Thank you for your timely response, JohnJ.  Yes, I am hiking to Phantom Ranch in January from the canyon's South Rim.  I have been briefed to expect ice and snow the first two miles down into the canyon, so I thought I'd find a hiking shoe that is compatible with crampons that can be taken off and stowed once we reach an elevation that is dry and without snow and ice.  Any recommendations you'd like to make by way of women's hiking boots suitable for this escapade of mine, please?  Fire ...