In our society, one of the best exercises we can get is some simple hiking. It gets you out in nature and moving. This is an amazing treatment for seasonal depression, weight issues, and overall wellness. You will get results, and that is a fact!
But getting out there does require some thought. Your loafers or sneakers aren’t going to cut it. The trails may not be difficult but you want to make sure you have good footing and solid support.
Pick a decent trail geared toward your own ability and skill. That’s the first step. The next is to get a pair of the best hiking shoes you can. These will ensure your comfort and safety as much as anything else.
Never skimp on your footwear. We have options to fit almost any budget and skill level. Shoes that are tried and tested in many environments. Below, you will find exactly what you need! Man or Woman.
8 Best Hiking Shoes for Women
1. Salomon Speedcross 4 – Best Overall Women’s Shoe
When it comes to shoes, Salomon are hard to beat. There are a lot of properties you want out of a technical shoe and Salomon pretty much has them all. Their construction, materials, and overall fit are top of the line making them the best footwear on the planet for most people.
The Speedcross are a lightweight racing style shoe. They are made with no leather components, only lightweight textile. This does nothing to harm the durability of the shoe as these were made for serious users. They can hold up to multiple high impact runs a week.
For that level of use, they also need great support and comfort. Thanks to the full molded EVA foam and double footed, these provide the most support you could have and plenty of comfort. Even the logged outsole has the perfect proportions of grip and give.
Weighing less than half a pound apiece, these are definitely high-speed shoes for those who plan to stack on the miles. Of course, they will hold up perfectly well for lighter use. As an all-purpose shoe, they may be a little aggressive for daily wear but do great in any outdoor environment.
Pros
- Light Weight
- Aggressive Sole
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
- Less Comfortable Around Town
2. KEEN Targhee II – Most Durable Women’s Shoe
Keens are an all-around great shoe for most people. They have all of the outdoor features a person could want without getting too far away from a sneaker. This blend makes this a great shoe for most people who don’t own dedicated trail shoes.
Fully waterproof Nubuck leather clad on the outside with a quick wick membrane on the inside make this a durable shoe that provides all-day comfort. Protected with a wraparound toe and heel adds to the durability of the most abused portions of the shoe.
As a technical shoe, the included shank and aggressive tread keep your foot stable and planted while the insides are designed for comfort. A specially designed EVA dual-density footbed keeps a soft impact on hard surfaces. This is a highly breathable material to keep your feet dry and can be removed and replaced if needed.
At nearly a pound each, these are still considered a lightweight shoe but are at the upper end of that weight class. Managing the weight will rarely be an issue for most hikers and you get the added durability of rugged materials. Either on the trails or on the street, these are a good shoe!
Pros
- Waterproof
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Stable
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
3. Merrell Moab Ventilator – Most Versatile Women’s Shoe
Merrell is a big name in outdoor footwear with several lines of shoes perfect for the hiker. Each offers their own benefits but the Moab is their signature shoe that has led the pack for several years. They are also quite affordable in the outdoor shoe world, beating some competitors by as much as 50%.
When it comes to shoes that will keep your feet sweat free all day long, the Moab with its leather and mesh construction takes the top spot. These are in no way waterproof but if you spend most of your time hiking in the heat, these are unbeatable.
The Vibram outsole combined with dual EVA midsoles give you great purchase, stability, and support. The antimicrobial, breathable liner keeps everything dry on the inside. This combination is about as good as you can get.
Stretching the weight up to a pound and a half apiece does hurt this shoe somewhat. They are not very light but make up for it with tank-like durability. Being affordable and high quality makes them very attractive and their versatility makes them a no-brainer. All around great shoe!
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
- Not Waterproof
4. KEEN Presidio – Best All Around Women’s Shoe
With the large variety of Keens available to women, seeing them multiple times on this list. In the case of the Presidio, this is Keens number one selling women’s shoe. This should be surprising as it is a classy looking everyday shoe that has what you need for a quick hike on the side.
Made of waterproof Nubuck leather that is completely seam sealed, these shoes hold up to all weather conditions with ease. The reinforced toe adds a touch of flair and some resistance to damaging the leather. This is all combined to an improved shoe body for an excellent fit.
The Vibram outsole is less aggressive than most hiking shoes. As long as you keep them off the ice and the really slick conditions, they are grippy enough. The smoother outsole is supported by an EVA midsole for extra bounce while the interior is padded for all-day comfort.
At just 12 ounces a shoe, these are a great option for the trail or the town. As a work shoe or dedicated hiker, these are an outstanding choice. They are pricey but with the classic oxford look, most people can find plenty of opportunities to use this shoe.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Comfortable
- Light Weight
Cons
- Not as Durable
- Less Aggressive Tread
5. Ahnu Sugarpine – Best Women’s Trail Runner
Though not a brand that most people are familiar with, Ahnu make an awesome product that is high quality, comfortable, and takes a beating. Part of the overall success is their rigorous quality control standards. That is coupled with the quality materials they start with.
These shoes are not waterproof despite the nubuck leather construction. This leather was chosen more for its durability and is combined with a highly breathable mesh to keep your feet sweat free. The promoted airflow makes for a shoe that can go for miles without blisters.
The midsole is molded out of EVA while the outsole is a hard Vibram for enhanced durability. With an adjustable heel strap, these shoes fit well and are very comfortable. Taking a cue from the work boot world, they have used cork for a footbed which is a premium choice for sure!
Though they haven’t cornered the market the way some brands have, I expect to see more from Ahnu in the future. They are a great shoe that I am sure will catch on in the hiking community. If they keep their production values as high as they have, they will make quite the name for themselves.
Pros
- Light Weight
- Durable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not Waterproof
- Expensive
- Less Aggressive Tread
6. KEEN Voyageur – Best Classic Hiking Shoe for Women
Yet again with the Keen but I promise this will be the last one. A popular choice for all skill levels of hikers, the Voyageur was the flagship shoe before being replaced by the redesigned Targhee. This doesn’t make the Voyageur any less of a quality shoe by any means, just a somewhat lower price.
Made of durable full grain leather and mesh, this highly breathable shoe is one of the more comfortable mid-weight shoes on the market. They breathe exceptionally well but are not waterproof by any means. For a warm and dry shoe, these are great but not the best for cold or wet weather.
The over-molded outsole has very aggressive lugs for hard trails and is formed to a compression molded EVA midsole. Forming the sole under pressure makes it far more durable and less bouncy. The overall effect is much better traction and support on difficult trails.
If you are looking for something that will stand up to abuse, these are the shoe for you. Not lightweight at better than a pound a piece, they are not designed for trail running. If you take your time to get where you are going, no matter where that is these Keens can get you there.
Pros
- Durable
- Aggressive
- Well Fitted
Cons
- Heavy
- Harder Insole
- Not Waterproof
7. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus – Best High Top Women’s Hiker
Columbia is a well-respected brand in the outdoor community and was a pioneer in the development of technical gear designed for women. This led them to the production of several great outdoor shoes. They may not meet the standards of some dedicated shoe brands but the quality is apparent.
As a high top, you really need the strength of leather to give you the support you need. Combined with leather accents, this shoe is both waterproof and highly durable. Coated with an OmniShield treatment, water beads on the surface and stains just wipe away.
Similar thought has gone into the development of their dual density EVA midsole and contoured footbed. These are an exceptionally comfortable shoe even if they do wear a bit warm. They could use a little bit more airflow but with good socks, they work quite well.
The outsole of the women’s Newton Ridge are not as aggressive as most hiking shoes. They give good grip outdoors but are just as comfortable on hard surfaces like sidewalks and roadways. This makes them quite versatile as well as comfortable and durable.
Pros
- Great Support
- Comfortable
- Water/Stain Resistant
Cons
- Don’t Breath Well
- Heavy
- Less Tread
8. Merrell Siren Edge – Best Budget Women’s Shoe
I always like to include one budget product in a list. In this case, that budget product just happens to be by a great company. Merrell offers this shoe at a price that is very, very hard to pass up. And in more colors than any of their other shoes as well.
One of the cost savings measures is the lack of leather. Instead, Merrell has used a high strength mesh as the material of choice for the upper. They are not in any way waterproof but they breathe almost as well as bare feet. In warm, dry weather, these are some of the most comfortable shoes on the market.
Despite the lower cost, the soles are still made of Vibram. These are a softer sole with a great shock absorption. This is combined with an air cushion in the heel and flexible midsole. All in all, these are a thinner, lighter construction for less arduous walks.
At only 6 ounces each, these shoes are amazingly light. And they aren’t quite as durable as most Merrell shoes. This is by design. The athletic styling can take you on most any terrain you would like with a little care. Keep them off the sharp rocks but otherwise, they are Merrells and do hold up fairly well.
Pros
- Great Price
- Comfortable
- Versatile
Cons
- Less Durable
- Less Aggressive Tread
- Not Waterproof
8. Best Hiking Shoes for Men
1. Vasque Mantra 2.0 – Best Overall Men’s Shoe
Most people who choose a hiking shoe are trying to get away from the bulk and weight of a hiking boot. There are a number of sacrifices made for that lower weight that most people covet. Vasque has done their best to minimize those sacrifices.
Made of high-quality nubuck leather, they have all the durability of a heavy boot but with some mesh sections that help cut weight. This improves breathability and the overall comfort of a shoe that is decent for at least three seasons use.
Inside there is a Gore-Tex liner that keeps water out but is a very breathable barrier. This rests on a dual density EVA footbed for maximum comfort. When added to the Vibram outsole with just a slight heel, you get the maximum amount of traction and comfort.
For long treks on rough trails, these are an outstanding shoe. You get all the comfort of a boot but with shoes that come in at right at a pound per. They handle most terrains well and even have extra traction for slicker or rougher sections. This makes them about the best hiking shoe on the market.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Durable
- Great Traction
Cons
- Expensive
- Not Waterproof
2. Salomon X Ultra Prime – Best Ultra-Light Men’s Shoe
In the world of distance hiking Saloman has made a very good reputation for themselves. They have great durability and outstanding quality. They may fall short of the top spot on this list but they hold the top spot in many hikers’ hearts.
Intentionally designed to be stout without the need for leather, these textile only shoes are a great choice for those wanting to get away from animal products. The material is more resistant to dry rot and other issues leather is prone to.
The real heart of the Saloman Prime series is the built-in TPU chassis that helps apply the weight of your foot for maximum traction and comfort. Combined with their Sensifit technology, they actually cradle the foot to keep planted. There are few shoes more comfortable.
Weighing less than a pound apiece, these quite advanced shoes are one of the top picks for serious hikers. They provide all the technical aspects of hardcore footwear without the look. These are equally at home on the sidewalks or the mountainside.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Light Weight
- Great Support
- Good Traction
Cons
- Expensive
- Less Durable
3. Keen Targhee II – Most Durable Men’s Shoe
The first in our two most popular shoes, Keens are bucking for the number one spot in technical hiking shoes. They are known to be tough yet quite stylish and comfortable. Being third on this list is not low score. These are amazing shoes!
Like any great footwear for the outdoors, these start with 100% waterproof nubuck leather. This is the most durable and long-lasting option on the market. A pair of these should last, how long depends on how and where you use them.
The outsole is Vibram which houses a dual later EVA midsole that has a full shank. This gives you great grip, even better comfort, and the ability to walk all day. These are truly constructed like boots and are just as rugged.
Of course, they don’t have the weight of boots. These shoes come in at just over a pound apiece. While just outside of the ultra-light hikers, they are far from heavy. When you consider this in a reinforced, waterproof shoe, the weight is acceptable.
Pros
- Very Durable
- Waterproof
- Comfortable
- Stable
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
4. Merrell Moab 2 – Most Popular Men’s Hiker
Bucking against the Keens for most popular outdoor shoe, the Moab series from Merrell are definitely close. The order is unimportant for these shoes. They are as good as the Keens in many people’s eyes and are my personal shoe of choice.
Though they are available in several options, this happens to be the suede and mesh vent model. They are not waterproof by intent. However, the materials are quality and are great for dry trails and general everyday wear.
The Vibram sole is a perfect blend of aggressive and everyday wear. They have plenty of grip for most situations but won’t create hot spots from walking on concrete. The inside is a closed-cell foam for comfort and support. In the comfort category, these are top notch!
Durable but at a weight of less than half a pound per shoe, these are made to put miles on. They hold up very well, over a year of very hard wear has failed to ruin mine. If you are after comfort on the streets that can hit the tail with confidence, these are the shoe for you!
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breath Well
- Light Weight
Cons
- Less Durable
- Not Waterproof
- Less Tread
5. North Face Ultra GTX – Most Versatile Men’s Hiker
If you want a brand with a little pedigree, North Face has been trusted in some of the harshest environments on this planet. Not with these particular shoes but with more appropriate footwear. One could hope that the quality has filtered down to a more everyday option.
The boot uppers are definitely designed for durability with full grain leather and Gore-Tex to keep them waterproof but breathable. This may not be a rare combination but one that North Face uses effectively to create a tough and rugged shoe.
Down below, everything is about comfort and traction. With a midfoot shank embedded in compression molded EVA and surrounded by their own UltrATAC outsole, you get plenty of both. Add in the TPU toe cap for a little extra durability and these are some serious shoes.
Often favored by trail runners, these shoes come in at just over a pound apiece. They are incredibly stable on uneven ground. They handle shock well and are very comfortable. They aren’t cheap but the price could well be worth it.
Pros
- Very Comfortable
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Breathable
Cons
- Expensive
- Somewhat Heavy
6. Columbia Redmond – Best Classic Men’s Hiker
Few companies in the outdoor world have developed the reputation of Columbia. All of their gear is well made and holds up to the worst environments. In the world of trail shoes, the Redmond shoes have a lot of value for their cost.
Made of a breathable mesh underneath brushed suede leather, these lightweight shoe breath very well. On top of that, they are treated to be completely waterproof. This is the best possible combination for a pair of outdoor shoes.
With a dual later Techlite and Omnigrip outsole, these do wonders for keeping your feet planted in bad conditions. These aren’t the most technical or aggressive shoe but manage to do well on all but the trickiest situations. They grip better than some more aggressive shoes on smoother surfaces.
At almost two pounds apiece these aren’t the lightest shoe on the market. Being designed for trail running, this is a drawback. But for the money, they are great shoes if a little extra weight doesn’t bother you.
Pros
- Breath Well
- Great Traction
- Durable
Cons
- Very Heavy
- Hard Soul
- Not Great on Smooth Surfaces
7. Adidas Terrex – Best Men’s Trail Runner
Though not well known as an outdoor shoe company, the rebranding of Adidas has seen them reach into new markets. In every market, they seem to do quite well at producing great quality. These are just one example of the fine work they are doing.
For those who don’t like leather, these are a full textile shoe that loses no durability with the loss of animal products. This is the modern movement in footwear and with advanced materials, you lose little in the process. You will never miss the lack of leather.
Though not waterproof, these shoes are quite water resistant. They also feature a blended neoprene midsole and high traction outsole. With an EVA footbed, this maximizes shock absorption with heavy impacts on unforgiving surfaces.
At just under a pound, these shoes are great for trail runners or other high-speed athletes. They will work for anyone but are geared toward those with specific demands. Even off the trails, they perform great and are quite stylish.
Pros
- Reasonably Light
- Great off Trail
- Comfortable
Cons
- Wear Out Quicker
- Less Tread
8. Xiang Guan Oxford Trekkers – Best Men’s Budget Hiking Shoe
Every list deserves a budget shoe but not just any budget shoe, one that performs very well for the price. That is the case with these ultra-light trekking shoes. They are low on the price but high on quality with all the features a person needs.
Eschewing modern conventions on materials, this shoe has no leather or modern mesh. Instead, it is made of a poly oxford material that is treated for water resistance. This saves weight and maintains a reasonable amount of durability.
The non-slip rubber outsole has amazing traction and molds well to the foot and ground. This works well on smoother terrain but isn’t the best for rocky conditions. They lack the long-term strength and rigidity for that.
Still, weighing in at half a pound each, these shoes will do quite well. They are perfect for those wanting lightweight, reasonable prices, or occasional use. More serious outdoorsmen would benefit from a more rugged shoe.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very Light
- Quite Comfortable
Cons
- Less Support
- Less Durability
- Not Good for Rough Terrain
How to Pick the Best Hiking Shoes for You
There are a lot of factors that go into a good shoe. We attempted to meld the factors together in the choices above but understanding the choices you are making and what they mean can be the deciding factor between getting what you want and wasting your money.
1. Materials
This can be divided into materials for the upper and lower portion of the shoe. Both are important but are independently selected. There are no best options but many good options.
The most common upper material is leather. It is hard wearing and durable, making it perfect for building a rugged shoe. It isn’t necessary but it is a very good option.
Some shoes are going with full textile uppers. The materials vary somewhat but are usually quite durable. You may lose a little of the support offered from leather but you will still have a reasonably rugged shoe. These are often lighter than a leather shoe.
Mesh is often added to some shoes to increase airflow. While this is a good material to have if you are walking in dry conditions, you lose any waterproofing the shoe may otherwise have. Decide if having a mesh shoe is important where you hike before buying blindly.
When it comes to lowers, there are three layers to concern yourself with. The insole is the part your foot contacts, the midsole is between your foot and the hard rubber outsole. This three-layer blend offers more shock absorption, comfort, and stability in a shoe.
Insoles are usually made of EVA or occasionally memory foam. The material is less important overall to the formulation. This is one place where you will never know if you don’t try them. Luckily, most quality hiking shoes are made with good insoles.
Midsoles are often made from EVA as well. The only real difference is in whether they are compression molded or not. Compression molding takes some of the bounce out of the shoe. This makes it less bouncy which provides better stability and traction at the cost of less shock absorption.
The materials used in the outsole vary by company. Vibram is a very common choice that is considered a premium material. Much like the insole, the formulation is much more important. A harder outsole will resist wear more and be more stable. A softer outsole will be more comfortable and less fatiguing.
2. Sizing
Not all shoes of a numerical size will be the same size. Always consult a fit guide and determine whether the shoe runs large, small, or as measured. Start your search for shoes by getting your feet measured for size and go from there.
Some people try to err on the large side for shoes. In order to get a proper fit, this is not a good plan. Shoes that are too large will not give you the support, comfort, and traction that a well-fitted shoe will. This can lead to blisters, bruising, and hot spots.
The only time you should order shoes larger than your normal size is for winter. If you plan on having thick socks on or multiple layers, option for a shoe a half size larger will be a good idea. This prevents the insulation of the socks from being crushed by the shoe.
3. Tread
Some shoes will have very aggressive tread while others differ very little from your everyday footwear. Deciding how much tread you need can be difficult. This depends solely on where you plan to use your shoe.
Aggressive shoes will always be better on softer trails. In mud, soft dirt, and fallen leaves, these shoes put more pressure on the ground than a smooth shoe. On hard surfaces, these shoes will put more pressure on your feet at the points of the lugs.
Smooth shoes are great for hiking paved or graveled trails that may sometimes go over dirt. They don’t grip well on leaves or mud but are otherwise quite effective. For everyday walking, these are far better than aggressive shoes.
To muddy this topic, even more, recent technology has actually developed coatings that improve grip on some surfaces. This will wear off over time but in the short term, these shoes will grip far more than their traditional competitors.
4. Weather Proofing
Whether or not to get waterproof shoes is probably the largest dilemma that most people will face. You are outside and weather changes frequently. But don’t just choose waterproof for no real reason at all. Make an informed and planned choice based on your personal use.
Non-waterproof shoes will ALWAYS breath better than waterproof shoes. You will have fewer issues with sweat and blisters with proper ventilation. Non-waterproof shoes also weigh less in most cases.
However, waterproof shoes are the only real choice if you plan on getting them wet. For rain, dew, or creek crossing, these are a godsend. If you get a pair of waterproof shoes, try to get something with Gore-Tex or other breathable liners. They are worth their weight in gold.
Hiking Shoes FAQs
Q: What is Vibram?
Most people think that Vibram is a material but that is not the case. Vibram is a company. They do use a specifically formulated compound of rubbers to produce their outsoles. There is more than one single formula and not all of them are the same. Generally, products licensed with the Vibram name are good quality but not better than all other options.
Q: What is Nubuck Leather?
Nubuck is a treatment where the outer side of the leather is buffed off. This provides a soft appearance and is somewhat naturally waterproof. It is often more abrasion resistant than leather and has more give. It is not suede but has a suede-like appearance and feel.
Q: Women’s vs Men’s Shoes, what is the difference?
The truth is that the primary and main difference is in size only. Most materials and construction will be the same. It is the proportions that are different.
While it is possible to wear the shoes of the opposite sex, the fit will be somewhat different. Women’s feet tend to be slightly narrower than men’s. This could lead to issues with the foot being too tight or loose.
It should also be mentioned that women’s shoes are often cheaper than men’s. This is generally because women buy more shoes. A man may only get a pair of shoes a year or even less frequently. Women may buy several pairs a year. This leads to production costs that are lower per pair for women’s shoes.
Conclusion
When it comes to gear, there is no more important choice than footwear. It can make the difference between a great hike and a miserable one. A very poor choice could even cause injury. The shoes above have been selected for their performance and reviewed to suggest their strengths and weaknesses.
Any of them will serve you well but some will serve you better than others. This has less to do with price and more to do with features. Get the shoe that best fits your planned uses and overall activity level. A dedicated trail shoe is best but if you want a multi-use shoe, those will work. This can be a great way of saving a few dollars in the long run.
