10 Best Women Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

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.

The Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped hiking boots offer a solid choice for women who enjoy hiking in various conditions. They provide good support and stability thanks to their mid-cut design and reinforced toe and heel, which helps protect your feet on rough trails. The waterproof leather and suede outer material combined with seam-sealed construction keeps your feet dry, making these boots suitable for wet weather or damp terrain.

The boots have a lightweight midsole with cushioning that offers comfort and energy return during long walks, although they might feel a bit heavier compared to some ultra-light hiking shoes. The Omni-GRIP rubber outsole gives reliable traction on different surfaces, helping prevent slips. Breathability could be limited due to the waterproof materials, so they might feel warmer during very hot days. Durability is a strong point here, as these boots are designed to withstand extended use with reinforced areas at common wear spots.

These boots serve as a dependable option for women who want comfortable, supportive, and waterproof hiking footwear for three-season use, especially if durability and traction are prioritized over extreme lightness or maximum breathability.

The Columbia Women’s Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot in Kettle/Berry Patch offers several strong features for hikers. The fit and comfort are emphasized through a cushioned collar and lightweight Techlite material, which helps absorb impact across varied surfaces. The Omni-Tech feature ensures water resistance with a multi-layered, seam-sealed construction that keeps feet dry in moderate rain and snow. Breathability is maintained with the leather and mesh upper, allowing airflow to keep feet comfortable.

For support and stability, the boot includes a durable build with metal hardware, providing a secure fit. Traction is well-handled by the Omni-Grip sole, designed for multi-terrain use including rock, dirt, and gravel in both wet and dry conditions. Regarding weight, it is relatively lightweight for a hiking boot, which adds to comfort during long treks. Durability is a standout feature, given Columbia's attention to high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, ensuring the boots can be used for many seasons.

However, potential downsides might include the fit; some users could find the boots run small or require a break-in period. Additionally, while the waterproofing is effective, it might not handle extreme conditions beyond moderate rain and snow as well. In summary, these hiking boots are a solid choice for women looking for reliable, comfortable, and durable footwear for various hiking conditions.