The Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2026

Bottom Line: For hikers who want trail-runner agility backed by mountain-ready stability and control, this shoe is the gold standard. It’s versatile, comfortable, and reliable, despite its narrow fit and lacing that doesn’t work for every foot shape.

The Salomon X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX Low ($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 enjoyed its predecessor, the X Ultra 4. But in this iteration, Salomon addressed most of our concerns, elevating it from a hiking shoe we like to one we love.

The Tech: For the latest version of this shoe, Salomon improved the grip on the Contagrip outsole. We noticed more traction on rocky terrain and didn’t slip on wet, loose descents like we did while wearing the X Ultra 4 — a crucial improvement for tester Constance Mahoney, who felt planted and confident in the X Ultra 5 while descending the steep South Kaibab Trail into the Grand Canyon. Also new is the ultra-durable synthetic Matryx upper, which provides increased protection and support. Even after wearing the shoe all day without any break-in period, it still felt amazing on a spring hike in Grand Teton National Park. Regardless, It’s worth noting that the X Ultra 5 fits snugly. If you have wide feet, we highly recommend the wide version, as its toe box is narrower than most.

What We Like: This shoe is extremely supportive and stable, as lead tester Chris Kassar discovered during multiple alpine hikes in the Tetons and on mellower terrain at Point Reyes National Seashore. While wearing it, she 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 feels lighter, quicker, and more precise. Plus, the waterproofing kept our feet dry when needed, yet didn’t feel too hot on dry days.

What We Don’t: The unique lacing system tucks away, reducing the likelihood of the shoe untying. It offers a clean look, but there’s no backup option if anything goes wrong with the system. This is the one concern Salomon didn’t address in the upgrade.

Should You Buy It? Choose the X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX Low if you want a comfortable yet agile, breathable yet waterproof hiking shoe to carry you through challenging explorations with confidence and style. Really, the only reason we wouldn’t recommend this shoe is if it doesn’t work with your feet.

Bottom Line: If reliability and sticking to a reasonable budget are your top priorities for choosing a hiking shoe for everyday miles, this one is a classic for a reason. Just be aware that it feels heavier and less nimble than more modern options.

The Merrell Moab 3 ($145) is the latest entry in a venerable line of affordable hiking shoes. It’s rugged, durable, and comfortable for both day hikes and longer excursions. Featuring 5mm lugs, it provides excellent traction on a variety of terrains. 

The Tech: The Moab 3 has even more supportive insoles than its predecessor, more cushioned midsoles, and grippier Vibram TC5+ outsoles. It offers a classic, roomy fit with a wide toe box and ample volume, making it ideal for hikers with wide 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.

What We Like: 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 Moab 3 feels stable and secure. We particularly appreciated the breathable mesh upper, reinforced with a suede leather overlay, and tester Constance Mahoney shouted out the tongue for staying in place and feeling plush. This shoe is easy to lace up and tighten, and it feels long-lasting and trustworthy. 

What We Don’t: 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 has a bulkier, more traditional feel.

Should You Buy It? The Moab 3 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a long-lasting, all-around functional, and stable hiking shoe that won’t drain their bank account.

Bottom Line: For hikers chasing max-cushion comfort, this shoe delivers a secure, energetic ride without the sloppy feel of previous versions. Be aware that the fit is snug and the upper runs warm.

The HOKA Speedgoat 7 ($165) is a return to form for one of the brand’s flagship designs. 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 its tall stack of foam from feeling flat or overbuilt.

The Tech: The standout improvement is the redesigned upper, which provides a significantly more locked-in feel on off-camber terrain and rocky descents. 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.

What We Like: In the Utah desert, we especially appreciated how the shoe’s cushioning took the sting out of repetitive impact on rocky trails. Combined with the Vibram Megagrip outsole, it offers dependable traction across dry dirt, wet rock, and loose gravel. Compared to the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 GTX, the Speedgoat 7 feels softer and more forgiving over high-mileage days, though it sacrifices a bit of mountain-goat precision on truly technical, more vertical terrain.

What We Don’t: 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.

Should You Buy It? Anybody who wants to put in long, fast miles without sacrificing underfoot comfort will enjoy the Speedgoat 7. Its redesigned form makes it one of the most pleasant hiking shoes to wear on the market.

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

Bottom Line: Deserving of its iconic reputation, this is the go-to hiking shoe for a natural, zero-drop stride and a wide toe box. The minimal support can feel underbuilt if you’re carrying a heavy load, though.

The Altra Lone Peak 9 ($145) is a super-lightweight, zero-drop trail-running shoe built for moving fast on varied terrain. Moderate cushioning and a rock plate provide enough protection for this versatile model to double as a capable hiking shoe.

The Tech: 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, as noticed during winter training hikes in Colorado. 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. Fit is 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.  

What We Like: It remains moderately cushioned but now feels even more comfortable on long days while maintaining a good feel for the ground. A Velcro tab at the heel makes it easy to add gaiters for sandy or snowy trails. Unlike the more cushioned and supportive HOKA Anacapa 2 Low, the Lone Peak 9 feels much lighter and more flexible, trading stability for a natural, ground-connected ride. It’s best for hikers who want minimal weight and maximum precision rather than the ability to carry heavy loads or plush cushioning.

What We Don’t: Zero-drop shoes are not for everyone 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.

Should You Buy It? If you love to feel the ground under your comfortably splayed toes, are looking for a zero-drop shoe, and enjoy having almost no weight on your feet, the Lone Peak 9 will be right up your alley.

Bottom Line: This is an excellent quiver-of-one shoe for hikers who want style that transitions from the summit to the brewery, even though cushioning is firm and the heel can feel narrow.

We’d wear the Danner Trail 2650 ($190) on the trail and with jeans while walking around town afterward. It doesn’t look like any of the other hiking shoes in this guide, which we count as a positive.

The Tech: The Vibram 460 outsoles have versatile lugs and a specially formulated 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; we found that the Trail 2650 felt secure no matter what 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. 

What We Like: We can’t stop wearing the Trail 2650, even when we’re not on the trail. The suede upper seems to match everything and doesn’t feel too overbuilt for dog walking and running errands. We would take these shoes to Italy to hike the Dolomites and still feel adequately chic going to dinner, whether back in town or at a refugio. In the wild, it felt both durable and lightweight. The 2650 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. 

What We Don’t: Unfortunately, the fit is a tad narrow, so you may want to try these on if you’re between sizes or have wider feet. The lack of a waterproof membrane means it might not be the go-to if you’re going to be hiking in the Pacific Northwest in wet conditions, but normal, variable weather shouldn’t trouble the Trail 2650.

Should You Buy It? If you need a go-to hiking shoe that performs on day hikes and hut-supported treks but also thrives back in civilization, give the Trail 2650 a try. It provides comfort, performance, and style in equal measure.

Bottom Line: For rough, loose routes, you need a protective tank of a shoe that won’t weigh you down. This is it. However, it starts out stiff and favors precision over plush comfort.

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 GTX ($199) offers confident grip, a locked-in feel, and much-needed precision on steep, rocky terrain. It’s our pick for a secure, protective hiking shoe that doesn’t suffer from the bulk of a backpacking boot.

The Tech: This updated version sharpens what made the Ultra Raptor line stand out in the first place. It pairs a durable ripstop mesh upper (tightly woven and resistant to tearing) with a supportive TPU lacing harness, a stable platform, and 4 mm-deep lugs that bite securely 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.

What We Like: 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 this line is known for. Lead tester Chris Kassar put this shoe to work on steep, rocky terrain while climbing the Middle Teton and navigating loose scree fields and dirt around Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park. What stood out most was how comfortable, planted, and secure the Ultra Raptor felt on unpredictable ground. While the HOKA Speedgoat 7 focuses on plushness, the Ultra Raptor is firmer and more precise, delivering better security when the trail turns loose, steep, and rocky.

What We Don’t: The trade-off for all that precision is that the Ultra Raptor is stiff and needs to be broken in. It lacks the immediately bouncy feel of some modern hiking shoes.

Should You Buy It? For women who prioritize grip and stability on demanding terrain, the Ultra Raptor 3 GTX feels purpose-built for big mountain days. If you like scrambling in the mountains and steep trails, it’s a great option.

Bottom Line: If you want the agility of a trail runner backed by the durability and fatigue-fighting support of a traditional boot, this is your match. Its rugged leather build trades a plush, breathable ride for firm, waterproof protection.

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

The Tech: This shoe has SCARPA’s Presa HIK-01 SuperGum outsole, which impressed us with confident traction on loose dirt, rocks, and steep descents, while the GORE-TEX liner provided reliable protection in wet grass and muddy, shoulder-season conditions. Thanks to the entirely Nubuck leather upper, it offers laudable durability and waterproofing against brush and wet trails, making it one of our favorite hiking shoes for wet conditions. 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.

What We Like: During testing, what impressed us most was how effectively the Rush 2 Pro kept our feet feeling fresh and protected over long distances. Chris Kassar wore it on hikes in the national forest outside Jackson, Wyoming, and during early season outings in Grand Teton National Park, logging 8- to 10-mile days on rocky, unpredictable trails. On those outings, the shoe felt stable but not cumbersome, and her feet didn’t experience the same fatigue or soreness as they might’ve 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.

What We Don’t: The leather upper and overall burly construction mean breathability is not a strong suit on hot, dry days.

Should You Buy It? 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 for deep backcountry loops.

Bottom Line: This poppy hybrid shoe shines for those who want a smooth, energetic ride without sacrificing waterproof protection. However, it trades some stability on technical terrain for that extra bounce.

The La Sportiva Prodigio Hike GTX ($199) blends trail-runner comfort with mid-cut hiking-shoe protection, making it a great fit for fast-and-light hikers covering ground quickly in mixed conditions. 

The Tech: A mesh upper, GORE-TEX Invisible Fit liner, and a built-in, sock-like mini gaiter at the ankle strike an impressive balance of breathability, weather protection, and debris control. The shoe’s Frixion outsole and 5mm lugs gripped well on wet rock, gravel, and packed snow, and it felt light and energetic throughout testing. 

What We Like: On hikes ranging from 3 to 12 miles, its plush XFlow midsole felt springy, light, and impressively comfortable, while the women’s-specific fit locked down our heel and midfoot without squeezing our toes. If you want a supportive, bouncy option without the integrated gaiter, try the more traditional-looking La Sportiva Prodigio. Compared to The North Face Offtrail Hike, the Prodigio Hike feels softer and faster, but less planted when the trail gets steep and rough.

What We Don’t: The soft outsole and bouncy midsole don’t feel quite as confidence-inspiring on highly technical terrain. This shoe is better suited for dirt singletrack and more casual hikes.

Should You Buy It? For women who want comfort, speed, and waterproof coverage in one light, modern package, the Prodigio Hike GTX is a compelling option.

Bottom Line: When all-day softness is the only thing that matters on mellow weekend hikes, this luxe-feeling shoe is queen. The caveat is that it lacks the precision and breathability needed for technical, hot-weather missions.

On is well-known in the running sphere for its distinctive cushioning, and the Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof ($200) brings that technology to hiking. Lead tester Chris Kassar took it to Colorado’s Mount Massive Wilderness while crewing the Leadville 100 and hiking to Halfmoon Lakes, and while she strode over rocks, downed trees, and creek crossings, it felt light, soft, and surprisingly protective. Best of all, it remained comfortable even after hours on her feet.

The Tech: 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, and the Cloudhorizon 2 has a relaxed toe box and a 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.

What We Like: With a 6mm 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 HOKA Anacapa 2 Low. That balance gives midfoot, forefoot, and heel strikers a supportive, natural stride — an impressively wide range of satisfied customers. 

What We Don’t: The waterproof membrane blocks rain effectively but can run warm on hot, dry days, so it’s better for cool or wet conditions rather than midsummer treks in Moab. It’s also not the best option for picking your way through scrambly terrain.

Should You Buy It? If you’re looking to go for a casual hike rather than charge hard, you might as well make your feet as comfortable as possible. This is where the Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof shines, with a softer, more forgiving underfoot feel than many competitors.

Bottom Line: Long days on mixed terrain call for a rolling, stable gait and reliable waterproofing. This shoe delivers all of that and more, although the oversized heel can feel clunky in tight, rocky quarters.

We’ve always had a soft spot for gear that sparks conversation on the trail, and few brands do that better than HOKA. The brand’s Anacapa 2 Low GTX ($180) is no exception: This hiking shoe’s unconventional design 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-cut hikers we’ve worn.

The Tech: 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 those 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 a good idea. Almost every component — mesh, overlays, even laces — uses recycled materials, a meaningful upgrade from the first Anacapa without sacrificing durability.

What We Like: Heavier and pricier than some competitors, the Anacapa 2 still offers better comfort, stability, and grip than most. The cushioning is classic Hoka: plush without feeling bouncy. After full days on the trail, our feet felt fresher than in many other low-cut hikers.  It beats the Merrell Moab Speed 2 for long-day stability and plushness, even if it feels a bit clunkier on tighter terrain. If your hikes take you across wet meadows, slick rocks, and long stretches of mixed ground, it delivers stability and serious traction — making it a reliable companion for light backpacking trips and unpredictable trails.

What We Don’t: The cloudlike cushioning and extended heel mean that the Anacapa 2 won’t perform as well in rough terrain that requires a more nimble shoe, such as the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3.

Should You Buy It? Anyone who has experienced sore feet on a high-mileage day hike will feel grateful to pick up the Anacapa 2 Low. Its forward-thinking design will keep your pace consistent and your grip surefooted.

Bottom Line: When the trail gets steep, sloppy, and unpredictable, this rugged hiking shoe locks in. It does require a legitimate break-in period and caters to narrower feet, though.

Built for far-flung backcountry adventures, The North Face Offtrail Hike GORE-TEX ($200) combines all-weather protection with a confidence-inspiring, stable design. 

The Tech: A full GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry through stream crossings and surprise downpours, while the sturdy outsole — made with The North Face’s proprietary Surface Cntrl compound — grips reliably on slick rock, loose dirt, and steep switchbacks. The Offtrail is also built with a rock plate under the forefoot to soften potentially bruising strikes. The fit runs slightly narrow, particularly in the toe box. If you’re in between sizes or have a wide foot, we recommend sizing up and/or trying the shoe on before buying.

What We Like: 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 2, this is the tool of choice. The Offtrail is secure and supportive, especially on uneven terrain. A burly upper and toe caps add a layer of durability that’s ready for bushwhacks or scrambles.

What We Don’t: As we would expect with a slightly stiffer, stable shoe, we needed to break in the Offtrail for a short time. After a few hikes, it 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.

Should You Buy It? For those seeking a waterproof, tough-as-nails hiking shoe with a ready-for-anything vibe, the Offtrail Hike delivers. It may not feel as luxe as some competitors, but it can handle terrain most can’t.

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

Bottom Line: When you want a familiar, breathable hiking shoe that feels broken in right out of the box, this is an easy choice, 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 a trail-runner fit and feel, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 sticks to the roots of hiking-boot design, but in a lower cut. It feels like a more supportive option, but it fits like a shoe.

The Tech: Lightweight FlexPlate technology provides torsional rigidity at the midfoot. Overall, this shoe has just the right amount of stability and forefoot flexibility. Many hiking and running shoes these days use a Vibram outsole, but the brand’s TC5+ outsole was specifically formulated for Merrell and provides excellent traction across a wide range of trail conditions.

What We Like: This shoe has many little details we appreciate. The padded collar and tongue are immediately comfortable and help keep debris out. 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 tried these in wet, grassy conditions, on steep slopes, and over chunky, rocky terrain, and found that the cushioning keeps your feet from getting tired or beat up and does not hinder maneuverability. The Vibram 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 for a more immediately comfortable and forgiving experience.

What We Don’t: Although its name implies otherwise, this isn’t really the shoe for getting your zoomies out. For that, you should opt for a model like (more accurately named) HOKA Speedgoat 7.

Should You Buy It? The Moab Speed 2 is a go-to for anyone looking for a solid, reliable hiking shoe that will last. It’s easy to recommend for many hikers, especially at this price.

Bottom Line: This lightweight shoe excels on hot-weather hikes where weight and breathability are the main priority, but it gives up the underfoot protection and traction found in burlier, mountain-ready competitors.

While navigating the transition from spring to summer in the Tetons, Chris Kassar discovered that the Oboz Katabatic LT Low ($155) is especially well-suited for warm-weather day hikes and fast-and-light missions, where breathability and agility matter. Oboz did well to pair the airy mesh upper with a responsive midsole for all-day comfort.

The Tech: The lightweight Katabatic (just over 10 ounces per shoe) could pass for a trail runner in appearance. Despite its streamlined design, it offers a structured heel cup and Oboz’s signature arch support for a secure, fatigue-reducing fit. The wide forefoot allows toes to wiggle while the heel keeps the foot locked in. If water resistance is a top priority, check out the Katabatic LT Low GTX ($190).

What We Like: This shoe is light and nimble enough for wearers to maintain speed without sacrificing too much support. The multidirectional lugs provide average traction in dirt, gravel, and even light mud, but Oboz’s proprietary rubber lacks the tenacious grip of the Vibram outsoles on competitors like the HOKA Speedgoat 7.

What We Don’t: This shoe isn’t our top pick for carrying heavy packs or technical scrambles. It also delivers less cushioning and protection from rocks and weather than burlier hiking shoes like the Salomon X Ultra 5.

Should You Buy It? 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 the shoe is named after.