The 10 Best Women’s Hiking Boots and Shoes

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

If you’re concerned about ankle support above all, Salomon Quests sit higher up the calf than Merrell’s Moab boots and feature deep lugs that’ll grip onto any terrain.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 ofMountain IQalso told us that he wears his pair in all seasons.

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

In recent years, both day hikers and long-distance hikers alike have put away their boots for good, replacing them with bouncy, lightweight trail runners. And those runners are usually Altra Lone Peaks, which provide much more traction and toe protection than you’d get with a normal pair of running shoes, 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 brandHikerkind, 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 herHikerkindco-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 anyhiking clothingyou might be wearing.

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.”

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 acarabinerand swapping shoes as needed. Steve Silberberg, head guide atFitpacking, 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.”

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