The most important gear decisions you’ll make will be your shoes. The best hiking shoes for women should be comfortable and durable, providing the support and traction needed to conquer the most challenging terrain. It’s also vital that they be weather-resistant, with rugged outer construction to keep water out.
Why do you want to wear hiking shoes?
We will cover some reasons you may want to wear hiking shoes on your next hike. Maybe you enjoy observing flora and fauna or appreciating the beauty of nature in its raw form.
Or perhaps you like the idea that a single pair of hiking shoes can transform from everyday footwear into expedition-ready boots.
For the outdoorsmen or women, there’s a practical benefit to wearing hiking shoes in addition to their street-ready footwear.
For the rest of us, who want to wear hiking shoes because they’re comfortable, a least a little bit stylish, and keep our feet warm and dry during wet conditions, there’s also an obvious upside.
Sturdy yet lightweight hiking shoes
Midweight and heavyweight versions are also available in women’s hiking shoes: They tend to offer more cushioning for shorter hauls. Some women can wear men’s hiking shoes, too, though, of course, the fit may be a bit larger.
Hiking shoes for women also feature similar construction and additional support, with generally smaller heels than those found in men’s shoes.
However, some women’s hiking shoes have flat soles or slight heels. Others have more support and shock-absorbing midsoles – which can be helpful for women who have trouble finding hiking shoes that are both comfortable and durable.
Other women’s hiking shoes feature a rugged sole or a waterproof upper, similar to how men’s hiking shoes are made.
The Right Hiking Shoes
In general, hiking shoes should fit like a glove: The shoe is too tight if it presses on your toes; too loose if your foot slips around inside of it.
Your toes should be able to splay slightly during each step.
You should wear hiking shoes comfortably from the first moment you put them on. If the hiking shoe fit is a bit tight, you might want to wear socks that are a bit bulky to provide extra cushioning.
Your brand-new hiking shoes should feel snug at first but not too tight: The fabric shouldn’t chafe your skin if you take them off after just a few hours of wear; it shouldn’t leave marks on your feet or toes if you don’t wear socks.
When purchasing hiking shoes, you should have a few options available to consider.
Even if you’re looking for a casual shoe, you still want the right combination of support, comfort, and weather protection.
For your first pair of hiking shoes: Look for options that are at least as supportive as your everyday footwear without being too bulky or heavy.
If you’ve been wearing hiking shoes for a few years now: Try some midweight versions as your next pair of hiking shoes.
If you’ve worn lightweight hiking shoes in the past: Go with midweight or heavyweight models as your next purchase.
If you’re an outdoorswoman or outdoor enthusiast who primarily hikes on shorter treks, try a woman’s version of a midweight or lightweight hiking shoe.
If you are carrying a lighter load on your back for long distances: You’ll still want good support, but you can probably go with a midweight or lightweight pair of hiking shoes.
If you plan on taking your hiking shoes off on short day hikes and only putting them back on when you’re ready to head back home: You can choose from a variety of hiking shoes that are more comfortable than your average sneaker. She’ll likely find these types of hiking shoes more suitable for shorter hikes.
If you don’t hike much but like the outdoors: You will probably want hiking shoes that are lightweight and easy to wear over long distances, though these types of options aren’t always very durable or supportive.
Different outdoor sports require another footwear. Hiking is a little different than running, and so on. Fortunately, there are now several lightweight shoes that work well in various settings.
The North Face Women’s hiking boots are impressively durable and feature all-conditions traction. Thanks to an aggressive rubber outsole and has a newly designed heel-to-toe drop geometry for increased stability during high-impact activities such as hiking, trekking, or climbing.
Here are our North Face options for you.
The North Face Women’s Hedgehog Fastpack II Waterproof Hiking Shoes
The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Lace Up Waterproof
The North Face Women’s Chilkat 400 Insulated Snow Boot
So, what should you look for in a hiking shoe? The first thing to consider is that they shouldn’t be too heavy, but certain features will make them more suited for hiking. You want high-traction soles with rubberized lugs or sticky rubber pads.
Look out for shoes with plenty of grip and cushioning on the heel and ball of the foot. Finally, take note of what kind of arches or support you need.
The better your shoes, the more energy you’ll save.
The costs of hiking footwear can vary dramatically. The most important factor for buying expensive boots is whether they are made for hiking or mountaineering.
If their sole is thick enough, you can use them in winter and summer, making them a good investment.
These are some questions you might find yourself asking. Let’s look at what that means for you, your shoes, and general outdoor activities.
But what is the traction of a shoe?
How does it work? Traction is the ability of a shoe or boot to grip, stick, or adhere to the ground. The more traction there is, the better a person’s balance, control, and ability to move on snow and rock-covered trails.
Also, the more traction a shoe has, the less a person’s feet get wet or muddy. Since trail conditions can change quickly, people will be less tired without stopping hiking.
Both hikers and hunters appreciate good traction. When a person is hiking, they try to stay on the trail as much as possible and avoid getting off-trail into the brush or other areas that may cause them to slip or lose their balance. Hikers want tools that will allow them to do this safely and effectively.
Traction is one of the most critical considerations of hiking or backpacking footwear. When it is not simple to move around, hiking becomes unpleasant and tiring.