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10 Best Hiking Shoes Women 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Granite, 8.5

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,288
Fit and Comfort
Waterproofing
Traction

Most important from
2442 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These boots are incredibly comfortable for long hikes, with no breaking in needed.
Waterproofing
The waterproof feature is a huge plus, especially on rainy days or muddy trails.
Traction
The fit is perfect, and the rugged design ensures great traction on various terrains.
Ankle Support
Ankle support is great, and the boots help improve walking form.

The Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot in Granite, size 8.5, offers a well-rounded package for avid hikers. Its waterproof membrane effectively keeps water out while allowing moisture to escape, ensuring your feet stay dry in various conditions. The pigskin leather and mesh upper provide a durable yet breathable structure, and the use of 100% recycled materials for laces and webbing aligns with eco-friendly values.

Comfort is prioritized through features like the Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole, which provides reinforced heel cushioning. Additionally, the lightweight EVA foam midsole offers both stability and comfort, while the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel helps absorb shock and adds to the stability of the shoe. The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole is designed for excellent traction on various terrains, making it a reliable choice for diverse hiking conditions.

Ankle support is adequately provided by the mid-height design, which also includes a protective toe cap and a bellows tongue to keep out debris. At 1.5 pounds, the boots are reasonably lightweight, which can make a difference on longer hikes. However, some users might find the fit to be slightly bulky, especially those with narrower feet. The use of pigskin leather may not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for vegan-friendly options. Despite this, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot stands out for its blend of performance, comfort, and environmental considerations, making it a strong contender for anyone in need of reliable hiking footwear.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,288
Fit and Comfort
Waterproofing
Traction

Most important from
2442 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These boots are incredibly comfortable for long hikes, with no breaking in needed.
Waterproofing
The waterproof feature is a huge plus, especially on rainy days or muddy trails.
Traction
The fit is perfect, and the rugged design ensures great traction on various terrains.
Ankle Support
Ankle support is great, and the boots help improve walking form.
#2

NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes Quick Laces Outdoor Fashion Sneakers,Size 8,Grey Pink,SNHS239W

Rating
10.0
Type of Hiking Shoes
Fit and Comfort
Material

Most important from
1723 reviews

Type of Hiking Shoes
These shoes combine style, comfort, and practicality, making them ideal for beginners gaining confidence on the trails.
Fit and Comfort
These shoes combine style, comfort, and practicality, making them ideal for beginners gaining confidence on the trails.
Material
Durable materials and a good tread pattern provide reliable grip and lasting performance during extended hikes.
Weight
The lightweight design and great traction enable comfortable hiking on uneven terrain without the need for a break-in period.
Traction
The lightweight design and great traction enable comfortable hiking on uneven terrain without the need for a break-in period.

The NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes are a good choice for women looking for comfortable and versatile footwear for hiking and everyday use. Weighing just 9.7 ounces, these shoes are very light, which helps reduce tiredness during long walks or hikes. The Oxford cloth upper combined with TPU overlays makes the shoes durable and resistant to wear, while the seamless design helps avoid irritation on the feet. The quick cord lacing system is handy for easily tightening or loosening the shoes for a secure fit.

Traction comes from a textured rubber outsole, which provides a reliable grip on different surfaces, making these shoes suitable for various outdoor terrains. Inside, you get a cushioned mesh EVA insole and padded collar, adding to the comfort even during extended wear. These shoes do not have waterproof features, so they might not be the best option for wet or muddy conditions. While they offer decent support around the collar, they don’t have the higher ankle support found in some hiking boots designed for rough or uneven trails.

The materials used strike a balance between breathability and durability, but those needing heavy-duty protection might want something more robust. These shoes fit well for casual hikers, trail walkers, and those seeking lightweight, stylish shoes suitable for both outdoor adventures and daily wear.

Rating
10.0
Type of Hiking Shoes
Fit and Comfort
Material

Most important from
1723 reviews

Type of Hiking Shoes
These shoes combine style, comfort, and practicality, making them ideal for beginners gaining confidence on the trails.
Fit and Comfort
These shoes combine style, comfort, and practicality, making them ideal for beginners gaining confidence on the trails.
Material
Durable materials and a good tread pattern provide reliable grip and lasting performance during extended hikes.
Weight
The lightweight design and great traction enable comfortable hiking on uneven terrain without the need for a break-in period.
Traction
The lightweight design and great traction enable comfortable hiking on uneven terrain without the need for a break-in period.
#3

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots, Magnet/Atlantic Blue, 9

Rating
9.9
Fit and Comfort
Waterproofing
Weight

Most important from
4571 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Completely waterproof and comfortable after just a week of breaking in, these boots are top quality and worth every penny.
Waterproofing
These boots never failed, even on the hardest hikes with mud and rocks, keeping feet dry and comfortable throughout.
Weight
Not too heavy on the feet, these boots offer excellent adjustability with laces for a firm fit.
Traction
The best part is the comfort – enough toe room, good ankle support, and great traction for hills and wet terrain.
Ankle Support
The best part is the comfort – enough toe room, good ankle support, and great traction for hills and wet terrain.

The KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots are designed to provide a comfortable and supportive experience for hikers. One of the standout features is the KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane, which effectively keeps feet dry in various weather conditions without causing discomfort from trapped moisture. The boots also offer excellent traction, thanks to the KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole, which performs well on both muddy and rocky surfaces while ensuring you don’t leave marks indoors. This makes them particularly versatile for different hiking environments.

The mid-cut height and external support shank offer good ankle support and stability, which is essential for maintaining balance on uneven trails. Additionally, the contoured heel design further enhances stability, ensuring a secure fit coupled with a padded tongue and collar for added comfort. The removable metatomical footbed is another highlight, providing excellent arch support and aligning with the natural contours of the foot for all-day comfort.

However, the boots might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially those new to hiking or who prefer lighter footwear. The fit might also be an issue for people with wider feet, as the mid-profile upper may not accommodate all foot shapes comfortably. These boots are well-suited for those who prioritize durability, waterproofing, and support in their hiking footwear.

Rating
9.9
Fit and Comfort
Waterproofing
Weight

Most important from
4571 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Completely waterproof and comfortable after just a week of breaking in, these boots are top quality and worth every penny.
Waterproofing
These boots never failed, even on the hardest hikes with mud and rocks, keeping feet dry and comfortable throughout.
Weight
Not too heavy on the feet, these boots offer excellent adjustability with laces for a firm fit.
Traction
The best part is the comfort – enough toe room, good ankle support, and great traction for hills and wet terrain.
Ankle Support
The best part is the comfort – enough toe room, good ankle support, and great traction for hills and wet terrain.

Buying Guide for the Best Hiking Shoes Women

Choosing the right hiking shoes is crucial for a comfortable and safe hiking experience. The right pair of hiking shoes can make a significant difference in your performance and enjoyment on the trail. When selecting hiking shoes, consider the type of terrain you'll be hiking on, the duration of your hikes, and your personal comfort preferences. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing hiking shoes for women.
Type of Hiking ShoesHiking shoes come in various types, including trail shoes, hiking boots, and mountaineering boots. Trail shoes are lightweight and suitable for well-maintained trails and shorter hikes. Hiking boots offer more support and protection, making them ideal for longer hikes and rougher terrain. Mountaineering boots are designed for extreme conditions and technical climbs. Choose the type that matches the terrain and intensity of your hikes.
Fit and ComfortThe fit and comfort of hiking shoes are paramount. Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, while those that are too loose can lead to instability. When trying on hiking shoes, wear the socks you plan to hike in and ensure there is enough room to wiggle your toes. Walk around to test for any discomfort or pressure points. A good fit should feel snug but not tight, with adequate support around the arch and heel.
MaterialHiking shoes are made from various materials, including leather, synthetic, and mesh. Leather is durable and offers excellent protection but can be heavier and less breathable. Synthetic materials are lighter and more breathable but may not be as durable. Mesh is highly breathable and lightweight, making it suitable for warm weather hikes. Consider the climate and conditions you'll be hiking in when choosing the material.
WaterproofingWaterproof hiking shoes are essential if you plan to hike in wet conditions or cross streams. Waterproof shoes have a membrane, such as Gore-Tex, that keeps water out while allowing moisture to escape. However, they can be less breathable than non-waterproof shoes. If you hike in dry conditions, you might prefer non-waterproof shoes for better breathability. Choose based on the typical weather and terrain of your hikes.
WeightThe weight of hiking shoes can affect your endurance and comfort. Lighter shoes are easier to walk in and reduce fatigue, making them suitable for shorter hikes and well-maintained trails. Heavier shoes provide more support and protection, which is beneficial for longer hikes and rough terrain. Consider the length and difficulty of your hikes when deciding on the weight of your shoes.
TractionTraction is crucial for maintaining stability on various terrains. The outsole of hiking shoes should have a good tread pattern to provide grip on different surfaces, such as mud, rocks, and loose gravel. Deeper lugs offer better traction on rugged terrain, while shallower lugs are suitable for well-maintained trails. Think about the types of surfaces you'll encounter on your hikes and choose shoes with appropriate traction.
Ankle SupportAnkle support is important for preventing injuries, especially on uneven terrain. Low-cut hiking shoes offer less ankle support but are lighter and more flexible, making them suitable for easy trails. Mid-cut and high-cut boots provide more ankle support and stability, which is beneficial for rough terrain and carrying heavy loads. Consider the level of ankle support you need based on the difficulty of your hikes and your personal preference.

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