We Put the Most Popular Women's Hiking Shoes to the Test (2024)

Merrell is perhaps best known for their sturdy Moab 2 Hiking Shoes, and the Speed Eco keeps the support and durability of the Moab with an updated design, streamlined silhouette, and increased breathability. We could spend all day raving about this shoe, which boast arch support, out-of-the-box comfort, and a reasonable price point. These shoes have all of the trail-worthy features we love from Merrell, including a specially designed tongue to keep debris out, multidirectional lugs for increased grip, and a durable, wicking upper to keep your feet dry during hot hikes.

Even in scorching Arizona weather, we didn’t notice our feet sweating or retaining any moisture during the duration of our hikes. Meanwhile, the grippy outsole kept us on our feet even on uneven, rocky terrain. These shoes fit true to size and come in half sizes, with a moderate fit that doesn’t feel narrow and compressive but still has enough heel and upper support to stay stable on uneven terrain. We’ve never experienced blisters or hot spots with these shoes, even wearing them right out of the box. On top of all the accolades, these shoes use the most recycled material out of any of Merrell’s models, so you can feel even better about your purchase. Plus, they still look new five months later.

The Details: 1.25 pounds | Mesh, jacquard, EVA foam, rubber

The suede upper and muted tones of the Danner Trail 2650 are a nod to the company’s classic hiking boot, albeit in a low-cut, modernized look. This is a lightweight, versatile trail shoe that won’t weigh you down but still provides plenty of support for comfort all season long. The material is flexible and breathable, and we didn’t experience any hot spots or blisters after wearing them straight from the box to the trail. The shoes felt a bit snug at first, but adjusting the laces made for the perfect fit. It’s also important to note that leather stretches more than synthetics, so if these shoes feel tighter than you’re used to, there’s a good chance they’ll stretch just enough to feel comfortable after a few wears. However, if your feet are on the wider side, these may not be the best choice for you.

Thanks to Danner’s casual outdoors design ethos, these are also the shoes we’d be most likely to wear out and about around town as well as on trails.

The Details: 1.2 | Leather, mesh, EVA foam, rubber

Hoka shoes might look extreme with their 30-millimeter stack height and wild colors, but the plush cushioning through the midsole and deep, multidirectional lugs make these one of the most technical shoes on the market. Hokas are revered in the running community (and in fashion and celebrity sightings), but they’re also just a great shoe for both short and long hikes.

The cushioning and rebound through the midsole allows for longer time on the trail without fatigue. With such a comfortable insole, we were able to hike for much longer without taking a rest than we usually do. Even after five months of use, the sole is strong and supportive, providing good grip on various terrains. We love these shoes for dry and wet traction, as the Vibram Megagrip outsole has aggressive lugs and two types of rubber based on the necessary traction per stride. These shoes fit slightly narrower than others on this list, which is great for security, but might feel tight to some people. And if this is your first time wearing a shoe with such a tall stack height, be aware that it might take a few hikes to get used to.

The Details: 1.43 pounds | GTX membrane | Jacquard, EVA foam, rubber

When it comes to the prized combo of durability and a protective midsole/outsole, Oboz is hard to beat. We wore these two-five times a week for five months and, while they do show dirt, they're still holding up well. From burly winter hiking boots to breathable summer trail shoes, Oboz has a wide range of shoes and boots, and the Sawtooth X Low falls right in the middle of the lineup. This is a sturdy pair of shoes with a proprietary B-dry membrane that lets the upper breathe while still providing waterproofing from rain, slush, and shallow creek crossings. These shoes have a slightly stiffer midsole than more flexible trail-running crossovers, but the nylon shanks offer torsional stability and the denser foam is protective against sharp rocks or protruding roots.

The Details: 1.76 pounds | B-dry membrane | Leather, mesh, foam, rubber

These inventive shoes combine gaiters and BOA fasteners in a rugged-yet-lightweight build for a trail-running shoe ideal for everything from mellow dirt roads to rocky scrambles. Despite the light weight, we were blown away by the durability. The shoes didn’t show any signs of excessive or abnormal wear and tear after wearing them for over 100 miles throughout the testing period. No rips in the fabric, no gouges in the sides from sharp rocks, and no loose seams. Be aware that the shoes do run about a half-size small.

Expect good arch support from the compression-molded EVA combined with PU inserts for more stability, as well as dual-rubber outsoles designed to maintain grip and traction on a variety of wet and dry ground at all angles. We also love how breathable these shoes are and how fast they dry, especially given the higher rise of the built-in gaiter.

The Details: 1.18 pounds | Mesh, EVA foam, rubber

With extra support around the upper to keep your feet in place during steep ascents and descents, the Salomon X Ultra Pioneer is a great choice for hikers who want a supportive shoe that functions more as a low-top hiking boot than a trail runner. The traction and grip is good on loose rocks and boulders alike, even after five months of wear. The tongue is integrated into the upper material to keep water from seeping in, and the shoe uses Salomon’s proprietary waterproofing membrane to maintain as much breathability as possible while keeping water out. We wore these in flowing water that went up to the middle of the shoe, and our feet stayed entirely dry during the water test.

These shoes are fairly rugged, with a burly toe cap to keep from stubbing your toes and reinforced lacing systems and extra support through the midsole. The midsole is reinforced to reduce fatigue during long days, and while they’re heavier than others on this list, some hikers might appreciate the sturdiness of a true hiking shoe.

The Details: 1.67 pounds | ClimaSalomon membrane | Leather, rubber, mesh

The Asics Gel-venture uses the brand’s specialized gel inserts for cushioning, providing support and energy return without too much absorption and loss of propulsion with each stride. These affordable shoes come in a variety of colorways and a recently pared-down overlay, which allows for a more flexible upper without sacrificing durability. They’ve also updated the outsole patterning, increasing the lug dimensions for better traction for trail runs and light hiking. After five months of testing, we loved these shoes for new hikers thanks to their lightweight and comfortable design.

We found the Gel-venture to be extremely supportive from the first wear, particularly for those with high arches. Asics have a tendency to run a bit narrow, so hikers with wider feet might want to try them on before committing. However, the latest update to the Gel-venture has a wider forefoot, so the company is working to create a more accommodating toe box.

The Details: 1.23 pounds | Polyester mesh, rubber, gel, foam

Sure, these aren’t the most technical trail shoes out there, but if you’re looking for a hiking shoe that can also be comfortable for all-day wear at a music festival or paired with town clothes for running errands, these will do the trick. With an oversized look for both the upper and the midsole, these chunky shoes are lighter than they look, with plenty of ground cushion whether you’re on a mellow trail or traveling all day. They're made with up to 65 percent recycled materials in the varying components and have a waterproof membrane that can hold up to rain and shallow water crossings.

The tongue material and positioning took a few hikes to break in. Thicker socks helps the process, and this isn’t a deal breaker, but it is good info for anyone looking to get out on a hike right after pulling these shoes out of the box.

The Details: 1.61 pounds | TevaRapid membrane | Nylon, mesh, EVA foam, rubber

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are running shoes good for hiking?

  Running shoes can be great for hiking! It depends on your trail, but many hikers prefer trail runners for the lighter, more flexible build and for how quickly they dry thanks to the more breathable uppers. The only downside is that many trail running shoes aren’t as durable as classic hiking shoes. A standard hiking shoe is often made with more rugged materials and can be heavier, so if you don’t mind a heavier shoe and want more cushion, you might prefer a standard hiking shoe.

• Should I choose hiking shoes or boots?

  This is personal preference, but many hikers are moving away from boots and more towards low-top hiking shoes. While you don’t have the ankle support of an over-the-ankle boot, a low-top shoe can actually help with your balance, as there’s less material to manage and you can adapt more to flexion and changing terrain. Hiking shoes are also lighter than boots and dry quicker. They are easier to break in and can feel more comfortable on longer days thanks to the lower weight while still providing plenty of protection from the ground.

The 10 Best Cute Hiking Shoes and Boots for Women and Men, Tested and Reviewed