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 Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is designed to offer a solid balance of comfort, support, and durability for hiking enthusiasts. It features a pigskin leather and mesh upper, which provides breathability while keeping the shoe sturdy. The inclusion of a protective toe cap and a molded nylon arch shank adds to its support and stability, making it suitable for uneven trails.

The shoe uses Merrell’s Air Cushion technology in the heel to absorb shock, which can reduce foot fatigue during long walks. Its Vibram TC5+ rubber sole is known for good traction, helping to maintain grip on various surfaces. The lightweight EVA foam midsole also contributes to comfort without adding extra weight, although the shoe does have a block heel about 1 inch high, which might feel a bit firm for some. The use of recycled materials in the laces and lining is a nice eco-friendly touch.

These shoes work well for casual to moderate hiking, providing enough support and durability for most outdoor activities. However, if you need heavy waterproofing or ultra-lightweight gear, you might want to explore other options.

The NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots combine style and function, making them a solid choice for casual hikers or those exploring moderate trails. They offer excellent comfort with a lightweight midsole and cushioned EVA insole, which helps reduce foot fatigue during long walks. The lace-up design and suede leather upper provide good support and a secure fit, while the option for a wide toe box suits those who prefer extra room.

Traction is strong thanks to a rubber sole designed to grip well on rugged surfaces, enhancing safety on uneven paths. Breathability is addressed with a mesh tongue that allows airflow, helping keep feet dry and comfortable, although the waterproof suede material might feel a bit warm in hot weather. At around 15 ounces per shoe, they are reasonably light without sacrificing durability, making them suitable for day hikes rather than heavy backpacking.

The boots’ water resistance is a key benefit for wet or muddy conditions, but they may not handle deep water immersion. The stylish design and color choices add appeal for women who want functional footwear that looks good. These boots perform well for weekend hikers seeking reliable, all-around footwear with good comfort and traction, but serious hikers facing extreme conditions might look for more specialized options.