10 Best Women Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Salomon Women’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex hiking shoes are designed to handle tough trails with strong support and protection. They feature a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that keeps your feet dry and comfortable by blocking water and wind while still allowing breathability, which is great for longer hikes where foot moisture can be an issue. The shoes provide excellent stability thanks to the 3D Advanced Chassis, which helps control foot movement and protects your feet from uneven ground. The Contagrip rubber outsole offers reliable traction on various surfaces, including loose gravel, making it easier to stay sure-footed during your outdoor adventures. The reinforced toe cap adds an extra layer of defense against rocks or roots, increasing durability and foot safety on rough trails.

While the shoe is sturdy and protective, it may feel a bit heavier compared to lighter trail runners, which is something to consider if you prioritize minimal weight for speed. Fit and comfort are generally strong points, but as with any hiking shoe, breaking them in before a long hike is recommended to avoid discomfort. This shoe represents a solid choice for women seeking a durable, supportive, and waterproof option for challenging hikes rather than casual walking or fast trail running.

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 Timberland Women's White Ledge Mid Lace-Up Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for casual hikers or those needing reliable footwear for light to moderate trails. It offers good water resistance thanks to its premium waterproof leather upper and a fully gusseted tongue, which helps keep water and debris out. The lace-up design with D-ring lacing and recycled PET laces provides a secure and customizable fit, contributing positively to comfort and support around the ankle.

The rubber sole is designed for decent traction, making it suitable for varied terrain, although it may not perform as strongly on very slippery or technical surfaces. Because the boot is made with sturdy materials, including durable suede and a tough rubber sole, it should hold up well over time with regular use. However, the breathability might be limited due to the waterproof leather construction, so your feet could feel warmer during long hikes in hot weather. The boot is relatively lightweight for a waterproof mid-height hiking shoe, which can reduce fatigue on the trail.

This boot is well-suited for hikers looking for dependable water protection, ankle support, and durability in a comfortable, everyday hiking shoe. It might not be the best option for those requiring maximum breathability or specialized traction for heavy-duty hiking.