The Best Hiking Shoes for Women: Top 7 Picks By An Expert 

by - Emma72

| Updated -

Hiking Shoes for Women

Hiking is a great way to get out into nature, enjoy the fresh air, and get some exercise. However, it can also be tough on your feet and legs if you don’t have the right gear. One of the most important pieces of equipment for a hiker is a good pair of hiking shoes, and this is especially true for women.

Hiking shoes for women are designed to accommodate the unique shape and needs of a woman’s foot, which can be different than those of a man’s foot. Hiking shoes also have to be durable,

so they can handle all the rocks, roots, and other obstacles you may encounter on the trail. They should also be waterproof, breathable, and made of a material that can withstand the wear and tear of hiking.

we’ll take a look at the top 7 hiking shoes for women currently available on the market. We’ll provide you with a detailed overview of each shoe, including its features and benefits, as well as any potential downsides.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a good idea of which hiking shoe is the right fit for you.


Here are The 7 Best Hiking Shoes for Women

Best overall
GTX Hiking Shoes for Women

#1: Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes

The shoes have a sleek and modern design, with a combination of leather and mesh upper that provides good support and durability. The lacing system is efficient and easy to adjust, ensuring a snug fit.

GTX Hiking Shoes for women features and benefits

The Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes are a versatile and durable option for women who are serious about hiking. The shoes are made with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining, which helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable even in wet conditions.

They also feature a Contragrip sole, which provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The X Ultra 3 GTX also has an EVA midsole for cushioning, which helps to absorb impact and reduce fatigue.

how the shoe is specifically designed for women

The Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes are designed with women’s specific last. This means that the shoe’s shape is specifically tailored to the contours of a woman’s foot, providing a comfortable and snug fit.

Additionally, the shoes are available in women’s sizes, so you can be sure that you’re getting a shoe that is the right size and fit for you.

Pros
  • Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining
  • Contragrip sole for excellent traction
  • Designed with a women-specific last for a comfortable and snug fit
  • Durable and supportive upper
Cons
  • Some users have reported that the shoes run small, so it might be better to order a size up.

Overall, the Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes are a great choice for women who are looking for a durable, waterproof, and comfortable hiking shoe. The shoe provides good support, traction, and cushioning, and is specifically designed for the unique shape of a woman’s foot.

However, it is important to keep in mind that some users have reported issues with the shoe’s durability, so it might be wise to try them on first or have a plan for return if needed.


Best waterproof
Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes

#2: Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes

The shoes have a classic and versatile design, with a combination of leather and mesh upper that provides good support and durability. The lacing system is efficient and easy to adjust, ensuring a snug fit.

Merrell Women’s shoe’s features and benefits

The Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes are a great option for women who are looking for a comfortable, supportive, and durable hiking shoe. The shoes are made with a waterproof and breathable membrane, which helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable even in wet conditions.

They also feature a Vibram outsole, which provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The Moab 2 also have an EVA midsole for cushioning, which helps to absorb impact and reduce fatigue.

how the Merrell Women’s shoe is specifically designed for women

The Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes are designed with women’s specific last. This means that the shoe’s shape is specifically tailored to the contours of a woman’s foot, providing a comfortable and snug fit.

Additionally, the shoes are available in women’s sizes, so you can be sure that you’re getting a shoe that is the right size and fit for you.

Pros
  • Waterproof and breathable membrane
  • Vibram outsole for excellent traction
  • Designed with a women-specific last for a comfortable and snug fit
  • Durable and supportive upper
Cons
  • some users have reported issues with the shoe’s durability over time
  • Not as lightweight as other options

Overall, the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes are a great choice for women who are looking for a durable, waterproof, and comfortable hiking shoe. The shoe provides good support, traction, and cushioning, and is specifically designed for the unique shape of a woman’s foot.

However, it is important to keep in mind that some users have reported issues with the shoe’s durability, so it might be wise to try them on first or have a plan for return if needed. Also, they are not as lightweight as other hiking shoe options, so it might be a consideration if you are looking for a lightweight shoe.


Best Design
Columbia Women's Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes for women

#3: Columbia Women’s Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes

The shoes are made with a combination of leather, mesh, and webbing upper, which provides good support and durability. The lacing system is efficient and easy to adjust, ensuring a snug fit.

Merrell Women’s shoe’s features and benefits

The Columbia Women’s Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes are a great option for women who are looking for a comfortable, supportive, and durable hiking shoe. The shoes feature a waterproof and breathable construction that helps keep feet dry and comfortable,

especially when you’re out on the trail in wet weather. They also have a Techlite midsole which provides excellent cushioning and high energy return, making your hike more comfortable even on uneven terrain.

Additionally, the outsole is made from Omni-Grip rubber that delivers a good grip and traction, allowing for improved stability and security on the trail.

how the Columbia shoe is specifically designed for women

The Columbia Women’s Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes are designed for women’s specific last. This means that the shoe’s shape is specifically tailored to the contours of a woman’s foot, providing a comfortable and snug fit.

Additionally, the shoes are available in women’s sizes, so you can be sure that you’re getting a shoe that is the right size and fit for you.

Pros
  • Waterproof and breathable membrane
  • Techlite midsole for cushioning and high-energy return
  • Designed with a women-specific last for a comfortable and snug fit
  • Omni-Grip outsole for good grip and traction
  • Durable and supportive upper
Cons
  • Not as lightweight as other options
  • Some users have reported issues with the shoe’s durability over time

Overall, the Columbia Women’s Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes are a great choice for women who are looking for durable, waterproof, and comfortable hiking shoes. The shoe provides good support, traction, and cushioning, and is specifically designed for the unique shape of a woman’s foot.

However, it is important to keep in mind that some users have reported issues with the shoe’s durability, so it might be wise to try them on first or have a plan for return if needed. Also, they are not as lightweight as other hiking shoe options, so it might be a consideration if you are looking for a lightweight shoe.


Best Dry
Oboz Women's Bridger B-DRY Hiking Shoes for women

#4: Oboz Women’s Bridger B-DRY Hiking Shoes

The shoe also has a dual-density EVA midsole that provides cushioning and support, which helps reduce fatigue and discomfort during long hikes.

Merrell Women’s shoe’s features and benefits

The Oboz Women’s Bridger B-DRY Hiking Shoes are a durable and versatile option for women who are looking for a hiking shoe that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions.

The shoes feature a waterproof and breathable Nubuck leather upper, and a waterproof and breathable membrane which help to keep feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions. They also have a Vibram outsole which provides excellent traction and durability on a variety of surfaces.

how the Merrell Women’s shoe is specifically designed for women

The Oboz Women’s Bridger B-DRY Hiking Shoes are designed with a women’s-specific fit, which means that the shoe’s shape is specifically tailored to the contours of a woman’s foot, providing a comfortable and snug fit.

Additionally, the shoes are available in women’s sizes, so you can be sure that you’re getting a shoe that is the right size and fit for you.

Pros
  • Waterproof and breathable Nubuck leather upper
  • Waterproof and breathable membrane to keep feet dry
  • Vibram outsole for excellent traction and durability
  • Dual-density EVA midsole for cushioning and support
  • Women’s-specific fit and Available in women’s sizes
Cons
  • Some users have reported that the shoes run small, so it might be better to order a size up

Overall, the Oboz Women’s Bridger B-DRY Hiking Shoes are a great choice for women who are looking for a durable, waterproof, and comfortable hiking shoe that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions. The shoe provides good support, traction, and cushioning, and is specifically designed for the unique shape of a woman’s foot.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that some users have reported that the shoes run small and the leather upper takes some time to break in, so it might be wise to order a size up and expect a break-in period.


Best for speed
HOKA ONE ONE Women's Speedgoat 3 Hiking Shoes

#5: HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Speedgoat 3 Hiking Shoes

The speedgoat 3 also has a Meta-Rocker geometry and Early Stage Meta-Rocker technology which promotes a natural and efficient roll through the gait cycle, allowing for improved stability and security on the trail.

Speedgoat 3 women shoe’s features and benefits

The HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Speedgoat 3 Hiking Shoes are a lightweight and durable option for women who are looking for a hiking shoe that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions. They feature a lightweight and breathable mesh upper,

along with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining, which help to keep feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions. The shoe also has a Vibram MegaGrip outsole which provides excellent traction and durability on a variety of surfaces.

how the Speedgoat 3 shoe is specifically designed for women

The HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Speedgoat 3 Hiking Shoes are designed with a women’s-specific fit, which means that the shoe’s shape is specifically tailored to the contours of a woman’s foot, providing a comfortable and snug fit.

Additionally, the shoes are available in women’s sizes, so you can be sure that you’re getting a shoe that is the right size and fit for you.

Pros
  • Lightweight and breathable mesh upper
  • Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining
  • Vibram MegaGrip outsole for excellent traction and durability
  • Meta-Rocker geometry and Early Stage Meta-Rocker technology for improved stability and security on the trail
Cons
  • Some users have reported that the shoes may run large, so it might be better to order a size down
  • Some users have reported that the shoe’s lack of heel support

Overall, the HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Speedgoat 3 Hiking Shoes are a great choice for women who are looking for a lightweight, durable, and comfortable hiking shoe that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions.

The shoe provides good support, traction, and cushioning, and is specifically designed for the unique shape of a woman’s foot.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that some users have reported that the shoes may run large and lack heel support, so it might be wise to order a size down and check for heel support if that’s a concern.


Best mountain shoes
Danner Women's Mountain 600 Hiking Shoes

#6: Danner Women’s Mountain 600 Hiking Shoes

The Mountain 600 also has a Danner Dry waterproof and breathable barrier, which keeps feet dry and comfortable even in wet conditions.

Mountain 600 shoe’s features and benefits

The Danner Women’s Mountain 600 Hiking Shoes are a stylish and durable option for women who are looking for a hiking shoe that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions. The shoes feature a premium full-grain leather upper

and a Vibram Fuga outsole, which provides excellent traction and durability on a variety of surfaces. The shoe also has a lightweight EVA midsole which provides cushioning, making it comfortable for long hikes.

how the Mountain 600 shoe is specifically designed for women

The Danner Women’s Mountain 600 Hiking Shoes are not specifically designed for women but they are available in women’s sizes and the brand claimed that the shoe will mold to the shape of the foot after worn, which may

accommodate the contours of a woman’s foot better. Additionally, the shoe has a classic and stylish look, making it a versatile option that can work as a hiking shoe and a casual shoe.

Pros
  • premium full-grain leather upper for durability
  • Danner Dry waterproof and breathable barrier
  • Vibram Fuga outsole for excellent traction and durability
  • Lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning
Cons
  • Not specifically designed for women, but can mold to the shape of the foot after worn
  • Not as breathable as some other options

Overall, the Danner Women’s Mountain 600 Hiking Shoes are a great choice for women who are looking for a durable, waterproof, and stylish hiking shoe that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions. The shoe provides good support, traction,

and cushioning and is available in women’s sizes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the shoe is not specifically designed for women and can take some time to break in, Also, the leather upper may not be as breathable as some other options.


Best Budget Shoes
Altra Women's Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoes

#7: Altra Women’s Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoes

These shoes feature a Zero Drop platform, which encourages a natural stride and encourages the foot to land flat on the ground.

Lone Peak 4.5 Women’s shoe’s features and benefits

The Altra Women’s Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoes are designed to offer women superior performance, support, and comfort when hiking. They also have a FootShape toe box, which provides extra space for the toes to spread out, allowing for a more comfortable fit.

The shoes also feature a MaxTrac outsole, providing superior traction and grip on difficult terrain. Additionally, the shoes are designed with a breathable upper, ensuring that feet stay cool and dry during extended hikes.

how the Lone Peak 4.5 shoe is specifically designed for women

The Altra Women’s Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoes are specifically designed to meet the needs of female hikers. They offer extra cushioning and support in the midsole, helping to reduce fatigue and providing extra comfort.

The shoes are also designed with an EVA midsole, offering superior cushioning and shock absorption. The FootPod technology helps to guide the foot through the gait cycle, providing additional stability and support as you hike.

Pros
  • Zero Drop platform, which encourages a natural stride
  • FootShape toe box, which provides extra space for the toes to spread out
  • MaxTrac outsole, providing superior traction and grip
  • Breathable upper, ensuring feet stay cool and dry
  • • Cushioning and support in the midsole
Cons
  • May not be suitable for long distances, as the cushioning may not be sufficient
  • May not be suitable for those with particularly wide or narrow feet, as the FootShape toe box may not provide an ideal fit.

conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the perfect hiking shoe for women requires careful consideration of specific needs and preferences. The top 7 picks for women’s hiking shoes include the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker, the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX,

the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, the Scarpa Zen Pro, the La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX, and the Altra Women’s Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoes.

Each of these shoes offers its own unique features and benefits, and it is important to take into account factors such as terrain, climate, and foot shape when making a selection. Additionally, it is important to remember that comfort is key

when it comes to finding the perfect hiking shoe and that a good fit matters more than anything else. With the right pair of shoes, female hikers can enjoy a safe and comfortable hike.

Recommended To Read

Leave a Comment