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Need the perfect trail companion? Find it with the 10 best hiking shoes for women

Explore the best hiking shoes for women available on the market for the perfect pair to match your outdoor adventures.

Published Dec 18, 2023
5 min. reading time
Image of 2 hiking shoes

When it comes to hiking, the right footwear can make or break your experience. A perfect pair of hiking shoes should offer a blend of comfort, durability, and style, ensuring that you can conquer the trails with confidence. 

Our editors have researched and handpicked some of the best hiking shoes for women available on the market that are sure to suit your next outdoor adventure.

Read more: Shop hiking shoes for men here

Grey and neon yellow hiking shoes
Best for trail running
Lululemon Blissfeel Trail Women's Running Shoe
From $79 at Lululemon
Moss green hiking shoes with logo
Top pick for water activities
Women’s Skagit water shoe
$76 at The North Face
Dark brown and blue Northface shoe
Best overall
Women’s VECTIV Exploris 2 FUTURELIGHT Leather Shoes
$179 atThe North Face
Dark grey and purple hiking shoes
Affordable hiking shoe
Women's Mountain Walking Waterproof Shoes
$40 at Decathlon
Pros & Cons
  • Women-centric fit and cushioning profile

  • 30-day trial with full refund

  • Available in two colors

  • Narrower fit may not suit wide feet

Are you an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for running and exploration? The Blissfeel Trail Women's Running shoe from Lululemon is robust and can handle various terrains with absolute finesse. Plus, it fits true to size for many, making it a great option for different foot shapes.

Its molded heel support ensures a secure sensation even when you're challenging yourself with uneven surfaces. You’re guaranteed a firm and fortified grip thanks to the rugged traction from its firm rubber sole.

A soft-and-springy cushioning reduces impact and fatigue so you can enjoy extended periods of exciting outdoor expeditions. You should spot-clean these shoes with a damp cloth and hand wash cold to ensure a longer life span.

Top pick for water activities

Moss green hiking shoes with logo
Photo: The North Face
Pros & Cons
  • Keeps feet dry and comfortable

  • Quick drying

  • Machine wash on gentle cycle

  • No half sizes

Designed for both aquatic and terrestrial adventures, the versatile Women's Skagit water shoe is a top choice if you’re after a shoe that is comfortable even when wet. 

Its key selling point is its quick-drying mesh upper, designed to keep your feet comfortable and fresh This unique feature ensures that your feet will stay dry and comfortable, even when the shoe is fully submerged in water.

Additionally, these shoes don't shy away from functionality on land. The breathable quality of the mesh upper makes them just as suitable for hiking as they are for strolling by the beach or river.

A bonus of this shoe is its anti-microbial finish. This keeps unpleasant odors at bay, ensuring your footwear remains fresh-smelling.

Pros & Cons
  • Wide range of sizes

  • Durable materials

  • Three color options

  • Runs small so size up

These shoes are the epitome of both style and durability. Made with robust leather, they're designed to endure the toughest of hikes, while still providing breathability. 

They’re built for technical day hikes or multi-day backpacking, making them a versatile addition to your outdoor kit.

Designed with more cushioning and stability they offer enhanced comfort, even on uneven terrains. Its waterproof feature is a plus, ensuring your feet remain dry irrespective of weather conditions.

Affordable hiking shoe

Dark grey and purple hiking shoes
Photo: Decathlon
Pros & Cons
  • Affordable price

  • Lightweight and comfortable

  • Supportive cushioning

  • Waterproofing may not hold up after some time

Sporting a highly non-slip rubber outsole with 5mm gripping studs, these Women's Mountain Walking Waterproof Shoes offer exceptional traction, making them ideal for mountain hikes and rugged terrains. 

They come with durable rubber stone guards at the front and back, providing much-needed shock protection. It has waterproof and breathable membrane lining, ensuring your feet remain dry for up to six hours in all weather conditions. 

In terms of comfort, these shoes are a winner. They feature EVA foam with different densities at the heel for comfort and protection from the ground. Its EVOFIT concept gives a generous fit that adapts to the width of the front of the foot.

Pros & Cons
  • 13 color options

  • Wide sizes available

  • Waterproof

  • Good for icy and snowy terrains

  • May not be as supportive around the ankle for some

These hiking boots are made from waterproof full-grain leather and mesh, ensuring your feet remain dry regardless of the weather conditions. With its lightweight yet durable midsole, you get long-lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return on every hiking trip. 

Even if your adventures involve crossing slippery patches or ice, the advanced traction rubber sole ensures slip-free movements.

One of the distinctive attributes of these boots is its mesh bootie construction. It provides durability and breathability, protecting your feet whilst keeping them aired out. No need to worry about sweaty feet during long and strenuous hikes!

Another feature is the boots’ adjustable lace-up closure for a secure fit.

Pros & Cons
  • Five color options

  • Half sizes available

  • Not waterproof

  • Not as supportive as some would like

The Merrell women's Siren Edge 3 hiking shoe is designed for the daring female hiker and combines functionality and style. Made from resilient synthetic material, it's built to withstand the rigors of the most challenging trails.

A simple wipe-down is enough to keep these shoes looking as good as new.

Stylish hiking shoe

Dark green and orange hiking shoes
Photo: Nike

Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX

You save $23.03 (14.39%)
$136.97$160
Pros & Cons
  • Ten color options

  • Option to design your own shoe

  • Half sizes available

  • Not very waterproof

  • Not as supportive as some would like

  • Fits small

The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX offers a blend of comfort and durability and is designed to withstand the elements - from muddy trails to unforeseen downpours.

The secret to its resilience lies in the waterproof GORE-TEX material, which keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Additionally, the shoe features a higher ankle gaiter that gives more coverage, ensuring dryness throughout your run. 

Rated 4.5 stars on average by users, what they love is how lightweight and comfortable the shoe is despite walking in it for hours and the attractive colorways it’s available in.

Best hiking sandal

Light blue Hoka hiking sandal
Photo: Hoka
Pros & Cons
  • Five color options

  • Half sizes available

  • Good cushioning

  • Higher price point compared to other brands

  • Can be bulky

Designed with the HOKA brand's signature attention to detail and performance, the Hopara sandal is designed to conquer any terrain, whether it be wet or dry.

Its synthetic upper features strategic cutouts, serving a dual purpose of providing secure lockdown support and efficient water drainage. Its neoprene collar enhances flexibility and comfort, while the shoe's quick-lace system ensures an optimal fit with minimal fuss.

Thanks to a rubberized EVA midsole, this shoe offers a responsive and cushioned ride that can handle the rigors of any outdoor journey. Its rubberized toe cap offers additional protection against sharp rocks and roots, while the sticky rubber outsole gives you the traction you need to tread confidently on various terrains. It also has 4mm multidirectional lugs for an ultra-strong grip.

Top eco-friendly pick

Pros & Cons
  • Eight color options

  • Half sizes available

  • Made from sustainable materials

  • May be tricky to slip into as ankle area is snug

Allbirds’ Women's Trail Runners SWT are designed to offer the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and style, making them an ideal pick for hiking, walking, and trail running.

Made from sustainable materials such as eucalyptus tree fiber, wool blend, sugarcane and natural rubber, these shoes are durable and feature a water-resistant finish, preventing your feet from getting wet in damp conditions.

But where these shoes truly shine is their all-condition traction. Thanks to their multi-directional 4mm lugs, they provide excellent grip on any surface. A cushioned insole provides ample support, reducing foot fatigue and making them comfortable enough for long hikes or runs.

What are the best walking shoes for women?

The best walking shoes for women provide the perfect balance of comfort, support, and style. They should have a cushioned insole, a durable outsole for good traction, and a breathable upper to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

What footwear is best for women hiking?

The best footwear for a woman hiking should be durable, offer great traction, and be comfortable enough for long walks on varied terrains. They should also be women's waterproof walking shoes to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.

Which hiking shoes are our top picks?

While any of the hiking boots on our list are great options, our top picks have to be the VECTIV Exploris 2 FUTURELIGHT™ Leather Shoes by The North Face and the Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boot

The VECTIV Exploris 2 stands out for its robust leather construction, breathability, and versatility, making it our choice for technical day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. 

For any hiking adventure, the Newton Ridge boots with their waterproof full-grain leather and mesh construction, lightweight midsole and advanced traction rubber sole are our selection.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, investing in the right hiking shoes is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor adventure. So, get a pair that suits your needs, lace up and hit the trails!


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Prices updated on 12/18/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

Sherelyn Goh Professional Headshot
Written by
Sherelyn Goh

A former women's lifestyle magazine editor, Sherelyn Goh has worked with all things beauty, health, style and travel and finds a thrill in discovering and testing new products. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she enjoys food, travel, working out and cooking.

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