The 14 Best Women’s Hiking Boots and Shoes

Style: Mid-calf boot | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex | Traction: Deep lugs

Salomon Quests bring together the best qualities of old-school boots and new-school trail runners. These hardy hiking shoes (from a heritage French outdoor brand that has, confusingly, also delved into streetwear of late) feature deep lugs that’ll grip onto any terrain, a reinforced toe, and breathable Gore-Tex to keep your feet nice and dry. Yet despite these features, I’ve found that they’re super-flexible on the foot. They feel designed for the modern hiker who wants protection and support without blisters, and indeed my pair broke in immediately, which is unusual for such a sturdy pair of boots. Writer and outdoor enthusiast Jael Goldfine recently section-hiked New York on the Appalachian Trail in a brand-new pair, and confirms that they’re durable enough for thru-hiking on rough terrain. “They’re built like sneakers but have the support and tough exterior of a hiking boot,” she says. “They were immediately comfortable.” Mark Whitman of Mountain IQ also told us that he wears his pair in all seasons.

Style: Over-the-ankle boot | Waterproofing: Waterproof membrane | Traction: Medium lugs

If you aren’t so worried about sharp rocks or slippery trails, I’d consider a more lightweight pair of boots like these popular Altras. “A lot of Outward Bound instructors are now moving to Altra’s Lone Peak line,” says an Outward Bound logistics coordinator who splits her time between frigid northern Minnesota and the desert by Big Bend National Park in Texas. Though the Utah brand is known for its trail runners, it also makes ankle boots using the same lightweight tech, and this pair is especially waterproof and durable, thanks to a Gore-Tex-like membrane called eVent. Though these boots likely won’t outlast the Salomons or Merrells above, they’re lighter and nimbler as well as significantly more affordable.

Style: Sneaker | Waterproofing: Non-waterproof | Traction: Medium lugs

I’ve found Altra’s trail runners to be incredibly lightweight and bouncy, with much more traction and toe protection than you’d get with a normal pair of running shoes. Lone Peaks have what’s called “zero drop,” meaning the elevation of the toe of my foot in the shoe is the same elevation as the heel. They’re also known for their splayed-out toe box, which gives a lot of wiggle room — vital for increasing circulation whether you’re walking or running. And unlike heavy boots, these have no break-in time. I will say this: The larger toe box gives Altra’s Lone Peaks a slightly clownish look that took me a little while to get used to. But it’s so worth it for the extra comfort. Fellow hikers I spoke with agreed, including Chelsea Rizzo, co-founder of Brooklyn-based women’s hiking brand Hikerkind, and Jennifer West, a positive-movement coach and trainer.

Style: Sneaker | Waterproofing: Non-waterproof | Traction: Medium lugs

A nice thing about these minimal-looking trail runners from Finnish brand Karhu is that you can wear them on the street as well as in the backcountry. I love how they look, and will note that they offer functional design features, too, including additional protection around the toe box that’s well-suited to New York State’s rather rugged and rocky trails. Rizzo and her Hikerkind co-founder, Allison Levy, are fans of these runners, especially for their chunky and grippy soles that offer more a bit more traction than Altras. The monochromatic colorways don’t hurt, either — these shoes look excellent with basically any hiking clothing you might be wearing.

Style: Sneaker | Waterproofing: Non-waterproof | Traction: Deep lugs

The shoes I’ve recommended so far are either lightweight trail runners or fairly substantive boots. If you’re looking for something in between, try these Merrell sneakers. They’re constructed much more solidly than the Altras, above, with big, bouncy Vibram soles and plastic plates surrounding the foot to protect it from rocks. And while they won’t be as durable as leather hiking boots, they should last a few hiking seasons longer than a standard pair of running shoes. As the name implies, you can move quickly in these, but they’re also comfortable enough for more steadily paced day hiking and backpacking. Weak-ankled hikers should still just opt for boots, but these are otherwise a great option for anyone looking for a hybrid hiking and running shoe. They fit true to size.

Style: Over-the-ankle boot | Waterproofing: Waterproof membrane | Traction: Deep lugs

While Goodwin is loyal to her Altra trail runners in the summer, spring, and fall, during winter, she admits that a waterproof ankle boot becomes necessary on muddy and snowy trails. “Keens are my go-to,” she says. “If you’re more of a trail runner like me, they’re a good fit because they tend to have a wider toe box, just like Altras or Hokas.” Made from leather with a breathable and odor-reducing waterproof membrane, these boots (alongside a pair of toasty wool socks) are still lightweight enough for anyone used to doing most of their physical activity in sneakers.

Style: Mid-calf boot | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex | Traction: Medium lugs

I love to feel a bit of bounce as I walk, and Hokas are known for their chunky cushioned soles that put a literal spring in your step. “They are great shoes when either your foot’s injured and you need something with extra cushion, or if you don’t have the miles on your legs, but have signed up for a long trail,” says Hazzard. “They’re very forgiving, very cushy — it’s like walking on a little mattress. It’s great for when you have to drastically increase your mileage without physically being prepared for it.” Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens has a pair of these boots too, and especially loves them for winter hiking: “They look like a lot of shoe, but are incredibly lightweight and super-agile.”

Style: Mid-calf boot | Waterproofing: Water-resistant leather | Traction: Low lugs

If you’re looking for one boot to rule them all, the vintage styling of the Danner Mountain Light is iconic, and the one-piece leather design makes for a sturdy boot that can handle anything. “They’re the boots Reese Witherspoon is wearing in the movie Wild,” says Zina Bougri, an account manager at Backcountry. “Once these babies mold to your feet, if you’re invested in the process, they should be absolutely comfortable within a month, if not just a few weeks.” If you’ve seen Wild, though, you’ll recall that Reese deals with a fair few blisters on her journey toward self-discovery — for that reason, we’d definitely recommend (again) that you size up.

Experts I spoke with were reluctant to recommend sandals as default hiking footwear, even in summer. “For safety reasons, it’s a really good idea to wear closed-toe shoes even in hot temperatures,” says Haugan. “This will help prevent injury from scraping your toes or jamming your toes on sharp rocks.” Such injuries are common because “when going up a steep incline, as you grow more tired your legs can move more slower than at the beginning of the hike — your brain thinks your foot is a little higher than it is, and you can easily scrape your toe on the next step.” If you know you’ll be crossing a few streams or rivers, though, she recommends clipping a pair of (preferably closed-toe) sandals to your pack with a carabiner and swapping shoes as needed. Steve Silberberg, head guide at Fitpacking, says that these Keen Whispers “give the freedom to power through rivers” without the risk of stubbing your toes on slippery stones. “I also love that they are lightweight, they have outstanding traction, and are quick-drying and washable,” he adds.

Style: Optional traction system | Waterproofing: None | Traction: Metal spikes

For winter hiking, says Goodwin, “you might want to carry microspikes to put on your boots.” Even if you think you’re in for a mild winter hike, changing elevations can be surprising. “The difference in the amount of snow can be really massive within just a couple of miles,” she adds. “And the conditions can be totally different upstate compared to Brooklyn.” She refers to these spikes from Kahtoola as a reliable, “tried-and-true” option for increasing your traction on slippery surfaces.

Style: Snowshoe | Waterproofing: None | Traction: Metal crampons

And if you’re at serious elevation, you might also consider a pair of snowshoes for alpine hiking. Goodwin says that this lightweight but highly durable pair from MSR is “the best of the best,” and while they “come at a pretty high price tag, they will last you forever.”