10 Best Women Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Women's Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe is designed to offer a comfortable and reliable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. It features a waterproof membrane that effectively keeps your feet dry while allowing moisture to escape, helping prevent discomfort from sweat. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh provides good breathability, though it might not be as airy as shoes made mostly from lighter synthetic materials.

Fit and comfort are well considered with the Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable insole and reinforced heel cushioning, delivering medium support suitable for moderate hikes. The molded nylon arch shank adds stability, which is helpful on uneven terrain. Traction is strong thanks to the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole, giving you confidence on slippery or rocky paths. Lightweight EVA foam in the midsole contributes to comfort without adding unnecessary weight, though the shoe may feel a bit heavier compared to trail runners. Durability is solid, with protective toe caps and a sturdy build that should hold up well over time. One minor drawback is that while the shoe is waterproof, the leather upper could require some care to maintain its look and flexibility.

This shoe is an excellent fit for hikers needing dependable support, good traction, and water resistance in a comfortable package, particularly suited for day hikes or moderate trail conditions.

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 Transverse Suede Waterproof Hiking Boot is designed to offer a solid mix of comfort, protection, and durability for casual to moderate hiking. Thanks to its OMNI-TECH waterproof construction, it keeps your feet dry in rain or light snow while still allowing breathability—good for wet conditions without making your feet feel too hot. The TECHLITE midsole provides lightweight cushioning that absorbs impact well, helping reduce foot fatigue on varied trails. Traction is a strong point here, with the OMNI-GRIP outsole offering dependable grip on different surfaces like rock, dirt, and gravel, both wet and dry.

The boot's suede and mesh upper adds durability and some breathability, though being a waterproof boot it may be less ventilated than non-waterproof options. At ankle height, it gives decent support and stability without being bulky, and the cushioned collar adds comfort around the ankle. The boot isn't the lightest hiking shoe out there, but it strikes a good balance between sturdy build and manageable weight, making it suitable for day hikes or light backpacking. Its craftsmanship and quality materials suggest it will hold up well over time.

A potential downside is that the waterproofing and suede might reduce breathability in very hot weather, and the ankle height may not provide enough support for very rugged or steep terrain. This boot is well suited for women looking for a reliable, waterproof hiking shoe that performs well on diverse trails and in changing weather, especially if comfort and durability are priorities.