth ride - Inspired by our trail running expertise, this backpacking shoe respects the natural flexion of your foot for a smooth ride that flows from step to step.
• Enhanced support - Encasing your foot, the new ADV-C 4D Chassis also provides extra support around the heel and helps reduce muscle fatigue especially with a heavy backpack.
• GORE-TEX - GORE-TEX keeps your feet dry -from the outside as well as from the inside. 
• Contagrip® TD - For maximum traction on mixed terrain and extended durability, Contagrip® TD combines a deep, aggressive lug pattern with our most durable compound.
• ADV-C 4D Chassis - Protecting ankle articulations on the outer foot, this chassis provides extra stability, as well as more support around the heel to reduce fatigue when wearing a heavy backpack.

When wild places and unknown paths call, you need a backpacking shoe designed for adventures. If we did have a second best overall hiking boots, it would be the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Womens Hiking Boots. With GORE-TEX waterproof protection and a higher cut for peace of mind, the QUEST 4 GORE-TEX protects you from any obstacles and elements the rugged hiking trails can throw at you. While the lightweight construction and stabilizing chassis keep you both comfortable and agile at every step. Much like Scarpa, Salomon are very well known for their hiking boots and trail running footwear, and with their new Quest 4 GORE-TEX they have combined style, affordability, performance and protection in the one epic hiking boot. These hiking boots should have their own section on the elemental chart. They are that good!

Not sure what gear you need for your next adventure? Chat to our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.