10 Best Women Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is designed to offer solid support and comfort for day hikes and moderate trails. Its pigskin leather and mesh upper provides a good balance of durability and breathability, helping keep your feet comfortable without overheating. The shoe features a Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable insole with reinforced heel cushioning, which adds medium-level support and shock absorption — useful for reducing foot fatigue on uneven trails. The molded nylon arch shank and Merrell Air Cushion heel add extra stability, which is great for maintaining balance on rocky or uneven ground.

Traction is strong thanks to the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole, known for gripping a variety of surfaces well, including wet rocks and loose dirt. While the shoe has some water resistance due to leather construction, it’s not fully waterproof, so it may not be ideal for very wet conditions. The lightweight EVA foam midsole helps keep the shoe from feeling heavy, though the leather material makes it a bit heavier than some synthetic hiking shoes.

This shoe is durable and well-suited for hikers who want dependable support, good traction, and comfort for day trips. However, it might not be the best choice for long, wet, or highly technical hikes.

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 combination of comfort, support, and durability for hiking enthusiasts. Its pigskin leather and mesh upper provide a good balance between protection and breathability, helping keep your feet cool without sacrificing toughness. The shoe includes a protective toe cap to guard against rocks and debris, while the Bellows tongue helps keep unwanted dirt out, which is handy on rough trails.

Comfort is enhanced by the Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable insole with reinforced heel cushioning, providing medium support suitable for moderate hiking. The molded nylon arch shank and lightweight EVA foam midsole improve stability, making them comfortable for longer walks. Traction is strong thanks to the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole, which is known for reliable grip on various surfaces, enhancing safety on slippery or uneven terrain. The shoe also features Merrell’s Air Cushion in the heel for shock absorption, reducing foot fatigue during extended wear.

While it offers some water resistance due to the leather upper, it may not be fully waterproof, so it might not be the best choice for very wet conditions. The use of recycled materials like laces and mesh lining adds an eco-friendly touch. The shoes are relatively lightweight, which helps avoid extra strain on your feet. Durability looks promising given the materials and build quality typical of Merrell. The Moab 3 is a reliable, comfortable hiking shoe well-suited for women who want support and traction on trails without needing heavy-duty waterproofing.