Best Hiking Shoes for Women – Lightweight and Waterproof Plus Excellent Traction

Are you a fan of hikes? Hiking can be a good hobby or something fun to do from time to time. However, you must wear the appropriate shoes for it! 

Without a shadow of a doubt, hiking shoes are designed to last longer (approximately about 800 miles) than a trail runner but are usually a little heavier because of the extra protection. Hiking shoes are lightweight and offer the right protection for hikers. It’s important that you wear sturdy shoes and that they provide your foot with sufficient support and protection from rocks, as well as give you traction on dry and wet surfaces. 

Fitting Women’s Shoes – About My Experience

For over 10 years, I have been working for a family shoe store where we specialize in helping women with “complicated” foot shapes as well as foot and leg problems, as well as with different shoe sizes. I have fitted hundreds of different shoes and I am familiar with which shoe brands and which shoe styles are better for certain foot conditions or activities.  

I have fitted several different shoe brands and shoe styles and believe that there is no such thing as a universal shoe brand or shoe style that works for all women, but there are specific hiking shoes that have been women’s favorite for many years.

Remember that it’s extremely important and beneficial to invest in footwear that is supportive and that fits the needs of the activities you are conducting. Health should be top of mind, and you will end up saving a lot of time and money in the long run.

Should You Wear Your Everyday Sneakers for Hiking?

Several women who walk to the shoe store often say that they have been wearing their usual sneakers for hiking. The main issue with wearing sneakers when going hiking is that your feet won’t be as supported, and they might get wet depending on the type of terrain that you are hiking on. You might also ruin your sneakers if you are hiking on rocky or muddy terrain. 

Do you Know your Correct Foot Size?

Let’s not underestimate the value of adequately measuring your feet and doing this from time to time, to ensure that you are always wearing their correct shoe size. 

One of my top recommendations to women and everyone in general is to have their feet properly measured at a local shoe store, where a shoe fitter can find the correct size for you.

Understandably, if you can’t find a local store in your area, then you may find useful an article where I describe the simplest and most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home. Go to the link below:

How to Measure Your Foot Shoe Size – The Most Simple and Effective Way!

Hikers have the option to use hiking shoes, backpacking boots, trail running shoes, and certain sandals. However, hiking shoes and/or boots are absolutely necessary whenever you are going on rougher, rocky terrain with scree, creek crossings or lots of mud.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women – Gear Up!

Keep in mind that hiking shoes tend to be on the heavier and bulkier side, but the selection of hiking shoes and boots that I have curated below is the perfect combination of support and traction. They’re lightweight enough not to fatigue your feet and legs but also sturdy so you can easily handle rough terrain and rocks. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.

Take a look at the description below each hiking shoe to find out whether it can accommodate your foot shape (medium, wide, extra wide).

If you are unsure about which hiking shoes will work best for your foot shape or particular foot condition, you can contact me via the comments section below or via my email address: comfortablewomenshoes@gmail.com 

Note that if you are a more frequent and/or professional hiker and usually go through the most rugged trail conditions, hiking boots would be the best choice. Hiking boots usually have the sturdiest ankle support, offer better protection from boggy conditions (including inclement weather), and have a deeper insole cushioning that is specially beneficial for when you are carrying a heavy backpack. If you want to see a selection of the best hiking boots for women I suggest that you go to the link below:

The Best Waterproof Hiking Boots for Women — Keep your Feet Dry and Warm!

Hiking Socks for Women – Extra Padding and Breathable

Let’s not forget the importance of wearing socks along with our hiking shoes. There are certain hiking socks that provide extra cushion to targeted areas of your feet, and these are the type of socks that you need to look for to keep your feet healthy while hiking. These socks will also help prevent your feet from rubbing against your hiking shoes, preventing the formation of blisters around the toes or the ankles.

If you want to learn about the best hiking socks for women take a look at a different article I wrote called:

The Best Hiking Socks for Women — Breathable, Soft, Comfortable, and Durable!

Wearing the correct type of hiking shoe with the correct type of socks will make your hiking adventure a lot more pleasant and prevent you from hiking in sopping-wet, unsupportive, and painful shoes!

Hope you found this article helpful and please feel free to share your feedback. Let me know in the comments section below if you have found a specific hiking shoe that has worked well for your feet. I am sure other women will benefit from your experiences.

Do you prefer to wear hiking sneakers instead of hiking boots? Do you usually find hiking boots to be too heavy and clunky and prefer to hike in a pair of more lightweight and flexible types of shoes?