Travel Products Activity + Adventure Camping + Hiking The Best Hiking Shoes for Women, From Breathable Trail Runners to Stylish Crossovers, Tested We tested the gamut of hiking shoes to find the best for everyone from budget-conscious shoppers, hikers with specific foot needs, and more. By Maggie Slepian Maggie Slepian Instagram Website Maggie Slepian is a full-time writer in the outdoor world with a decade of gear-testing experience Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 31, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Other Shoes We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski Buying a pair of hiking shoes isn’t just a financial investment; your shoe choice can make or break your summer of hiking and backpacking, and the wrong pair can ruin an otherwise epic trip. Buying the right pair of hiking shoes will help keep you out longer and encourage you to get out in the first place, whether you’re hiking abroad or finding the best trails in your state. We listed our top eight pairs of hiking shoes here, focusing on low-top shoes instead of boots for this roundup. A hiking shoe has a similar construction and midsole/outsole design as a hiking boot minus the over-the-ankle material. Hiking shoes are lighter than boots and offer more flexibility on the trail without sacrificing protection from rocks and roots. We wore each of these shoes on the trail and collected feedback based on durability, comfort, fit, performance, and value. From there, we narrowed it down based on what type of hiker each shoe is best suited for. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Merrell Women's Speed Eco Hiking Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best Ultralight: Danner Trail 2650 Campo Women's Hiking Shoes at REI Jump to Review Best Cushion: HOKA Trail-Running Shoes at REI Jump to Review Best for Narrow Feet: Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe at Zappos Jump to Review Best for Trail Running: La Sportiva Women's Trail Running Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best Waterproofing: Salomon Waterproof Hiking Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best Everyday Crossover: Teva Geotrecca Low Women's Hiking Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Merrell Women's Speed Eco Hiking Shoe 5 Merrell View On Amazon View On Zappos View On REI Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It They have excellent arch support with zero break-in time. What to Consider We’d love to see a solid black or dark gray model. Merrell is perhaps best known for their sturdy Moab 2 Hiking Shoes, and the Speed Eco keeps the support and durability of the Moab with an updated design, streamlined silhouette, and increased breathability. We could spend all day raving about this shoe, which boast arch support, out-of-the-box comfort, and a reasonable price point. These shoes have all of the trail-worthy features we love from Merrell, including a specially designed tongue to keep debris out, multidirectional lugs for increased grip, and a durable, wicking upper to keep your feet dry during hot hikes. Even in scorching Arizona weather, we didn’t notice our feet sweating or retaining any moisture during the duration of our hikes. Meanwhile, the grippy outsole kept us on our feet even on uneven, rocky terrain. These shoes fit true to size and come in half sizes, with a moderate fit that doesn’t feel narrow and compressive but still has enough heel and upper support to stay stable on uneven terrain. We’ve never experienced blisters or hot spots with these shoes, even wearing them right out of the box. On top of all the accolades, these shoes use the most recycled material out of any of Merrell’s models, so you can feel even better about your purchase. Price at time of publish: $100 The Details: 1. 25 pounds | Mesh, jacquard, EVA foam, rubber Best Ultralight Danner Trail 2650 Campo Women's Hiking Shoes 4.9 Danner View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Danner.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It It's a classic look updated in a lightweight style with great outsole traction. What to Consider The materials on these shoes aren’t great for super wet hikes. The suede upper and muted tones of the Danner Trail 2650 are a nod to the company’s classic hiking boot, albeit in a low-cut, modernized look. This is a lightweight, versatile trail shoe that won’t weigh you down but still provides plenty of support for comfort all season long. The material is flexible and breathable, and we didn’t experience any hot spots or blisters after wearing them straight from the box to the trail. The shoes felt a bit snug at first, but adjusting the laces made for the perfect fit. It’s also important to note that leather stretches more than synthetics, so if these shoes feel tighter than you’re used to, there’s a good chance they’ll stretch just enough to feel comfortable after a few wears. Thanks to Danner’s casual outdoors design ethos, these are also the shoes we’d be most likely to wear out and about around town as well as on trails. Price at time of publish: $160 The Details: 1.2 | Leather, mesh, EVA foam, rubber Best Cushion HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX Trail-Running Shoes Backcountry View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Hoka.com Why We Love It These technical hiking shoes have a wicking upper and deep, multidirectional lugs. What to Consider The tall stack height takes some getting used to. Hoka shoes might look extreme with their 30-millimeter stack height and wild colors, but the plush cushioning through the midsole and deep, multidirectional lugs make these one of the most technical shoes on the market. Hokas are revered in the running community (and in fashion and celebrity sightings), but they’re also just a great shoe for both short and long hikes. The cushioning and rebound through the midsole allows for longer time on the trail without fatigue. With such a comfortable insole, we were able to hike for much longer without taking a rest than we usually do. We love these shoes for dry and wet traction, as the Vibram Megagrip outsole has aggressive lugs and two types of rubber based on the necessary traction per stride. These shoes fit slightly narrower than others on this list, which is great for security, but might feel tight to some people. And if this is your first time wearing a shoe with such a tall stack height, be aware that it might take a few hikes to get used to. Price at time of publish: $170 The Details: 1.43 pounds | GTX membrane | Jacquard, EVA foam, rubber The Best Hiking Socks to Stave off Blisters, Cold Feet, and More Best for Narrow Feet Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe 4.9 Oboz View On Zappos View On REI View On Backcountry.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It It provides a comfortable, adjustable fit for women with narrower feet. What to Consider This shoe needs more of a break-in period than lighter models. When it comes to the prized combo of durability and a protective midsole/outsole, Oboz is hard to beat. From burly winter hiking boots to breathable summer trail shoes, Oboz has a wide range of shoes and boots, and the Sawtooth X Low falls right in the middle of the lineup. This is a sturdy pair of shoes with a proprietary B-dry membrane that lets the upper breathe while still providing waterproofing from rain, slush, and shallow creek crossings. These shoes have a slightly stiffer midsole than more flexible trail-running crossovers, but the nylon shanks offer torsional stability and the denser foam is protective against sharp rocks or protruding roots. We saw no signs of wear and tear after the testing period, and testers with narrower heels felt supported and stable from the first wear. “For someone like me — who has a narrow heel and lots of toe — it's hard to find shoes/boots that fit,” a tester said. “This is my first time wearing a hiking shoe [instead of boot] and I'm pleasantly surprised at how supportive and sturdy they are.” Price at time of publish: $160 The Details: 1.76 pounds | B-dry membrane | Materials: Leather, mesh, foam, rubber Best for Trail Running La Sportiva Jackal II BOA Women's Trail Running Shoe La Sportiva View On Amazon View On Lasportivausa.com Why We Love It The BOA system allows for even tensioning across the whole shoe. What to Consider The shoes run about a half size small, soconsider sizing up. These inventive shoes combine gaiters and BOA fasteners in a rugged-yet-lightweight build for a trail-running shoe ideal for everything from mellow dirt roads to rocky scrambles. Despite the light weight, we were blown away by the durability. The shoes didn’t show any signs of excessive or abnormal wear and tear after wearing them for over 100 miles throughout the testing period. No rips in the fabric, no gouges in the sides from sharp rocks, and no loose seams. Be aware that the shoes do run about a half-size small. Expect good arch support from the compression-molded EVA combined with PU inserts for more stability, as well as dual-rubber outsoles designed to maintain grip and traction on a variety of wet and dry ground at all angles. We also love how breathable these shoes are and how fast they dry, especially given the higher rise of the built-in gaiter. Price at time of publish: $185 The Details: 1.18 pounds | Mesh, EVA foam, rubber Best Waterproofing Salomon X Ultra Pioneer ClimaSalomon Waterproof Hiking Shoes Salomon View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Publiclands.com Why We Love It Padding around the tongue and heel counter is quite ergonomic. What to Consider Its outsole traction isn’t as good as others on this list. With extra support around the upper to keep your feet in place during steep ascents and descents, the Salomon X Ultra Pioneer is a great choice for hikers who want a supportive shoe that functions more as a low-top hiking boot than a trail runner. The tongue is integrated into the upper material to keep water from seeping in, and the shoe uses Salomon’s proprietary waterproofing membrane to maintain as much breathability as possible while keeping water out. We wore these in flowing water that went up to the middle of the shoe, and our feet stayed entirely dry during the water test. These shoes are fairly rugged, with a burly toe cap to keep from stubbing your toes and reinforced lacing systems and extra support through the midsole. The midsole is reinforced to reduce fatigue during long days, and while they’re heavier than others on this list, some hikers might appreciate the sturdiness of a true hiking shoe. Price at time of publish: $135 The Details: 1.67 pounds | ClimaSalomon membrane | Leather, rubber, mesh The 10 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Budget ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes ASICS View On Amazon View On Asics.com View On Dick's Why We Love It Asics’ gel cushioning provides excellent shock absorption. What to Consider These aren’t a dedicated trail shoe and are best for light trails. The Asics Gel-venture uses the brand’s specialized gel inserts for cushioning, providing support and energy return without too much absorption and loss of propulsion with each stride. These affordable shoes come in a variety of colorways and a recently pared-down overlay, which allows for a more flexible upper without sacrificing durability. They’ve also updated the outsole patterning, increasing the lug dimensions for better traction for trail runs and light hiking. We found the Gel-venture to be extremely supportive and comfortable from the first wear, particularly for those with high arches. Asics have a tendency to run a bit narrow, so hikers with wider feet might want to try them on before committing. However, the latest update to the Gel-venture has a wider forefoot, so the company is working to create a more accommodating toe box. Price at time of publish: $70 The Details: 1.23 pounds | Polyester mesh, rubber, gel, foam Best Everyday Crossover Teva Geotrecca Low Women's Hiking Shoe 4.8 Teva View On Amazon View On REI View On Teva.com Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It Fun and funky styling looks great outdoors and at a rooftop bar. What to Consider These are best for urban hiking, not rugged trails. Sure, these aren’t the most technical trail shoes out there, but if you’re looking for a hiking shoe that can also be comfortable for all-day wear at a music festival or paired with town clothes for running errands, these will do the trick. With an oversized look for both the upper and the midsole, these chunky shoes are lighter than they look, with plenty of ground cushion whether you’re on a mellow trail or traveling all day. They're made with up to 65 percent recycled materials in the varying components and have a waterproof membrane that can hold up to rain and shallow water crossings. The tongue material and positioning took a few hikes to break in. Thicker socks helps the process, and this isn’t a deal breaker, but it is good info for anyone looking to get out on a hike right after pulling these shoes out of the box. Price at time of publish: $140 The Details: 1.61 pounds | TevaRapid membrane | Nylon, mesh, EVA foam, rubber Other Women’s Hiking Shoes We Liked Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe: It’s a classic hiking shoe with top-notch traction and durability. This shoe has plenty of variations for hikers of all types, though some hikers find these shoes a bit too bulky and not breathable enough for hot hikes. Keen Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes: This is a solid hiking shoe with plenty of protection from the ground thanks to the rugged outsole and reinforced midsole. Like the Moab 2 Vent, these shoes are a little too warm for hot hikes and aren’t quite as breathable as we’d like. Our Testing Process We tested nearly 50 pairs of shoes in the outdoors and hiking space, and 18 pairs of women’s-specific hiking shoes for this piece. Once we narrowed down the options, we categorized their accolades based on more than a dozen questions and a numeric rating system, including details about comfort, performance, traction, durability, value, and who we thought each pair would be best suited for. We carefully evaluated everything from shoe fit to arch support to notes on any rubbing or chafing. We collected information to help with purchasing as well, such as the shoes fitting true to size and any recommended size adjustments, as well as whether or not the shoes felt narrow or wide. Since our feet are all different shapes and we have different motivations for getting on the trail and hiking styles, we went with a variety of hiking shoes for everything from trail running to more supportive boot-like shoes to shoes that can crossover from trail to town. We will also continue hiking in these shoes and gathering our long-term insights for an additional six-month trial period after the initial test. Tips for Buying Hiking Shoes and Boots Know your foot shape and gait Understanding your foot shape and natural stride will help you choose the best pair for longer hikes and long-term wear. Pronation — your foot’s inward roll with each step — is a natural part of the stride that helps the lower leg absorb shock and is one of the most common variations in a person’s stride. If you overpronate (your foot rolls more inwards) or underpronate (more emphasis on the outside of your foot) you want shoes with different arch support. Shoes for overpronators have extra support on the inner part of the shoe, and shoes that are better for underpronators will have extra support on the outside. This can also be aided with aftermarket insoles. Nathan Buelow, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Merrell, had fit advice for us as well. “Make sure the shoe fits really snug on your heel,” he told us. “You don’t want your foot to have a lot of flop as you’re walking around, as that can often lead to hot spots.” He also said to make sure you have plenty of room in your toes to avoid cramping and between-toe blisters. Take other environmental factors into account Aside from your foot shape and stride, consider your environment. Will you be hiking in damp weather, crossing lots of streams, and expecting rain? A waterproof shoe might be best. Will you be doing mostly light hiking on in-town trails? You don’t need the most technical shoe out there, but if you’re planning off-trail scrambles and above-treeline trails, look for a more supportive, technical shoe with deep lugs and a reinforced midsole. Frequently Asked Questions Are running shoes good for hiking? Running shoes can be great for hiking! It depends on your trail, but many hikers prefer trail runners for the lighter, more flexible build and for how quickly they dry thanks to the more breathable uppers. The only downside is that many trail running shoes aren’t as durable as classic hiking shoes. A standard hiking shoe is often made with more rugged materials and can be heavier, so if you don’t mind a heavier shoe and want more cushion, you might prefer a standard hiking shoe. Should I choose hiking shoes or boots? This is personal preference, but many hikers are moving away from boots and more towards low-top hiking shoes. While you don’t have the ankle support of an over-the-ankle boot, a low-top shoe can actually help with your balance, as there’s less material to manage and you can adapt more to flexion and changing terrain. Hiking shoes are also lighter than boots and dry quicker. They are easier to break in and can feel more comfortable on longer days thanks to the lower weight while still providing plenty of protection from the ground. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Maggie Slepian is an avid hiker, backpacker, and trail runner with more than a decade of professional gear testing experience. She has backpacked thousands of miles, and her hiking and backpacking has taken her from winter peak bagging to coastal backpacking to extended trips in the desert and high alpine. Maggie is also a professional gear tester, testing hundreds of items on the trail each year, from hiking shoes to headphones to protein bars. Her gear and apparel is tested in all four seasons and in a range of environments and climates. Maggie tests upwards of a dozen pairs of trail running shoes and hiking shoes each year, from waterproof winter shoes to ultralight summer-ready trail runners. The 12 Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2023 Love a great deal? 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