After tapping into the diverse perspectives of women in our family and local community, we’ve curated the ultimate list of top 15 best hiking shoes for women. Tried, tested, and trusted, these picks are so exceptional that those who’ve worn them won’t buy any other shoes anymore.
Best Hiking Shoes For Women
1. Merrell Moab 3
Pro's
✅ Over 800+ positive Amazon reviews
✅ Fantastic grip on diverse terrains
✅ No break-in period; comfortable from the get-go
Con's
❌ Color may differ slightly from photos
❌ Not the lightest option out there
We’ve explored trails and climbed hills with the Merrell Moab 3, and we believe they’re the faithful companion every hiker deserves.
After lacing up the Merrell Moab 3 and hitting the trails, the first thing we notice is the exceptional grip.
Slipping them on, the comfort is immediate. There’s no need to hobble around with stiff shoes and dreaded blisters.
Although they’re not the lightest shoes in our collection, the Moab 3’s sturdiness makes up for the extra weight.
Our hikes with the Merrell Moab 3 have convinced us that these shoes are ready to take on any challenge we throw at them.
2. Merrell Siren Edge 3
Pro's:
✅ Exceptional traction on wet surfaces
✅ Snug fit catering to women's foot shape
✅ Vegan-friendly materials for the eco-conscious
Con's:
❌ May feel too narrow for those with wider feet
❌ Firm soles could be uncomfortable for some
When we took the Merrell Siren Edge 3 out on the trails, their Vibram Megagrip soles really lived up to the hype.
We appreciated the Kinetic Fit TRI insole that supported all three arches of the foot; it’s not every day you find a hiking shoe that considers the natural shape of a woman’s foot so mindfully.
However, if you’re someone who prefers a wide toe box or has wide feet, you might find the fit a bit snug.
3. Columbia Ridge Boots
Pro's:
✅ Exceptional waterproofing for dry feet, even in downpours
✅ Sturdy build with quality materials ensures longevity
✅ Superior traction for confident strides on rough terrain
Con's:
❌ May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
❌ Heavier than some other hiking boots on the market
Having just returned from a hike with the Columbia Ridge Boots, we’re thrilled with their performance.
Walking in these boots feels secure, and although they’re a bit on the heavier side, it’s a small price to pay for such reliable protection.
The only hitch was the slight stiffness during the first few treks, which is expected from heavy-duty hiking boots like these.
4. Oboz Sypes Low B-Dry
Pro's:
✅ Exceptional support for all-day wear
✅ Robust waterproof construction
✅ Great traction for a variety of terrains
Con's:
❌ Leather is a bit stiff initially
❌ Premium price point may not suit all budgets
After lacing up the Oboz Sypes Low B-Dry for several treks, we’ve come to appreciate their robust build quality.
The level of support and comfort provided is clear from the first hike. Although there’s a break-in period due to the leather’s stiffness, once softened, they cradle your feet in comfort that lasts all day.
We’re well aware that finding the perfect fit is critical, and while these shoes fit us nicely, we’ve noticed they may feel quite snug for those with wider feet.
5. NORTIV 8 Hiking Sneakers
Pro's:
✅ Impressively comfortable fit
✅ Durable in various rugged conditions
✅ Lightweight design aids in fatigue reduction
Con's:
❌ Not fully waterproof, which limits usability in wet weather
❌ Arch support can be insufficient for specific foot types
It’s rare to come across a shoe that feels this supportive from the get-go. Perfect for those long walks where comfort is key, they live up to the promise of being both lightweight and breathable.
Crafted with 100% leather and mesh, durability meets breathable wearability.
However, while these shoes thrilled us with their robust functionality during dry days, they struggled somewhat once the skies opened up.
6. Merrell Moab 2 Vent
Pro's:
✅ Supreme comfort straight out of the box
✅ Exceptional grip with Vibram soles for tricky terrain
✅ Breathable design keeps feet cool on long hikes
Con's:
❌ Laces could offer better adjustability
❌ Somewhat bulky for those preferring a sleeker shoe
The snug fit and supportive footbed promised miles of comfort, which they delivered without fail.
Traversing a variety of terrains with confidence comes naturally in the Moab 2 Vent. The Vibram soles grip the earth with authority, allowing us to scale slippery slopes and navigate loose rocks with ease.
As avid hikers, we appreciate a shoe that understands the importance of breathability. These Merrells excel at keeping our feet cool during long treks on hot days, preventing the dreaded dampness that leads to discomfort—or worse, blisters.
7. Oboz Sapphire Hikers
Pro's:
✅ Tailor-fitted design prevents heel slippage and blisters
✅ Waterproof and breathable, feet stay dry in wet conditions
✅ Soft tongue and nubuck leather offer all-day comfort
Con's:
❌ May need to size up, as they tend to run small
❌ Can feel warm which might not suit hot weather hikes
They hug our feet snugly, especially around the heels, keeping them secure without causing any discomfort.
Navigating through moist trails, our feet remained perfectly dry, thanks to the waterproof craftsmanship.
As the day wore on, we appreciated the supple nubuck leather and the cushioned feel under our feet.
For those who prioritize dry, blissfully comfortable feet on their hikes while sporting a shoe that molds perfectly to their stride, we think the Oboz Sapphire Low Hiking Shoe is a stellar choice.
8. KEEN Women’s NXIS Speed hiking shoes
Pro's:
✅ Exceptionally comfortable from the first wear
✅ Versatile enough for various terrains and weather conditions
✅ Breathable design, ideal for long hikes
Con's:
❌ Not the most affordable option
❌ Limited toe space for those used to KEEN's wider toe boxes
On our latest adventure, we stepped into the KEEN Women’s NXIS Speed hiking shoes, and they certainly did not disappoint.
Not only did these shoes feel like a natural extension of our feet, but they also stood up to the rigors of both rocky inclines and slick stream crossings.
With versatility as a highlight, these KEEN shoes seamlessly transitioned from city pavement to backcountry trails.
When we look for a robust hiking shoe, breathability is key, and the NXIS Speed delivers. Even during those warmer climbs, our feet felt aired and cool, vastly reducing discomfort.
The price tag may be a bit steep for the budget-conscious explorer, and if you’re someone with decidedly narrow feet, these may have a bit too much wiggle room for you.
9. KEEN Targhee III
Pro's:
✅ Impressively comfortable right out of the box
✅ Durably waterproof to keep feet dry in wet conditions
✅ Spacious toe box offers ample room for movement
Con's:
❌ Some might find the style bulky
❌ Heavier than some alternative hiking shoes
The solid construction gave us confidence over rocky paths, and despite a full day’s hike, there were no signs of blisters or discomfort, suggesting little to no break-in period was needed.
Rain clouds did little to dampen our spirits, thanks to the waterproof leather uppers.
When it came to performance on different terrains, the traction was superb. Slippery surfaces, often a concern on hikes, were handled with ease by the robust rubber sole.
10. Columbia Newton Ridge Boots
Pro's:
✅ Superior cushioning for long hikes
✅ Waterproof performance keeps feet dry
✅ High-traction outsole for slippery terrains
Con's:
❌ May require a break-in period for some
❌ Might be snug across the toes
For those of us with an adventurous spirit who still prize comfort, these boots were a beautiful balance of both.
Navigating rocky paths and slippery stream crossings, we found the traction on these boots to be stellar.
At the end of the day, it’s clear these boots are made with the hiker’s experience in mind.
11. Merrell Moab 2 Vent
Pro's:
✅ The ventilation design keeps our feet cool even on warm days.
✅ Superior Vibram soles give us trustworthy grip on various terrains.
✅ They offer comfort right out of the box, requiring minimal break-in time.
Con's:
❌ The lace design might challenge those who prefer quick adjustments.
❌ Some might find the aesthetics less appealing compared to sleeker models.
On our first trek, the breathability was immediately noticeable – we remember marveling at how our feet remained cool despite the midday heat.
We’ll admit, the grip performance of some hiking shoes can be a hit or miss, but not with these Moabs.
We must discuss the durability because these shoes are like the rugged, no-nonsense workhorse we all want on our team.
Sure, we had a small niggle with the laces. They’re not the quickest to adjust, especially with gloves on. And while we’re mentioning it, a touch more room around the fingers would be neat for those of us who like a more spacious toe box.
12. Columbia Crestwood Hikers
Pro's:
✅ Comfortable fit straight out of the box
✅ Waterproof performance keeps feet dry
✅ Spacious design suitable for wide feet
Con's:
❌ Minimal arch support
❌ Sole grip could improve for more technical terrain
The ankle-high shaft cradled our feet nicely, providing support without constriction. The roomy interior was a plus for us with wider feet, as it gave ample space without any pinching.
We couldn’t help but appreciate how dry our feet stayed after a stream crossing. These shoes proved their worth by fending off water with ease, affirming their waterproof claims.
Nevertheless, after several hours on the trail, we noticed the lack of arch support. For those of us who need more specific contouring or have higher arches, this was a slight drawback.
13. NORTIV 8 Hiking Sneakers
Pro's:
✅ Excellent traction on rocky surfaces
✅ Lightweight, doesn't weigh down your feet
✅ Comfortable fit from day one
Con's:
❌ Not fully waterproof, so avoid deep puddles
❌ Ankle support could be better for some
The shoes held up admirably as we navigated both smooth and rocky paths, proving their versatility. Their rubber soles gripped the terrain confidently, letting us hike without a slip.
On the vertiginous descents and sudden climbs, the lightweight nature of these sneakers was a game changer.
Although they are not fully waterproof, they held up against morning dew and light rain, keeping our feet dry enough to continue our adventures comfortably.
14. Merrell Crosslander Hikers
Pro's:
✅ Roomy fit for wide feet, which ensures comfort during lengthy treks
✅ Durable construction, easily handling rough and rugged terrains
✅ Efficient water resistance, keeping your feet mostly dry in damp conditions
Con's:
❌ Some may find the insole to be thin, potentially feeling the trail beneath
❌ For those with very small feet, sizing might be challenging
The ample room for our feet kept blisters at bay during long walks, and the excellent support felt especially good on our arches and ankles. Traversing rocky paths was a breeze; the traction on these shoes kept us confident and stable.
We appreciated the ease with which we could clean off the day’s dirt. Just a quick brush and they were as good as new, ready for our next excursion.
The real deal-sealer was during a surprise downpour; our feet stayed surprisingly dry, showcasing the quality of the water-resistant material.
15. Columbia Trailstorm Hikers
Pro's:
✅ Amazing comfort right out of the box
✅ Tough and waterproof, a boon for unpredictable weather
✅ Strikingly lightweight for longer treks
Con's:
❌ The speed hooks can catch on brush or pants
❌ They may run a tad larger, requiring careful sizing
The lightness is a serious plus, making it feel like we’re gliding over the rugged terrain rather than trudging.
Tramping through puddles and muddy paths left our feet completely dry, thanks to the impressive waterproofing.
The Trailstorm Peak’s grip on rocky paths instilled confidence with every step. Despite a minor gripe with the speed hooks which can snag now and then, we found ourselves reaching for these shoes every time the mountains call.
-Your Advntur-Team 🙂
