The Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2026

The Quick & Dirty: For hikers who want trail runner agility backed by mountain-ready stability & control, this is the gold standard, despite its narrow fit & single-pull lacing that doesn’t work for every foot shape.

The newly released Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX ($175) 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 toe box 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. While the Merrell Moab 3 offers a more relaxed, roomy fit, the X Ultra 5 GTX feels lighter, quicker, and more precise when the trail gets technical. 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, reducing the likelihood of them untying. 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.

The Quick & Dirty: If reliability & budget are your top priorities for everyday miles, this classic is unbeatable; it feels significantly heavier & less nimble than some options.

The Merrell Moab 3 ($140) 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. It feels heavier and less energetic underfoot than the HOKA Speedgoat 7, but it offers a more traditional, planted ride that many hikers still prefer for total stability. 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, dependable hiking shoe made in part 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, and they always feel 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.

The Quick & Dirty: For hikers chasing max-cushion comfort without the “sloppy” feel of previous versions, the Speedgoat 7 delivers a secure, energetic ride; just keep in mind the fit is snug and the upper runs warm.

The Hoka Speedgoat 7 ($165) feels like a return to form for one of Hoka’s most trusted designs, easily earning our pick for the best max-cushion hiking shoe. It delivers the thick, protective underfoot feel we want for long days without feeling cumbersome when the trail gets steep or loose. Instead, the ride feels more lively than its predecessor, with enough responsiveness to keep the deep stack of foam from feeling flat or overbuilt.

In the desert, we especially appreciated how the cushioning took the sting out of repetitive impact on rocky Utah trails. The standout improvement is the redesigned upper, which provides a significantly more locked-in feel on off-camber terrain and rocky descents. Combined with the Vibram Megagrip outsole, the shoe offers dependable traction across dry dirt, wet rock, and loose gravel. Compared to the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 GTX, the Speedgoat7 is softer and more forgiving over high-mileage days, though it sacrifices a bit of that “mountain-goat” precision on truly technical, vertical terrain.

Because the new upper is more structured, the fit feels a touch snugger than earlier versions, so hikers between sizes should consider going up a half size. While this burly construction adds welcome protection, it also means the shoe isn’t the most breathable option on high-heat summer days. Still, for hikers who want plush comfort and a trail shoe that can handle everything from casual local loops to big mountain objectives, the Speedgoat 7 is an easy favorite.

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

The Quick & Dirty: An icon for a reason, this is the go-to for a natural, zero-drop stride & a wide toe box; just know the minimal support can feel “underbuilt” if you’re carrying a heavy load.

The Altra Lone Peak 9 ($145) is a super lightweight, zero-drop trail runner built for moving fast on varied terrain from spring forest trails and quick creek crossings to slick desert rock. Moderate cushioning and a rock plate provide enough protection to double as a capable hiking shoe.

Like past versions, it has Altra’s signature zero-drop platform and roomy toe box for a natural stride and reduced pressure on knees and hips. Zero-drop shoes are not for everyone, though, and can feel strange at first, so ease in gradually if you are new to them. They also offer less support under a heavy pack, which makes them better for lighter loads and faster travel.

The Lone Peak 9 brings welcome updates over the 8 with a redesigned upper, outsole, and midsole for greater durability and grip. The recycled ripstop mesh upper shows less wear so far, and the extended MaxTrac outsole coverage boosts traction on scrambles and descents. Fit stays true to size with a slightly more secure midfoot and heel than past versions. Hikers with very narrow feet or those between sizes may want to size down for the best fit.

It remains moderately cushioned but now feels more comfortable on long days while keeping ground feel. A Velcro tab at the heel makes adding gaiters easy for sandy or snowy trails. Unlike the more cushioned and supportive Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Low, the Lone Peak 9 feels much lighter and more flexible, trading away stability for a natural, ground-connected feel. It is best for hikers who want minimal weight and maximum ground feel rather than heavy loads or plush cushioning.

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.

The Quick & Dirty: This is the perfect “one-shoe” solution for hikers who want style that transitions from the summit to the brewery even though cushioning is firm & the heel can feel narrow.

We’d wear the Danner Trail 2650 ($190) on the trails and with 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. It leans more toward everyday versatility than the technically precise La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 GTX, making it a more comfortable choice for those who want a crossover shoe.

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.

The Quick & Dirty: For rough, loose routes, you need a protective tank of a shoe that won’t weigh you down. This is it. But it starts stiff and favors precision over plush comfort.

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 GTX ($200) offers confident grip, a locked-in feel, and trail-ready precision on steep, rocky terrain. It’s our pick for a secure, protective hiker without the bulk of a backpacking boot.

La Sportiva has long had a strong reputation for mountain footwear. This updated version sharpens what made the Ultra Raptor line stand out in the first place. It pairs a durable ripstop mesh upper (a tightly woven fabric resistant to tearing) with a supportive TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) lacing harness, a stable platform, and deep 4 mm lugs that bite well into loose rock, dirt, and uneven surfaces. A redesigned ankle collar helps seal out trail debris. The GORE-TEX membrane adds waterproof protection for wet trails, shallow water crossings, and muddy, variable conditions.

As for fit, La Sportiva shoes historically run narrow. However, the Ultra Raptor 3 GTX has a noticeably roomier forefoot than previous iterations. This makes it much more accommodating for wider feet and comfortable over long miles, all while maintaining the precise, locked-in heel cup this line is known for.

We put them to work on steep, rocky terrain up the Middle Teton and navigated loose scree fields and dirt around Grand Teton’s Delta Lake. What stood out most was how comfortable, planted, and secure this shoe felt on unpredictable ground. It handled rough descents and off-camber rock with the exact kind of great traction you want from a technical mountain shoe. While the HOKA Speedgoat 7 focuses on plushness, the Ultra Raptor 3 GTX is firmer and more precise, delivering better security when the trail turns loose, steep, and rocky. The tradeoff: it is stiff and needs breaking in. It lacks the immediate, bouncy feel of some modern hikers. But for women who prioritize grip and stability on demanding terrain, the Ultra Raptor 3 GTX feels purpose-built for big mountain days.

The Quick & Dirty: If you want the agility of a trail runner backed by the extreme durability and fatigue-fighting support of a traditional boot, this is your match; but be aware that the rugged leather build trades a plush, breathable ride for firm, waterproof protection.

The SCARPA Rush 2 Pro GTX ($189) is a perfect match for hikers who want something lighter and more nimble than a traditional hiking shoe, yet still require real structure underfoot. With its precise fit and stable platform, it instills confidence on rough trails. For women prioritizing advanced support on uneven terrain, it’s our top pick.

In testing, what impressed us most was how effectively this shoe kept our feet feeling fresh and protected over long distances. We wore it on hikes in the national forest outside Jackson and during early-season outings in Grand Teton National Park, logging 8- to 10-mile days on rocky, unpredictable trails. On those longer treks, the Rush 2 Pro GTX felt stable without feeling cumbersome, and our feet didn’t suffer the same fatigue or soreness as they often do in softer, less structured shoes. The fit is key: it secures the heel and midfoot, limiting side-to-side movement that wears feet out, while leaving enough toe room to prevent cramping.

The outsole impressed us with confident traction on loose dirt, rock, and steep descents, while the GORE-TEX liner provided reliable protection for wet grass and muddy, shoulder-season conditions. Thanks to the entirely Nubuck leather upper, it offers extreme durability and waterproofing against brush and wet trails, making it our favorite hiking shoe for wet conditions. Just keep in mind that this burly construction means breathability is not a strong suit on hot, dry days. This model provides more support and protection over long, rough miles than the HOKA Speedgoat 7, even if it feels heavier and less airy on warm trails.

Ultimately, the Rush 2 Pro GTX combats fatigue for dedicated, high-mileage hikers. It deliberately trades a plush, cushioned ride for rigid reliability, giving your arches and ankles the structural reinforcement needed deep into a backcountry loop.

The Quick & Dirty: This hybrid shines for those who want a smooth, energetic ride without sacrificing waterproof protection, however it trades away some stability on technical terrain for that extra bounce.

The La Sportiva Prodigio Hike GTX Women’s Shoe ($199) blends trail-runner comfort with hiking-shoe protection, making it a great fit for fast-and-light hikers covering ground quickly in mixed conditions. On hikes from 3 to 12 miles, its plush XFlow midsole felt springy, light, and impressively comfortable, while the women’s-specific fit locked down the heel and midfoot without squeezing the toes.

A mesh upper, GORE-TEX Invisible Fit liner, and built-in mini gaiter strike an impressive balance of breathability, weather protection, and debris control. The 5 mm lugs gripped well on wet rock, gravel, and packed snow, and the shoe stayed light and energetic throughout testing. If you want a supportive, bouncy option without the gaiter, try the more traditional-looking La Sportiva Prodigio ($155). Compared to The North Face Offtrail Hike, the Prodigio Hike GTX feels softer and faster, but less planted when the trail gets steep and rough.

The tradeoff is that the softer outsole and bouncier midsole don’t feel quite as confidence-inspiring on highly technical terrain. Still, for women who want comfort, speed, and waterproof coverage in one modern package, the Prodigio Hike GTX is a compelling option.

The Quick & Dirty: When all-day softness is the only thing that matters for mellow weekend loops, this “cloud” hiker is king; just know it lacks the precision and breathability needed for technical, hot-weather peaks.

On shoes are known for their distinctive cloud-like cushioning, and the On Cloudhorizon Waterproof ($200) brings that technology to hiking. During a wet August, we took it to Colorado’s Mount Massive Wilderness while crewing the Leadville 100 and hiking to Halfmoon Lakes. Over rocks, downed trees, and creek crossings, it felt light, soft, and surprisingly protective — and stayed comfortable even after hours on our feet.

The CloudTec Phase midsole absorbs impact from big steps and uneven terrain, creating a pillowy feel in an incredibly lightweight shoe. Fit is true to size with a relaxed toe box and secure midfoot and heel. The flexible upper adapts to most foot shapes, making it ideal for average to slightly wide feet, though narrow-footed hikers may find it roomy.

With a 6 mm heel-to-toe drop, it lands in a sweet spot between low-drop options like the Altra Lone Peak 9 and more built-up shoes such as the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Low. That balance gives midfoot, forefoot, and heel strikers a supportive, natural stride. The waterproof membrane blocks rain effectively but can run warm on hot, dry days, so it’s better for cool or wet conditions than midsummer treks in Moab.

For mellow to moderately challenging hikes where comfort matters most, the Cloudhorizon Waterproof shines. It offers a softer, more forgiving underfoot feel than the precision-focused North Face Offtrail Hike GORE-TEX, though it’s less capable when things get truly technical.

The Quick & Dirty: When you want plush, bouncy cushioning that doesn’t sacrifice midfoot stability, this is a long-mile standout, but it runs big and the exposed foam is prone to scuffs on sharp rock.

While we’ve had good experiences with Adidas BOOST foam in trail running shoes, we were not expecting to love the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker ($160) this much for hiking. With a middle-of-the-road price and instant step in comfort, this shoe quickly became a favorite on rocks, dirt, sand, and even snow.

On test hikes in early spring snow in the mountains of Colorado, it handled a wide range of conditions with ease. No matter the distance, the Terrex Free Hiker 2 Low delivered the lightweight feel of a trail runner with the stability of a more substantial hiking shoe. It does run large, though, and our tester, who usually wears a women’s 9.5, found a size 9 to be the best fit. We recommend sizing down a half or full size, or trying it on in person to dial in the fit.

Once properly sized, the shoe hugs the foot without feeling restrictive. The stretchy upper wraps comfortably around the foot and ankle, while the heel stays locked in on uneven terrain. Though breathable, it kept our feet impressively dry on soggy spring trails and while trekking through high alpine snow. The BOOST midsole feels light and exceptionally cushioned, helping reduce fatigue on longer days, while the EVA frame adds welcome stability when the trail gets rough. Continental rubber outsoles proved grippy and dependable on steep terrain, and the upper and outsole held up well in testing. Hikers moving from the Altra Lone Peak 9 will notice significantly more cushion and support here, though the Terrex feels bulkier and less natural underfoot. Our one lingering question is the exposed foam along the midsole, which may show wear sooner than more protected designs. Still, this is a comfortable, well-cushioned hiking shoe that blends trail runner agility with enough support and grip for long days on varied terrain.

The Quick & Dirty: When long days on mixed terrain call for a rolling, stable gait and reliable waterproofing, this shoe delivers, although the oversized heel can feel clunky in tight, rocky passages.

We’ve always had a soft spot for gear that sparks conversation on the trail, and few brands do that better than Hoka. The new Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX ($180) is no exception. This unconventional hiking shoe divides opinion, but after miles on mixed terrain — from slick boardwalks to rocky climbs in the Tetons — we found it among the most capable low hikers we’ve worn this year.

Hoka’s late-stage Meta-Rocker creates a smooth, rolling stride that’s ideal for steady, deliberate hiking. On steeper climbs, we had to lean into the rocker for a quicker push-off, so it suits hikers who prioritize grounded confidence over speed.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole bites into muddy and rocky surfaces, and the SwallowTail heel adds downhill stability — though it can catch on roots or tight boardwalks. Sizing runs large, so going down half a size is smart. The cushioning is classic Hoka: plush without feeling bouncy. After full days on the trail, our feet felt fresher than in many other low hikers. Almost every component — mesh, overlays, even laces — uses recycled materials, a meaningful upgrade from the first Anacapa without sacrificing durability.

Heavier and pricier than some competitors, the Anacapa 2 still offers better comfort, stability, and grip than most. It beats the Merrell Moab Speed 2 for long-day stability and cushioning, even if it feels a bit clunkier on tighter, nimbler terrain. If your hikes take you across wet meadows, slick rocks, and long stretches of mixed terrain, it delivers stability, all-day comfort, and serious traction — making it a reliable companion for weekend trips and unpredictable trails.

The Quick & Dirty: When the trail gets steep, sloppy, and unpredictable, this rugged hiker keeps you locked in; just know it requires a legitimate break-in period and caters to narrower feet.

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. If you prefer ground feedback over the maximum plushness of something like the On Cloudhorizon Waterproof, this is the tool of choice. 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 toe box. 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.

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

The Quick & Dirty: When you want a familiar, breathable hiker that feels “broken-in” right out of the box, this is an easy win, even though it prioritizes traditional comfort over sporty, trail-runner speed.

The Merrell Moab Speed 2 ($145) 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 specifically formulated for Merrell and provides excellent traction across a wide range of trail conditions.

We tried these in wet, grassy conditions, on steep slopes, and over chunky, rocky terrain. The cushioning keeps your feet from getting 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. It trades the sleek, performance-driven feel of the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX for a more immediately comfortable and forgiving experience.

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.

The Quick & Dirty: A relief for hot-weather hikes where weight & breathability are the main priority, though these give up the underfoot protection abd traction found in burlier mountain shoes.

While testing during the hot transition from spring to summer in the Tetons, we discovered the Oboz Katabatic LT Low Hiking Shoes ($155) are especially well-suited for warm-weather day hikes or fast-and-light missions, where breathability and agility matter most. These shoes are designed for adventurers who want to move fast without sacrificing support. Oboz pairs a breathable mesh upper with a responsive midsole for all-day comfort.

These lightweight shoes (just over 10 ounces per shoe) could pass for trail runners in appearance. Despite their streamlined design, they offer a structured heel cup and Oboz’s signature arch support for a secure, fatigue-reducing fit. The wide toebox allows toes to wiggle while the heel keeps the foot locked in.

The multidirectional lugs provide average traction in dirt, gravel, and even light mud. Keep in mind that Oboz’s proprietary rubber lacks the tenacious grip of the Continental rubber found on the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.

This shoe isn’t our top pick for carrying heavy packs or technical scrambles. We need more time to evaluate durability fully, but the minimalist build raises questions. They also deliver less cushioning and protection from rocks and weather than burlier hiking shoes like the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX. If water resistance is your top priority, check out the Katabatic LT Low GTX Waterproof Hiking Shoes.

Whether you choose the regular or waterproof model, the Katabatic LT Low hits the sweet spot between a trail runner and a hiking shoe, making it ideal for adventures where you want to move as fast as the winds for which the shoe is named.