The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Women — and How to Pick the Right Footwear for YOU

Wondering how to find the best hiking boots and shoes for women? You’re not alone! This is an important question because bad shoes always equals a bad hike. Having the right footwear isn’t just a matter of having fun on the trail, it’s about safety.

If you’re feet get incapacitated, it becomes infinitely harder to hike back out, so having the right hiking boots and/or shoes should be a top priority. If you’re going to get budget gear for hiking that’s totally ok, but don’t hesitate to drop some cash on your footwear.

The things that separate you from the ground (shoes, bed, tires) are always worth investing in.

The Problem:

  • You want to get into hiking but don’t know what kind of footwear you need
  • There are a lot of options so it’s hard to narrow down what’s important

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Why are There So Many Types of Hiking Boots and Shoes?

There is a huge range in terms of footwear for hiking. Long story short, there are a lot of ways to enjoy the outdoors as a hiker. Everything from nature walks to day hiking to backpacking to trail running…

There are a lot of ways to be outside and on the trail, which means there are just many types of shoes.

Different terrain, weather conditions, activity type, and personal preference call for different footwear.

Imagine wearing heavy-duty boots for a nature walk– it’s like bringing a tank to a tea party. There are so many kinds of hiking boots and shoes because it’s all about finding the perfect pair that suits you and your adventure.

Hiking boots and shoes for women make all the difference

Should You Get Hiking Boots or Shoes?

Getting into hiking is a great way to stay active, live longer, live healthier, and live happier, but one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is which type of footwear you need.

Outdoor footwear can get expensive, so I recommend you try to find one pair of boots or shoes that can fulfill all or most of your outdoor adventure needs. But how do you do that? First, you need to choose between boots and shoes (yes, these are different), but fear not! This guide will help you figure it out.

Boots are what a lot of us think about when we think about hiking and footwear. They tend to be heavy-duty, have a high ankle collar, are tough with durable materials, and have a stiff and long-lasting sole. Most of them are waterproof.

The biggest drawbacks are weight and sometimes lack of breathability. The major plusses are support and durability.

Hiking shoes are lighter than their hiking boot comrades, but they offer less support and might not last for as many miles. They do provide increased agility and are also often waterproof.

There’s actually a third option called trail running shoes. They offer stiff soles, grippy tread, and a tight fit. They allow for incredible mobility, but aren’t as durable and definitely don’t offer as much ankle support as boots or standard hiking shoes.

In fact, I recommend you only get trail runners if you’re an avid runner and want to expand to the trails. Otherwise, stick to hiking boots or shoes.

Back to the original question: boots or shoes? Check out the steps below to make your decision.

1: Know your terrain

If you’re constantly in rugged terrain with rock trails or challenging climbs, you’ll probably want boots. Shoes are better for well-maintained trails and lighter loads (day hikes and casual walks).

Shoes are also more versatile in that you could wear them for daily use, but boots are pretty much just good for the trail.

2: Consider weather conditions

I’m talking about the conditions for a single day here, but the conditions you’ll generally face. For example, I do a lot of summer hiking, but almost no winter hiking, so breathability is more important to me than an aggressive tread.

If you live some place with wet and cold weather, waterproof and insulated boots are the way to go. GORE-TEX lining is a bonus for keeping your feet dry in rainy conditions.

Shoes, which are more breathable and lightweight, work better in hotter climates. Either way, you want moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet cool and dry. Sweaty feet are the enemy.

3: Weight matters. A lot.

Boots are heavier, but more robust. Hiking boots are great if you’re carrying a heavier pack because they provide extra protection for your feet and ankles.

On the other hand, shoes are considerably lighter and more agile, meaning they don’t wear you out as quickly. They’re great for when you’re carrying a lighter load or for those who prefer a nimble feel and don’t require as much support.

4: Ankle Support

Boots have much better ankle support than shoes. For me, this was absolutely a requirement because I’ve had reconstructive surgery on my left foot. Any rolling could result in tearing and repeating an arduous healing process.

So I primarily hike in boots. Try to take into account not the just uneven trail conditions, but any unique physical conditions you might have, like injuries.

Shoes offer a lot more freedom of movement and they aren’t as tiring because they’re lighter, but they certainly don’t protect your ankles, knees, and backs quite as well as boots. Keep in mind the types of trails you frequent (or want to frequent) and your own needs.

5: Durability

Typically, boots are more durable and long-lasting due to their construction and materials, making them ideal for challenging, abrasive terrains and/or hikers who are out for more miles with heavier gear.

Shoes, on the other hand, are not as rugged as boots, but still offer much better durability than, say, tennis shoes or sandals. They offer a good balance for less demanding trails in terms of length and difficulty. I know some hikers who will only wear shoes for steep ascents because they crave the mobility in their ankles.

6: Break in period

Boots usually require at least a bit of a break-in period. This is because they have a sturdier build and tougher materials. It’s a good idea to wear them on a few short hikes before going for a long one, just to make sure everything is comfortable. Not sure how to choose a hiking trail? Click here.

Shoes don’t generally need a break-in period because they are constructed of less material that is usually more flexible than what manufacturers use to for hiking boots. This means they should be comfortable straight out of the box.

PS: When I first started hiking, I bought a pair of boots that were ok, but they had some issues. My feet would slip, the laces would loosen over time, etc. What I didn’t know was that socks and how you tie your laces can radically change how your boots and shoes fit on the trail.

As a result, I avoided longer hikes that I really wanted to tackle all because I didn’t want to deal with constantly adjusting my hiking boots.

There are a variety of ways to lace hiking boots and shoes for a more customized and comfortable fit. The type of socks you wear also makes a huge difference in terms of comfort.

If you get a pair of hiking shoes or boots and they’re a good fit, but not a great fit, consider adjusting those to factors (laces and socks) before you avoid the trail because of your footwear.

In the end, the choice between hiking boots and shoes boils down to your own personal preferences, the type of terrain you’ll be dealing with on a regular basis, and the specific demands of your body and your adventures.

Remember, the best pair is the one that feels like an extension of your feet, supporting you without dragging you down.

Top Hiking Boot Recommendations

The Newton Ridge Hiking Boot from Columbia

When it comes to hiking boots and shoes both, My number 1 hiking boot recommendation is the Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Hiking Boot. I have had a pair of these for four years and put dozens of miles on them.

I originally got them because I needed more ankle support after a reconstructive foot surgery. I was leery at first because I hate heavy hiking boots and shoes. Mobility, agility, and stability are my main goals with footwear and this pair of boots has all three. They’re also waterproof (another important factor).

There was basically zero break-in period, another plus. These boots run about $100, so they aren’t cheap, but there also not the most expensive pair out there.

Sneaker Boots by Forsake

I own a couple of pairs of shoes by forsake and I have been really happy with the accuracy of the words “water proof” and “good traction.” They’re usually a bit more expensive than the Columbia option, but you can often get them on sale. The Patch Mid waterproof sneaker boot offers solid, light-weight support, genuine water proofing, and a good connection with the ground.

The big downside to the Forsake brand is that they tend to run wide. If you have narrow feet, these won’t be a good option for you, wether you buy their hiking boots or shoes. But if you have wider feet or have regular-width feet and like thicker socks, these are a solid choice. Another option is to make some adjustments to how the laces are tied. You can check out a bit more about this at Explorer Chick.

Women’s Moab 3 by Merrell

These hiking boots run a bit heavier, but they are STURDY. They are waterproof and offer excellent support. Of all three boots listed in this post, they have the longest break-in period, but offer the best durability.

They have a relatively aggressive tread to deal with terrain and inclines of all types. They also do pretty great with shock absorption which helps to make up for their weight and break-in period.

The only reason these aren’t higher up on the recommendation list of hiking boots and shoes is because they’re a little too rough and ready for the type of hiking I normally have time for. I have a couple of friends who have these boots and love the way they fit and how long they’ve lasted.

Top Hiking Shoe Recommendations

Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Low Hiking Shoes

These hiking shoes are lighter than the average boot, but still over pretty good support and an aggressive tread. They have waterproof uppers, though they won’t be quite as waterproof as a full-fledged boot. They have great breathability, though, and can be customized by removing the contoured sockliners.

They do need a bit of break-in, but not as much as boots usually do. They are great for every day wear and sturdy enough for the trail, and they are wide enough that your feet won’t be squished if you wear them from work to trail. Over all, a pretty versatile shoe.

Women’s Granite Trail Waterproof Shoe

As the name explicitly states, these shoes are waterproof, but they’re also pretty breathable, in my opinion. They are better cushioned than their Forsake counterparts, which means longer comfort.

They’re also lightweight with great tread for a variety of terrains. If you don’t need substantial ankle support, these are a great option even for longer hikes with heavier packs.

The North Face Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes

When you’re looking at hiking boots and shoes, you should take a look at these. They fit and look more like a traditional sneaker, but they offer a wider toe box, great cushioning and they’re light (only about 5 oz per shoe).

They tend to require a bit of break-in, but they’re pretty breathable and most buyers reported that they were durable, even after a bunch of longer hikes.

Bonus Shoe: Chaco Sandals

Ok… when it comes to hiking boots and shoes, this one is controversial. Some people hate the idea of hiking in sandals, but I absolutely LOVE hiking in my Chacos in nice weather.

My cut off is about six miles in these guys, and I usually wear something with better support over difficult terrain, but for shorter, more relaxed hikes, my Chaco Z/1 Classics are my go-to choice. The only other reason I wouldn’t wear my sandals if I’m hiking in an area with rattlesnakes or a lot of poison ivy/oak/sumac.

What do I love about them? Breathability. Comfort. Cushion. Quick drying. Easy to clean. Great for everyday wear. Honestly, my favorite shoes during the summer. I very rarely put anything else on in nice weather. I can’t recommend them enough.

Conclusion:

We all know that spending more time in nature is good for us. For one thing, it makes us feel good, but it’s also closely connected to living longer and reducing the risk of developing dementia by up to 50%. Hiking is even more powerful than regular walking because navigating a natural environment stimulates your brain in unique ways.

So, if you’re still asking yourself if you should invest in hiking boots or shoes, I think the resounding answer here is “YES”. No matter your age or fitness level, having the right footwear removes the biggest barrier between you and getting outside a bit more.

What’s your favorite type of hiking boots or shoes? Do you crave that wide toe box? Absolutely need some extra ankle support? Let me know in the comments!

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