10 Best Women Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is designed to offer a comfortable and supportive fit for women who enjoy hiking. The shoe features a pig suede leather and mesh upper that balances durability with breathability, helping keep your feet cool on warmer trails. Its Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole with reinforced heel cushioning supports medium arches, and a molded nylon arch shank adds extra stability, making it suitable for moderate hikes.

The protective toe cap and Merrell Air Cushion in the heel enhance safety and shock absorption, which can reduce foot fatigue over longer distances. The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole provides reliable traction on various surfaces, helping prevent slips. The bellows tongue helps keep out debris, and the shoe weighs about 2.6 pounds, striking a good balance between sturdiness and lightness for day hikes. Additionally, the use of recycled materials in laces, webbing, and lining is a nice eco-friendly touch.

If you're looking for a solid, comfortable hiking shoe that supports your feet well on moderately challenging trails, the Moab 3 is a strong choice. For those needing full waterproof protection or planning very rugged, technical hikes, exploring other specialized models is recommended.

The KEEN Women's Hightrail hiking shoes are a solid choice for women who want durable, comfortable footwear for outdoor adventures. Made with quality leather from environmentally responsible sources, they offer good durability and a waterproof KEEN.DRY membrane that keeps feet dry while still allowing breathability, which helps prevent overheating. The shoes feature a lightweight design with KEEN LuftCell technology that cushions each step, supporting comfort during long hikes without feeling heavy.

Stability is enhanced by a shank that supports uneven terrain, and the high-traction rubber sole with 4mm multi-directional lugs gives reliable grip on rugged surfaces. The lace-up closure and contoured fit provide a secure, natural feel that adapts to your foot shape.

On the downside, leather shoes generally require regular care to maintain their look and performance, and while the waterproof membrane breathes better than many boots, some users may find it less airy in very hot conditions. These shoes suit hikers needing reliable support and traction on varied trails, especially in wet or cooler environments, but may be less ideal for those seeking ultra-light, highly breathable footwear for hot weather hikes.

The Columbia Womens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for women who need reliable footwear for hiking in various weather conditions. It offers good water resistance thanks to Columbia’s OMNI-TECH technology, which keeps feet dry during moderate rain or snow while still allowing breathability. This helps prevent feet from feeling stuffy on longer hikes.

The shoe also uses TECHLITE cushioning, providing lightweight comfort and shock absorption, which is great for reducing foot fatigue on uneven trails. Traction is well-covered with OMNI-GRIP soles designed for multi-terrain grip, helping you stay stable on rocks, dirt, and gravel whether wet or dry. The boot’s durable leather and mesh upper, combined with sturdy metal hardware and expert stitching, suggest it will hold up well over time.

Its ankle-height design offers decent support and stability without feeling too heavy or restrictive. These boots are well-suited for women looking for waterproof, comfortable, and durable hiking shoes that perform steadily across different terrains and weather conditions.