Women’s Hiking Shoes: 8 Low-Cut Picks, Fit Notes and Who Should Skip Each

The 8 Best Hiking Shoes for Women at a Glance

Eight women’s hiking shoes that independent outlets name, plus the Salomon X Ultra 5 that tops all three. Tap a photo or the button to see the shoe on Amazon. For higher-cut options, see our best hiking boots for women guide.

Price category reflects current US listings: budget is roughly under $150, mid-range roughly $150 to $200, premium above $200. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.

The Pick Every Outlet Agrees On

The Salomon X Ultra 5 deserves a mention first. CleverHiker names the X Ultra 5 Low Best Hiking Shoes Overall at 1 lb 6 oz, Switchback Travel names the X Ultra 5 GTX Best Overall, and Treeline Review names it Best Overall at 1 lb 6.6 oz. CleverHiker praises strong traction, little break-in and a secure fit, while Switchback Travel says it runs narrow out of the box, especially at the midfoot, and CleverHiker says it runs smaller than the prior version. We have not matched it to a current US women’s Amazon listing, so there is no buy button.

General advice from us: if the X Ultra 5 fits your foot, it is the consensus pick. If it does not, one of the shoes below probably will.

Hiking Shoes, Trail Runners or Boots?

CleverHiker sorts footwear by use. Here is how it frames the choice.

For more support, read our hiking boots with ankle support guide, and for wet trips see best waterproof hiking boots.

Which Shoe for Which Hiker (and Who Should Skip Each)

Who should skip each shoe

Best Cushioned and Roomy Hiking Shoes

Cushioned, forgiving shoes for long days.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX (Women’s)

Best for: all-day cushioning on mixed trails

Treeline Review names it Most Comfortable at 1 lb 8.8 oz, describing a cushioned, supportive and propulsive GORE-TEX Invisible Fit shoe that reduces fatigue.

What this means for you: a plush waterproof shoe for long days. Only Treeline Review among our sources covers it for women.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review says it runs slightly narrow and suggests sizing up for wider feet.

Watch for: Treeline Review lists the price and a bulky feel that takes getting used to.

Skip it if: you want a nimble, minimal shoe.

Altra Lone Peak 9 (Women’s)

Best for: roomy, light trail-to-town comfort

CleverHiker names it Best Hiking Shoes for Trail to Town at 1 lb 2.6 oz, praising a roomy toe box, breathability and a gaiter attachment. Switchback Travel names it Comfortable for Hard-to-Please Feet, noting a rock plate and a slipper-like footbed.

What this means for you: a forgiving fit for wide or sensitive feet.

Fit and sizing: Switchback Travel says roomy and forgiving, good for wide or sensitive feet.

Men’s and women’s versions: A waterproof version is available per Switchback Travel.

Watch for: CleverHiker says zero drop needs an adjustment period, it is not ideal for heavy loads and wet-rock traction is average. Switchback Travel says it feels sluggish on technical terrain and wears faster than rigid shoes.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads or want maximum grip on wet rock.

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 (Women’s)

Best for: comfort right out of the box

CleverHiker names it Best Shoes for Everyday Hiking at about 1 lb 0.4 oz, praising a roomy toe box, immediate comfort, breathability and quick drying.

What this means for you: an easy, light shoe for maintained trails. Only CleverHiker among our sources covers it.

Fit and sizing: CleverHiker says it suits wider or higher-volume feet.

Watch for: CleverHiker says the high-volume toe box can feel sloppy on narrow feet, it is less stable on steep or off-camber ground and it is not built for sustained wet weather.

Skip it if: you have narrow feet or hike wet, steep ground.

Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Shoes with a waterproof membrane for wet trails.

Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX (Women’s)

Best for: waterproof protection in a light low shoe

Treeline Review names the Katabatic Low LT GTX Best Waterproof at 1 lb 4.6 oz, praising excellent waterproofing, support, strong traction and how well it sheds water.

What this means for you: a light shoe for wet conditions. Only Treeline Review among our sources covers it.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review says a wide version is available.

Watch for: Treeline Review says the toe box runs narrower than the previous version.

Skip it if: you have wide feet and cannot find the wide size.

KEEN Targhee IV Low (Women’s)

Best for: wide feet and durable waterproofing

Treeline Review names the Targhee IV Waterproof Best for Wide Feet at 1 lb 15.5 oz, praising durability and toe and underfoot protection. CleverHiker names it Best Value Hiking Shoes for Day Hikers and notes reliable waterproofing.

What this means for you: a sturdy, roomy shoe for wide feet.

Fit and sizing: CleverHiker says it runs large, especially in length, and its tester sized down a full size.

Watch for: CleverHiker calls it the heaviest in its lineup, bulky and stiff with limited breathability. Treeline Review lists a long break-in and a loose fit around the ankle.

Skip it if: you want a light shoe or have narrow feet.

Danner Trail 2650 (Women’s)

Best for: trail-to-town style with a grippy sole

Treeline Review names the Trail 2650 GTX Best Lightweight at 1 lb 5 oz, praising durability, breathability, grip and a roomy toe box. Switchback Travel lists it as a Trail-to-Town Hiking Shoe at 1 lb 2 oz, comfortable out of the box with a grippy Vibram outsole.

What this means for you: a stylish light shoe for trails and town.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review says roomy toe box with a snug midfoot.

Watch for: Treeline Review says the footbed and midsole lost cushion over time. Switchback Travel lists the price, an awkward heel counter and limited stability under heavy loads.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads or want a bargain.

Best Budget and Beginner Hiking Shoes

Lower-cost shoes for easy and moderate trails.

Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof (Women’s)

Best for: budget durability in a classic leather-and-mesh shoe

Treeline Review names the low waterproof Moab 3 Best Budget at 1 lb 10 oz, calling it affordable, comfortable and reliable. CleverHiker names it Best Budget Hiking Shoes, and Switchback Travel lists it as Budget Leather.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is a dependable low-cost choice.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review says true to size with medium and wide options.

Watch for: CleverHiker and Switchback Travel call it heavy and bulky, and Switchback Travel says it struggled on muddy trails. Treeline Review says it is less nimble and breathable.

Skip it if: you want a light, fast shoe.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 (Women’s)

Best for: light, stylish everyday hiking

CleverHiker names it Best for Style, Weight and Durability at 1 lb 3.4 oz. Switchback Travel names it Runner-Up at a Great Price. Treeline Review names the GTX version Best for Beginners.

What this means for you: three outlets name it for beginners and everyday hikes.

Fit and sizing: CleverHiker says it runs large and suggests a half size down.

Watch for: Switchback Travel says the heel does not hold securely on technical terrain. CleverHiker says it is less supportive for heavy loads. Treeline Review notes shallow lugs on loose gravel and mud.

Skip it if: you hike technical terrain or carry heavy loads.

Also named

CleverHiker names the HOKA Speedgoat 7 Best for Stability, the Altra Olympus 6 Best for Long-Distance Treks and the La Sportiva Spire GTX Best Waterproof. Switchback Travel names the La Sportiva Akasha II Best Supportive for Backpacking and the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 Best for Technical Terrain. Treeline Review names the HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX Best for Plantar Fasciitis. We have not matched these to current US women’s Amazon listings, so there are no buy buttons.

Our Hiking Shoe Evaluation Framework

We score each shoe on five questions using only what the named outlets published.

1. Source agreement. How many outlets name it?
2. Comfort and fit. Reported fit and break-in.
3. Traction and protection. Grip and underfoot protection.
4. Weather. Waterproof or breathable.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints the outlets raise.

Source agreement counts outlets that name the shoe in a ranking. The rest summarizes what those outlets wrote.

How to Choose Women’s Hiking Shoes

• Decide waterproof or not. CleverHiker says warm-weather hikers often prefer non-waterproof shoes that breathe and dry faster.
• Match the fit to your foot. The Lone Peak and Targhee are roomy, while the X Ultra 5 and Katabatic run narrower per the sources.
• Think about load. CleverHiker and Switchback Travel say several light shoes are not ideal for heavy packs. See our best hiking boots guide.
• Allow for sizing quirks. CleverHiker says the Moab Speed 2 and Targhee run large, while Treeline Review says the Anacapa runs slightly narrow.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

X Ultra 5 fit. CleverHiker says it is shorter and lower in volume than the previous version, and Switchback Travel says narrow at the midfoot, while Treeline Review says forefoot allows good toe splay.

Moab 3 comfort. Treeline Review and CleverHiker praise comfort, while Switchback Travel notes it struggled on muddy trails.

Targhee sizing. CleverHiker says it runs large, while Treeline Review calls it spacious and made for wider feet.

Questions About Women’s Hiking Shoes, Answered

“What is the best hiking shoe for women?”

All three outlets name the Salomon X Ultra 5 best overall.

“Are hiking shoes as good as boots?”

CleverHiker says shoes suit lighter loads and maintained trails, while boots give the most ankle support and weather protection.

“Do I need waterproof hiking shoes?”

CleverHiker says waterproofing suits cool, wet conditions or shallow snow, and that warm-weather hikers often prefer non-waterproof shoes.

“Which hiking shoe is best for wide feet?”

Treeline Review names the KEEN Targhee IV, and Switchback Travel notes the Lone Peak 9 is roomy and forgiving.

“What is the cheapest option?”

Three outlets name the Merrell Moab 3 as the budget pick.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Ignoring volume. CleverHiker says narrow feet can find high-volume shoes sloppy.
• Buying waterproof for hot trails. Warm-weather hikers often prefer non-waterproof shoes.
• Skipping the transition. Zero-drop shoes need a gradual adjustment per CleverHiker.
• Carrying heavy loads in light shoes. Several outlets say they offer limited support for heavy packs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hiking shoe for women?

CleverHiker, Switchback Travel and Treeline Review all name the Salomon X Ultra 5.

What is the best budget hiking shoe?

The Merrell Moab 3, per three outlets.

Which women’s hiking shoe is most comfortable?

Treeline Review names the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low Most Comfortable.

Which suits wide feet?

The KEEN Targhee IV Low and Altra Lone Peak 9.

Do I need waterproof shoes?

CleverHiker says it suits cool, wet conditions.

Are hiking shoes enough for heavy loads?

Several outlets say light shoes offer limited support for heavy packs.

What about ankle support?

See our hiking boots with ankle support guide.

Do these come in men’s sizes?

Most do. Men’s versions are listed separately.

The Short Version

Start with the Salomon X Ultra 5 if it fits you. For budget choose the Merrell Moab 3, for comfort the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low, and for wide feet the KEEN Targhee IV Low or Altra Lone Peak 9.

Keep Reading

Sources

• CleverHiker: Best hiking shoes for women
• Switchback Travel: Best women’s hiking shoes
• Treeline Review: Best women’s hiking shoes