The North Face Vectiv Escape Sneakers i hvid | 5 Jones Bootmaker Brown Lark Mens Suede Desert Shoes in 2023
If you are like us, you would prefer to don the ideal pair for your daily excursions in the backcountry. Having tested over 300 stellar hiking shoes for women, we give you top-of-the-line trail kicks that can level up your game out in the wild.
Do you need something agile yet fully capable of hauling a moderately heavy pack? Or maybe a hiker that underscores well-roundedness? What about an ultra-affordable shoe? Whatever you need, we got them all down below.
Best women's hiking shoes overall
What makes it the best?
Long Mountain Waterproof Bootsuper lightweight, grips to almost anything and is amazingly comfortable. It ticks all the boxes for the best women’s hiking shoe!
In the lab, we measured the lug depth as 4.3 mm - the average for hiking shoes in our database. This explains why we felt really confident in the shoe’s ability to handle different terrains, including zapatillas de running mujer ritmo medio 10k talla 35.5.
That all-day comfort comes from the plushest midsole that we have ever experienced! Our durometer measurements were almost unbelievable - the midsole is a huge 65% softer than the average! We tested the shoe’s flexibility with a force gauge, which also showed a 26% increase in flexibility compared to the average. Buttero stitched panel runner sneakerst.
Next we weighed them and found them to be 11.3 oz (320g), 2.2 oz (62g) lighter than average per shoe. This really adds up, and we noticed how much fresher our feet felt at the end of a long hike. They are also extremely breathable, so they are great for summer walking.
For women who aren't off by wet-weather hiking, we would recommend the waterproof version of these shoes: the sneaker in collaboration with GTX.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good grip
- Incredible midsole
- Protective TPU shank
- Excellent lockdown
- Fits true to size
- Breathable
Cons
- Ankle support isn’t there
- No waterproofing
Today's best price
Women's hiking shoes with the best support
The North Face Vectiv Escape Sneakers i hvid | What makes it the best?
These shoes are lightweight, breathable and grippy, all while keeping our feet impeccably protected from rolling. That’s why they are our pick for best women’s hiking shoes with the best support.
Salomon’s integrated support system starts with their convenient quick lacing system which provides a lockdown which is second to none. Our feet remain secure whether we are on sustained ascents or tackling uneven terrain. The lacing connects to a plastic shank in the midsole, preventing our foot from rolling and it feels like the support of a boot rather than a shoe. The high heel counter significantly adds to the ankle support, and hiking over rocks and roots is a breeze.
When we measured these shoes in the lab, we found them to be 11.8 oz (355g), 12% lighter than the average. The difference is noticeable and we found our feet still felt raring to go, even after a long day out on the trail! They are wonderfully breathable so our feet could enjoy all-day comfort. Salomon’s Contragrip outsole is a star player, and their 5.2 mm lugs are 18% deeper than average, keeping us steady and stable on almost every terrain, from wet rock to gravel.
The lacing system isn’t adjustable, so these shoes may not be suitable for those with especially wide or narrow feet.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Exceptional breathability
- Excellent grip
- Comfortable midsole
- Nike Running Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shield Svarta träningsskor
- Insanely protective
Cons
- Lacing system is not adjustable
- Some issues with rubbing at the ankle
Today's best price
Women's hiking shoes with the best comfort
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Supremely comfy
- Zero break-in
- Boss-level support
- Solid grip
- Stable platform
- Fantastic cushioning
- Fits various foot shapes
- Shoes SKECHERS Persistent 51361 BBK Black
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Ankle boots HISPANITAS Alpes HI211868 Vainilla
- Sneakers ns1 In Mesh E Camoscio
Today's best price
Best waterproof women's hiking shoes
What makes it the best?
When we want a versatile and lightweight hiking shoe that is great for long distances and still keeps our feet dry and toasty in cold and wet weather, we reach for the Hoka Ancapa Low GTX. It bundles all these features and more into a single shoe, so we simply had to choose it as our best waterproof hiking shoe for women.
The GoreTex/Nubuck leather upper and gussetted tongue make for a completely watertight shoe, keeping our feet dry even when splashing through deep puddles. We found it also makes them a great choice for winter hiking because it kept our feet so cozy! They can tackle all kinds of terrain; we tFaxon Low-Top Canvas Sneaker, and their 5 mm deep lugs, 14% deeper than average, managed them all with ease.
Hoka’s characteristic rocker and the plush cushioning really stand out on a hike. The rocker helps us to walk faster and keep our momentum. When we measured the midsole in the lab, our durometer showed 23 HA, a significant increase in softness from the average of 33.9 HA. We also measured the insoles to be 6.7 mm. ASneakers PRIMIGI 1869600 S Biand we could put in many more kilometres per day as a result. We normally expect this kind of spec to come at the cost of weight, but these shoes still only weigh 13.9 oz (393g), 6% less than the average waterproof hiking shoe!
We don't recommend the Hoka Ancapa Low GTX to women who want a stiffer shoe for technical terrain or backpacking. This shoe might be too soft and its low cut might leave you wanting more ankle support.
Pros
- Mind-blowing cushioning
- Podiatrist-approved sole
- Excellent grip
- Top-notch waterproofing
- Lightweight
- Out-of-the-box comfort
- Roomy toebox
- Well-made
- Contains recycled materials
Cons
- zapatillas de running Inov-8 constitución media talla 42
- Pricier than average
- Weird-looking heel
Today's best price
Best value women's hiking shoes
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Feels like a trail running shoe
- Breathable
- Water-repellent
- Solid grip
- Durable for the price
- Stable platform
- Contains recycled materials
Cons
- zapatillas de running Skechers amortiguación media constitución media entre 60 y 100
- Flimsy insole
Today's best price
Comparison of the 5 best hiking shoes for women
+ + Enhance you compression boot recovery with these great inserts | + + Enhance you compression boot recovery with these great inserts | + + Enhance you compression boot recovery with these great inserts | + + Enhance you compression boot recovery with these great inserts | + + Enhance you compression boot recovery with these great inserts | + + Enhance you compression boot recovery with these great inserts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best | ||||||
| CoreScore | ||||||
| Users rating | ||||||
| Experts | ||||||
| Best price | ||||||
| Ranking | ||||||
| Popularity | ||||||
| # of colorways |
Historically, hiking shoes were mainly designed with the male hiker in mind. Nowadays, most hiking shoe manufacturers design female versions of their hiking footwear to complement their male counterparts.
In some cases, there are even women-specific hiking shoes that do not have a male counterpart.
Women’s hiking shoes vs. boots
The most significant difference between women’s hiking shoes and boots is the height. Hiking shoes have a low-ankle design, while boots usually have a high-ankle design.
| Hiking boot | Hiking shoe |
|
|
|
|
Veteran hikers herald the high-ankle design of hiking boots for extra support and protection. The additional coverage is irreplaceable for exceptionally rugged and rocky trails, especially if you are prone to rolling your ankles or hiking with a heavy load on a multi-day effort. |
Those of us hiking on more moderate terrain with mellow and intermittent sections of technical terrain do not need all of the support and protection that boots provide. |
|
Average weight (women's) |
|
|
460 g |
315 g |
The classic hiking boot characteristics of extra traction and waterproofing are excellent for this type of hiking, but the hiking boots' added weight and bulkiness might be unwarranted. That is where the hiking shoes shine.
These days brands like Merrell, Salomon, and Adidas, among others, offer technical hiking shoes for women that help you move confidently uphill and downhill over dirt, gravel, rock, sand, and other terrain types without the bulkiness of boots.
In the past decades, hiking footwear has been trending towards lighter-weight materials and designs. Hiking shoes exemplify this new trend–they are designed to get many of the qualities of hiking boots without the extra weight. Gone are the days of big and bulky leather boots.
What sets women-specific hiking shoes apart from men's
Women-oriented last
Generally, women-specific hiking shoes are designed to accommodate higher arches and narrower heels. They have less volume in the toe box and heel cup to accommodate the smaller, slimmer female foot.
Lighter weight
Women’s hiking shoes typically weigh less than men’s shoes.
| Weight | ||
| Men's version | Women's version | |
| zapatillas de running apoyo talón talla 36 marrones | 460 | 360 |
| zapatillas de running New Balance ritmo medio talla 30 | 360 | 315 |
| Adidas Terrex AX4 | 371 | 340 |
Different colorways
Lastly, women’s hiking shoes boast different colorways than their male counterparts.
Converting women's size to men's
However, it is essential to note that some women might be better off wearing a men’s model. This is particularly true for women with higher-volume feet.
To get the right size, go down 1.5 US size from your regular boot size. Example:
| Men's | Women's |
| US 5.5 | US 7 |
| US 6.5 | US 8 |
Waterproofing isn’t only for hiking boots
It is inaccurate to think that to get waterproof trail shoes, you need to invest in hiking boots. In the past, before the conception of hiking shoes, this may have been true when the only other option would be to go hiking in tennis shoes or sneakers. However, modern women’s hiking shoes now boast waterproof materials just like boots.
With that said, however, it is essential to consider how much water you intend to deal with before investing in a pair of shoes.
| Georgie panelled wedge sneakers | Waterproof hiking shoes | Breathable hiking shoes |
|
If you are preparing for a multi-day trip with the potential for multiple water crossings, then hiking boots are the preferred footwear. The same could be said if your local climate and hiking terrain gets a lot of precipitation. See our selection of the Dri-FIT Run Division Tempo Luxe Running Shorts. |
If you like dry feet when dodging the occasional storm and not-too-deep puddles, there is no better option than a waterproof shoe. See our list of the palm angels boots. |
And, of course, if you are a fair-weather hiker (there’s no shame in that) or if your local climate is arid and does not experience a lot of annual precipitation, waterproofing may not be unnecessary for your hiking footwear in the first place. Waterproof hiking shoes may even inhibit your comfort in dry environments because their waterproof materials are notoriously less breathable. See our catalog of the Fabric Upper Boots. |
Gore-Tex is one of the most effective and popular waterproofing membranes used on top-rated hiking footwear. Learn more in our guide on Gore-Tex hiking shoes.
Reapplying the waterproofing on women’s hiking shoes
As you can imagine, when hiking shoes are brand-new, the waterproof layer functions very well.
However, unfortunately, the waterproofing on your shoes may degrade over time. Regular wear and tear and exposure to grime, dirt, insect repellent, detergents, and other materials can reduce its lifespan.
Once water no longer beads and runs off your shoes, it’s time to reapply a durable water repellent (DWR). A DWR is an ultra-thin water-repellent polymer applied to the exterior materials of the upper of your hiking shoe.
We will not tell you which specific DWR to apply in this article. However, we will make a necessary recommendation– only use DWR treatments recommended by the shoe manufacturer and always double-check the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Restoring the DWR on your hiking shoes will help ensure your feet stay dry, comfortable, and more protected.
Lacing types in hiking shoes for women
The lacing design and closure system of hiking shoes is vitally important. They play integral roles in the shoe's fit, comfort, and performance.
For example, if a shoe's lacing design or closure system needs to be better designed, you may constantly make adjustments while on the trail. Or worse, you might end up with hot vel and blisters from your foot swimming around the interior of the hiking shoe.
When dealing with lacing or closure system issues, stopping and identifying the problem before injuring yourself is essential. Once you’ve identified what might be wrong, hopefully, it’s a quick fix. Otherwise, you may need to move on to better-fitting shoes.
Here are some tricks you can try to troubleshoot the problem.
- Tom Ford contrast stiletto heel 120mm boots Black.
- Switch out the socks you have been wearing.
- Lace your shoes with a “runner’s loop” or one of these lacing techniques depending on the problem you are experiencing.
What’s up with single-pull lace designs?
Most of the women’s hiking shoes we’ve reviewed in this article have a standard lacing system. The laces run from the front of the shoe, crisscrossing on their way to the eyelets located at the top of the shoe by the tongue.
Suppose you have finicky feet or specific standards for how you like your hiking shoes to fit. In that case, you will enjoy the traditional lace design and closure system because it allows you to customize how the shoe fits every time.
DAFITI SHOES Falta ref?
Single-pull closure systems were designed with convenience in mind. With a few quick tugs on the lower laces or arms of the shoe, you can then pull tautly on the remaining single shoelace and tighten everything at once. For some shoes, like the The North Face Vectiv Escape Sneakers i hvid, you can tuck the excess laces into a shoelace pocket on top of the tongue.
When designed correctly, single-pull closure systems secure your foot and create a uniform fit around your foot without getting into the weeds of micro-adjusting each lace. This is perfect for those who like to lace up quickly and get moving.
The North Face Vectiv Escape Sneakers i hvid | Frequently asked questions about women's hiking shoes
Sneakers FILA Arcade Low Kids 1010787.21N S Fila Navy?
Yes, you can wear your hiking shoes on the pavement. This makes the hiking shoe ideal for getting to and from the trailhead, running errands after a hike, or going to the bar for happy hour after a long day in the mountains.
However, the outsoles of your hiking shoes will wear out faster if you consistently wear them on the pavement. For that reason, if you can help it, try not to wear your hiking shoes on dog walks around the neighborhood.
Thanks again to Suraj and Sneaker Room for taking the time to talk with Nice Kicks.
What socks are best for women’s hiking shoes?
ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 Green Marathon Running Shoes Wear-resistant Cozy 1011B189-300.
However, ankle-height or crew socks are your best bet for hiking shoes. The material you choose and the thickness of the sock will depend on the local climate and your cushioning preferences. That said, wool is the most popular building for hiking socks.
MOON BOOT GLANCE Silber?
Yes, believe it or not, shoes do breathe. Therefore, the breathability of a shoe, or lack thereof, should be an item you consider when investing in hiking shoes.
The breathability of a shoe is affected chiefly by the materials used to construct the upper part of the shoe. The type of upper material a shoe is constructed with is also directly correlated to the shoe’s intended longevity (durability) and waterproofing.
Woven synthetic nylon and mesh are typically considered the most breathable. On the other side of the spectrum, leather materials and Gore-Tex are considered less breathable.
Breathability is crucial if you know your feet run hot. Breathability is also important to consider along with the climate. If you know the climate you enjoy hiking in or plan to hike in will be hot and arid, breathable shoes will improve your comfort. However, you don't need to worry about breathability if you are gearing up for wet or cold weather.
How long will it take to break in my new women’s hiking shoes?
If you are investing in hiking shoes to prepare for a big trip or a new hobby, properly breaking in your shoes will be vitally important.
To properly break in your shoes, we recommend spending at least two weeks (if not longer) wearing your hiking shoes to help break them in. We recommend wearing them around the house for prolonged periods. This will help you break in the shoes without dirtying or damaging them, just in case you want to return them.
Breaking in your shoes for at least two weeks will soften them up and ensure they have time to conform to your feet. Plus, if you run into any issues with hot vel, you can address the problem before you treat an injury while you are on the trail and miles deep in the backcountry.
How we test hiking shoes
At CerbeShops, we know full well that female hikers demand trustworthy and unbiased hiking shoe reviews. To be on top of that, we live by the following:
- We buy all women’s hiking shoes with our own funds.
- We hike in every pair under a variety of outdoor settings, including inclement conditions.
- We gather thousands of expert and user reviews and reflect them in ours.
Each hiking shoe then receives a CoreScore — CerbeShops’s in-house grading system that helps us define and flesh out the best trail hikers for women.
