10 Best Women Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

The KEEN Targhee 2 Low Waterproof hiking shoe is a strong contender for women who need reliable footwear on uneven, wet trails. It offers excellent water resistance thanks to KEEN.DRY technology, which keeps feet dry while still allowing sweat to escape. The shoe’s leather and breathable mesh materials work together to provide comfort and some airflow, though those hiking in very hot climates might find it less ventilated than some fully mesh shoes. Fit is generous with KEEN's Original Fit design, giving ample room for toes to move freely, which adds to comfort on longer hikes.

The removable footbed with arch support and external support shank help stabilize your foot and reduce fatigue, making it suitable for moderate to challenging hikes. Traction is solid with 4mm multi-directional lugs and a high-traction rubber sole that grips well on wet and rocky surfaces, boosting safety. Durability is enhanced by a reinforced toe guard and bruise plate, protecting against rough terrain.

The shoe is built tough, but the leather material and waterproof membrane add some weight compared to minimalist trail shoes, so it might not be ideal for those wanting ultra-light footwear. Cleaning and maintenance require a bit more care due to the leather. This shoe suits hikers looking for a dependable, supportive, and waterproof option that balances comfort and protection, especially in cooler or wetter environments.

The Salomon Women’s Speedcross Trail Running Shoes are designed with trail running and hiking in mind, especially for rugged and muddy terrains. They provide a secure, comfortable fit thanks to the Sensifit system and Quicklace closure, which keeps your foot snug and supported. Stability is a strong point, with a heel unit that cradles the foot and helps maintain control on uneven ground. Traction is excellent due to deep, sharp lugs made from a high-adhesion compound, making these shoes reliable on slippery, soft, or loose surfaces like mud and gravel.

The upper is made from durable, abrasion-resistant ripstop fabric with anti-debris mesh, which helps keep dirt and small stones out. This contributes to durability and keeps the shoe feeling clean during long hikes. The sole uses ethylene vinyl acetate, which typically offers good cushioning without adding too much weight, making these shoes relatively light for trail footwear.

These shoes represent a solid choice for women seeking durable, stable, and well-gripping trail footwear that performs well in mixed and muddy terrain. They might be less suitable if you require full waterproof protection or if you prioritize ultra-lightweight hiking shoes for long-distance trekking on dry trails.

The La Sportiva Womens Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX boots are a solid choice for women seeking reliable hiking footwear that balances protection, support, and durability. They feature a leather upper combined with Gore-Tex waterproofing, which keeps feet dry during wet conditions while still allowing breathability to reduce heat and sweat. This makes them suitable for long hikes in varied weather.

The boots offer excellent stability and traction thanks to the Frixion AT 2.0 sole with an Impact Brake System, which helps on steep or slippery trails. Support is strong around the foot and ankle, with a reinforced heel cup and a special lacing system to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. The boots are relatively lightweight at 16 ounces each, which helps reduce fatigue on longer treks. However, the fit runs small, so ordering at least one full size larger is recommended, especially if you wear thicker socks or have wider feet. While the leather is durable and abrasion-resistant, breaking them in may take some time compared to synthetic materials.

These boots are well suited for women who hike medium to long distances on rugged terrain and want a waterproof, supportive option with good traction and solid build quality.