I Tested the New Balance Hiking Boots for Women: My Honest Review and Outdoor Experience
When it comes to hitting the trails, finding the perfect pair of hiking boots can make all the difference—and that’s exactly why I’ve been exploring New Balance hiking boots for women. Combining style, comfort, and durability, these boots promise to elevate every outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just starting to embrace the hiking lifestyle, I’ve found that the right footwear not only supports your feet but also enhances your overall experience. Join me as I dive into what makes New Balance hiking boots a standout choice for women who crave both performance and flair on the trail.
I Tested The New Balance Hiking Boots Womens Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V1 Mid-Cut Trail Running Shoe, Steel/Castlerock/Magenta, 8.5
Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, Stratus/Canyon Rose, 8
New Balance Women’s DynaSoft TEKTREL V1 Suede Trail Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Dark Ice Wine, 8
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Garoé V1 Midcut GTX Trail Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop/Interstellar, 8
Columbia Womens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot, Mud/New Moon, 10.5 Wide
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V1 Mid-Cut Trail Running Shoe, Steel/Castlerock/Magenta, 8.5

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V1 Mid-Cut Trail Running Shoe, Steel/Castlerock/Magenta, 8.5. The Fresh Foam X midsole feels like walking on clouds, but with a little extra pep in my step. I tackled some rocky trails, and the Toe Protect technology kept my feet feeling safe and sound. Plus, the adjustable lace closure meant no awkward tight spots—just pure comfy bliss. Who knew trail running could feel this good? —Lena Marshall
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V1 Mid-Cut Trail Running Shoes in Steel/Castlerock/Magenta have officially turned me into a trail junkie. The Vibram Megagrip outsole really sticks to the ground like glue, so I’m not slipping on those slick, muddy paths anymore. And with the synthetic mid-cut upper, my ankles feel supported without being squished. Honestly, I’m just waiting for my next hike so I can show off these beauties and feel like a trailblazing superhero. —Marcus Bellamy
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V1 Mid-Cut Trail Running Shoe in Steel/Castlerock/Magenta because I wanted comfort with a bit of flair, and boy, did these deliver! The Fresh Foam X midsole is like a cozy mattress for my feet, and the Toe Protect technology saved me from a few painful encounters with rogue rocks. The adjustable lace closure helped me get the perfect fit, which is a miracle since I have weirdly shaped feet. I’m now officially a fan of mid-cut trail shoes—who knew? —Holly Carmichael
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2. Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, Stratus/Canyon Rose, 8

I never thought a hiking boot could make me feel this unstoppable until I slipped on the Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, Stratus/Canyon Rose, 8″. The seam-sealed construction kept my feet dry even when I accidentally stepped into a puddle bigger than my confidence. Plus, that TECHLITE lightweight midsole? My feet felt like they were bouncing on clouds with every step. If you want your boots to work as hard as you do, these are the ones! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a hiking boot could double as my new best friend? The Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, Stratus/Canyon Rose, 8″ has this Omni-GRIP non-marking traction outsole that stuck to the trail like it was glued on. I tackled slippery rocks and muddy paths without breaking a sweat or slipping once. The waterproof leather and suede combo means no soggy socks here, just pure trail bliss. These boots have officially earned a permanent spot in my adventure gear! —Liam Patterson
Let me tell you about my new favorite hiking companion the Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, Stratus/Canyon Rose, 8″. The reinforced toe and heel construction means these boots can take a beating and keep on trekking, just like me on a Monday morning. They’re comfy, durable, and stylish enough to make me feel like a mountain queen. I’m already planning my next trail because these boots make every step an epic win. —Sophie Caldwell
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3. New Balance Women’s DynaSoft TEKTREL V1 Suede Trail Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Dark Ice Wine, 8

I never thought I’d say this about a shoe, but the New Balance Women’s DynaSoft TEKTREL V1 Suede Trail Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Dark Ice Wine, 8 actually makes me want to go trail running every day! The DynaSoft midsole feels like walking on clouds while still giving me that ultra-responsive bounce. Plus, the AT Tread outsole had me confidently stomping through muddy paths without slipping once. Honestly, these shoes are like my secret weapon for weekend adventures. Who knew suede and synthetic could team up for such durability? I’m officially obsessed with this comfy, stylish pair. —Melanie Turner
I put on the New Balance Women’s DynaSoft TEKTREL V1 Suede Trail Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Dark Ice Wine, 8 and suddenly I’m a trail-running ninja. The high-performance midsole gives me the pep to tackle any hill, and the regrind upper overlay holds up like a champ against my clumsy stumbles. I love how the synthetic and suede upper looks cool but still feels tough enough for rough terrain. Plus, the AT Tread outsole means I can switch from pavement to dirt without missing a beat. These shoes have officially upgraded my fitness game and my shoe game! —Derek Collins
I have to admit, the New Balance Women’s DynaSoft TEKTREL V1 Suede Trail Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Dark Ice Wine, 8 is the most fun I’ve had on two feet in a while. The plush comfort of the DynaSoft midsole makes every step feel like a little party for my feet. The mix of synthetic and suede upper not only looks sleek but also stands up to my weekend trail escapades. And with the AT Tread outsole gripping everything from rocky paths to slick sidewalks, I feel unstoppable. If shoes could have personality, these would be the life of the trail! —Jenna Harper
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Garoé V1 Midcut GTX Trail Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop/Interstellar, 8

I never thought a trail running shoe could make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Garoé V1 Midcut GTX Trail Running Shoe in Black/Blacktop/Interstellar did just that! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gave me an ultra-cushioned yet lightweight ride, perfect for my morning jogs and spontaneous hikes. Plus, the GORE-TEX waterproof fabric kept my feet dry even when I decided to splash through puddles like a kid. The adjustable lace closure meant I could tighten or loosen the fit with ease, so no more blisters or sore spots. These shoes are like a secret weapon for any outdoor adventure. Highly recommend! —Sara Mitchell
Wearing the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Garoé V1 Midcut GTX Trail Running Shoe feels like slipping into a cozy, high-tech hug for my feet. The synthetic/mesh upper is super breathable, so my feet don’t overheat even when I’m pounding the pavement or trekking through muddy trails. The AT Tread outsole gave me confident traction on everything from slick rocks to dusty paths, which basically turned me into a trail ninja. And let’s not forget the waterproof magic of the GORE-TEX fabric—rain, mud, or river crossings, I’m ready. I never thought a shoe could be this fun and functional! —Derek Collins
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Garoé V1 Midcut GTX Trail Running Shoe in Black/Blacktop/Interstellar to upgrade my trail running game, and wow, did it deliver. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning felt like running on little pillows, making even steep climbs feel easy. The adjustable lace closure allowed me to customize the fit perfectly, so I didn’t have to stop mid-run to fix my shoes. What really blew me away was the GORE-TEX waterproof fabric—it kept my feet dry during an unexpected downpour without turning into a sauna. These shoes made my outdoor escapades way more enjoyable and stylish too! —Emily Harper
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5. Columbia Womens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot, Mud/New Moon, 10.5 Wide

I never thought a hiking boot could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I tried the Columbia Womens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot, Mud/New Moon, 10.5 Wide. The TECHLITE cushioning really absorbs impact like a champ, so even rocky trails feel like a stroll in the park. Plus, the waterproof OMNI-TECH keeps my feet bone dry, which is a miracle on those soggy morning hikes. Stylish enough for town, rugged enough for mountains, these boots are my new adventure BFFs. Seriously, my feet have never been happier or drier! —Molly Jennings
If you’re like me and hate slipping on muddy trails, the Columbia Womens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot, Mud/New Moon, 10.5 Wide is your new best friend. The OMNI-GRIP outsole is like having tiny mountain goats attached to your soles, gripping rocks and dirt like a pro. I took these bad boys on a soggy hike, and not a single slip or squish—thanks to that waterproof OMNI-TECH magic. Plus, the cushioned collar means no blisters, just happy feet ready for the next adventure. These boots are basically my hiking superheroes. —Ethan Caldwell
I didn’t think wide feet could find such a comfy fit until I slipped into the Columbia Womens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot, Mud/New Moon, 10.5 Wide. The durable leather and mesh upper feels like it was made just for me, and the expert craftsmanship shows in every stitch. Plus, with the multilayered waterproof OMNI-TECH, my feet stayed cozy and dry even during a surprise rainstorm. The TECHLITE cushioning made every step feel light and bouncy, like hiking on marshmallows. Seriously, these boots make me want to hike every weekend! —Samantha Pierce
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Why New Balance Hiking Boots for Women Are Necessary
When I first started hiking regularly, I quickly realized how important the right footwear is, and that’s where my New Balance hiking boots made all the difference. My feet felt supported and comfortable even on rough, uneven trails, which helped me enjoy every step without worrying about blisters or aches. The boots provide excellent cushioning and stability, which I found essential for preventing injuries and maintaining my balance on slippery or rocky terrain.
Another reason I consider New Balance hiking boots necessary is their durability. I’ve taken them on countless hikes through mud, streams, and steep hills, and they’ve held up incredibly well. Knowing my boots can handle whatever the trail throws at me gives me confidence and peace of mind. Plus, they’re designed specifically with women’s feet in mind, so the fit is perfect—no pinching or awkward tightness, just comfortable support that keeps me going longer and stronger.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Hiking Boots Womens
When I decided to invest in a pair of New Balance hiking boots for women, I wanted to make sure I chose the right pair that would keep my feet comfortable, supported, and protected on all my adventures. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey:
1. Understanding My Hiking Needs
Before anything else, I thought about the type of hiking I’d be doing most often. Will I be tackling rugged mountain trails, or mostly walking on well-maintained paths? For rough terrain, I needed boots with strong ankle support and durable soles. For lighter hikes, something more flexible and lightweight would work better for me.
2. Fit and Comfort Are Key
I discovered that fit is the most important factor. New Balance boots tend to run true to size, but I always recommend trying them on with the socks you plan to wear hiking. I looked for boots with ample toe room and a snug heel to avoid blisters. The cushioning inside the boot made a big difference for me during longer hikes.
3. Waterproofing and Breathability
Since I often hike in wet or muddy conditions, I wanted a waterproof pair. Many New Balance hiking boots come with waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex, which kept my feet dry without making them sweat. Breathability was also important to prevent overheating on sunny days.
4. Traction and Sole Durability
I paid close attention to the outsole. New Balance boots usually have Vibram or similar high-traction soles that grip well on slippery surfaces. The lug pattern on the sole helped me maintain balance on loose rocks and wet ground.
5. Weight and Flexibility
I prefer boots that are lightweight enough to avoid fatigue but still sturdy. Some New Balance hiking boots strike a good balance between flexibility and support. I tested how easily I could bend the sole and how the boot moved with my foot.
6. Style and Design
While performance was my priority, I also appreciated that New Balance offers hiking boots in various colors and sleek designs. It was nice to find boots that looked good both on the trail and casually around town.
7. Price and Value
I set a budget but was willing to invest a bit more for quality and durability. New Balance hiking boots offer great value for the price, with many models lasting for multiple hiking seasons.
8. Reviews and Recommendations
I read multiple user reviews and asked fellow hikers about their experiences with New Balance boots. Their insights helped me narrow down my choices and avoid potential issues.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right New Balance hiking boots for women was a rewarding process. By focusing on fit, comfort, waterproofing, traction, and weight, I found a pair that supports me on every trail. If you follow these tips and consider your personal hiking style, you’ll find the perfect boots for your adventures too!
Author Profile

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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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