Top 10 Best Hiking Shoes For Women In 2023

Gone are the days where you have to wear big, bulky, heavy hiking boots. The new cool thing on the trail is hiking shoes! Sure they don’t give you the best ankle support out there, but being able to get in and out of trails quickly is a huge advantage. When it comes to easy to moderate trails, I always choose my hiking shoes over my boots. Compared to my boots, I just LOVE how lightweight they are. So if you are in the market for the best hiking shoes for women, check out my table and reviews below. I list the best of the best in the market!

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Best Women’s Hiking Shoes 2022

10 Best Hiking Shoes For Women

Oboz Sawtooth II Low BDry Hiking Shoes – Women’s

My pick for the best shoes for hiking is, of course, the Oboz Sawtooth Low Bdry Hiking Shoes. These shoes are phenomenal! I have had it for years, and they are the best hiking shoes hands down. They are durable, comfortable, breathable, they have fantastic support, and excellent traction. So many positives for a shoe that is cheaper than many other shoes on this list.

When it comes to hiking equipment, I get asked the most about hiking shoes. I always recommend these shoes to everyone. Of course, all things have to have a negative. The only problem is that they are heavy for a hiking shoe. They are not heavier than my bulky hiking boots, so when I go hiking on easier trails, I always take these shoes.

I am one of the clumsiest hikers out there, so I always stub my feet on the trails. These shoes have protected my toes to the max. I can hike anywhere and everywhere with these shoes due to its fantastic traction. For me, having the support and excellent traction is better than having lightweight shoes. But lightweight shoes might be most important to you, so these shoes might not be for you.

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Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s

The Salomon X Ultra 3 is known to be one of the best hiking shoes. It is durable, has excellent traction, its lightweight, and it is waterproof. I love how you can use these shoes for trail running or just regular hiking.

I will say that the shoes are not as comfortable as the other shoes on this list, especially on very long grueling day hikes or backpacking trips. But, they are perfect for short easy day hikes or if you want to go trail running.

If you are looking for some great lightweight hiking shoes that will help you get through trails quickly, then this is the shoe for you!

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Merrell Moab 2 WP Low Hiking Shoes – Women’s

If you are looking for a cheaper option with all the bells and whistles, the Merrell Moab is for you. The Moab is one of the most affordable in the bunch, and it still is a fantastic shoe. It is comfortable, has excellent traction, has great support, and it is waterproof. If you are looking for something cheaper then the Oboz Bdry, then I highly recommend these shoes.

The main negative is that these shoes are more on the heavier side, and they are are not as durable as the Oboz. But I feel like the price for these shoes is very solid. There have also been some complaints on the shoe being a bit cramped, but that can easily be fixed with sizing up a 1/2 size. If you are worried, I would buy from a place with a good return policy like REI.

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La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s

The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a great buy. It is very comfortable, breathable, has amazing traction, and is very waterproof. It is one of the best hiking shoes on this list and I am surprised as I have never been too impressed with La Sportiva Hiking Shoes. The company is mainly known for its climbing shoes. But they have finally surpassed the most well-known hiking shoes on this list and have made an outstanding hiking shoe. The only negative is that the shoe does run a little long and it is also pretty expensive. This is a great shoe for expert hikers always on the go.

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KEEN Targhee III Low WP Hiking Shoes – Women’s

The KEEN Targhee is perfect for people that have wide feet. These shoes have excellent support and are incredibly durable. They do cost more than some of the other shoes on the list, and they don’t have the best traction. The ventilation isn’t that great, so if you mainly hike in a desert climate, these shoes might not be for you.

With this price, I would instead invest in the Oboz Sawtooth and just get a wider shoe option. But these Keens offer excellent cushioning and support, so they are still a pretty good choice.

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Lowa Locarno GTX Lo Hiking Shoes – Women’s

The Lowa Locarno is an average hiking shoe. The only thing it really excels at is waterproofness and durability. This can be a problem, especially if you are paying a premium price for a hiking shoe. I mean it is one of the most expensive shoes on this list.

I really like the Lowa Renegade Hiking Boot but the Larcarno I am not too impressed with. The traction isn’t great, it isn’t as comfortable as the other shoes on this list, and it has average support. For something that is so expensive, it should have premium characteristics.

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Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes – Women’s

The Adidas Terrex is a surprisingly great shoe for hiking. It is incredibly waterproof, the traction is impressive, it is great for wide feet, and it has excellent support. This shoe is an excellent buy for people that have wide feet. The main drawback with this shoe is that it can be a bit too hot and the rubber soles aren’t the most durable ones out there.

But even with those negatives, this shoe is still pretty impressive. If you have wide feet, I highly recommend these shoes.

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HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 Trail-Running Shoes – Women’s

The Hoka One One shoes are the most comfortable shoes on this list. These shoes are all about the cushion! They are also lightweight, waterproof, and they look pretty cute. They are the lightest shoes on the list and they are mainly used for trail running.

One of the negatives is that they are not great for scramble hikes. The traction isn’t that great on technical trails. They are also not as durable as the Oboz Sawtooth II. I love how comfortable the Hoka’s are, but for someone as clumsy as me, I need shoes that will last me for years. If you are a careful hiker, then durability should not be an issue for you. Overall if you are all about comfort, these shoes are perfect for you!

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Arc’teryx Aerios FL Low GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s

The Arc’teryx Aerios are the best lightweight hiking shoes on this list. They have an attractive sleek design, and they are light, waterproof, and durable. They are great for almost all hiking trails.

What they don’t excel at is long technical trails like backpacking. They don’t give as much support as some of the other shoes on the list. But if you only go day hiking, then this shoe is perfect for you. I will say that the price is a little more then I would pay for, for hiking shoes, especially if you can’t use them on backpacking trails. Other shoes are cheaper and are more versatile than the Aerios.

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Salomon OUTline Low GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s

For what this shoe provides, it is pretty expensive. Sure it looks cute, but it costs more or the same as the other shoes on this list. And the OUTline isn’t that great of a shoe. The comfort isn’t great, the traction isn’t great, the support isn’t great, and the durability isn’t great.

So what is this hiking shoe made for then? Probably easy trails. If you don’t think you will ever do challenging trails, then this shoe might be for you. But if I were a beginner hiker, I would probably spend money on shoes that I can eventually use on strenuous trails. It is still a nice shoe, lightweight and waterproof, just don’t expect it to get you comfortably through a backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon.

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More Information On Hiking Footwear

Price

Most hiking shoes on this list run from $80-$170. I don’t think it is necessary to spend top dollar on hiking shoes because some of my favorite hiking shoes are in the middle of the pack (The Oboz Sawtooth). But being comfortable during hikes is essential to me, so spending a little over a hundred dollars on shoes is worth it!

Weight

For me, weight is significant when it comes to hiking shoes. It is the reason why I choose wearing hiking shoes over hiking boots on most hiking trails. I love my hiking boots, but they are heavy! I only like using them on backpacking trips or hard hikes.

When you are hiking, the weight of your shoe can affect you. You can tire quickly and start stumbling. When I hike, I like to be nimble and move quickly. I think as long as the hiking shoe is less than 2 lbs, then it’s worth the durability and comforts the extra weight brings.

Support and Arch Support

Most hiking shoes have some sort of “stiffness” to provide support. The more lightweight a hiking shoe is, the less support they can get.

I think support depends on the type of hiking you want to do. If you are looking to do hikes quickly or if you’re going trail running, then you need a more flexible shoe.

Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Do you need waterproof shoes? It depends on the person. Many people hike with waterproofing and many people don’t. Most of the shoes I have listed have the same shoes that are not waterproof and cost less and weigh less.

I have hiked before with wet soggy feet, and I am not a fan of it. I get blisters, and I hate the squishy feeling. So I am ok with spending $30 more and adding the extra weight (waterproofing does weigh more). So really it depends on your preference.

Breathability

The more waterproof a shoe is, the less breathable it is. A waterproof shoe makes your feet sweat more, and it can create blisters and unwanted moisture. This is why some people prefer nonwaterproof shoes. The breathability of my waterproof shoes has never been an issue with me. If you are concerned about getting waterproof vs nonwaterproof shoes, I recommend buying from a place with a good return policy like REI and trying them out yourself.

Lacing

Lacing hiking shoes correctly is essential for hiking comfortably and confidant. Your shoes should feel nice and snug, but not to the point where it is cutting off circulation from your foot. Also, note that your feet might swell throughout the hike, so you might need to readjust the laces.

Traction

One of the main differences between the regular shoes you wear around the city and the hiking shoes you wear on trails is traction. Traction can potentially save your life. Trust me, I have been in some pretty sketchy situations where I HAD to trust the traction on my shoes. If you want to become great at hiking and do some challenging trails, you have to get some shoes with excellent traction. Luckily almost all shoes I listed have great traction 🙂

Toe Protection

Hiking trails are filled with rocks and tree roots. It is easy to stub your toe while hiking. Luckily most hiking shoes have toe protection!

I am very grateful for whoever invented this. I am clumsy, and I don’t think I would hike as much without my toe protection. There was one time I forgot my hiking shoes on a challenging trail, and my toes felt the pain!

I will say that trail running shoes tend to have less toe protection than regular hiking shoes. So if you are clumsy like me, I would make sure your shoes have proper toe protection.

Hiking Shoes V.S. Hiking Boots

The main difference between a hiking shoe and a hiking boot is the height. A hiking shoe has a low top, and it is excellent for more accessible trails, and moving quickly. Hiking boots are taller, weigh more, but they provide excellent ankle support. I like using my hiking shoes on easy to moderate hiking trails. But, I like to use my hiking boots on difficult long terrains like backpacking trips.

Durability

When it comes to durability, hiking boots are king. But hiking shoes can be durable as well. I have had my hiking shoes for years, and they are now just starting to look worn. Trail runners and light hiking shoes are usually less durable.

Sizing

When you are hiking, your feet will swell. That is why it might be a good idea to size up a shoe. I like to do a half size bigger, but I know many people that go a whole size up.

Final Thoughts On Best Womens Hiking Shoes

Thanks for reading about the best hiking shoe for women. Make sure to check out some of my other informative hiking posts:

• The Best Trekking Poles In The Market
• Best Day Packs For Women
• Best Winter Hiking Boots For Women

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