10 Best Women Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

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 balance of comfort, support, and durability for hiking enthusiasts. It features a pigskin leather and mesh upper, which provides breathability while keeping the shoe sturdy. The inclusion of a protective toe cap and a molded nylon arch shank adds to its support and stability, making it suitable for uneven trails.

The shoe uses Merrell’s Air Cushion technology in the heel to absorb shock, which can reduce foot fatigue during long walks. Its Vibram TC5+ rubber sole is known for good traction, helping to maintain grip on various surfaces. The lightweight EVA foam midsole also contributes to comfort without adding extra weight, although the shoe does have a block heel about 1 inch high, which might feel a bit firm for some. The use of recycled materials in the laces and lining is a nice eco-friendly touch.

These shoes work well for casual to moderate hiking, providing enough support and durability for most outdoor activities. However, if you need heavy waterproofing or ultra-lightweight gear, you might want to explore other options.

The Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped hiking boots offer a solid choice for women who enjoy hiking in various conditions. They provide good support and stability thanks to their mid-cut design and reinforced toe and heel, which helps protect your feet on rough trails. The waterproof leather and suede outer material combined with seam-sealed construction keeps your feet dry, making these boots suitable for wet weather or damp terrain.

The boots have a lightweight midsole with cushioning that offers comfort and energy return during long walks, although they might feel a bit heavier compared to some ultra-light hiking shoes. The Omni-GRIP rubber outsole gives reliable traction on different surfaces, helping prevent slips. Breathability could be limited due to the waterproof materials, so they might feel warmer during very hot days. Durability is a strong point here, as these boots are designed to withstand extended use with reinforced areas at common wear spots.

These boots serve as a dependable option for women who want comfortable, supportive, and waterproof hiking footwear for three-season use, especially if durability and traction are prioritized over extreme lightness or maximum breathability.