10 Best Womens Hiking Shoes 2026 in the United States

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.

The KEEN Women's Hightrail Low hiking shoes combine durable leather with an environmentally friendly approach, making them a solid choice for women who want both toughness and a more sustainable product. The leather upper is waterproof thanks to KEEN.DRY technology, which keeps your feet dry while still allowing breathability to prevent overheating during hikes.

These shoes offer good support with a stability shank and lightweight cushioning from KEEN LuftCell, helping with comfort and mobility on uneven trails. The traction is reliable, featuring a rubber sole with 4mm multi-directional lugs that grip well on rough terrain. The fit is designed to match the natural shape of the foot, which should reduce slipping and discomfort.

Being leather, these shoes can be a bit heavier than synthetic options and may require some breaking in. They also might not dry as quickly if soaked. They are well-suited for hikers looking for durable, waterproof shoes that balance comfort and environmental responsibility, though those needing ultra-lightweight or quick-drying footwear might want to consider other models.

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.