Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or you’re new to the trails, you’ll want something on your feet to keep you comfortable on both long and short treks! But finding the best hiking shoe for women can be tough – trust us, we feel your struggle. With so many different kinds of hiking shoes out there, it can be difficult to navigate the kind of shoe that is best for you, and best for the kind of hiking you’ll be doing. Have no fear! The Adventure Junkies have laid out this guide to help you discover the perfect fit, no matter what kind of adventure you’re planning.
From wet, swampy hikes to dry, desert treks, we’ve covered it all. Check out this complete guide to the best hiking shoes for women to find the perfect fit for all of your hiking needs. You’ll be Cinderella (mountain version) with the perfect fit in no time.
For more of our top hiking footwear recommendations, check out the Best Hiking Shoes.
Quick Answer - The Best Hiking Shoes for Women
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Oboz Sawtooth II Low
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The North Face Ultra Fastpack III GTX
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Merrell Chameleon 7 Limit
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Danner Trail
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Merrell Siren Edge
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JOOMRA Minimalist Barefoot
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KEEN Whisper
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Adidas Outdoor Terrex CMTK W
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The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack
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Salomon X-Mission 3
Comparison Table - Best Hiking Shoes for Women
| Picture | Name | Weight | Height | Closure | Upper | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Oboz Sawtooth II Low | 1 lb. 9 oz. | Ankle | Lace-up | Leather & Textile | $$ | 4.9 |
 |
The North Face Ultra Fastpack III GTX | 1 lb. 4 oz. | Ankle | Lace-up | Woven | $$$ | 4.9 |
 |
Merrell Chameleon 7 Limit | 1 lb. 11 oz. | Ankle | Lace-up | Leather & Mesh | $ | 4.6 |
 |
Danner Trail | 1 lb. 2 oz. | Ankle | Lace-up | Leather & Textile | $$ | 4.7 |
 |
Merrell Siren Edge | 1 lb. 4 oz. | Ankle | Lace-up | Mesh | $$ | 4.5 |
 |
JOOMRA Minimalist Barefoot | 1 lb. 2 oz. | Ankle | Stretch/Lace-up | Knitted | $ | 4.5 |
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KEEN Whisper | 1 lb. 1 oz. | Ankle | Elastic Pull Cord | Leather & Webbing | $$ | 4.9 |
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Adidas Outdoor Terrex CMTK W | 10 oz. | Ankle | Lace-up | Mesh | $$ | 4.5 |
 |
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack | 1 lb. 3 oz. | Ankle | Lace-up | Leather | $$$ | 4.8 |
 |
Salomon X-Mission 3 | 1 lb. 2 oz. | Ankle | Elastic Pull Cord | Mesh | $$$ | 4.9 |
| Picture | Name | Weight | Height | Closure | Upper | Price | Rating |
Reviews - The Best Women's Hiking Shoes
Oboz Sawtooth II Low
Specs
- Closure: Lace-up
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Leather & Textile
- Weight: 1 lb. 9 oz.
Features
- 3D Molded Heel Counter Provides Superior Comfort While Keeping The Heel In Place
- Soles Built For Maximum Grip And Low Weight
- Bonus: Oboz Plants A Tree For Every Pair Of Shoes Sold, In Partnership With Trees For The Future!
BEST FOR: STEEPER HIKES
The Oboz Sawtooth II Low Hiking Shoes are built for superior comfort, stability, and grip, even on steep climbs. This hiking shoe is great if you want all the support of a hiking boot without the “clunky” hiking boot feel.
Your heels will sit comfortably in the 3D molded heel counter, which is the part of the shoe that wraps snugly around your achilles and under your heel to provide cushioning and support. Plus, the Sawtooth II Low’s are made from lightweight materials so you can push through those tough, steep climbs.
The North Face Ultra Fastpack III GTX
Specs
- Closure: Lace-up
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Woven
- Weight: 1 lb. 4 oz.
Features
- Waterproof
- Durable Woven Uppers Designed To Last
- Megagrip Outsoles Provide Traction In Slippery Conditions
BEST FOR: WET WEATHER HIKING
If you are the type to get outside in all kinds of weather – even in the rain – then these hiking shoes may be for you. The North Face Ultra Fastpack III GTX Hiking shoes have a waterproof design and are built to weather a storm. Actually, they’re built to weather many storms! These are some of the most durable hiking shoes on the market, so you won’t wear them out easily, even if you bring them through the mud.
What’s more, the trademark Vibram Megagrip rubber outsoles on the bottom of these shoes are designed to provide traction in slippery conditions. Drizzle above and mud on the ground? No problem. North Face has your back with this pair of wet weather hiking shoes.
Merrell Chameleon 7 Limit
Specs
- Closure: Lace-up
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Leather & Mesh
- Weight: 1 lb. 11 oz.
Features
- Rubber Toe-Caps Protect Your Toes From Getting Stubbed On Roots And Rocks
- Molded Arch Support Gives Your Feet Superior Stability, Even On Slick Terrain
- Merrell Air Cushion Insole Provides Maximum Comfort For All Day Wear
BEST FOR: LAST MINUTE PURCHASE
If you need a pair of hiking shoes with no time to break them in, these are the shoes for you! People who purchase these shoes rave about how comfortable they are-right out of the box. You may even find yourself (like many others) wanting to wear these shoes around the house and out for errands, just because of how comfortable they are.
It’s important to put extra emphasis on the comfort factor if you have no time to break in your hiking shoes. While hard sole hiking shoes can be great, they can take some time to get used to. If you jump right into hiking without breaking them in first, they could cause painful blisters.
The Merrell Chameleon Limit 7’s, though, will have you walking on a cloud the very first time you put them on, thanks to their built-in air cushion and molded arch support. These features work together to provide a soft and supportive walking surface so you can hike inside and out without ever wanting to take these shoes off your feet!
Danner Trail
Specs
- Closure: Lace-up
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Leather & Textile
- Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz.
Features
- Mesh Lining Allows Your Feet To Breath On Hot Days
- Ortholite Footbed Helps To Keep Your Feet Cool And Cushioned
- Lightweight Midsole Adds Additional Cushioning And Extended Wearability
BEST FOR: ALL DAY WEAR
You’ll want to sport these functional yet stylish hiking shoes on and off the trail! The Danner Trail 2650 3” hiking shoes look and feel like a pair of sneakers, but they are built to trek. One of the best things about these shoes is their lightweight midsole. A lightweight midsole means these shoes won’t weigh you down and are wearable even on longer, tougher treks.
In addition, they have an Ortholite Footbed, which is found in the sole of the shoe. The Ortholite footbed is made from recycled rubber to give you cushioning and keep a spring in your step all day long! Lastly, the Danner Trails are complete with a mesh lining to allow your sweaty feet to breathe. These shoes are great because you can wear them from morning until night, and your feet will still be comfortable, even if you never take them off.
Merrell Siren Edge
Specs
- Closure: Lace-up
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Mesh
- Weight: 1 lb. 4 oz.
Features
- Antimicrobial Technology Helps Control Odor
- Cushioned Heel Helps To Absorb Shock
- Breathable Mesh Lining Keeps Your Feet Feeling Cool And Fresh All Day Long
BEST FOR: ODOR CONTROL
Do your feet stink after a long walk or hike? Then you need the Merrell Siren Edge Hikers! These sweet kicks feature antimicrobial technology to help keep your shoes feeling fresh. They also have a breathable mesh lining to help whisk away sweat and keep your feet feeling good.
Plus, these shoes are super cozy! Merrell takes your comfort very seriously, which is why they produce some of the most pleasant-feeling hiking shoes around. And their cool 3D print design adds a fresh flare to help you stand out on the trails.
JOOMRA Minimalist Barefoot
Specs
- Closure: Stretch/Lace-up
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Knitted
- Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz.
Features
- Wide and Narrow Options Available
- Extremely Lightweight
- Designed With A Snug Fit To Make It Feel Like You’re Barefoot
BEST FOR: TRAIL RUNNING
The unique design of these JOOMRA Minimalist Trail Runners is complete with a unique feel. These shoes are designed to mimic the sensation of walking or running barefoot. They’re lightweight and fit snugly against your skin. You’ll barely even notice you’re wearing them, which is great if you’re the type of person who likes to be one with the trail while you run.
Even though these shoes are extremely lightweight, they are still durable enough to wear on the trails. Plus, they are a total steal compared to most all other hiking shoes. The only thing you need to be wary of is that they do not provide a whole lot of ankle support. So, choose these shoes for flatter and more mellow trails, but stick to something more supportive if you plan to hike anything steep.
KEEN Whisper
Specs
- Closure: Elastic Pull Cord
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Leather & Webbing
- Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz.
Features
- Sandal-Style Hiking Shoe So You Can Wade Through Water With Confidence
- Closed Toe Protect Your Feet From Scrapes And Stubbing
- Built-In Odor Control Technology Keeps Your Feet Smelling Fresh
- Thick Rubber Soles Built For Durability and Grip
BEST FOR: HIKING IN STREAMS
Keen is a top-rated seller when it comes to water shoes, and their Whisper Sandal is one of their most popular models. These are your ultimate water hiking sandals. If you’re going to be traversing trails with exceptionally wet areas or even rivers running through them, you shouldn’t go without a pair of Keen Whispers!
These sandals come in a huge range of colors. Plus, they are great not only for hiking (with sturdy soles built for durability and grip), but for multi-sport adventures, as well. Their nifty closed-toe design allows you to go from the trail to the shore, the bike path, and beyond!
Adidas Outdoor Terrex CMTK W
Specs
- Closure: Lace-up
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Mesh
- Weight: 10 oz.
Features
- Protective Toe Cap
- Trademarked Rubber Sole Increases Your Traction On Slippery Trails
- Designed Specifically for Women
BEST FOR: FLATTER HIKES AND WALKING
These sneaker-like shoes come from the Adidas outdoor series. Designed to look like sneaks but built to take to the trails, these shoes are perfect for the tamer hikes you’ll tackle. Their trademarked rubber soles helps you grip the ground and cruise along dirt or rocky terrain, while their protective toe caps protect your feet from bumps in the road.
These shoes are an Adventure Junkies’ pick for this list because they are specifically designed with women’s foot shape and comfort in mind. They’re a must for those mellower trails and short day hikes.
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack
Specs
- Closure: Lace-up
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Leather
- Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.
Features
- Polyurethane-Coated (PC) Leather Uppers Protect Your Feet Against Moisture While Allowing Them To Breathe
- Strong Outer Structure Increases The Durability Of These Shoes
- Three-Part Stability System Offers All-over Support
BEST FOR: OVERALL USE
The Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiking shoes have a higher price than many other hiking shoes on the market, but if you plan to do a lot of different kinds of hikes, they are a really great pick. Versatile and durable, these shoes will hold up in all kinds of weather and can take a lot of wear and tear from more difficult terrain. They’re the Adventure Junkie pick for an all-around hiking shoe, and we think you’ll find value in this investment if you plan to do a significant amount of hiking.
Salomon X-Mission 3
Specs
- Closure: Elastic Pull Cord
- Height: Ankle
- Upper: Mesh
- Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz.
Features
- Extremely Breathable
- Moisture-Wicking Liner
- 2 Year Limited Warranty
BEST FOR: VERSATILE TERRAIN
Salomon is one of the most trusted names in hiking shoes. The X-Mission 3 Trail runners are one of Salomon’s very best models, and if you plan to do a lot of hiking on versatile terrain, they are well worth the price. Featuring maximum stability and powerful grip technology to protect you in tough terrain and slippery conditions, these shoes are great both for walking and running on the trail.
In addition to their premium support, grip, and versatility, the X-Mission 3’s come with a limited two year warranty when you order from Amazon, so you know they are built to last. Wide foot? No problem. These shoes also come in women’s wide.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING WOMEN’S HIKING SHOES
GRIP
Grip is a key factor to consider when purchasing any outdoor adventure shoe since it is actually a matter of safety. If you plan to hike something steep, having a good grippy sole means traversing steeper terrain will be a lot easier, and a lot less dangerous, as well. When looking for a shoe with good grip, check out the material it is made with. Vibram rubber is a great choice for good grip. You should also consider the tread, which is the design on the bottom of the shoe. Deeper tread design generally provides better grip than shallow or even flat treads.
VERSATILITY AND TERRAIN
Hiking shoes are generally quite versatile because they are more appropriate for the trails than sneakers are, but they are not quite as evolved as a hiking boot. However, each pair of hiking shoes is designed for a slightly different purpose.
Be sure to consider what kind of hiking you will be doing (think: steep terrain versus flat nature trails, walking versus running, dry versus wet, etc.). Use this info to select a shoe that is specifically designed for the types of terrain you will be traveling the most. If you’re not sure if you should purchase a hiking shoe or hiking boot, you can check out this handy guide from REI: Hiking Boots Vs. Trail Runners: The Great Debate.
SUPPORT
Many of the shoes we recommend in this article feature special support technology. If you are someone who has had an ankle or foot injury, place extra emphasis on the importance of this feature. Conversely, if you plan to use your hiking shoes mostly for flat nature walks, ankle support may not be as vital.
BREATHABILITY
Many hiking shoes are designed to be super breathable and keep your feet cool on long treks. Be aware if this is best for you, though. Breathability sometimes means that the shoe is not waterproof, as it may utilize light, meshy material to let your feet breathe. If you will be hiking in drier, hotter climates, breathability is key. However, if you live in a cooler, wetter area, you may want to go with something that is a little heavier but will keep you dry.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
CLOSURE
The mechanism(s) that the shoe has to allow you to close it around your foot.
OUTSOLE
The material on the very bottom part of the shoe, important for determining grip.
UPPER
The part of the shoe that surrounds and covers the sides and top part of your feet.
3D MOLDED HEEL COUNTER
A special design at the back of the shoe used to hold your heel comfortably in place.
TOE CAP
A protective piece of material (often rubber or steel) on the front edge of your shoe.
FOOTBED
The part of your shoe where your foot sits. A good footbed provides support and comfort.
LINING
The lining of the shoe touches your foot or sock, and is often designed with a specific feature in mind, such as allowing your feet to breathe or locking out moisture.
READ MORE
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