On the hunt for new hiking shoes? In 7 years, we have put 100 pairs of the best hiking shoes through extensive testing. In this update, our all-female hiking team compares the 5 Top women’s hiking shoes available today. Our hiking experts have done the leg work, busting out hundreds of miles over the years through deserts, forests, mountains, and streams. We carry loaded packs, consider all-day comfort, and evaluate traction over and through wet, loose, slippery, and uneven terrain. From differing foot shapes to varied trail conditions, we consider it all and rank each shoe according to our on-trail experiences. Over months of side-by-side comparison and testing, we tease apart the differences between these shoes and share our findings to help you .
Our Team's Women's Hiking Shoe Picks
- Best hiking shoes overall : HOKA Speedgoat 5
- Best Hiking Shoe for Off-Trail Scrambling : La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II
- Best waterproof hiking shoes : Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
- Best Supportive Shoe for Backpacking : La Sportiva Spire GTX
- Best Budget Hiking Shoe : Merrell Moab 3
Best Hiking shoes overall
Women’s HOKA Speedgoat 5
Best trail runners for hiking
Price : 155$
Weight (Pair) : 1 lb. 4.7 oz.
Options : Waterproof
Heel-to-Toe Drop : 4 mm
Pros
- Very cushy soles
- Lightweight
- Excellent traction
- Roomy toe box
- Above-average comfort
- Breathable
- No break-in needed
Cons
- Taller stack height can feel a bit unstable
The HOKA Speedgoat 5s are known for their exceptional comfort and low weight. The standout feature of these shoes is the ultra-cushy midsole, which is excellent at absorbing impact and doesn’t flatten out as quickly as many other lightweight hiking shoes we’ve tested.
Thanks to that comfy design, the Speedgoats are a favorite among thru-hikers who need a shoe that’s lightweight and can keep their feet and joints comfortable while logging lots of miles. These shoes are also more durable than many trail runners because they’re constructed with less mesh, so you get more literal and figurative mileage out of them.
All that cushioning means the Speedgoats have a taller stack height, and this is where we find the limitation of these shoes. They can feel a bit unstable when carrying a heavy load, so we recommend getting your pack weight as low as possible before tackling big miles in these shoes.
That said, the rockered sole is designed to keep you moving fast, and the on-trail performance of the Speedgoats is excellent in terms of traction and underfoot protection. Hikers who prioritize a cushioned ride and an unrivaled balance of low weight and durability should look no further than the Speedgoats.
Best Hiking Shoe for Off-Trail Scrambling
Best Hiking Shoe for Off-Trail Scrambling
Best trail runners for hiking
Category : Trail runner/hiking shoe
Price : 149$
Weight (Pair) : 1 lb. 4.8 oz.
Waterproof : No (available)
Pros
- Incredibly capable in mountain terrain;
- top notch protection and grip
Cons
- Relatively stiff and clunky
- not as durable as a leather shoe
La Sportiva bills their Ultra Raptor as a mountain running shoe, but we’re big fans of this design for hikes venturing above treeline on rugged trails or cross-country terrain. Now in its second iteration, the Ultra Raptor II provides protection against rocks and roots by way of generous toe and heel caps and a full-length rock plate, along with incredible grip on everything from mud and loose talus to boulders and snow (borrowed from Sportiva’s climbing collection, the Vibram FriXion XF is especially sticky on rock). Ample cushion makes the shoe comfortable enough to wear all day, and a sock-like construction keeps the foot snug while sealing out most trail debris. For high routes, climbing approaches, and peak bagging, it doesn’t get much better than the Ultra Raptor II.
But for all the La Sportiva’s strengths, it’s not our shoe of choice for easy trails. Compared to most trail runner-inspired designs, the Ultra Raptor is rather stiff and clunky, and the rigid TPU heel counter is known to cause discomfort in the heel for some. Second, although it’s built with mesh, the shoe’s upper has a tendency to absorb rather than drain water
Best waterproof hiking shoes
Women’s Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Best waterproof hiking shoes
Price : 160$
Weight (Pair) : 1 lb. 9.9 oz.
Options : Non-waterproof
Heel-to-Toe Drop : 11 mm
Pros
- Lightweight for how durable/supportive they are
- Very little break-in needed
- Excellent traction
- Decently breathable for waterproof shoes
- Stable
- Excellent waterproofing
- Wide sizes available
Cons
- Fit isn’t our favorite on this newest model
- Quicklace system is clunky
The La Sportiva Spire GTX shoes are our top choice for when we need excellent traction and stability on tricky terrain. We recently tested these shoes extensively during hikes in the granite mountains of Southern Arizona, and they consistently offered great protection and grip from the beginning of the trail to the summit.
What really impresses us about the Spires is their ability to perform like boots while being more lightweight and agile. They provide a high level of support and durability but still have a sleek fit and appearance. La Sportiva describes them as low-cut boots, which makes sense given their sturdy construction. Although they’re a bit heavier overall, we didn’t find them uncomfortably weighty due to their well-balanced design.
For backpackers carrying heavier loads of 35 pounds or more, these shoes are ideal for providing support. However, if you’re traveling with a lighter pack, you might consider opting for the more flexible and affordable Salomon X Ultras instead of investing in the pricier Spires. The Spires are somewhat stiffer than the X Ultras, even after being broken in, but they offer superior support and traction without a doubt.
Best Supportive Shoe for Backpacking
La Sportiva Spire GTX
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 10.2 oz.
Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Raised collar offers more ankle support than most shoes here.
Cons
- Heavy and pricey.
We’re a bit cautious about recommending many of the shoes here for anything beyond hiking on well-established trails. However, the robust La Sportiva Spire GTX stands out as a noteworthy exception. In essence, the Spire is nearly ready for backpacking—with its relatively high collar, La Sportiva even goes as far as labeling it as a low-cut hiking boot. Its thickly cushioned yet fairly rigid midsole provides a fine balance of comfort, shielding, and stability, which proves beneficial during long-distance treks and when navigating off-trail terrain. Add in its outstanding traction, decent breathability (considering it’s waterproof), and the top-notch craftsmanship characteristic of this Italian climbing brand, and you’ve got one of the most capable hiking shoes currently available.
However, the Spire isn’t suitable for everyone. At $209, it’s significantly pricier than other options on this list. Additionally, with its rather stiff and hefty construction (1 lb. 10.2 oz. for the pair), it might be more shoe than what most casual day hikers require. Lastly, the Spire is exclusively offered in a waterproof variant, which is advantageous for early-season snow and chilly conditions, but may lead to overheating during hot summer days at lower elevations. While most day hikers might prefer exploring other options, backpackers and those who frequently venture off-trail or into high-altitude environments like the High Sierra or Colorado Rockies will find the Spire to be an exceptional choice, thanks to its superb blend of support, resilience, and protection.
Best Budget Hiking Shoe
Women’s Merrell Moab 3
Best budget hiking shoes
Price : 120$
Weight (Pair) : 1 lb. 10 oz.
Options : Waterproof
Heel-to-Toe Drop : 11.5 mm
Pros
- Less expensive
- Durable
- Very little break-in needed
- Far more breathable than other leather shoes
- Excellent traction
- Wide sizes available
Cons
- On the heavier/bulkier side
The Merrell Moab 3s have reigned supreme as our best budget hiking shoes for years due to their comfort, durability, and performance. Their relatively heavy and bulky design means they aren’t our first choice for big-mile days, but day hikers and those looking for a shoe that gives the protection of a boot without the restriction of a high collar will absolutely love these shoes.
While the Moab 3 checks all the boxes for moderate trails, the shoe is not meant for fast-paced or off-trail endeavors. On rocky and muddy trails, we’ve found that traction and stability fall short of grippier and closer-fitting designs like the Hoka Speedgoat above and Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX below. And despite clocking in well under 2 pounds, the Merrell is one of the heaviest shoes here and will feel clunky and cumbersome if you’re used to a more trail runner-inspired design.
Women’s HOKA Speedgoat 5
Best trail runners for hiking
Price : $155
Weight (Pair) : 1 lb. 4.7 oz.
Options : Waterproof
Heel-to-Toe Drop : 4 mm
Pros
- Very cushy soles
- Lightweight
- Excellent traction
- Roomy toe box
- Above-average comfort
- Breathable
- No break-in needed
Cons
- Taller stack height can feel a bit unstable
The HOKA Speedgoat 5s are known for their exceptional comfort and low weight. The standout feature of these shoes is the ultra-cushy midsole, which is excellent at absorbing impact and doesn’t flatten out as quickly as many other lightweight hiking shoes we’ve tested.
Thanks to that comfy design, the Speedgoats are a favorite among thru-hikers who need a shoe that’s lightweight and can keep their feet and joints comfortable while logging lots of miles. These shoes are also more durable than many trail runners because they’re constructed with less mesh, so you get more literal and figurative mileage out of them.
All that cushioning means the Speedgoats have a taller stack height, and this is where we find the limitation of these shoes. They can feel a bit unstable when carrying a heavy load, so we recommend getting your pack weight as low as possible before tackling big miles in these shoes.
That said, the rockered sole is designed to keep you moving fast, and the on-trail performance of the Speedgoats is excellent in terms of traction and underfoot protection. Hikers who prioritize a cushioned ride and an unrivaled balance of low weight and durability should look no further than the Speedgoats.