The Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2025

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 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 newly released Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX ($170) 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 hiking through a partially snowy, partially clear trail in Grand Teton National Park. The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX hiking shoes fits snugly without cutting off circulation or feeling uncomfortable.

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. 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, making it less likely for them to untie. 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 La Sportiva Spire GTX ($209) is the absolute go-to hiking shoe if your 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 comfortable waterproof shoe, 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.

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.

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

The Altra Lone Peak 9 ($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.

Carrying on the tradition of previous iterations, the Lone Peak 9 is a zero-drop shoe with a roomy toe box that allows toes to spread out for added comfort. Zero drop means that the height of your heels is the same as the height at the ball of your foot in the shoe. Having your feet lie flat in the shoe helps maintain a more natural stride.

For many, zero drop is the key to more joy on long-distance efforts since your natural stride takes the pressure off your knees and hips. But, zero-drop shoes don’t work for everyone. If you’re new to zero drop hikers, take your time and ease into it a few miles at a time.

Compared to the Lone Peak 8, this new version has some serious updates we love. Historically, Altra Lone Peaks were known to perform well but not last more than a hiking season or a few hundred miles. With the Lone Peak 9, Altra addresses durability issues by redesigning the upper, the outsole, and the midsole.

Both versions had a ripstop mesh upper, but this iteration boasts an upper made of 100% recycled ripstop and “designed for high-mileage durability.” While there is no visible difference, we have noticed less wear and degradation of the upper over the first months of testing. We will keep an eye on this during continued testing and will report back.

Though the MaxTrac outsole on the 9 is made of the same material as the sole of the Lone Peak 8, there is a visible difference between the coverage of the knobby materials. The Lone Peak 9 coverage extends further, giving more traction and grip, making scrambling and downhill hiking even more fun and secure.

It’s still a moderately cushioned shoe, but the redesigned midsole adds enough cushioning to enjoy long days on your feet while maintaining a connection with the ground. That being said, they’re less cushioned than others on our list, so if you need more energy return or cushion, try the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Low.

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 is an excellent shoe for romping on sand dunes, exploring dusty desert trails, and even trekking over some lingering snow in the high country.

We did all that with these shoes and still 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 the Altra Lone Peak 9 hiking shoes are so lightweight, lack cushioning, and have zero drop, they might not be the best pick for carrying a heavy load, like when you’re backpacking or fastpacking. And, if you prefer a snug fit or don’t like the idea of a wider toe box, you likely won’t love the fit of the Altras.

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.

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, multiday 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.

The women’s La Sportiva Prodigio ($155) is a supportive, bouncy shoe with an innovative midsole design that allows you to efficiently cover long distances in a jiffy while keeping your feet and joints happy.

The Prodigios are designed for trail running but have become one of our new favorites for hiking thanks to their comfort and responsiveness. Lots of energy return comes from La Sportiva’s XFlow foam, a softer type of midsole than the brand typically employs. This foam, which is not too soft but not too stiff, delivers ultimate cushioning, stability, and flow, so we were able to crank out the miles on numerous hikes in the Tetons, Moab, and Point Reyes National Seashore.

Although a pair weighs just 1 pound, La Sportiva didn’t compromise on construction. A wider toebox allows for swelling at high altitudes, while a midfoot wrapping system secures the foot within the shoe, controlling movement and increasing stability. These innovations, coupled with a solid grip, allow you to tackle uneven and technical terrain confidently. We also think they look so good that we often wore them to town for errands or out to the brewery.

These shoes aren’t waterproof, so socks will get wet on rainy hikes or adventures with creek crossings. The lack of waterproofing makes them more breathable than GORE-TEX-lined shoes like the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX. Though the Prodigios dry fast, if you live in a wet environment, you probably want a GORE-TEX option.

They also rubbed our ankles uncomfortably at the cuff (and other reviewers say the same), and we hope La Sportiva will address this hotspot in its next iteration. Because they run small, we recommend sizing up a half or full size.

If you’re looking for a durable, technical hiker that will help you preserve energy, check out the La Sportiva Prodigios.

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.

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

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 but in a lower cut. So, it feels like a more supportive option 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.

Read Review: The Old Goats Get Even Tougher

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.