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10 Best Womens Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9  score

CC-Los Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Breathable Walking Shoes for Outdoor Climbing Beige Size 8.5

Fit: memory foam sockliner
Support: memory foam sockliner
Traction: rubber outsole, anti-slip, wear-resistant
Waterproofing: Waterproof
Weight: lightweight
Breathability: eco-friendly suede leather and mesh
Durability: reinforced toe, wear-resistant outsole

Chosen by 1379 this week

Merrell Women's Moab 3, Altitude, 5

Fit: lace-up, bellows tongue, toe cap
Support: removable contoured insole, reinforced heel
Traction: Vibram TC5+ outsole
Breathability: lightweight leather and mesh upper

Columbia Womens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot, Kettle/Berry Patch, 9.5

Support: TECHLITE midsole
Traction: OMNI-GRIP outsole
Waterproofing: OMNI-TECH technology
Weight: slightly heavy
Breathability: OMNI-TECH technology
Durability: durable leather and mesh uppers

Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe, Aluminum, 7.5

Support: Moab 3 footbed, Air Cushion tech
Traction: Vibram TC5+ outsole
Weight: lightweight
Breathability: less breathable than mesh
Durability: gold-rated leather, rubber caps

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

Fit: Mid-height design
Support: Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole, reinforced heel
Traction: Vibram TC5+ rubber sole
Waterproofing: Waterproof membrane
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Breathability: Mesh elements, less breathable waterproof leather
Durability: Protective toe cap, pigskin leather

Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, Elk/Mountain Red, 9

Fit: secure lace-up
Support: supportive mid-cut design
Traction: Omni-GRIP rubber outsole
Waterproofing: waterproof leather, suede, seam-sealed
Breathability: limited ventilation
Durability: reinforced toe and heel

Merrell Women's Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Granite, 9.5

Fit: comfortable fit, some find narrow
Support: removable insole, reinforced heel, nylon arch
Traction: Vibram TC5+ rubber sole
Waterproofing: waterproof membrane, pigskin leather, mesh
Weight: lightweight EVA foam midsole
Breathability: mesh upper, decent breathability
Durability: leather upper, reinforced toe cap

Columbia Womens Transverse Suede Waterproof Hiking Boot, Canvas Tan/New Moon, 8

Fit: good fit and comfort
Support: cushioned collar, ankle shaft, moderate support
Traction: OMNI-GRIP outsole, special compounds, tread
Waterproofing: OMNI-TECH construction, waterproof membrane
Weight: relatively lightweight, reasonable weight
Breathability: adequate but not exceptional
Durability: durable suede, mesh upper, metal hardware
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

CC-Los Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Breathable Walking Shoes for Outdoor Climbing Beige Size 8.5

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,379
Fit
Waterproofing
Durability

Most important from
742 reviews

Fit
These hiking shoes deliver excellent comfort right out of the box without any break-in period.
Waterproofing
Waterproof performance is reliable and keeps feet dry as promised.
Durability
Quality materials provide a sturdy and durable feel suitable for rugged terrain.

The CC-Los Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes offer a good balance of comfort and functionality for outdoor activities. They fit well thanks to a memory foam sockliner that cushions your feet, helping support during long walks or climbs. The shoes use eco-friendly suede leather combined with mesh, which enhances breathability and helps keep feet dry and fresh by reducing sweat build-up. Waterproofing is a strong point here, so you can trust these shoes to keep your feet dry even in wet conditions.

The rubber outsole is designed for traction and safety, with anti-slip and wear-resistant features plus a reinforced toe for added protection on rough terrain. These shoes are lightweight, making them easier to wear over extended periods without feeling heavy or cumbersome. Durability also seems solid, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable gear.

These hiking shoes are a practical choice for women looking for comfortable, breathable, and waterproof footwear that performs well on various terrains without being too heavy.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,379
Fit
Waterproofing
Durability

Most important from
742 reviews

Fit
These hiking shoes deliver excellent comfort right out of the box without any break-in period.
Waterproofing
Waterproof performance is reliable and keeps feet dry as promised.
Durability
Quality materials provide a sturdy and durable feel suitable for rugged terrain.
#2

NORTIV 8 Womens Waterproof Hiking Boots Low Top Lightweight Outdoor Trekking Camping Trail Hiking Boots Size 8.5 M US SNHB211W, Grey/Blue

Rating
9.8
Fit
Traction
Waterproofing

Most important from
4563 reviews

Fit
The fit is true to size, comfortable, and simply freaking cute.
Traction
Nice grip on bottom helps walk in any weather, keeping feet dry.
Waterproofing
Worn them in the rain and my feet stayed dry.
Weight
They aren't super light because they are actually substantial, heavy-duty boots.

The NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots are a solid choice for women looking for reliable footwear for hiking and outdoor activities. These boots are designed with comfort in mind, featuring a lightweight and durable midsole. The advanced traction rubber soles provide good grip, especially on rugged terrain, which is essential for safety during hikes.

The combination of suede leather and mesh material ensures durability and a degree of breathability, which helps keep your feet comfortable over extended periods of use. Additionally, the boots are waterproof, making them suitable for various weather conditions, including wet environments. The feminine style with contrasting color combinations adds an appealing aesthetic touch to the functional design.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Some might find the suede exterior less durable against rough surfaces compared to synthetic materials. While the mesh tongue aids in breathability, the overall breathability might still be limited due to the design prioritizing waterproofing. Additionally, the weight, while relatively light, may not be the lightest option available in the market. Despite these minor drawbacks, the NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots offer a good balance of comfort, traction, and style, making them a practical option for those who enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.

Rating
9.8
Fit
Traction
Waterproofing

Most important from
4563 reviews

Fit
The fit is true to size, comfortable, and simply freaking cute.
Traction
Nice grip on bottom helps walk in any weather, keeping feet dry.
Waterproofing
Worn them in the rain and my feet stayed dry.
Weight
They aren't super light because they are actually substantial, heavy-duty boots.
#3

Merrell Women's Moab 3, Altitude, 5

Rating
9.7
Fit
Support
Traction

Most important from
3785 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
9.7
Fit
Support
Traction

Most important from
3785 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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