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10 Best Women Hiking Shoes 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, Bungee Cord, 9

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,307
Fit and Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction

Most important from
2964 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The boots require no break-in and offer immediate comfort, allowing all-day wear without rubbing or discomfort.
Support and Stability
The lightweight construction feels almost like wearing nothing, providing excellent impact absorption and stability.
Traction
The Vibram sole delivers reliable traction with no slipping on various surfaces.
Water Resistance
Waterproofing keeps feet dry but can cause feet to feel warmer, making these boots less ideal for very hot summer conditions.
Durability
Durability and quality craftsmanship are evident, with the boots maintaining comfort and performance even after extensive wear.

The Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is designed to offer reliable support and comfort for women who enjoy outdoor hiking. It features a waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry while allowing sweat to escape, which helps with breathability during long walks. The boot's pigskin leather and mesh upper provide a good balance between durability and airflow. With a protective toe cap and a bellows tongue to keep dirt out, it’s well-suited for rough trails. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole offers medium support and reinforced heel cushioning, making it comfortable for moderate hikes. The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole delivers strong traction on various surfaces, and the nylon arch shank adds stability. This boot is fairly lightweight at around 1.5 pounds, which is helpful to prevent fatigue.

One potential downside is that while it offers medium support, it might not be enough for very rugged or technical terrain where more ankle support is needed. Additionally, some might find the mid-height shaft less flexible compared to low-cut shoes. This hiking boot is a solid choice for casual to moderate hikers looking for waterproof protection, good traction, and comfort on diverse trails.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,307
Fit and Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction

Most important from
2964 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The boots require no break-in and offer immediate comfort, allowing all-day wear without rubbing or discomfort.
Support and Stability
The lightweight construction feels almost like wearing nothing, providing excellent impact absorption and stability.
Traction
The Vibram sole delivers reliable traction with no slipping on various surfaces.
Water Resistance
Waterproofing keeps feet dry but can cause feet to feel warmer, making these boots less ideal for very hot summer conditions.
Durability
Durability and quality craftsmanship are evident, with the boots maintaining comfort and performance even after extensive wear.
#2

Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe, Falcon, 8 Medium

Rating
9.1
Fit and Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction

Most important from
4967 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Exceptional arch support and cushioning make these shoes ideal for hikers with plantar fasciitis, providing pain-free comfort even after long days on the trail.
Support and Stability
Exceptional arch support and cushioning make these shoes ideal for hikers with plantar fasciitis, providing pain-free comfort even after long days on the trail.
Traction
The shoes deliver outstanding traction on slick and smooth surfaces like sandstone and wet rocks, ensuring slip-resistant stability in diverse hiking conditions.
Breathability
Designed for dry hiking, they outperform waterproof models in warmer climates by providing superior breathability without overheating.
Weight
The shoes strike a great balance between sturdy construction and lightweight feel, reducing foot fatigue over multiple miles.
Durability
The deep tread grooves offer excellent grip but require some maintenance to clear mud and debris after muddy hikes.

The Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is designed to offer a comfortable and supportive fit for women who enjoy hiking. The shoe features a pig suede leather and mesh upper that balances durability with breathability, helping keep your feet cool on warmer trails. Its Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole with reinforced heel cushioning supports medium arches, and a molded nylon arch shank adds extra stability, making it suitable for moderate hikes.

The protective toe cap and Merrell Air Cushion in the heel enhance safety and shock absorption, which can reduce foot fatigue over longer distances. The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole provides reliable traction on various surfaces, helping prevent slips. The bellows tongue helps keep out debris, and the shoe weighs about 2.6 pounds, striking a good balance between sturdiness and lightness for day hikes. Additionally, the use of recycled materials in laces, webbing, and lining is a nice eco-friendly touch.

If you're looking for a solid, comfortable hiking shoe that supports your feet well on moderately challenging trails, the Moab 3 is a strong choice. For those needing full waterproof protection or planning very rugged, technical hikes, exploring other specialized models is recommended.

Rating
9.1
Fit and Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction

Most important from
4967 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Exceptional arch support and cushioning make these shoes ideal for hikers with plantar fasciitis, providing pain-free comfort even after long days on the trail.
Support and Stability
Exceptional arch support and cushioning make these shoes ideal for hikers with plantar fasciitis, providing pain-free comfort even after long days on the trail.
Traction
The shoes deliver outstanding traction on slick and smooth surfaces like sandstone and wet rocks, ensuring slip-resistant stability in diverse hiking conditions.
Breathability
Designed for dry hiking, they outperform waterproof models in warmer climates by providing superior breathability without overheating.
Weight
The shoes strike a great balance between sturdy construction and lightweight feel, reducing foot fatigue over multiple miles.
Durability
The deep tread grooves offer excellent grip but require some maintenance to clear mud and debris after muddy hikes.
#3

Columbia Womens Crestwood Hiking Shoe, Graphite/Kettle, 5.5

Rating
9.1
Fit and Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction

Most important from
3115 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Offers an exceptional fit for wide feet with just the right amount of room in the toe box, providing comfort without feeling overly loose.
Support and Stability
Provides a snug heel fit that keeps ankles secure without needing to lace through the top eyelets initially.
Traction
Delivers impressive grip and traction on varied terrain, including wet, muddy, and rocky surfaces, ensuring stability and safety.
Water Resistance
Stands up well to wet conditions, keeping feet dry and warm during rainy hikes without compromising comfort.
Breathability
Maintains breathability and comfort even during extended hikes with swelling feet, thanks to its well-designed cushioning and secure heel fit.
Weight
Feels incredibly lightweight, more like a running shoe than a hiking shoe, which reduces fatigue on long walks.
Durability
The durable suede leather and mesh upper balance protection and airflow, making it suitable for moderate hiking conditions.

The Columbia Womens Crestwood Hiking Shoe offers a nice balance of comfort and support, thanks to its TechLite midsole that cushions your feet and keeps energy up during long hikes. The suede leather and mesh upper provides a secure fit and blends durability with some breathability, though it may not be fully waterproof, so it might not be ideal for very wet conditions.

The Omni-Grip rubber outsole stands out for traction, giving you solid grip on various terrains, which is important for safety on slippery or uneven trails. In terms of weight, this shoe leans toward being lightweight, making it less tiring to wear during longer walks. The construction and materials suggest good durability, so you can expect it to last through multiple hiking seasons.

This shoe balances breathability and durability well, but may not be the best choice if you need full water resistance or extra heavy-duty protection in extremely rough environments. It serves as a reliable option for casual to moderate hiking, especially if you want comfort and grip without extra bulk.

Rating
9.1
Fit and Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction

Most important from
3115 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Offers an exceptional fit for wide feet with just the right amount of room in the toe box, providing comfort without feeling overly loose.
Support and Stability
Provides a snug heel fit that keeps ankles secure without needing to lace through the top eyelets initially.
Traction
Delivers impressive grip and traction on varied terrain, including wet, muddy, and rocky surfaces, ensuring stability and safety.
Water Resistance
Stands up well to wet conditions, keeping feet dry and warm during rainy hikes without compromising comfort.
Breathability
Maintains breathability and comfort even during extended hikes with swelling feet, thanks to its well-designed cushioning and secure heel fit.
Weight
Feels incredibly lightweight, more like a running shoe than a hiking shoe, which reduces fatigue on long walks.
Durability
The durable suede leather and mesh upper balance protection and airflow, making it suitable for moderate hiking conditions.

Buying Guide for the Best Women Hiking Shoes

Choosing the right pair of women's hiking shoes is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience. The right shoes can prevent injuries, provide support, and enhance your overall performance on the trail. When selecting hiking shoes, consider the type of terrain you'll be hiking on, the distance of your hikes, and your personal comfort preferences. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing women's hiking shoes.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are the most important factors when choosing hiking shoes. A good fit ensures that your feet are well-supported and reduces the risk of blisters and other foot injuries. Hiking shoes should have enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes, but not so much that your feet slide around. They should also provide a snug fit around the heel to prevent slipping. Try on shoes with the socks you plan to wear while hiking and walk around to ensure they feel comfortable.
Support and StabilitySupport and stability are essential for maintaining balance and preventing injuries on uneven terrain. Hiking shoes should have a sturdy sole that provides good arch support and cushioning. Look for shoes with a firm midsole and a supportive heel counter. If you have weak ankles or plan to hike on rough terrain, consider shoes with higher ankle support. The level of support you need depends on your personal preference and the type of hikes you plan to undertake.
TractionTraction is important for maintaining grip on various surfaces, such as rocks, mud, and loose gravel. The outsole of the hiking shoe should have a lug pattern that provides good traction. Deeper lugs offer better grip on muddy and loose surfaces, while shallower lugs are suitable for well-maintained trails. Consider the type of terrain you'll be hiking on and choose a shoe with an appropriate lug pattern to ensure you have the necessary grip.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is a key feature if you plan to hike in wet conditions or cross streams. Water-resistant or waterproof hiking shoes can keep your feet dry and comfortable. Look for shoes with a waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex, or water-resistant materials. However, keep in mind that waterproof shoes may be less breathable, so if you hike in hot and dry conditions, you might prefer shoes with better ventilation.
BreathabilityBreathability is important for keeping your feet cool and dry, especially during long hikes or in hot weather. Shoes with breathable materials, such as mesh panels, allow air to circulate and help prevent excessive sweating. If you tend to hike in warm climates or have sweaty feet, prioritize shoes with good breathability. However, if you hike in cold or wet conditions, you might prefer shoes with less breathability and more insulation.
WeightThe weight of the hiking shoes can affect your overall comfort and energy levels during a hike. Lighter shoes are generally more comfortable and less tiring to wear over long distances, making them ideal for day hikes and well-maintained trails. Heavier shoes, on the other hand, offer more support and durability, which can be beneficial for rough terrain and multi-day hikes. Consider the type of hikes you plan to do and choose a shoe weight that matches your needs.
DurabilityDurability is important for ensuring that your hiking shoes last through many adventures. Look for shoes made from high-quality materials, such as leather or durable synthetic fabrics. Reinforced areas, such as the toe cap and heel, can provide extra protection and extend the life of the shoes. If you hike frequently or on challenging terrain, prioritize durability to get the most out of your investment.

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