The Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2025

The Merrell Moab 3 ($120) is a classic hiking shoe designed to take you to beautiful and amazing places. It is rugged, durable, and comfortable for both day hikes and longer excursions. Featuring 5mm lugs, it provides excellent traction on a variety of terrains. The protective toecap and bellowed tongue guard against any obstacles you might encounter on the trail.

This shoe offers a classic, roomy fit with a wide toebox and ample volume, making it ideal for hikers with wider feet or those who prefer a more relaxed feel. The padded heel and midfoot deliver solid support, while the overall fit is comfortable right from the start, requiring little to no break-in time. The Moab 3 runs true to size; our tester typically takes a 9.5, and it fits like a glove.

We appreciate this shoe for its reliability, reasonable price, and durability, which often outlasts that of other hiking shoes. Unlike some newer models that resemble trail running shoes, the Merrell Moab 3 feels stable and secure. However, if you’re looking for something lightweight and fast, this shoe may not be suitable, as it has a bulkier, more traditional feel.

This updated version of a classic is an affordable and dependable hiking shoe made partially from recycled fabrics. It has even more supportive insoles, cushioned midsoles, and grippier outsoles. Plus, it comes in a wide range of color options.

We particularly appreciate the breathable mesh upper, reinforced with a suede leather overlay. The shoes are easy to lace up and tighten, always feeling durable and trustworthy. The Merrell Moab 3 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a long-lasting hiking shoe that won’t strain their budget.

Designed for fast and light hikers, the La Sportiva Prodigio Hike GTX Women’s Shoe ($179) merges the agility of a trail runner with the protection and stability of a hiking shoe. This makes it a top-notch choice for those seeking to cover ground quickly without sacrificing support and comfort.

Right out of the box, the Prodigio Hike’s plush cushioning feels comfortable. La Sportiva’s XFlow midsole foam delivers exceptional shock absorption and responsiveness, similar to that of a running shoe, which is crucial for tackling uneven trails. On hikes of varying lengths from 3 to 12 miles, we felt as if we were bouncing along on air. Plus, the women’s specific fit securely hugs the heel and midfoot while the slightly wider toebox allows your little piggies to spread out in style.

A mesh upper and a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit liner strike a balance between breathability and waterproofing. We didn’t think it possible for one shoe to do both, but our feet never felt hot on warm days, and puddles and light rain stayed at bay. The small gaiter (made from GORE-TEX ePE Extended Comfort membrane) is an added bonus that keeps snow, rocks, dirt, and sand out of your shoes in a big way.

Out on the trail, the Prodigio Hike strikes a balance between lightweight construction — approximately 10.2 ounces per shoe — and robust protection, making it effective for rocky scrambles and slippery terrain. The 5 mm lugs on the outsole kept us upright on a range of surfaces, from wet rocks to gravel-laden paths to packed snow.

It’s important to note that the softer FriXion Red rubber outsole, while grippy, may wear down faster than alternatives like Vibram. The upper is also less rugged than other La Sportiva designs, so we question the durability over time. We also noticed that while the softer midsole felt like walking on a cloud, it contributed to a slight feeling of instability on very technical terrain. This is a compromise we’re willing to make for comfort and energy return, but a shoe like The North Face Offtrail Hike might suit you better if you’re looking for unmatched balance.

Overall, the Prodigio Hike GTX is a high-performance option tailored for hikers who want to rack up the miles while combining speed, comfort, and agility.

The newly released Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX ($170) is a lightweight hiking shoe that’s as agile as a trail runner but has all the stability, grip, and waterproof protection needed for more technical terrain. We loved its predecessor, the X Ultra 4 GTX. But in this iteration, Salomon addressed most of our concerns, elevating it from a hiking shoe we like to one we love. 

Even after wearing them all day (without any break-in period), they still felt amazing while on a spring hike along a partially snowy, partially clear trail in Grand Teton National Park. Our tester wears a size 9.5, and they ran true to size. The X Ultra 5 GTX hiker fits snugly without cutting off circulation or feeling uncomfortable. If you have wider feet, we highly recommend the wide version because the toebox is narrower than most.

They’re extremely supportive and stable, as we discovered on multiple alpine hikes in the Tetons and on more mellow terrain at Point Reyes National Seashore. While wearing these, we maintained maximum control and never felt in danger of an ankle roll, even while pushing the limits of adventure on technical terrain. Plus, the waterproofing kept our feet dry when needed, but didn’t feel too hot on dry days.   

As for improvements to the 2025 version, Salomon improved the grip.  We noticed more traction on rocky terrain and didn’t slip on wet, loose descents like the X Ultra 4 shoes.  Also new is the ultra-durable upper, which provides added protection and support. We also appreciated the added comfort of a new, softer collar, which stays in place much better. 

The unique lacing system tucks away, making it less likely for them to untie. Plus, it offers a clean look. However (and this is the one concern Salomon didn’t address in the upgrade), there isn’t a backup option if anything goes wrong with the system.

Choose the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX hiking shoes if you want a comfortable yet agile, breathable yet waterproof hiking shoe to carry you through challenging explorations with confidence and style. 

Read Review: Zero-Drop Trail Runner Gets Durability Upgrade: Altra Lone Peak 9 Review

The Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140) is a super-lightweight, zero-drop trail runner that’s great for covering mileage at a quicker pace. Think spring or summer romps through forest trails, quick creek crossings, or conquering slick rock in the desert. With moderate cushioning and a rock plate, these are great hiking shoes for any terrain.

Carrying on the tradition of previous iterations, the Lone Peak 9 is a zero-drop shoe with a roomy toebox that allows toes to spread out for added comfort. Zero drop means that the height of your heels is the same as the height at the ball of your foot in the shoe. Having your feet lie flat in the shoe helps maintain a more natural stride. For many, zero drop is the key to more joy on long-distance efforts since your natural stride takes the pressure off your knees and hips. But, zero-drop shoes don’t work for everyone. If you’re new to zero-drop hikers, take your time and ease into it a few miles at a time.

This new version has some serious updates compared to the Lone Peak 8. Historically, Altra Lone Peaks were known to perform well but not last more than a hiking season or a few hundred miles. With the Lone Peak 9, Altra addresses durability issues by redesigning the upper, the outsole, and the midsole. The Lone Peak 9 generally fits true to size for most hikers. It maintains Altra’s signature roomy toebox and zero-drop platform, but the midfoot and heel are slightly more streamlined than past versions for a more secure fit. If you’re between sizes or have very narrow feet, you might consider sizing down a half size.

Both versions had a ripstop mesh upper, but this iteration boasts an upper made of 100% recycled ripstop and “designed for high-mileage durability.” While there is no visible difference, we have noticed less wear and degradation of the upper over the first months of testing. We will keep an eye on this during continued testing and will report back.

Though the MaxTrac outsole on the 9 is made of the same material as the sole of the Lone Peak 8, there is a visible difference between the coverage of the knobby materials. The Lone Peak 9 coverage extends further, giving more traction and grip, making scrambling and downhill hiking even more fun and secure. It’s still a moderately cushioned shoe, but the redesigned midsole adds enough cushioning to enjoy long days on your feet while maintaining a connection with the ground. That being said, they’re less cushioned than others on our list, so if you need more energy return or cushion, try the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Low.

The Velcro tab on the back of the shoe is perfect for adding gators when tackling trails with loose pebbles or sand. With gaiters, this is an excellent shoe for romping on sand dunes, exploring dusty desert trails, and even trekking over some lingering snow in the high country. We did all that with these shoes and still found ourselves reaching for them to stroll around town and get coffee after our adventures. We like that they’re attractive and mellow enough not to feel like you’re strapped into mega-shoes after adventuring is over.

Because the Altra Lone Peak 9 hiking shoes are so lightweight, lack cushioning, and have zero drop, they might not be the best pick for carrying a heavy load, like when you’re backpacking or fastpacking. And, if you prefer a snug fit or don’t like the idea of a wider toebox, you likely won’t love the fit of the Altras.

If you love to feel the ground and enjoy having no weight on your feet, the Altra Lone Peak 9 shoes will be right up your alley.

Over the years, On shoes have grown increasingly popular, especially within the running community. Its shoes stand out because of the unique cushioning that looks like cut-outs of air. This cushioning keeps bouncing repeatedly with each step, something you can see and feel when you walk. The On Cloudhorizon Waterproof ($190) was designed specifically for hiking; we find the shoes shine on mellow to moderately challenging adventures where comfort takes priority over technical performance.

The specific cushioning for the Cloudhorizon is called CloudTec Phase technology, which has been optimized for hiking. It swallows up the impact of those bigger steps up and down and all kinds of trail features, creating a pillowy sensation in an incredibly lightweight shoe. Even knowing about this technology, we were still surprised at how light these shoes feel on the feet.

The On Cloudhorizon fits true to size with a relaxed, slightly roomier feel in the toebox — great for all-day comfort on the trail. The midfoot and heel offer a secure fit, while the flexible upper adapts easily to different foot shapes. They’re ideal for average to slightly wide feet, though narrow-footed hikers might find them a bit spacious.

We recently took the On Cloudhorizon Waterproof shoes to the Mount Massive Wilderness in Lake County, Colorado. In between crewing for a friend running the famous Leadville 100 trail race, we snuck in some hiking to Halfmoon Lakes. There had been rain in the area all week — it is monsoon season, after all — so the trails were wet but not too muddy.

The Cloudhorizons held up great over rocks, downed trees, creek crossings, and the high alpine terrain. They were also great for running around the feed zones of the race at all hours of the night — they stayed comfortable even after hours of wear. The shoe is like a little forcefield all around your foot.

We love that the Cloudhorizons have a 6mm heel drop. Heel-to-toe drop is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. For instance, with the Cloudhorizons, the heel sits 6 mm higher than the forefoot. Shoes with a lower drop tend to place more load on the ankles and are generally better for midfoot and forefoot strikers. Shoes with a higher drop tend to place more load on the knees and hips and are generally better for heel strikers. The On Cloudhorizons fall in the middle, in a sweet spot, and it feels like everything is being supported well.

To no one’s surprise at all, during a Colorado August, we encountered some rain. The Clouhorizon’s waterproof membrane locks rain out incredibly well. Certainly, this can result in warm feet on days that are super warm and dry, so we probably won’t grab these for our next summer trek in Moab. However, for anything where comfort is top of mind, the Cloudhorizons are the move.

Built for rugged adventures, The North Face Offtrail Hike GORE-TEX shoes ($185) combine all-weather protection with a confidence-inspiring, stable design. The full GORE-TEX membrane keeps our feet dry through stream crossings and surprise downpours, while the sturdy outsole grips reliably on slick rock, loose dirt, and steep switchbacks.

The cushioning feels firm but responsive — great for technical hikes where you want precision and control rather than the soft, pillow-like comfort of other models we’ve tested, like the On Cloudhorizon hiker. They feel secure and supportive, especially on uneven terrain. And, the burly upper and toe caps add a layer of durability that’s ready for bushwhacks or scrambles.

The fit runs slightly narrow, particularly in the toebox. Our tester wears a 9.5, and that size worked for her, but she has narrow feet. If you’re in between sizes or have a wide foot, we recommend sizing up and/or trying them on before buying.

As we would expect with a slightly stiffer, stable shoe, we needed to break in these shoes for a short time. After a few hikes, they molded to our feet with no issue, but it’s worth mentioning since so many more cushioned hiking shoes are ready to crush it out of the gate.

For those seeking a waterproof, tough-as-nails hiking shoe with a ready-for-anything vibe, the Offtrail Hike delivers.

The La Sportiva Spire GTX ($209) is a solid option if your adventure includes technical terrain and/or snow, rain, mud, or water crossings. The GORE-TEX membrane ensures that your feet will stay dry no matter what, while the aggressive lugs are sure to keep you upright in the gnarliest terrain.  

While this hiking shoe is built like a trail running shoe, it feels more rugged and stable than the super lightweight options. As soon as we put the La Sportiva GTX through some mega-wet spring conditions, we knew it would stand up to just about any weather scenario. 

This shoe is unique as a perfect choice for a multi-day fastpacking trip. If you want to shed weight but need a comfortable waterproof shoe, the La Sportiva GTX is tough to beat. These shoes are on the expensive end of the market, but for good reason. The tread is robust, using Vibram’s compound. Vibram has become popular in hiking shoes because of the brand’s reputation for quality, durability, comfort, and traction. The soles are made from vulcanized rubber. GORE-TEX is used because it is waterproof but also allows for some breathability.  Also, the arch support in these shoes makes long days possible without feeling foot fatigue. This shoe does well in mud, on slick rocks, and almost everything else.

Many other La Sportiva shoes we’ve tested cater to hikers with narrow feet. The Spire GTX still trends toward a performance fit, but its average toebox and heel width are sure to work for a wider range of feet than some other La Sportiva models. These use European sizing, which offers smaller, more precise increments than U.S. sizes. For example, a U.S. women’s 10.5 typically translates to a EU 43.5 or 44, so you can dial in your fit a bit more easily. For those who typically fall in between sizes, we suggest sizing down since some testers find them to run large. 

One of our favorite features of this shoe was the lug system. Lugs are spaced wide enough that mud doesn’t get caked to the shoe, but they also add tons of grip on all kinds of terrain. We also love the Impact Braking System, a pattern set into the outsole to help with speed control on descents. While this shoe is on the pricey side, the added features make it worth the investment for the right hiker.

We’d wear the Danner Trail 2650 ($170) on the trails, but also with a pair of jeans just walking around town. It doesn’t look like all the other hiking shoes, which might be a good thing.

We can’t stop wearing these shoes, even when we’re not on the trails. The suede upper seems to match everything and feels so comfortable for dog walking and errand running. If you need a go-to that performs in the wild but also back in civilization, give the Danner Trail 2650 a try. We would take these shoes to Italy to hike the Dolomites and still feel chic going to dinner, whether back in town or at one of the refugios.

When we hiked in these shoes, they felt both durable and lightweight. The Vibram 460 outsoles have self-adapting lugs and a specially formulated Vibram Megagrip compound to increase resilience and grip in all kinds of weather. If you’ve ever hiked in Colorado, you know that the terrain can switch from sand to slick rock to pine needles in a matter of miles. The Trail 2650 feels great no matter what’s underfoot.

The Trailguard TPU shanks are a nice addition. They provide stability and foot protection on rough, uneven terrain. We initially thought this was all for show, but we actually grazed a few trees and noticed the protection more than once. Unfortunately, the fit is a tad narrow, so you may want to try these on if you’re in between sizes or if you have wider feet.

These might not be the go-to if you’re going to be hiking in the Pacific Northwest in tons of nonstop rain and wet conditions, but normal variable weather will be no match for the Danners.

Read Review: Bestselling Outdoor Boot in the World’ Upgrades to a Shoe: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review

The Merrell Moab Speed 2 ($140) is the Subaru Outback of hiking shoes. It’s safe, trusted, comfortable, and reliable, and it’s reasonably priced compared to many other shoes on the market. While many hiking shoes trend toward the trail runner fit and feel, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 sticks to the roots of hiking but in a lower cut. So, it feels like a more supportive option, but it fits like a shoe.

This shoe has lots of little details that we appreciate. Merrell has been making hiking shoes for a long time, and it shows with the Moab Speed 2. The padded collar and tongue are immediately comfortable and help keep debris out.

The Lightweight FlexPlate technology provides torsional rigidity. It feels like having just the right amount of stability and forefoot flexibility. Many hiking and running shoes these days use a Vibram outsole, but the TC5+ outsole was explicitly formulated for Merrell and provides excellent traction for all kinds of trail conditions.

We tried these in wet, grassy conditions, on steep slopes, and over chunky, rocky terrain. The cushioning allows your feet to never get tired or beat up and does not hinder maneuverability. The Vibram traction lugs are specifically designed for great footing, no matter the conditions. And they fit true to size and comfortably right out of the box.

As with all Merrells, we love the breathable mesh lining on the upper. It’s flexible, allows the feet to move naturally, and also dries quickly. We also noticed that this shoe doesn’t get stinky, which is always a plus! It’s made of vegan materials, many of which are recycled. The Moab 2 is a go-to for anyone looking for a solid, reliable hiking shoe that will last.

Read Review: The Old Goats Get Even Tougher

The Hoka Speedgoat 6 ($155) is marketed as a trail running shoe, but it’s a workhorse that’s also excellent for hiking. It’s a very lightweight, fun, responsive shoe that would be great for days when you want to cover ground at a quicker pace.

It’s an excellent choice for fastpacking, as long as you’re not encountering tons of wet weather. That said, the Speedgoat is quite rugged and designed to tackle technical trails quickly. This shoe is worn by elite runners at huge trail running events, so it will likely be comfortable on any trail you choose. 

Even though the drop on this shoe is low — only 4 mm — that doesn’t mean it lacks cushioning. It just means the entire shoe is equally cushioned, rather than the bulk of the support only being in the heel. The Women’s HOKA Speedgoat 6 fits true to size with a secure feel around the heel and midfoot, and just enough room up front for your toes to spread out. It’s a bit on the narrow side compared to some other trail shoes, but the updated upper has more give and molds nicely to your foot. If you’ve got wider feet, the wide version is probably the better bet for all-day comfort.

The materials used are 100% vegan and recycled, which is a plus for some. The upper won’t offer much in the way of waterproofing, but they do dry fairly quickly. 

We tested these shoes on technical slick rock in Moab, Utah where we hiked around Canyonlands National Park, on slick rock and in sandy washes. It was fun to hop around and enjoy the grippy outsole and the lightweight, breathable feel of the upper. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the ideal shoe for warm hiking days across varied terrain. 

The women’s La Sportiva Prodigio ($155) is a supportive, bouncy shoe with an innovative midsole design that allows you to efficiently cover long distances in a jiffy while keeping your feet and joints happy.

The Prodigios are designed for trail running but have become one of our new favorites for hiking thanks to their comfort and responsiveness. Lots of energy return comes from La Sportiva’s XFlow foam, a softer type of midsole than the brand typically employs. This foam, which is not too soft but not too stiff, delivers ultimate cushioning, stability, and flow, so we were able to crank out the miles on numerous hikes in the Tetons, Moab, and Point Reyes National Seashore.

Although a pair weighs just 1 pound, La Sportiva didn’t compromise on construction. A wider toebox than many of La Sportiva’s more technical models allows for swelling at high altitudes, while a midfoot wrapping system secures the foot within the shoe, controlling movement and increasing stability. They offer a true-to-size fit and are designed for comfort over longer distances. These innovations, coupled with a solid grip, allow you to tackle uneven and technical terrain confidently. We also think they look so good that we often wear them to town for errands or out to the brewery.

These shoes aren’t waterproof, so socks will get wet on rainy hikes or adventures with creek crossings. The lack of waterproofing makes them more breathable than GORE-TEX-lined shoes like the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX. Though the Prodigios dry fast, if you live in a wet environment, you probably want a GORE-TEX option. They also rubbed our ankles uncomfortably at the cuff (and other reviewers say the same), and we hope La Sportiva will address this hotspot in its next iteration. Because they run small, we recommend sizing up a half or full size. We ranked the La Sportiva Prodigio Hike GTX shoes higher than these because they’re made specifically for hiking versus running, they provide waterproof breathability, and their cuff keeps debris out and negates the ankle running problem.

That being said, if you’re looking for a lightweight, durable, technical hiker that will help you preserve energy, check out the Prodigios.