Most hiking shoes may look similar one way or the other but there are many differences when it comes to hiking shoes for men and women. You might think the difference must be in design alone, but there is also some internal aspect that separates them.
Companies nowadays make hiking shoes exclusively for women based on those aspects/ so what are those? What should you consider before buying a pair of hiking shoes and what are the best hiking shoes for women? Read along to find out.
Buying Guide
When you are picking up a pair of hiking shoes, there are certain aspects that you should keep in mind. Many people think that the only difference between male and female hiking shoes is the design. But that is often not the case. The shoes tend to be often lighter with proper arch support. There are also some other factors that you need to consider before buying a pair.
The Size
This stands true for any type of shoes that you plan to buy. More so than even in the case of hiking shoes. In most cases, you will find that it is recommended that you buy shoes that are the exact size of your feet. However, for hiking shoes, it is recommended that you go one size smaller. This will ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Arch support
Human anatomy is different and not everyone is the same. You might be someone who has a high or flat arch. If you are someone who has a high arch, it is better if you get hiking shoes that have adequate arch support. That way your hiking won't become something troublesome for you.
Rand
Another thing to consider is whether your shoes have rand support or not. The rand is a reinforced rubber around the toe area. Many shoemakers tend to avoid it as it sort of sticks out as a design. But if you are serious about your hiking. It is better if you get shoes that have the reinforced toe protection. This will help you to stay clear of any kind of rock or abrasions.
Water Resistance
This is again dependent on your personal need. Are you someone who goes hiking during the winter or rainy season? Also, does your hiking involve going in or around water bodies? Then we suggest you get a water-resistant pair. These aren’t some clever marketing strategies of companies rather its very important and can be very crucial based on situations.
Top 10 Best Hiking Shoes for women
Image | Product | Features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bomkinta Women's Hiking Shoes | Suede material. Easy binding laces Polyurethane outsole | |
 | Columbia Women's Hiking shoes | Innovative technology Easy to put on. Multidirectional traction on the outsole | |
 | Adidas ASMC Tennis Shoes | Grained suede leather Breathable Ergonomic design. | |
 | Jabasic Women's Hiking Shoes | Larger air mesh Rubber midsole Toe guard. | |
 | Salomon Women's Hiking Shoes | Low cut design Air mesh Rubber midsole. | |
 | Knixmax WWomen'sHiking Shoes | Perfect for long hikes. Quick lace feature. Trendy colors. | |
 | Riemot Women's Hiking Shoes | Innovative design. Phylon midsole Perforated suede top. | |
 | Keen Women's Hiking Shoes | Better traction Sufficient foot support. Customized toe protection. | |
 | Skechers Women's Hiking Shoes | air-cooled memory foam air mesh top. Sufficient heel support | |
 | TFO Women's Hiking Shoes | Tough rubber Durable build Easy to put on and off. |
1. BomKinta Women's Hiking shoes - Best Hiking Shoes for women
To start off the list, we have a pair from BomKinta. Now you may not have heard of this brand but the company makes some amazing hiking shoes. BomKinta doesn’t go over the top with their shoes rather they focus on what matters. You get a large air mesh that keeps your feet well ventilated. the outer top is made of suede material which feels durable to the touch. The midsole is made of lightweight material which helps to keep the overall weight of the shoes down. The outsole has a polyurethane compound which has an anti-slipping coating on it. Overall, you cannot go wrong with this one.
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2. Columbia Women's Hiking shoes
When it comes to hiking shoes, Columbia is a pretty well-known brand for both males and females. Their Ridge plus series has been one of the best hiking shoes for women. The company has used full-grain waterproof leather for this pair. The full-grain adds superior durability to the shoes meaning this pair will easily last you for a long time and rough hikes.
The company has used innovative lightweight material for their midsole which makes the shoes even lighter. The lace-up feature ensures that you get sufficient support from the top as well as ensure a snug fit. Overall, this pair is an easy recommendation for us considering all the things it gets right.
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3. Merrell Women's Hiking Shoes
The list would not be complete if we didn’t include Merrell and this time, it is up quite someplace in our list. This is also another well-known brand loved by its fans. The shoes come with a suede material top. The suede is grained so it gives you a leather-like finish that we all love. This is a low-cut design perfect for those who don’t want something that’s ankle-deep. The upper part of the midsole has a sizeable mesh which makes the shoes breathable. You are also getting Vibram soles with this one which makes walking with this pair a breeze.
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4. JabaWomen'smens Hiking Shoes-Best Hiking Shoes for women
If you're on a budget then we’ve got the perfect pair for you. the Jabasic series of hiking shoes are a premium yet affordable choice for people who aren’t willing to shell out much for a quality pair. The entire top is made of breathable air mesh that makes the shoes incredibly comfortable to wear. One of our grips with most hiking shoes is that there isn’t sufficient toe protection. Jabasic took care of that with an added rubber guard. You are also getting rubber on the midsole as well as the outsole. The outsole has a multidirectional traction cut which makes them secure wear for any condition.
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5. Salomon Women's hiking shoes
Most of the hiking shoes that you will find in the market look nothing like this one from Salomon. When we talk about rugged shoes, we mean the long-term performance and the durability factor. But Salomon incorporated the ruggedness into the look as well. Their Speedcross 5w, as is the official name has a unique design approach which the company calls trail running series. These shoes have a PU top with air mesh all around. The midsole is made of lightweight rubber material which makes the shoe very lightweight. The most distinct feature, however, is the outsole. The unique design not only makes it stand out, but the multidirectional creases make the shoes rigid with zero chances of slippage. Overall, this can be a good pair if you are into fancy designs.
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6. Knixmax women's hiking shoes-Best Hiking Shoes for women
The knixmax women's hiking shoe is a perfect choice for you if you are looking for a blend between comfort and functionality. Design-wise, this pair won't stand out much but as they say, looks can be deceiving. The top of the shoe is made of suede and mesh giving your shoes the perfect blend of durability and functionality. The insole of the shoes is lined all around with memory foam-like material which gives you a comfortable experience in long walks. The shoes also feature a quick lace feature which helps to easily lace them up. The toe box on this pair is also room, unlike the narrow ones that we are used to seeing.
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7. Riemot Women's Hiking shoes-Best Hiking Shoes for women
This is another durable pair from Riemot. The company is known for making high-quality shoes that are not only durable but also looks the part. These shoes have a suede upper which has. A perforated design. The perforation helps with the ventilation of the shoes which keeps your feet nice and dry. There is also a waterproof lining along the inside of the shoes which will ensure that your shoes will remain dry no matter what the weather. The company has gone phylon in the midsole. This helps to reduce any type of shock as well as making the shoe lightweight. The outsole also has an innovative design. There is adequate support for traction. The soles are also well-cushioned so you shouldn’t have to worry about blisters.
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8. Keen WWomen'sHiking Shoes
This company is very well known for making some of the best hiking shoes for women aside from the male line. Keen hiking shoes are known for their looks and comfort and the Targhee series is no different. The top is made of genuine leather which feels soft to the touch. These sit between the high cut and low cut. The midsole has EVA foam which makes them soft and comfortable to wear. The shoes also have sufficient arch support so you will have pretty cozy feet while wearing this one. Overall, this shoe can be a good choice for you if you are looking for something comfortable to wear and will last you for a long time.
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9. Skechers Women's Hiking Shoes-Best Hiking Shoes for women
Skechers is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to shoes. This US-based company has been around for a long time and has been a trusted brand of its fans. The women's trial series is their mid-range shoes. You are getting a suede top combined with an air mesh on this one. The innovative design aspect is the air-cooled memory foam which provides sufficient support to the insole. Trust us, wearing this would be an absolute pleasure. In addition to that, you are also getting a rubber outsole that has sufficient traction for anti-slippage. To sum things up, you are getting a shoe that will last you a long time as well as getting the brand value
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TFO isn’t a very well-known brand when it comes to shoes but don’t let that put you off. The company makes some of the best hiking shoes for women and it shows. The suede leather is made to be abrasion-proof no matter how intensive it gets, your shoes will pull through. The outsole of the shoe is made from airplane tire-grade leather and lug, there is also specific support for your ankles so you can be sure to be safe from unwanted shocks and injuries. There is also sufficient airflow in the insole making them wearing summer a breeze.
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Conclusion
That concludes our take on the best hiking shoes for women. There are a lot of brand offerings out there and choosing from all of them can be quite intimidating. In this article we tried to highlight what are the aspects that you should consider while buying your hiking shoes. You can also check out our comprehensive list to see which one works best for you.
You can also read- Hiking Shoes vs. Boots: The Never-Ending Debate