The Best Women’s Hiking Shoes of 2023 | The Inertia (2024)

Hiking is one of our favorite ways to get out and explore the natural world. Whether it’s close to home with friends, a multi-day thru-hike, or discovering a new trail on our travels, hiking is a great way to cover some ground and get your nature fix in. While some opt for sturdy boots and others prefer to go barefoot, hiking shoes have proven to be the perfect compromise between support and comfort and allow us to cover as much (or as little) ground as we’d like while feeling secure and supported.

There are lots of options out there, so we took the liberty of testing the best hiking shoes on the market to save you the trouble. Here’s what we learned. Read on for our top picks and for more detailed information, check out our Buyer’s Guide and Comparison Table.

What Are the Best Women’s Hiking Shoes?

Best Overall Women’s Hiking Shoe: La Sportiva Mutant

Runner Up Women’s Hiking Shoe: HOKA Anacapa Breeze Low

Best Value Hiking Shoe: Salomon Outrise

Best “Trail Runner” Style: Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX

Most Sustainable Women’s Hiking Shoe: Merrell Bravada 2 Waterproof

Best Lightweight Women’s Hiking Shoe: Astral TR1 Mesh Shoes

Best Overall Hiking Shoe

La Sportiva Mutant ($165)

Pros:Incredibly grippy outsoles
Cons:Ankle support is a little weird for running

Upper: Recycled nonslip AirMesh/TPU FusionGate reinforcements
Outsole: FriXion XF 2.0 compound
Weight: 1 lb. 2.2 oz.

While the La Sportiva Mutant is labeled as a trail running shoe, we found they worked even better for hiking. When we first slipped into these shoes, they didn’t feel like they were going to be a top performer. But after hitting the trail, we quickly changed our tune.

The quality of these shoes is evident. They feature an integrated lacing system that allows the the laces to lightweight and not cumbersome, but still provide a secure hold. The ankle region sports a four-way stretch gaiter system that provided added ankle support and helped keep debris out. The ankle support was amazing on hikes but felt a little weird well running–it’s something you’d surely get used to and would be perfect for someone with weak ankles.

While most hiking shoes offer reliable traction underfoot, the outsoles on the Mutants are what really set them apart from the crowd. The outsoles feature an Ultra-sticky FriXion XF 2.0 rubber compound that works incredibly well on soft, muddy terrain (a regular occurrence in Hawaii). They also have an Impact Brake System, which was so nice for navigating tricky downhill sections. They’re also compatible with spikes should you need them come wintertime or for extra slippery hikes. To top it off? These shoes look super cool.

Runner Up Women’s Hiking Shoe

HOKA Anacapa Breeze Low ($155)

Pros: Super supportive and grippy
Cons: Tongue rubs against ankle

Upper: rPET engineered knit
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 4.4 oz.

HOKA is another brand that makes exceptional trail runners and have been getting more and more into the hiking game. The Anacapa Breeze Low features recycled polyester material in the collars, mesh, and laces and the polyurethane sock lines are derived from 50% soybean oil. Other features include Vibram Megagrip outsoles with 5mm lugs, compression-molded EVA midsoles, molded sockliners, anatomical achilles construction, and HUBBLE heels for smoother impact.

These shoes were comfortable, breathable, and super supportive and while many reviews claimed that sizing was off, our tester felt that they fit true to size. The only issue she noticed was that the tongue felt like it was rubbing against her ankle and while it didn’t hurt or cause blisters it was noticeable. For these reasons, they finished just behind the La Sportiva Mutant.

Best “Trail Runner” Style

Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX ($160)

Pros:Waterproof, great traction, breathable
Cons:Runs slightly small

Upper: N/A
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 9.5 oz.

Designed for rugged trail running, the Brooks Cascade 16 GTX are waterproof, breathable, and supportive. The Cascade 16s feature GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membranes that ensure the shoe are waterproof, while remaining breathable. Created for life on the trail, these shoes include foamy midsoles for added comfort, release grooves in the midsoles that allow you to easily adapt to rough terrain, an updated Ballistic Rock Shield that keeps your feet protected from rocks and pebbles.

The cuff of the shoe is gusseted to help keep sand and debris out, and TrailTrack rubber outsoles provide reliable traction on wet and slippery surfaces. These shoes have a gaiter tab, so you can add and secure your gaiters on extra wet trails. Our tester ordered a half size up on these as my feet tend to swell when hiking and running and they fit perfectly. We worried the GORE-TEX might make these shoes less breathable, but we didn’t notice anything and really appreciated the waterproof addition.

Best Value Hiking Shoe

Salomon Outrise ($110)

Pros:Made from recycled materials, grippy outsole
Cons:Bottom felt uncomfortable at the end of long hikes, runs a little big

Upper: Synthetic
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz.

The Salomon Outrise was designed to be lightweight and comfortable, while remaining versatile and supportive. Created with the environment in mind, the Outrise hiking shoes feature a recycled sockliner and foam created from an EVA compound that uses less artificial polymers. The sockliner helped manage moisture and control odors, which was much appreciated on long, smelly hikes. The All Terrain Contagrip outsoles provided reliable grip on all the surfaces we tested them on.

While the shoes were lightweight and comfortable out of the gates, our tester found the bottom of her foot got a little uncomfortable towards the end of her hike (these are a shoe she’d plan on wearing insoles with). Additionally, the Outrise shoes felt a tad big on her narrow foot, but performed better once she super-cinched the laces.

Most Sustainable

Merrell Bravada 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes ($130)

Pros: Incredibly eco-friendly, breathable
Cons: Lacking in ankle support

Upper: Knit
Outsole: Quantum Grip rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.

Our tester hadn’t tried Merrell hiking boots or shoes until recently and it’s safe to say she’s a fan. The Merrell Bravada 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes are incredibly eco-friendly: they are made from 50% recycled EVA footbeds, 100% recycled footbed covers, and 10% recycled EVA foam midsoles. The knit uppers feature 100% recycled laces and webbing and 100% recycled mesh linings.

These shoes are so lightweight and breathable, it’s hard to believe they are waterproof. The Merrell mountain-grade Quantum Grip outsoles provide ample traction and the Merrell Air Cushion in the heels provide stability and support. The only thing these shoes are lacking is support around the ankles due to the low cut, but we like that they’re comfortable and maneuverable.

Best Lightweight Option

Astral TR1 Mesh Shoes ($130)

Pros: Lightweight, antimicrobial properties
Cons:Minimal support

Upper: Ripstop mesh with thermoplastic polyurethane overlays
Outsole: G.15 high-friction nonmarking rubber
Weight: N/A

When checking out these shoes online, we really liked the looks of them. They’re a low profile shoe that comes in neutral color tones — they’re something we’d be excited about wearing while trekking and then to a brewery post hike. The Astral TR1 Mesh Shoes features G.15 rubber for grip and abrasions resistance, Trail Grip outsoles for added traction, Water Ready holes on the front/back to drain water and provide ventilation, Balanced Geometry to create a barefoot feel, EVA and rubber to absorb impact, and removable Polygiene-treated insoles with antimicrobial properties to manage moisture and odors.

These shoes are incredibly lightweight and breathable and were perfect for adventures in and out of water. While they were comfortable and provided ample traction, they had minimal support, so they’re a shoe we’d save for shorter hikes.

Best for Staying Debris Free

Arc’teryx Vertex ($180)

Pros: Made from recycled materials, anti-abrasion wrap keeps debris out
Cons: Not the most stylish, anti-abrasion wrap takes some getting used to

Upper: 100% recycled PFC-free polyester
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
Weight: 11 oz.

We’ll start by addressing the elephant in the room: these shoes aren’t pretty. But as someone who has spent a lot of time with annoying pebbles and dirt in her shoes, our tester was intrigued by the design. It’s definitely a funky design and takes some getting used to, but it does the job nicely of keeping debris out. Created with the environment in mind, the uppers are made from 100% recycled PFC-free polyester, single layer recycled polyester mesh, and the shoes sport 4 mm EVA recycled lining.

Other thoughtful features of the Arc’teryx Vertex include a toe cap for added protection, a forefoot anti-abrasion wrap, and a compressed EVA midsole. These shoes were designed for extreme trail running and we think they’re a good fit for that, but when it comes to hiking they aren’t my top pick. Also, socks or no socks? That is the question.

Saucony Peregrine 13 ($140)

Pros: Made with recycled materials, lightweight and breathable
Cons:Not much in the way of ankle support

Upper: Mesh
Outsole: PWRTRAC rubber
Weight: 1 lb.

Designed for rugged trail running, the Saucony Peregrine 13 doubles as hiking shoes as well. These trail runners feature mesh uppers, protective films for added protection in high-abrasion areas, gaiter-compatible D-rings, PRWRRUN foam cushion, rock guards, and PWRTRAC on the outsoles for added grip.

We found these shoes to be incredibly lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, making them great for long days on the trail or even to wear around town. We appreciated that they were gaiter-compatible, to increase their water resistance and protection should the need arise. The Pergrine 13s didn’t offer as much support in terms of ankle stability, but as someone who prefers to be nimble on their feet that’s actually my preference.

Lems Mesa Shoe ($100)

Pros:Lightweight and breathable
Cons:Runs small, minimal support

Upper: Synthetic knit mesh
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 8.4 oz.

We recently tried the Lems Primal Pursuit Mid hiking boot and were blown away by how comfortable they were, so we were excited to take the Mesa Shoe for a spin. The Mesa Shoe is designed to be a comfortable sneaker for people in motion. The shoes features a lightweight and breathable mesh upper, EVA cushioning, a 4 mm drop that encourages your natural stride, and durable tread.

While the Mesas were incredibly lightweight and breathable, they weren’t as comfortable as we’d hoped they would be. The shoes seemed to run a bit small, we think if we ordered a half a size or a size up they would be more comfy. We also would be cautious to consider these a hiking shoe. The support and traction is minimal — we think these shoes would be better saved for walks or relatively flat hikes.

Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Low ($130)

Pros:Unique aesthetic, made from recycled materials
Cons:Tongue rubs

Upper: Leather/fabric
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 2 lbs. 9.6 oz.

Out of the box, we were really impressed with the aesthetic of the Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Low. But Timberland has more of a reputation as a fashion outdoor brand than a technical hiking brand, so we were curious how the shoes would hold up on the trails.

At first, the Motion 6 Low aren’t the most comfortable pair of shoes. It feels like an insert is missing underfoot and the tongue rubs a bit if you’re not wearing higher socks. But once we hit the trail, we adjusted pretty quickly and actually found them to be pretty comfy (although we would recommend wearing higher socks).

Made with the environment in mind, the fabric lining contain at least 50% recycled plastic, bio-based midsoles contain a combination of 25% EVA and 75% from sugarcane and naturally grown rubber, and the rubber outsoles, and rubber outsoles contain 55% naturally grown rubber from farms committed to regenerative agriculture. The look and construction of the shoes is super cool, but we could see them being uncomfortable on a long trek. We’d consider adding inserts for some added support. On the flipside, they fell lightweight, are breathable, and provide good traction on a wide range of surfaces.

Xero Shoes TerraFlex II Hiking Shoes ($110)

Pros:Heel cinch and adjustable midfoot, super grippy outsole
Cons:Not very supportive, require a break in period

Upper: Synthetic mesh
Outsole: FeelTrue rubber
Weight: 14 oz.

Calling the Xero TeraFlex II hiking shoes is a stretch. Out of the box, they looks more similar to a rock climbing shoe than a hiking shoe. After testing them out, we’d say they most appropriately fall into the category of an Approach shoe. Approach shoes are essentially a blend between a hiking and a climbing shoe and that’s exactly what the TerraFlex II feels like.

Like many of the shoes on our list, the TerraFlex II features a wide toe box couples with a “Xero-drop” design. While the design allows your toes to spread out and promotes a healthy stride, you’ll definitely want to break these bad boys in before taking them on a long hike. We’d suggest a few walks around the neighborhood before setting out on anything over a couple miles otherwise you’ll end up nice and sore–but you do you.

The TerraFlex II are lightweight and breathable and wicking mesh linings help keep your feet cool and dry. If you prefer an even more barefoot feel than these shoes provide, the 3mm insoles are removable. The heel cinch and adjustable midfoot are excellent design features, as they allow you to custom tailor your fit. Finally, the rubber soles are super grippy for hiking and climbing (even if that’s not what they were specifically made for).

Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX ($200)

Pros: Wide toe box, zero drop heel, lots of support
Cons:Wide toe box and zero drop can take some time to get used to

Upper: Leather
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 10.5 oz.

Altra is known for making exceptional trail running shoes, so we were excited to test their hiking shoes. Altra hit the nail on the head with their Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX shoe. Like most of Altra’s shoes, the Olympus 5 includes a wide toe box and a zero drop heel for a more natural stride. Additionally, the shoes feature Vibram Megagrip outsoles, which provide incredible traction in both wet and dry conditions and GORE-TEX technology that ensures your feet will stay dry on wet trails and shallow stream crossings. Our tester has pretty narrow feet and while other pairs of Altras have felt big in the past, these were comfortable and fit true to size. On a longer hike, our tester noticed the Olympus 5 shoes rubbing a bit, but they provided a lot of support, which was nice. Read the full review here.

Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX ($160)

Pros: Waterproof, generous traction, gaiters keep debris out
Cons: Funky design, gaiters take some getting used to

Upper: Elite engineered mesh
Outsole: High-abrasion rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 0.5 oz.

When you first think of Nike, you probably think of basketball, but the brand is crushing in the hiking and running category as well. The Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX was originally designed as a waterproof trail running shoe, but it doubles nicely as a hiker as well.

When we first slipped into these shoes, we thought the heel and tongue design (aka gaiters around the ankles) was little funky but we quickly got used to it. The design calls for ankle socks but it provides a snug fit around the ankle and prevents rocks and debris from entering the shoe. It also adds just a little bit more height to keep your feet dry on creek crossings (which the trails in Hawaii have a lot of).

The shoes are lightweight and comfortable, but provide plenty of support underfoot. Although they’re promoted as a running shoe, they feel a little on the clunky side for running–although they’re definitely suited for running we actually preferred them as a hiking shoe. Traction patterns combined with rubber outsoles that wrap around the front of the foot provided ample traction for wet, dry, and muddy terrain. The design itself is a little funky, but these shoes perform well and feel good underfoot.

Oboz Sawtooth X Low ($160)

Pros: Incredibly durable, made from recycled materials
Cons: Not the most comfortable

Upper: Oiled nubuck leather/CORDURA fabric mesh
Outsole: True Tread rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 12.2 oz.

Oboz has been around for a long time and the Oboz Sawtooth X Low was named for the 10th anniversary of the original Sawtooth hiking footwear. The Sawtooth is well made, durable, and provides incredible traction, but sacrifices a bit in the comfort department.

The Sawtooth is definitively a shoe you’ll want to ease into wearing. For her first go, our tester wore the Sawtooth on a one-mile dog walk and found them to be a little stiff and uncomfortable. They certainly get better with time, but they’re never going to be the most comfortable option out there.

What the Sawtooth lacks in comfort, it makes up for in other departments. Made from Oiled nubuck leather and CORDURA fabric mesh, the Sawtooth is a shoe that’s going to be in your closet for a long time. In addition to a durable construction, these waterproof boots have incredibly sturdy rubber outsoles that provide the type of traction you’d expect in a solid hiking shoe.

The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro ($250)

Pros: Unique rocker midsole geometry propels you forward
Cons: Pricey, not great on steep uphills

Upper: Textile
Outsole: Surface CTRL rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 1.1 oz.

One of the more unique shoes on our list, The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro is designed for going fast. Although originally created with trail running in mind, the Vectiv doubles nicely as a hiking shoe as well.

The Vectiv shoes provides lots of stability and cushion. They contain foam midsoles with carbon fiber plates for increased stability on technical terrain and added support. As someone who is prone to injuries, our tester appreciated the added support, but if you prefer a minimalist, barefoot shoes, then you might want to look elsewhere. The rubber outsoles provide solid grip on flat and moderately hilly terrain, but on steep uphills we found them to be a little slippery.

What makes these shoes especially unique is the rocker midsole geometry–these shoes almost look like a banana with the amount of curve they have. The design feels a little weird at first, but the idea behind the design is add toe spring and propel you forward as you run or hike. With each step, it feels like the shoes are literally springing you forward, which is a weird but kind of cool feeling.

KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Hiking Shoes ($155)

Pros: Built-in odor control, mud shields
Cons: Take some time to break in

Upper: Oiled nubuck leather
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 9.2 oz.

KEEN has been in the business of making hiking shoes for a long time and the KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Hiking Shoes are one of their latest creations. These shoes are incredibly durable and were designed with muddy adventures in mind.

The Targhee III shoes are waterproof yet breathable and the mud shields offer additional protection on especially muddy hikes. We appreciated that the EVA footbeds are removable, so you could easily switch between minimal and added support. These shoes take a little time to break in, so we wouldn’t recommend a lengthy hike out of the gates.

While some hiking shoes get super stinky after getting wet, sweaty, and muddy, the Targhees feature Cleansport NXT for odor control. The all-terrain rubber outsoles live up to their name, providing solid traction on a wide range of surfaces.

Our tester (Rebecca Parsons) lives on Oahu and spends a lot of time hiking her local trails. She was in her college’s backpacking club and has done a countless number of overnight trips and day hikes since. She’s also an avid runner and prefers to do most of her miles on trails. To test out these hiking shoes, she took to her local trails and tested them out on dry, wet, flat, and hilly terrain to see how they performed. For the trail runners, she tried them out hiking as well as running to see how they held up for both.

Editor’s Note: This review originally ran in June of 2023. Since we published this review, our tester has logged additional mileage in the shoes on this list and added in some updates based on more time in the shoes. She also added in a handful of new shoes to bring you all of the best options out there. We will continue to add to this review as we test additional shoes and add any additional information that arises after spending more time on the trails.

Like the name suggests, hiking shoes are shoes designed specifically for hiking. They’re essentially a slimmed down version of a hiking boot. Hiking shoes tend to be lighter and generally more comfortable than hiking boots. They still offer a good amount of support, but don’t have the same ankle support that hiking boots do for carrying heavier loads.

Different Types of Hiking Shoes

True Hiking Shoe

True hiking shoes are built specifically for hiking and offer a combination of support and traction. They’re durable and oftentimes, are waterproof. They aren’t ideal for running in but are great for the hiker that plans to log lots of miles and wants a little extra support.

Trail Runner

Trail runners are running shoes with added traction for navigating trails, but they double as great hiking shoes. They tend to be lighter and have less support than a hiking shoe, but they are often more comfortable and maneuverable as well. They typically don’t last as long as hiking shoes either. If you like to intersperse runs into your hikes or prefer lighter, comfier shoes, these are a great bet.

What Should I Look For in Women’s Hiking Shoes?

Traction

When it comes to hiking shoes, traction is super important as most of the time in the shoes will be spent off roading. We want shoes that we can rely on in both wet and dry conditions on a variety of terrains, so we can focus on our surroundings instead of my footing.

Fit

You don’t want your feet sliding around while you’re hiking or rubbing up against the sides causing blisters, so fit is important. You want a hiking shoe that fits fairly snug, but still gives your toes some wiggle room.

Support

If you plan to spend a lot of time on the trail, you’ll want some support underfoot. Too little cushion can get uncomfortable but too much can be excessive and we often find ourselves tripping over our shoes when they’re too bulky.

Durability

It’s no secret that hiking shoes cost a pretty penny. As such, we want a shoe that will last. You’ll likely be spending a lot of your time outdoors in the elements, so you’ll want your hiking shoes to be able to withstand water, mud, rocks, and anything else the trial may throw your way.

What Else Should I Look For in Hiking Shoes?

Waterproofing

Some hiking shoes are waterproof, others are not. If you plan on hiking in wet and muddy terrain, it’s a feature you might appreciate having and could be well worth shelling out a little extra cash.

Comfort

More-so than other shoes, you want to make sure your hiking shoes are comfortable. You want to ensure they’ll feel good on long treks and won’t cause blisters. If possible, walk around in the store before purchasing. Or, if you order online, make sure they have a solid return policy in case they’re not everything you hoped they would be.

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Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.