Best Hiking Shoes and Boots for Women
A few weeks ago, I shared how my daughter and I tackled a hilly hike on the North Shore. I wore my Hoka sneakers, and while they were decent, my feet were throbbing by the end. This sent me on a mission to find the best hiking shoes and boots for women. With the help of some amazing recommendations from AWSL readers and a bit of online research, I’ve narrowed my top picks down to a few of the highest-rated and best-selling pairs.
Looking for a comfortable non-hiking shoe? You might like to read: Best Sneakers and Walking Shoes for Mature Feet
P.S. If you’re going to be spending time outdoors hiking, make sure to protect your skin by checking out these posts:
- Best Mineral Sunscreens for Mature Skin
- Best Sun Hats to Protect Your Skin
- The Best Sun Protective Clothing Brands for Women
Best Hiking Shoes and Boots for Women
Merrell Moab 3
Merrell is a top choice for hiking shoes, and it’s no surprise why—AWSL reader Catherine swears by them, saying, “Merrell is the brand I go for. My feet are finicky now, but they like the support.” Judy also gave them a thumbs-up. These shoes kept popping up in my search, and reviewers rave about their comfort and excellent traction, making them reliable on various terrains. Plus, they come in a waterproof version for rainy hikes, and if you need extra ankle support, there’s a boot version available too.
Hoka Women’s Speedgoat 5
If you’re looking for something that’s both supportive and easy on your feet, the Speedgoat 5 is a popular pick for both trail runners and hikers. Like the Merrells, they are made with a Vibram sole. This is a special type of rubber sole that is super durable and grippy and known for handling uneven or wet surfaces. Hoka also has a hiking boot that came highly recommended by AWSL reader, Lisa.
Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boot
These best-selling Columbia boots are waterproof, lightweight, and super comfy, making long hikes a breeze. What makes them stand out to me from some of the other shoes on my list is their ankle support. Nobody wants to twist an ankle mid-hike (speaking from personal experience), and the higher shaft on these boots will help keep your ankles stable on tricky terrain.
Altra Lone Peak 8 Trail-Running Shoes
This is another pair of trail-running/hiking shoes I kept seeing on my search. I love that they have a roomy toe box and a special layer of cushion to protect your feet from feeling debris like rocks or tree roots. I did read that they aren’t great for adding custom orthotics, so steer clear if you prefer to add your own.
Danner Hiking Shoes
Reviewers rave about the comfort of these Danner hiking shoes, thanks to the cushy Ortholite footbed. They also score high on durability with their tough suede and textile upper that can handle rugged trails, which is important because I am looking to invest in a shoe that will last. Plus, the breathable mesh lining keeps your feet cool, even on those hot hiking days.
KEEN Zionic Waterproof Hiking Shoes
KEEN is another brand to check out when you’re shopping for outdoorsy shoes and gear. Their Zionics are waterproof with awesome traction, so they can handle all kinds of weather and terrain. I think this warm taupe color is cute enough to wear with your athleisure while running errands on wet fall days!
Shop More of the Best Hiking Shoes and Boots for Women:
Are you a hiker? If so, do you have a pair of hiking boots you love? Let me know in the comments!
I just bought my third pair of Merrells having worn out the first two pairs! These ones are the Moab 3 style identical to the ones you’ve shown above except this time I went for the boot version. Can’t wait to get out on the trail with them and they’ll definitely be with me on our next visit to Vancouver’s North Shore, hopefully in October.
It’s great you’ve found the perfect fit! Hopefully the sun will be back then. It’s been feeling very fall like here.
Love my Keene gortex hiking boots.
Oh, and I also wear mine all winter long. They keep my feet dry in the rain and have some traction for the odd icy morning. Our weather doesn’t really get cold enough for winter boots. I just add a wool sock instead of cotton. I’d say they are perfect for the west coast weather.
Waterproof is critical in the PNW.
My 30+ year old Merrill’s are still in my closet. It has been a few years since my rock hoping days here in the Rockies. I’m sure that Merrill has improved their boots since I bought mine. Try them on at REI or Dicks and decide for yourself.
Thanks Sydney
My favourite are Obus. They hug my narrow foot nicely. I go with the ankle boot for the extra support while climbing over roots and rocks, down hilly inclines. I don’t find them as heavy as some boots, as well. I’m on my third pair.
Awesome referral. Thanks Joanna
I travel a lot and have two solid recommendations for you:
The Danner Inquire Chukka boot is ankle high, waterproof and light weight. I bought these to fly fish tge chalk streams of England and they performed well Wearing them today on my way to Tanzania for a safari. The Hoka Speedgoats are super for a PR run and for hot weather hiking. Wore them touring Egypt in August 119 degrees out and my feet were not hot. I also qualified for the NYC marathon in them in November. The new model 6 is out now, have not tried them yet. I use my inserts in both the Danners and the Hokas. Thanks for your sage fashion advice!
You are so inspiring Cyndi! Way to go.
Merrells all the way for me! I like the slip-on Jungle Mocs for easy trail walks and rainy weather walking with my dog on the North Shore. For longer hikes or rough trails, I have a pair of well-worn leather Merrell boots with good ankle protection. And for winter/rainy conditions, I have a pair of Merrell Goretex boots. With the right boots and clothing, it’s possible to hike year-round in Vancouver.
Merrells are my go to! I’ve had the same pair for a number of years. I’ve hiked, walked in rivers, and made my way when there really was no clear path. LOVE them!
Awesome!
My favorite boots for hiking and also around the barn are Ariat’s lightweight waterproof Terrain. I have very high arches and from Day 1 when I put these boots on they feel like I’ve been wearing them for years. Ariat boots have longevity, I should know as I wear them daily here on the ranch, but I also wear them on hikes with my Wednesday Walkers group. My only complaint is that Ariat stopped making this boot with a zipper instead of laces and since I’m in and out of them all day long, the laces are a bother. Otherwise I’m a happy hiker.
That Terrain boot looks great. My feet are getting flatter as I get older, so it’s trial and error to find the right fit.
The other thing I’d like to mention is that I now use hiking sticks/poles. At first I balked at wanting a pair but received them as a gift. My group’s hikes are often in terrain with rocks and tree roots and the poles really steady me. As another benefit using them feels a bit like cross country skiing since I am using my arms in the same manner as skiing and am getting some upper body exercise as well.
I like hiking poles. We used them on our icy excursions during our polar trip this year and I liked how much stability it gave me.
Excellent article! I love my Altra Lone Peaks and am so happy you mentioned them. I have 2 pairs! One thing of note, however, I use custom orthotics for my tricky feet and have no problem wearing them with the Altras.
That’s good to know about your orthotics. Thanks!
Which pair of hiking shoes did you decide on?
Still looking!
I have that very pair of Columbia boots and they are very comfortable. I wear them all winter. I still stay the best walking and trail shoes for me are Karhu. It’s a brand from Finland.
I checked out the Karhu site but didn’t see hiking boots. Where did you buy yours?
I have a pair of Merrell’s that I really like, but they are heavy and clunky. I’d like to find a pair (and that top one you feature might work) that I could pack in a suitcase–meaning it would not weigh too much or could collapse down. If anyone has suggestions about those, I’d appreciate it!
Keen boots for me, nice and wide at the toe box! I think I have the Targhee. I have never fit in Merrells, even their wide version. I agree about having ankle protection too!
Same for me, Shari! I tried on a lot of hiking boots via Zappos and ended up with Keens. The support and the wide toe box really work for me. They’re waterproof and going on year 4 or 5 now. Really sturdy.