Choosing the best women’s hiking boots means a blister-free, enjoyable hiking experience. We tested ten hiking shoes for women to find the best of the best.
Whether you’re tackling challenging 14ers in Colorado, exploring family-friendly trails in national parks, or enjoying a peaceful walk through a local nature preserve, the right hiking boots can make all the difference. A great pair of women’s hiking boots will let you focus on the scenery around you, not the blisters on your feet.
Hiking boots are designed to provide the protection, comfort, and support you need on varied terrain, from smooth paths to rugged, technical trails. But with so many options out there, choosing the right pair can feel daunting. That’s where we come in. My wife, Christina, and I, along with our two children, have hiked in more than 30 countries around the world. In every type of environment, from desert to rainforest and arctic to tropical.
We’ve used that experience and expertise to help you choose the right footwear for your adventures. We’ve researched and reviewed the best women’s hiking boots of 2025, from lightweight trail runners to sturdy boots built for epic journeys.
Hiking has been a central part of my family’s adventures around the world. We’re always seeking out new trails to explore, whether it’s a scenic stroll through Garden of the Gods, a challenging climb in the Atlas Mountains, or a trek across Iceland’s volcanic landscapes. These experiences have taught us that hiking is one of the best ways to truly connect with a place.
But navigating the world of hiking boots can be tricky. Leather, suede, mesh, synthetics – the choices can be overwhelming. And then there’s the crucial aspect of support. Finding a hiking shoe that supports your feet and ankles where you need it most is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
I love researching hiking gear, and I’m excited to share my knowledge to help you find the perfect boots. We’ve evaluated countless women’s hiking boots, focusing on comfort, durability, and support so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying the trails.
Further down, we’ll share the detailed criteria we look for in a women’s hiking boot. But, if you’re eager to see our top recommendations, here are our picks for the best women’s hiking boots available now.
The Best Hiking Shoes For Women
Table of Contents
| Best High-Ankle Hiking Boot | Best Low-Ankle Hiking Boot | Best Lightweight Hiking Shoe | Best Trail Runners |
 |  |  |  |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 CLIMASALOMON | Oboz Sawtooth II Low Ankle | Salomon OUTPulse Low Ankle | Altra Lone Peak 8 |
| Waterproof (Gore-Tex) | Waterproof (Gore-Tex) | Waterproof (Gore-Tex) | Not Waterproof |
| 14.11 oz | 1 lb 12.4 oz | 10.5 oz | 1 lb 2.4 oz |
| Ultra lightweight | Breathable | Durable Design | Wide-toe Design |
| Loads of Support | Excellent grip | Stiff Soles for Traction | Gaiter for Stone Protection |
 | | | |
Choosing the Right Women’s Hiking Boots: Key Features for Trail-Ready Feet
Finding the perfect hiking boots for women is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the trails. It’s about more than just a good fit – it’s about finding shoes that support your feet, protect you from the elements, and keep you going mile after mile.
Here’s what we look for when evaluating the best women’s hiking boots:
1. Comfort: Because Happy Feet Make for Happy Trails
Comfort is paramount when choosing women’s hiking shoes. Uncomfortable feet can quickly turn a scenic hike into an unpleasant slog. We want you to enjoy every step of the journey.
- Flexibility: While hiking boots need to be supportive, they also need to allow for natural foot movement. Look for shoes that flex easily at the forefoot, mimicking your foot’s natural motion.
- Lightweight Design: Heavy boots can lead to fatigue, especially on longer hikes. We prioritize lightweight materials that don’t sacrifice support or durability.
- Cushioning: Ample cushioning, particularly in the insole and midsole, is essential for absorbing impact and providing all-day comfort on uneven terrain.
- Breathability: Sweaty feet are a recipe for blisters. Look for boots with breathable materials, such as mesh panels or moisture-wicking linings, to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
- Fit for a Woman: Women’s feet are often narrower in the heel and wider in the forefoot than men’s (you can find our men’s hiking boot guide here). Look for shoes that are designed specifically for the female foot, offering a snug heel fit, ample toe room, and proper arch support.
2. Durability: Built to Withstand Miles of Adventures
Hiking boots are an investment, and you want a pair that can handle whatever the trail throws your way. We look for durable construction that can withstand the wear and tear of countless hikes. We don’t buy hiking shoes for one season as we do with our kid’s hiking shoes; we buy them for several years of use.
- Quality Materials: Leather offers excellent durability and water resistance when properly cared for, while modern synthetics can be just as tough and often lighter. Look for abrasion-resistant fabrics and reinforced stitching.
- Reinforced Toe and Heel: These areas take the brunt of the impact on the trail. Look for boots with rubber toe caps and reinforced heel counters for added protection and longevity.
- Water Resistance/Waterproofing: Keeping your feet dry is essential for comfort and preventing blisters. Consider whether you need water-resistant or fully waterproof boots depending on the climate and terrain you’ll be hiking in.
3. Grip: Traction You Can Count On
From slick rocks to muddy paths, unpredictable terrain is part of the adventure. That’s why reliable traction is essential for staying sure-footed on the trail.
- Deep, Multi-Directional Lugs: The lugs are the bumps on the sole of the boot. Look for deep, well-spaced lugs with a multi-directional pattern to provide grip on a variety of surfaces.
- Sticky Rubber Outsole: The type of rubber used in the outsole makes a big difference. Look for high-traction rubber compounds that grip well on both wet and dry surfaces.
4. Support: Protecting Your Feet and Joints
Proper support is essential for preventing injuries and keeping you comfortable on longer hikes. We look for boots that provide ample support for your feet, ankles, and arches.
- Ankle Support: Consider the level of ankle support you need. Low-cut shoes offer more flexibility, while mid-cut boots provide more ankle support for uneven terrain. High-cut boots offer maximum ankle support and protection, but they can feel more restrictive.
- Arch Support: Proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly and reduces strain on your feet. Look for boots with contoured footbeds, or consider adding aftermarket insoles for customized support.
- Stable Heel: A firm heel counter helps keep your foot stable and aligned, preventing excessive pronation or supination (rolling inward or outward).
Now that you know what we look for, here are our top picks for the best women’s hiking boots that deliver on all fronts:
The Best Mid-Ankle Hiking Boot For Women
Women’s mid-ankle hiking boots offer a convenient midpoint between the sturdy and stiff features of high-ankle boots and the lightweight comfort of a low-ankle shoe or trail runner. But, it does this without sacrificing all of the ankle support.
If you’re looking for a sturdy pair of all-purpose hiking shoes that can be used across multiple terrains and environments, the mid-ankle design is for you. We find them to be the most versatile hiking boots for most hikers.
Top Choice – Salomon X ULTRA 4 Pioneer CLIMASALOMON
Salomon has consistently built some of the most exciting and reliable women’s hiking boots on the market. And their latest iteration of the X Ultra-series takes everything they have done and brings it up another notch.
The X Ultra Pioneer is significantly lighter, more durable, and has better water resistance than past models. Yet, it still holds on to the incredible support points and comfortable insole that we’ve loved about past models in this series.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 offers the weight and comfort of a trail runner with the support and grip of a mid-ankle hiking boot. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s more on par with a running shoe than it is with a traditional women’s hiker.
That lightweight and comfort don’t come with the sacrifice of other important hiking boot features such as traction and waterproofing. It’s truly one of the best all-around women’s hiking boots on the market.
If you require excellent ankle protection or a stiff sole, you might want to consider something in a high-ankle boot. But if you have been wearing low or mid-ankle hiking boots in the past and are looking to move up in quality, this model should be on your list.
Budget Option – Merrell Moab 2 Mid-Ankle Hiking Boots
I have been a huge fan of Merrell hiking boots for as long as I can remember. Perhaps it’s the fact that they come in both regular and wide-foot designs so that they can fit a large array of women’s feet. Or, perhaps, it’s the fact that they’ve never let me down through countless hikes in Iceland, Colorado, and around the world.
These boots are incredibly tough, comfortable, and breathable, which is excellent if you’re caught in the rain or find yourself in any low-water crossing. They are also among the most affordable women’s hiking shoes.
Most of the time, Merrel Moab 3s are what you’ll find on my family’s feet. That’s because they are excellent hiking boots, and they come in at a fraction of the cost of many of the higher-end boots.
Are they the best? No. But they are the best for the money, by far.
The Best Low-Ankle Hiking Boot For Women
Low-ankle hiking shoes are fantastic for those looking for a lightweight, flexible and comfortable hiking boot who don’t need the extra support of a mid or high-ankle boot.
These are the go-to hiking shoes for women who enjoy trail walking, day hiking, and exploring well-trodden trails where the chance of encountering uneven terrain is less likely. Consider a mid or high-ankle boot if you’re thinking you might be doing some scrambling or hiking among rocks, carrying a heavy load, or other strenuous hiking.
Top Choice – Oboz Sawtooth II
Oboz is known for crafting world-class women’s hiking shoes. And if money were no option, the Sawtooth II model would be on my feet almost every day. They are sturdy and waterproof and offer some of the best traction under nearly every circumstance.
At 1 lb 12.4 oz for the pair, the Sawtooth II by Oboz is lightweight and versatile, with a comfortable insole that offers a stiff base for rough and slippery surfaces.
The one downside of the Oboz continues to be their choice of laces and how they connect to the shoe. I’d like to see them use something less bulky for the price, where you have easier access to adjust them towards the bottom.
Budget Option – Merrell Moab 3 Low Hiking Shoe
Once again, Merrell steps up and offers all of those looking for a lower-budget women’s hiking shoe the chance to get into the game. These budget-friendly women’s hiking shoes come in both wide and regular styles to fit most women’s feet. They are comfortable right out of the box and don’t require much work to break them in.
For those looking for a bit more breathability, the Merrel Moab 3 Low comes in a vented, waterproof model that works for just about any hiking situation. Typically, when I shop for women’s hiking boots, I always opt for the waterproof models, as I’m constantly chasing my kids into the water. It seems that Merrell recognizes that and always has this option on the table.
These hiking shoes come in at about 1 lb 12 oz, which is slightly lighter than Oboz Sawtooth II. And they are also a good deal less expensive.
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoe For Women
So you love hiking, but you don’t like classic women’s hiking shoe styles. I get it. These lightweight women’s hikers fit somewhere between the classic running shoe, the trail runner, and the low-cut boot, making for one of the most lightweight, comfortable, and versatile hikers for those who like to explore gentle trails.
Lightweight hiking shoes tend to be lighter than boots, more durable than trail runners, and generally more stylish for those who might also like to wear them for urban exploring.
The designs tend to focus on lightweight mesh tops that help with breathability but contain a leather sidewall that offers improved support and firmness.
Top Choice – Salomon OUTPulse Low
One of the best lightweight women’s hiking shoe designers has been and still is Salomon. Their OUTPulse Low model is designed for flexibility and versatility, allowing hikers to stay agile on well-worn trails while still offering protection for soles and toes.
At 10.5 oz per shoe, these are among the lightest hiking shoes on the market. The OUTPulse model is also waterproof, which is fantastic for small stream crossings.
Budget Option – KEEN Terradora II Waterproof Low
A quick caveat here: I don’t love the KEEN Terradora Flex waterproof, but women with narrower feet generally prefer them over Merrel’s.
These nimble and lightweight hiking shoes provide decent stability and protection from sharp rocks and stubbed toes. The soles offer excellent grip, making them a nice option for those who hike along rivers or on slippery surfaces.
They are also waterproof. And at 1 lb 5.2 oz for the pair, they are decent weight, coming in slightly heavier than the Salomons.
Best Trail Runners For Women
I LOVE trail runners. They are light, comfortable, and a great option for hikers who love to tackle trails with speed or fitness in mind.
Because trail runners are so lightweight, they are also popular with thru-hikers and cross-country runners. They tend to offer better hiking support and grip than running shoes but little to no ankle support.
These aren’t a great option for those who carry a heavy backpack or a baby carrier for hiking. That’s because the lack of lateral support makes ankle sprains much more common. But, if you’re hiking some long trails with just a light pack and a lot of energy, women’s trail runners will serve you very well.
Top Choice – Altra Lone Peak
Altra Lone Peaks has been a staple for thru-hikers on the Pacific Coast Trail and the Appalachian Trail for quite a while now. Their wide-toe shoe design is friendly for those who spend long hours on the trail and need room for the inevitable swelling that comes from a lot of time on your feet.
The Altra Lone Peak 8 design is ingenious. Although it’s not waterproof (the design is more focused on breathability), it does have gaiter tabs that do an excellent job of keeping dirt and stones from entering your shoe while on the trail.
At 1 lb 2.4 oz for the pair, these are among the lightest hiking shoes on the market.
Waterproof Option – Merrell Trail Glove 6 Trail Running Shoes
If you’re looking for a waterproof women’s trail runner, the Merrell Trail Glove 6 is our choice. These hikers are another favorite among thru-hikers and cross-country runners and have a rock plate to help protect the hiker’s feet from rough terrain.
They are slightly heavier, at 1 lb 8 oz, than the Altra’s. The waterproof design is excellent for muddy trails, small streams, and puddles. The soles offer excellent traction in all conditions. If you like this style over the Altra’s, the Merrell Trail Glove 6 also has a non-Gore-Tex style.
It’s Time To Hit The Trails With Your New Women’s Hiking Boots
Whether your hiking style includes adventurous trails like the Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, or short, scenic routes like the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, these women’s hiking shoes will help you enjoy the outdoors comfortably.
Enjoy your time on the trails. Please remember to leave no trace. And don’t hesitate to share your experiences in our Family Travel Support Group on Facebook.
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