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10 Best Womens Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe, Falcon, 8.5

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,190
Fit
Support
Traction

Most important from
11499 reviews

Fit
The shoe delivers excellent comfort and fit right from the first wear, making it ideal for long hours on your feet without discomfort.
Support
Arch support and cushioning are adequate for moderate trails, supporting all-day comfort during strenuous activities.
Traction
Its aggressive tread pattern provides reliable traction and stability on challenging surfaces like mud and loose gravel.
Weight
The lightweight design balances durability and breathability, making them comfortable for both hiking and outdoor work.
Breathability
The lightweight design balances durability and breathability, making them comfortable for both hiking and outdoor work.
Durability
The upper material stays clean and maintains its appearance even after extensive use in rugged outdoor environments.

The Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is designed to offer solid support and comfort for women who enjoy hiking. Its pigskin leather and mesh upper provide good durability while maintaining breathability, helping your feet stay comfortable during longer walks. The shoe includes a Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable insole with reinforced heel cushioning and a molded arch shank, giving medium support that suits moderate trails. Traction is reliable thanks to the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole, which helps you stay steady on different surfaces. The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, which is a nice feature for rough terrain.

This shoe is not fully waterproof, so it might not be the best choice if you expect wet conditions often. It is relatively lightweight due to the EVA foam midsole, which balances comfort and stability well. The protective toe cap and bellows tongue also keep debris out, enhancing durability and keeping your feet safe. While it offers a block heel of about 1 inch, the shoe is still comfortable for hiking, though some might prefer less heel height.

This shoe serves hikers looking for a breathable, supportive, and durable option for dry to moderately wet conditions. If full waterproofing is a priority, other options might be more suitable.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,190
Fit
Support
Traction

Most important from
11499 reviews

Fit
The shoe delivers excellent comfort and fit right from the first wear, making it ideal for long hours on your feet without discomfort.
Support
Arch support and cushioning are adequate for moderate trails, supporting all-day comfort during strenuous activities.
Traction
Its aggressive tread pattern provides reliable traction and stability on challenging surfaces like mud and loose gravel.
Weight
The lightweight design balances durability and breathability, making them comfortable for both hiking and outdoor work.
Breathability
The lightweight design balances durability and breathability, making them comfortable for both hiking and outdoor work.
Durability
The upper material stays clean and maintains its appearance even after extensive use in rugged outdoor environments.
#2

Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Monument/Fuchsia, 7.5 M US

Rating
9.6
Fit
Support
Traction

Most important from
2768 reviews

Fit
A roomy toe box and the ability to size up allow for thicker socks and a customizable fit that stays secure when tied.
Support
The boots offer exceptional comfort and sturdy support right out of the box, with no break-in period needed.
Traction
The rugged design provides excellent traction across varied terrains, enhancing stability and confidence on hikes.
Waterproofing
Water resistance is effective for light moisture and rainy conditions, though they are not suitable for full immersion like stream crossings.
Breathability
While breathable to some extent, the waterproof and leather construction may feel warmer during hot weather or intense activity.
Durability
Built with durable materials and quality soles, these boots are made to last and withstand regular hiking demands.

The Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is designed to offer solid support and protection for hikers who need reliable footwear on various trails. It features a waterproof membrane and a combination of pigskin leather and mesh that keeps your feet dry in wet conditions. The bellows tongue helps keep out dirt and debris, while the protective toe cap adds extra durability. Support is enhanced by the Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole with reinforced heel cushioning and a molded nylon arch shank, making these boots comfortable for medium support needs.

Traction is strong thanks to the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole, which helps maintain grip on slippery or uneven surfaces. The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel also helps absorb shock and increase stability, which reduces foot fatigue on longer hikes. At about 1.5 pounds, the boots are not the lightest on the market but still manageable for most users. Breathability is decent due to the mesh elements, but because the boot is waterproof and contains leather, it might feel warmer and less breathable during hot weather or intense activity.

The use of recycled materials in laces and lining is a positive for those looking for environmentally conscious options. The mid-height design offers ankle coverage and support without being too bulky. These boots are well-suited for casual to moderate hiking on wet and rocky trails, especially for those who prioritize waterproofing and durability. If ultra-lightweight shoes or maximum breathability for hot climates are a priority, other options might be more suitable.

Rating
9.6
Fit
Support
Traction

Most important from
2768 reviews

Fit
A roomy toe box and the ability to size up allow for thicker socks and a customizable fit that stays secure when tied.
Support
The boots offer exceptional comfort and sturdy support right out of the box, with no break-in period needed.
Traction
The rugged design provides excellent traction across varied terrains, enhancing stability and confidence on hikes.
Waterproofing
Water resistance is effective for light moisture and rainy conditions, though they are not suitable for full immersion like stream crossings.
Breathability
While breathable to some extent, the waterproof and leather construction may feel warmer during hot weather or intense activity.
Durability
Built with durable materials and quality soles, these boots are made to last and withstand regular hiking demands.
#3

Merrell Women's Moab 3, Altitude, 5

Rating
9.5
Fit
Support
Traction

Most important from
3808 reviews

Fit
The fit is true to size and perfectly snug, providing reliable support and cushioning for extended trail use.
Support
The arch and heel support effectively reduce foot fatigue, even after covering many miles on challenging trails.
Traction
Exceptional traction on slick and rocky terrain keeps you steady, enhancing confidence on diverse surfaces.
Breathability
Breathability is excellent, making these shoes ideal for dry conditions where waterproof options might feel too hot.
Durability
Durability and quality craftsmanship stand out, reflecting Merrell’s trusted reputation for lasting hiking footwear.

The Merrell Women's Moab 3 offers solid performance for hiking, combining comfort, support, and durability. These shoes have a lightweight leather and mesh upper that helps with breathability, keeping your feet cooler during hikes. The removable contoured insole with reinforced heel provides good support and cushioning, which is important for longer walks on uneven trails.

Traction is strong thanks to the Vibram TC5+ outsole, designed to grip well on both wet and dry surfaces, helping you stay steady. The built-in air cushion and rebound compound add extra shock absorption, reducing foot fatigue and smoothing your step. Fit-wise, the lace-up closure allows you to adjust snugly, and features like the bellows tongue and toe cap protect against debris on the trail.

These shoes are a great choice for moderate to challenging hikes where comfort and reliable traction matter most, especially if you prioritize durability and support.

Rating
9.5
Fit
Support
Traction

Most important from
3808 reviews

Fit
The fit is true to size and perfectly snug, providing reliable support and cushioning for extended trail use.
Support
The arch and heel support effectively reduce foot fatigue, even after covering many miles on challenging trails.
Traction
Exceptional traction on slick and rocky terrain keeps you steady, enhancing confidence on diverse surfaces.
Breathability
Breathability is excellent, making these shoes ideal for dry conditions where waterproof options might feel too hot.
Durability
Durability and quality craftsmanship stand out, reflecting Merrell’s trusted reputation for lasting hiking footwear.

Buying Guide for the Best Womens Hiking Shoes

Choosing the right women's hiking shoes is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience. The right pair will provide support, protection, and comfort, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead. When selecting hiking shoes, consider the type of terrain you'll be hiking on, the weather conditions, and your personal preferences for fit and style. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing women's hiking shoes.
FitFit is the most important factor when choosing hiking shoes. A good fit ensures comfort and prevents blisters and other foot issues. Hiking shoes should fit snugly around the heel and midfoot, with enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes. When trying on shoes, wear the socks you plan to hike in and walk around to ensure they feel comfortable. If you have wide or narrow feet, look for brands that offer different width options.
SupportSupport refers to how well the shoe stabilizes your foot and ankle. This is important for preventing injuries, especially on uneven terrain. Hiking shoes come in different levels of support: low-cut shoes offer minimal ankle support and are best for easy trails, mid-cut shoes provide moderate support and are suitable for more challenging hikes, and high-cut boots offer maximum support for rugged terrain and heavy loads. Choose the level of support based on the difficulty of your hikes and your personal preference.
TractionTraction is the shoe's ability to grip the ground, which is crucial for maintaining stability on various surfaces. The outsole, or bottom part of the shoe, is responsible for traction. Look for shoes with deep, multi-directional lugs for better grip on loose or muddy terrain. For rocky or wet surfaces, shoes with a sticky rubber compound provide better traction. Consider the type of terrain you'll be hiking on most often and choose a shoe with an appropriate outsole pattern.
WaterproofingWaterproofing keeps your feet dry in wet conditions, which is important for comfort and preventing blisters. Many hiking shoes come with a waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex, that keeps water out while allowing moisture to escape. However, waterproof shoes can be less breathable, so if you hike in hot, dry conditions, you might prefer non-waterproof shoes for better ventilation. Consider the typical weather conditions of your hikes when deciding on waterproofing.
WeightWeight affects how much energy you expend while hiking. Lighter shoes are generally more comfortable for long distances and faster hiking, while heavier shoes provide more support and durability. Lightweight hiking shoes are ideal for day hikes and well-maintained trails, while heavier boots are better for multi-day hikes and rough terrain. Think about the length and difficulty of your hikes to determine the right weight for your shoes.
BreathabilityBreathability refers to how well the shoe allows air to circulate, keeping your feet cool and dry. This is especially important in hot weather or during strenuous hikes. Shoes with mesh panels or breathable materials offer better ventilation. However, highly breathable shoes may not be as durable or protective as those with less ventilation. Consider the climate and intensity of your hikes when choosing the level of breathability you need.
DurabilityDurability is the shoe's ability to withstand wear and tear over time. Durable shoes are made with high-quality materials and reinforced in high-wear areas, such as the toe and heel. While more durable shoes may be heavier, they are a good investment if you hike frequently or on rough terrain. If you hike occasionally on well-maintained trails, you might prioritize other features over durability.

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