The concept of hiking footwear is now going away from the models of bulky boots to lightweight shoes since this offers more comfort. You might not get the perfect ankle support while holding heavy backpacks or when moving through the rocky trails.
On the other hand, the feathery feel and the weight savings are worth for majority of the hikers.
One of the most important steps to be taken as a hiker is in choosing the right and most comfortable shoes to wear. Women’s are having unique requirements since they are having narrower feet as well as varied striking patterns when compared to men.
It is vital that you should be familiar with the shoe models and the things to consider before choosing the best hiking shoes for women as this may help to come up with the best pair which lasts for a long period of time.
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Quick Comparison: Top Women’s Hiking Shoes
- Salomon Women's Ellipse GTX Hiking Shoes
- KEEN Women's Targhee II Hiking Shoes
- Oboz Women's Sawtooth Low BDry Hiking Shoes
- Hoka One One Women's Tor Summit Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoes
- Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoes
**Below, you'll find our expert's reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Women’s Hiking Shoes?
For all the hikers out there, picking up a hiking shoe which falls right below the ankle will be the perfect fit. The shoes are the life force and hence compromising for the price factor or any other variables won’t be worth enough.
They will carry you safely into the adventurous path and back to your sweet home in just one piece. It is therefore really important that you should find out a pair of good hiking shoes which is comfortable as well as supportive for the terrain which you choose for hiking.
In this article, we have focused on the elements which need to be considered prior to choosing a women's Hiking Shoes.
Comfort
Comfort is the key factor which is to be noted while selecting your pair of hiking shoes. The part which makes your shoes comfortable is breathability. Those models which are waterproof will be comparatively less breathable and will be more in weight and hence there will be a trade-off.
However, lighter models are found to be breathable as well as comfortable but can be used only during certain seasons or conditions. There are absolutely not the best options if you ever plan to cross a river.
Support
Another important factor to consider is the support which the shoes offer. Arch support, as well as ankle support, is having equal importance. Some hikers will choose hiking shoes which are having high arches since they require aggressive arch support or the insoles.
On the other hand, some others might go for the flat arches which would be chosen by those who prefer wider shoe or the one which is having flatter arch.
Majority of the women are having a thought that hiking shoes which are having better ankle support are the best option for them to pick. This might be true, but this is not the case always.
If your ankles are weak, then choosing a pair with less ankle support will be the right choice. This, in turn, will help to strengthen the ankles since you are depending on the support of the hiking shoes for help.
Low Cut vs. Above the Ankle
This is equal to thinking whether or not you want to go for waterproof hiking shoes. In fact, over the ankle shoes is the best choice for those hikers who are in a plan to buy waterproof shoes which can get you through puddles without letting water inside.
Nevertheless, if ever the puddle spills over the top of your shoes, then you can’t stop it.
Traction
The traction element in your hiking shoes will decide the safety feature while being on the terrain. If you are on a plan to hike on a rocky terrain, then choosing a sticky traction model which has got many lugs will be the best fit for you.
However, if you are hiking in wet climatic conditions, or in any forested regions, then hiking shoes which have bigger lugs will be a good bet. There are even shoes with metal spiked lugs to use during winter conditions.
If needed, you can even go on snowshoes or micro spikes. Material which is used for the construction of the soles is also important. Rubber is the best choice for outsoles. The thicker, the better it will be.
Toe Cap
The toe cap is a part of the firm rubber which will reach the top of the toe and will be seen on the sides. This will prevent your toes from the accidental hit on the logs, rocks or on the debris which might cause damage or any kind of injury.
Waterproofing
There are certain hiking shoes which are constructed using waterproof materials like leather or Gore-Tex membranes. Try to pick leather shoes since they are best to maintain the waterproof feature if given proper treatments.
They will be a bit stiffer as well as heavier. These kinds of features are useful especially during the cold spring and also in certain other situations. Even though they are not breathable, they are really comfortable.
Weight
Based on the kind of hiking you are planning, you can choose your pair of hiking shoes. The shoes which are heavier and aggressive will be having waterproof options as well and will be having better traction and support as well.
These are an excellent choice for the long treks. But if you are having heavy loads on the backpack, try to get a lightweight model shoe since there will be more force exerted and will make you feel tired easily.
Lacing Systems
Easily overlooked, the lacing system plays an important role in terms of comfort and fit. If your shoes are having a poor lacing system, then it will be more prone to loosen while you trek and you will have to readjust it constantly.
If the lacing system itself is not fitting well, then secure the heel well, else the walking motion will lead to the creation of blisters and hot spots. If you are not able to correct the fit in between the eyelets, the fit would be equally tight while placing across your entire foot.
How to clean and Wash Women’s Hiking Shoes?
Caring for your footwear after every use is the best way to increase its lifespan. After every hike, try to dislodge majority of the dirt by walking along a puddle or some wet grass on your way back to home.
The next step is to rinse it under clear water. Make sure that you don’t submerge it in water since it will affect the entire performance. Now take out the foot beds and the laces and to reach the tight spaces and then brush off any grime or mud using a soft brush along with a bowl of water.
Once you are done with this, the next step is to dry the shoes. Remember not to force dry the shoes as this will lead to the hardening or deterioration of the outer layers. Try to dry the shoes naturally by stuffing a few dry newspapers inside it.
This will soak up the moisture and will let it dry naturally. When this is over, you can apply conditioning as well as waterproof treatments. Keep in mind that the leather hiking shoes requires conditioning for preventing splitting.
Review of Some of the Best Women’s Hiking Shoes
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Our Recommendation
Salomon Women's Ellipse GTX Hiking Shoe
The Salomon Women's Ellipse GTX Hiking Shoe offers the great cushioning feature, heel stability, and overall support. This is the ideal shoe for almost all the fast hikers. It is specially designed for women from the ground up.
The design is in such a way that the fit comes with an asymmetrical support structure to match the pronation, However, the sensiflex insert will place the natural expansion (forefoot), which is really common in women. In addition, there is also a wrapping tongue which is always in place.
Since it is designed with a GORE-TEX to make, your feet will be dry, both from the outside and inside the level. Apart from these features, it offers good breathability and is abrasion-resistant as well. It has got fast drying features as well.
Pros
Cons
KEEN Women's Targhee II Hiking Shoe
The KEEN Women's Targhee II Hiking Shoe is specially designed for all your off-road adventures. The membrane creates a good waterproof seal and hence you don’t have to worry even if you are moving through a wet terrain.
The removable metatomical footbed will mold fast to the shape of your foot and this, in turn, will offer personalized comfort. The durable, breathable and the advanced leather and mesh upper will help you meet all the challenges with confidence.
It has got oiled nubuck leather upper together with waterproof lining. The model is available in sizes like 6 to 11 and also in two different shades.
Pros
Cons
Foot Note!!!
Shoes are an important part of hiking. Hence your choice of hiking shoe will create a major difference in the rate in which you enjoy your adventure.
A good quality pair of Women’s hiking shoes will help you to stay dry along with providing better traction and good support; being light in weight.
Here, in this article, we have listed some of the top brands and the well-rated ones. You can narrow down your selection based on your hiking requirements.
Image credit: amazon.com, amazon.in,decathlon.in