According to Jasmine Cook, footwear designer for outdoor clothing brand Craghoppers, there are three important things to look for in a hiking shoe. “Number one is comfort, number two is protection and good grip for traction, and number three is it has to look good.” Other important features? Materials, weight, and waterproofing. With that in mind, the editors at Women’s Health, along with footwear and outdoor experts, got to work to find the best hiking shoes for every need. From the best shoes for bunions to the best for high arches, keep reading to discover our picks.
What to consider
Materials
Your shoes can be made from many different materials, but experts prefer leather or synthetic materials such as nylon or mesh, as they’re the most durable and flexible. Sun and Ski Sports footwear buyer Shelby Milstead adds that it’s also best to opt for shoes constructed with GORE-TEX, a waterproof shell that’s found in tons of outdoor gear.
Weight
Sometimes, heavier boots are a good thing when you’re walking on challenging terrain or carrying a heavier load, as they provide more support and stability. But, if you’re going on a more leisurely hike, a lightweight option can make all the difference in making you feel more agile and light on your feet. The most lightweight option on this list is the On Cloudhorizon Waterproof hiking shoe, which is only 9.88 ounces, in comparison to the heaviest option on this list, weighing in at 36 ounces.
How we chose
For the past few years, our editors have been researching and testing the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated hiking shoes. We also reached out to five footwear and hiking experts to get their take on their favorite options, which they evaluated based on material, weight, grip and traction, waterproofness, and comfort. They also broke down everything we need to know about what to look for while shopping.
Ready to dive into our fave pairs of hiking shoes? Read on for our eight best options, tested by experts and editors.
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Most Cushioned Hiking Shoe
Hoka Anacapa Aero Low
When choosing hiking shoes for women, Sobie recommends focusing on comfort, support, and durability. And, he touts this shoe for those exact reasons. “The Hoka Anacapa Low has a cushioned midsole and waterproof GORE-TEX lining, offering lightweight comfort and dryness on rugged trails,” Sobie says.
Although this shoe has tons of cushion, we love that it still feels super lightweight on the trail, so you never have to worry about feeling weighed-down during your hike. Another pro? The shoe features a rocker bottom sole, which encourages a smoother transition from heel-strike through toe-off.
It also has a cushioned tongue and collar for added support and a lace-up construction that keeps your foot in place. Plus, the high traction outsole features lugs for solid grip and traction, so you never feel like you’re sliding around.
If you want something fully waterproof, opt for the GORE-TEX version of this shoe. The reason why that version of the shoe wasn’t featured on this list is because it’s currently low stock online.
This shoe does run a bit large, so we recommend sizing down a half size if ordering it online.
| Upper Materials | Textile |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11 oz |
| Waterproof? | No |
Best Hiking Boot
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid
Pros
- Super waterproof
- Flexible to the foot
- Has a wider toe box
Cons
- Not great for those who don’t like a super cushioned footbed
Hiking shoes are great for everyday hikes, but boots are better suited if you’re setting off for a longer, more advanced journey, as they have superior ankle support. The Merrell Moab 3 comes highly recommended by Sobie, as it’s waterproof and known for its excellent traction on rockier terrain. It also has a super supportive footbed and a wide toe box for natural movement, he says.
According to Sobie, this shoe’s breathable upper handles many different terrains with ease. It’s made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), which has the ability to mold to the foot and offers superior flexibility. It also has GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, which explains why it’s so good in harsh weather.
This is also one of the most cushioned options on this list thanks to a foam midsole. It also has FlexPlate technology, which integrates a lightweight, full-foot stability plate and outsole pods into the boot to provide torsional rigidity, lateral stability, and forefoot stability. In other words, the shoe will keep you balanced and locked-in-place on the trails. If you don’t like a super cushioned shoe, this one may not be for you, as some hikers prefer more stability over a super cushioned under-foot feel.
| Upper Materials | Waterproof molded leather, textile |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.04 oz |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Most Sturdy Hiking Shoe
On Cloudhorizon Waterproof
Pros
- Lightweight and cushioned
- Waterproof so feet stay dry
- Keeps the foot steady on rougher terrain
Cons
- Pricey, but its supportive features make it worthwhile
“Lightweight and versatile, this shoe offers unmatched comfort and balance with every step, regardless of terrain,” says Milstead. She adds that confidence in your footwear is essential, and this shoe is designed to keep you steady in your movements.
“The waterproof feature also ensures your feet stay dry, while the durable rubber outsole provides reliable grip on both wet and dry surfaces,” she says. If you’re looking for something to help keep you supported and stable on wet surfaces, this shoe is for you.
The hiker is extremely lightweight, but it’s also super cushioned and fluffy-feeling with help from helion superfoam, which is a soft material under the footbed that helps reduce impact on your joints when walking on paved roads or rocky trails.
Out of all the shoes on this list, this is the priciest option, but its safety features and superior comfort makes it worthwhile in our book.
| Upper Materials | Polyester and elastane mesh |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.88 oz |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best Hiking Shoes With No Break-In
Teva Grandview GTX Mid Hiking Shoes
Pros
- Requires no break-in time
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Great on wet terrain
Cons
- Low stock on rei.com
WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture says this is her all-time favorite pair of hiking shoes. “The shoe is super comfortable, and there’s no need to break it in, which is nice,” she says. That’s thanks to the stretchy leather upper, the responsive footbed that makes it feel super comfortable and adds some spring to your step, and an EVA foam midsole for lightweight cushioning. It also has two different shanks to stabilize your foot on uneven terrain.
This boot is extremely waterproof, thanks to a GORE-TEX treatment that seals out water and provides breathable protection from the elements. Plus, it has Vibram outsoles to keep you balanced and stable on wet rocks.
For how heavy-duty this boot is, Lauture says it’s surprisingly light. “I feel so supported in this shoe—after a day of hiking my feet were not hurting and I wasn’t dying to take the shoe off, which says a lot.” And don’t worry about sizing—Lauture says this one runs true-to-size, so opt for the option you’d typically wear.
The shoes currently have low stock on rei.com, however there are tons of sizes available on teva.com.
| Upper Materials | Leather |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.5 oz |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP
Pros
- Interior waterproof bootie that doesn’t feel heavy
- Has a rock plate for protection
- Great for flat feet and wider toe box
Cons
- Heavier than other shoes on this list
If you have flat feet and a wide toe box, WH editor-in-chief Liz Plosser says this is her family’s favorite. “My husband has tried everything out there, and this shoe is the absolute best for his foot shape.”
It has a waterproof inner bootie that keeps the feet dry in rainy conditions, but it doesn’t feel extra thick during wear. In fact, it’s actually super comfortable. Featuring a heel counter for support and a foam midsole that feels nice and plush, you’ll want to wear this shoe all day. We will say, it is heavier than some of the other boots on this list, so beware of that if you prefer a more lightweight option.
If you’re into hiking on rocky trails, this shoe is a perfect fit. It’s built with a full-length rock plate that keeps your feet fully protected from rocks, roots, and hidden obstacles under leaves or snow.
| Upper Materials | Mesh |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15.09 oz |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Most Sustainable Hiking Shoe
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX
Pros
- Cute design
- Made with sustainable materials
- Great air circulation within the shoe
Cons
- Runs a bit large
Plosser recently did a hiking trip at Dunton River Camp, and says all the guides wore this shoe. And, the subtle vintage-y vibes made her want a pair, too. Aside from the shoe’s cool looks, it’s also one of the best performance boots out there.
Edward Zebrowski, product information specialist at REI Co-op, also recommends this shoe for its sustainability. The 100 percent GORE-TEX liner in this shoe is made from recycled materials. Plus, this style also features a collar and liner made from 100 percent recycled textiles.
This shoe has a removable footbed with three layers of density for maximum cushioning and support. And, of course, this feature is constructed from recycled rubber and bio-oil, which helps reduce the carbon footprint of the shoe, for better heat dissipation and air circulation.
If you’re in-between sizes, we recommend sizing down a half size for best fit. And keep this in mind: This shoe is the heaviest option on this list, which def gives it greater durability, but doesn’t make it the best option for those who prefer a floatier feel.
| Upper Materials | Leather |
|---|---|
| Weight | 36 oz |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best Supportive Hiking Shoe
On Cloudrock Waterproof 2
Pros
- Lightweight feel
- Ankle support
Cons
- Requires some breaking-in
WH fashion director Kristen Saladino is a fan of this hiking shoe for its lightweight feel, ankle support, durability, and breathability. It features enhanced heel stability for better security on uneven terrain, while the high ankle support helps prevent twisting during hikes.
The shoe’s rubber outsole provides excellent grip, and the breathable textile upper makes a big difference on hot, sweaty days, according to Saladino.
This shoe does take some time to break in, especially around the ankle area, so def keep that in mind before heading off on a long hike.
| Upper Materials | Textile |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15 oz |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
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