Women’s hiking boots: how to choose.
Those who love the outdoors, who enjoy mountaineering or hiking also know the importance of comfortable and reliable boots.
Construction technology has evolved a lot in recent years, devoting more attention to hiking boots for women.
These boots are designed on the base of the anatomical shape of the female foot and combine specific technical components with modern design.
Why is there a difference between hiking shoes for women and those for men?
The need for different boos for women and men lies in their physical peculiarities.
With equal height and foot size, women tend to be lighter than men. This has a great influence on the choice of materials and of the sole unit that have to be lighter for women.
Another factor to be taken into account when designing women’s boots is the shape of female feet.
- The heel is generally narrower;
- The forefoot tends to widen, mainly on the area of the metatarsus and of the phalanges;
- The arch is ampler and has a bigger “empty” space.
Mountain shoes and boots: the main technical aspects in the women’s versions.
When choosing hiking and backpacking boots for women it is worth observing some details that can really make the difference.
What is it that makes the difference in a hiking boot for women?
The upper: in boots this should be high enough to sustain and wrap the ankle, also in the case of slender ones while allowing the ankle itself to move freely. In the plantar area the bigger concavity has to be taken into consideration and filled up.
Leather is the finest material for its durability, softness and elasticity. It grants waterproofness in harsh weather conditions and on muddy or snowy tracks. There are other components that improve the structure of a boot.
When talking about the collar: this must wrap the ankle avoiding discomfort and blisters.
The insole: it lies between the Goretex bootie and the sole unit and plays a crucial role in determining the rigidity/flexibility of the boot.
Reinforcements and paddings that determine the rigidity/softness of the upper.
Women’s hiking boots: The Epic Women line is Zamberlan’s answer.
We are aware that women need their equipment to be designed to meet their physical characteristics, that is why we have developed specific women’s boots for different activities, from the more demanding hiking.
As far as hiking is concerned we matched the most efficient materials with artisanal manufacturing techniques. The result is high quality boots with no compromise on fit, design and comfort.
The concept behind this line of boots is to revive the epic spirit of a number of women from the past, who through their achievements may be an example to today’s women.
MARIE GTX: ideal for trekking and backpacking
Marie GTX takes its inspiration from Marie Paradis, the first woman to reach the summit of MB in 1808. She was determined to reach an ambitious goal, in a time when mountains and alpine activities were only men’s prerogatives.
The technical features of Marie Gtx are:
- fit specifically developed for the female foot
- 450 gr. weight
- Very soft and precious Tuscany leather upper
- Gore-Tex lining for waterproofness and breathability
- Zamberlan Hydrobloc treatment
- Rubber toe reinforcement
- Double density PU wedge and flexible insole
AMELIA GTX: ideal for trekking and backpacking
Amelia GTX takes its inspiration from the British writer Amelia Edwards. An extraordinary and alternative woman, who in her wandering around the world stopped in the Dolomites for a while. She wrote “Untrodden Peaks and Unfrequented Valleys” (Cime inviolate e valli sconosciute, 1872) inspired by this experience.
The technical features of AMELIA GTX are:
- Very soft and precious nubuk upper
- Gore-Tex lining for waterproofness and breathability
- Flexible insole
- TPU insert for stability
- Rubber toe reinforcement
- Fit specifically developed for the female foot
TOFANE GTX NW WNS: precious Norwegian welted women’s boots
A hiking, backpacking boot that matches a classical design to the Norwegian construction.
It features two lines of handmade stitching: the first fixes the upper horizontally to the insole, the second vertically to the midsole.
The result is a very soft and comfortable boot that offers great performances and incomparable durability, The Zamberlan Vibram Nor Track sole, the rubber toe reinforcement and the Flex System notch at ankle height complete the technicity of this fine boot.
Zamberlan’s hiking, travel and city styles for women.
No need to challenge the highest peaks to be an epic woman, you can express your uniqueness in your day by day activities. For all those who love to move freely, Zamberlan has developed some very comfortable and versatile styles: companions of adventure for those who want high performance gear and style.
HENRIETTE GTX: hiking and travelling shoes.
The explorer, Henriette d’Angeville was the second woman to reach the summit of Mont Blanc.
French aristocrat and not much inclined to social life, she followed the call of the mountains and reached demanding summits, the last one in 1863 aged 69.
She is remembered today for her greatest feat, namely reaching the summit of Mont Blanc without being carried by her climbing partners.
The shoes dedicated to her, style Henriette GTX, are ideal for urban hiking and travelling.
The technical features of Henriette GTX are:
- Very soft and precious nubuk upper
- Gore-Tex lining for waterproofness and breathability
- Flexible insole
- Rubber toe reinforcement
- Fit specifically developed for the female foot
NEW TRAIL LITE EVO GTX WNS: light hiking, city and travelling.
For those who are looking for a supportive and comfortable boot both for city and for low mountains. Made of Nubuk, they are versatile and flexible, a perfect solution for women who care about design and the wellbeing of their feet.
The technical features of 320 NEW TRAIL LITE GTX EVO
- One piece tumbled Nubuk upper;
- Goretex lining for waterproofness and breathability;
- Hydrobloc treatment to enhance waterproofness;
- Lateral blocking hook for a more precise fit;
- Vibram Pillow sole with triangular logs for excellent grip, on muddy terrain too;
- EVA wedge for cushioning.
Zamberlan’s commitment to the “Handmade Philosophy” remains unchanged as does the willingness to design high quality boots in the same Italian factory since 1929.