The Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024

The Merrell Moab 3 ($120) is a classic hiking shoe built to get you to beautiful, amazing places. It’s rugged, tough, and comfortable, whether you’re going all day or all week. With 5mm lugs, it’s got ample traction for just about any terrain. The protective toecap and bellowed tongue safeguard you from anything you might encounter on the trail.

We love this shoe because it’s reliable, reasonably priced, and will last longer than most. Unlike other new hiking shoes on the market, this does not feel like a trail running shoe. It feels stable and safe. But this might not be your shoe if you’re looking for something light and fast — it definitely has that old-school bulkier hiking boot feel. 

This updated version of a classic is an affordable, reliable hiking shoe made partially out of recycled fabrics. This version has even more supportive insoles, more cushioned midsoles, and grippier outsoles. We also love that it comes in tons of color options. 

We love the breathable mesh upper on this shoe, which is reinforced by a suede leather overlay. They’re easy to lace up and tighten down and always feel durable and reliable. The Merrell Moab 3 is a great choice if you’re looking for a hiking shoe that will last without breaking the bank.

The La Sportiva GTX ($209) is the absolute go-to hiking shoe if you’re adventure includes snow, rain, mud, or water crossings. Its GORE-TEX membrane ensures that your feet will stay dry almost no matter what.  

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 waterproof shoe that’s comfortable, 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 and GORE-TEX Surround.

Vibram has become popular in hiking shoes because of the brand’s reputation for quality, durability, comfort, and traction. Their 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. But when considering fit, it might be best to order a half size smaller than usual as these shoes 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.

The Altra Lone Peak 8 ($140) is a super-lightweight, zero-drop trail runner that’s great for covering mileage at a quicker pace. Think spring or summer romping 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. 

The shoe’s shape makes for a more natural fit, with a roomy toebox designed to keep feet comfortable so that you can move more freely. 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. 

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 would be an excellent shoe for romping around on sand dunes or exploring dusty desert trails.

We did all of that with these shoes and also 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 it’s so lightweight, lacks cushioning, and has zero drop, it might not be the best pick for carrying a heavy load, like when you’re backpacking or fastpacking. But, if you love to feel the ground and enjoy having no weight on your feet, the Altra Lone Peak 8 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, from very technical, multi-day trips to mild day hikes.

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.

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 everything else, the Cloudhorizons are the move.

If you’ve never heard of this brand, you’re not alone. While we’ve tested a ton of shoes and a ton of brands, this one was new to us, too. And we love the look. 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 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.

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 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 boots but in a lower cut. So, it feels like a boot but fits like a shoe.

This shoe has lots of little details that we love. 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 it does not hinder maneuverability. The Vibram traction lugs are specifically designed for great footing, no matter the conditions.

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.

This may be your shoe if you’re in for many miles on incredibly technical terrain. The La Sportiva Akasha II ($175) is billed as a trail runner, but we’d call it more of a do-anything shoe. Going up high to summit a mountain with a class-3 scramble? Great! Fastpacking the Wonderland Trail in Washington? Perfect! This shoe might be overkill if you’re sticking to town trails or the dog run, but if you’ve got big adventures on your mind, the La Sportiva Akasha II has you covered.

The Akasha II is an update from the original, which was launched as a mountain running shoe. Think big, hard trails with lots of tricky terrain and happy feet through it all.

Case in point: the outsole on the La Sportiva Akasha II includes FriXion XT 2.0 rubber with 4.5 mm lugs, and is molded with an Impact Brake System and Trail Rocker, which provide traction and promote a smooth, rolling heel-to-toe motion for an unimpeded stride.

Because it’s made for big, rugged adventures, it can feel like a hefty shoe if you’re in for a more mellow day. But it kind of makes sense. Anything that shines on epic terrain will probably feel like a bit much on smooth singletrack. The Akasha II midsole has two plastic stabilizers through the midfoot to keep the shoe rigid for rocky terrain. This is also a huge asset when carrying a heavy pack for a backpacking trip.

We loved the heel cushioning in the Akasha II but wish the toebox was a bit wider. As is the rule with most La Sportiva shoes, it’s best to size up on this one. Some recommend at least a full size up.

This is another great women’s hiking shoe that’s as agile as a trail running shoe but with all the stability, grip, and waterproof protection needed for more technical terrain. This updated Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX ($160) is equipped with a new chassis, making the shoe even better at protecting the foot without getting in the way of movement. 

This shoe’s SensiFit cradles the feet from the midsole to the lacing system, providing a secure, snug, and virtually customized fit. If you’ve hiked a lot, you know that a snug fit is important without cutting off circulation or making you uncomfortable. The waterproofing on the upper keeps feet dry but not sweaty. Even on dry days, it doesn’t feel like a too-muddy shoe.   

The unique lacing system tucks away, which means there’s no chance of tripping on laces or having them come untied. Plus, it offers a clean look. However, if anything goes wrong with the system, you’re kind of screwed because there isn’t a backup option for making the laces work. This is the kind of thing where the technology is great until it’s not. 

We found the outsole’s traction durable but not the most grippy, which isn’t necessarily bad. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is a great choice for an all-around hiking shoe that will hold up well on various terrain types and last through even the most intense backcountry hiking trips. 

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. That said, these shoes run narrow, which surprises some people.

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 some technical slick rock in Moab, Utah. 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.