Best Women’s Hiking Boots for Africa

When we think of Africa, we often think about the beautiful wildlife, the breathtaking views, and the fantastic adventures awaiting.

You may try several outdoor activities on an African trip, from walking safaris to walks in the parks. Where you’re going will affect a lot the type of footwear you should choose when in Africa. If you don’t need hiking boots for walks to the parks, you will need them for walking safaris.

Hiking boots are also necessary when camping, as they protect against snakes, insects, and thorns on the ground. Boots with non-slip soles, support for the ankle, water-resistance, and breathable uppers are some of the features to look for when preparing your gear for the trip to Africa.

Top Women’s Hiking Boots for Africa

1. Salomon Women’s Quest 4d 3 GTX W Backpacking

Dedicated hikers who are determined to try the most challenging trails will need some of the most rugged and dependable boots, which Salomon Women’s Quest 4d 3 GTX W Backpacking are.

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The boots are created and made for superior traction on most various trails, as they come with 4D Advanced chassis for guiding the foot and decreasing tiredness, even on rugged tracks.

Several features back up the rugged build for comfort and support. The boots remind of running shoes in terms of appearance, as they’re light enough and padded, but as supportive and tough as best backpacking shoes are. They are made with a Gore-Tex membrane, which makes them waterproof and breathable simultaneously. As wet trails mean muddy trails, it’s good to know that the boots come with protective mudguard around the foot’s base. Therefore, the medial and lateral sides are entirely protected against muddy tracks. The ContaGrip outsole will provide grip on all surfaces too.

The rubber toe cap will protect against rocks and impact, whereas the high tongue and collar will provide softly padded support for the ankle. The lacing system, SensiFit technology, will also ease out your hiking.

Some may look for lighter boots, but these make the best choice for avid hikers in Africa.

2. Merrell Women’s Siren Edge Q2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Honestly, the looks of the Merrell Women’s Siren Edge Q2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot are the first thing to notice. The boots are more than meets the eye, though, and come with features you’d need when hiking in Africa.

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The upper body is made with synthetic so they will feel comfortable right out of the box. The M Select Dry waterproof membrane will keep water and elements away from the inside while allowing moisture escape. The metal hook and lacing eyelet will enable you to lace securely, whereas bellows tongue will block insects, debris, and dirt inside the boots. The collar and tongue are padded for soft support of the ankle.

You won’t get sweaty nor smelly feet with the boots as they’re not just breathable but also come with Select Fresh antimicrobial agents reducing the bad smell. The Kinetic Fit Tri insole is created for women’s feet, presenting triple-zone arch support for best support. The boots come with molded nylon arch shank for increased support throughout the day. The M Select Grip outsole is tough, and the 4.5mm deep lugs will bite of any trail. Some doubt the boots’ durability, but they still make an excellent choice for your hikes in Africa.

3. Columbia Women’s 100mw Mid Outdry Hiking Shoe

Columbia Women’s 100mw Mid Outdry Hiking Shoe makes a dependable choice as boots for your experiences in Africa, hiking, walks, or other activities.

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Despite the rugged appearance, the boots are comfortable and lightweight and take various surfaces. They’re made with full-grain leather and TPU mesh upper, so the break-in period is minimal. They’re made with OutDry breathable and waterproof technology, and the high tongue and collar keep elements from entering the boots. The collar and tongue are padded for better comfort, whereas the metal hardware and eyelets are tough. The laces are strong and remain tight throughout the use.

The grip and traction are sufficient on all trails as the sole is Vibram and the lugs are multi-directional. They will self-clean as you go, for better traction. The contoured heel keeps the hell in place, whereas the rubberized tip will protect the toes and improve the grip. The boots look very nice, and it’s straightforward to overcome the fact that you may have to replace the insoles.

What are the features essential in your hiking boots for Africa?

Where you’ll hike and what skills you have in hiking will matter a lot when selecting your hiking boots. Even if it’s still your call about which hiking boots work best for you, some features are recommended in your footwear for hiking in Africa.

Tongue &collar

Ideally, you want the boots’ tongue to be entirely gusseted, so it’s stitched both along the bottom and along every edge to the upper. You don’t want insects, debris, or anything else get inside the boots.

The collar should be softly padded to provide soft support for the ankle. Collar with a half-moon cut-out at the back will give hiking flexibility, reduce chafing, and ease out hiking.

Height

Even if some may be tempted to go with low-cut boots, you should always use mid-cut or high-cut hiking boots in Africa. There are so many insects and dirt and debris that can get inside the shoes, and you want as much protection as you can without losing the freedom of movement.

Water resistance and breathability

Waterproofness isn’t mandatory, but you want at least water resistance in your hiking boots. Moisture is mush in the wet season, so you don’t want the water to get inside.

Moisture inside the boots is just as unpleasant as wet elements, so your shoes should provide adequate ventilation. Look for boots with breathable materials and technology, without sacrificing water resistance.

Weight

You may not need the most rugged and tough boots for hiking in Africa. It’s better to choose lighter boots, without sacrificing the toughness. You want agility and speed, which are difficult to obtain if the shoes are heavyweight.

Stability, grip, and traction

The sole should be rigid yet flexible to allow comfortable hiking. Look for soles with aggressive lugs for deep grip and traction. Non-slip soles will provide stability on various trails, rocky and dry tracks alike.

A stiff shank will give you stability, whereas a thin piece of metal throughout the sole will protect against rocks, glass, or other sharp objects that could penetrate and injure your foot.

Laces

You want the laces to be tough and durable, so make sure to choose boots with braided nylon laces. Flat laces break faster and aren’t as tough as the braided models. All materials on your hiking boots should be rugged and lightweight, as hiking in Africa is tricky.

FAQs

Q: Is it wise to wear trail shoes when hiking in Africa?

A: Light trail shoes and hybrid shoes/sandals are safe choices for safari and regular travel, but won’t provide the ankle support you need when hiking. If you don’t know for sure what hikes you’ll have in Africa, it’s not a bad idea to throw a pair of trail shoes in your pack.

Q: Should you pack just hiking boots?

A: The rule of thumb is to change the footwear with altitude when in Africa, especially with the Mt. Kilimanjaro and Rwenzoris. It would help if you always packed light and waterproof boots when traveling to Gabon, Uganda, and Rwanda. A pair of reliable trail shoes with adequate ankle support is sufficient for trekking and walking in the dry season in Mahale and Udzungwas.

Q: You don’t plan on hiking in Africa. Do you still need hiking boots?

A: What you plan to do in Africa is essential when selecting your footwear for Africa. Just because you won’t hike in Africa doesn’t mean that you only have to pack trail shoes. You should pack hiking boots if you plan to mountain climb, track gorillas, and chimpanzees. Hiking boots will help you move on to the rugged terrain, and they also make the right choice for bird watching in Africa.