Women's Hiking Shoes Buying Guide

Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature, get some exercise, and take in some amazing views. However, when it comes to hiking, having the right footwear is essential to ensure that you both are comfortable and safe on the trails. The wrong footwear can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even injuries. With so many different types of hiking shoes on the market, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you when it comes to purchasing women's hiking shoes.

The Importance of Women's Hiking Shoes

Women's hiking shoes are designed specifically for hiking to ensure comfort, durability, and safety. These shoes feature specialized features that allow you to navigate rough terrain without slipping or hurting your feet. Since trail conditions can be unpredictable, you may find yourself walking on rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain, therefore requiring shoes to support your foot in these conditions.

The Types of Hiking Shoes: Boots vs. Shoes

When it comes to hiking shoes, there are two main types: hiking boots and hiking shoes. Hiking boots come up around your ankles, providing extra support while hiking over rocky, uneven terrain. They also offer better protection for your feet and lower legs from the elements. Hiking shoes resemble athletic shoes, providing lightweight flexibility, making it easier to walk in. They are not as protective as hiking boots but are perfect for day hikes, easy hikes and hikes over even terrain.

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots come in a variety of styles, from mid hiking boots to full-on mountaineering boots. When it comes to materials and construction, you want to choose a boot that matches the type of terrain that you plan to hike. Here is a breakdown of the different types:

• Traditional hiking boots: These boots are the most common type of hiking boots and typically come with leather uppers and rubber soles for traction. They are generally excellent for most types of terrain, but heavier boots are not good for long-distance hikes.
• Backpacking boots: Backpacking boots are designed to handle heavier loads, rougher terrain and longer distances. These boots provide great support, but can feel heavy and take a bit of breaking in.
• Mountaineering boots: These boots are specifically designed for extreme conditions and higher altitudes, such as on glaciers or mountaineering. They feature stiffer soles and insulation for temperatures below freezing. They are the heaviest and least flexible, but provide excellent support in extreme conditions.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes provide comfort and flexibility, making them ideal for short hikes or hikes on even terrain but offer far less support and protection than hiking boots. Here are the common types of hiking shoes:

• Trail runners: These shoes are lightweight and have less ankle and foot support than the other types of hiking shoes. They are ideal for easy hikes, long distance jogging and favor low-cut hiking trails that don't require much support on rocky or unstable terrain. Also great for through hikes, such as the AT!
• Light hiking shoes: These shoes are like regular trainers and have enough support and stability for mild to moderate hiking trails. Light hiking shoes are the best choice for multi-day hikes, day hiking and crossover for off-trail exploring.
• Approach shoes: Hybrid shoe that combines the features of climbing shoes and hiking shoes, suitable for scrambling over rugged, rocky terrain, and rock climbing approaches.

Key Features of Women's Hiking Shoes

The most a significant reason to choose a pair of specialized hiking shoes is to provide you with the best support and protection during your hike. Here are some key features to look for when choosing women's hiking shoes:

1. Comfort

Shoes that provide comfort are essential for any hike. Your hiking shoes should fit your feet properly and be comfortable from the first wear, so make sure to invest time to try on various types to find a good fit. Check the style, size and support of various hiking shoes before deciding on one. Make sure it is easy to wear with additional hiking socks or inserts you might choose to add to enhance cushion or warmth during colder months.

2. Breathability

When it comes to hiking, it is important for your shoes to breathe. With every step, your feet generate heat, and if they cannot release the heat or moisture, you will end up with hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable feet. Look for shoes with mesh uppers or perforations to avoid overheating your feet.

3. Traction

Trail conditions can change quickly, and it's essential that your shoes provide a good grip on the surface you are walking on. Poor traction can lead to slips, trips, and falls, risking injury. Look for shoes with a heavily lugged sole, usually made of rubber or Vibram, which provides proper traction for different types of terrain.

4. Durability

No one wants to be investing in hiking shoes every few months, so you should opt for a pair of shoes that can withstand the rigours of different types of terrain. Choose shoes made of high-quality materials that can withstand damage from rocks, branches, and thorns. This way, your shoes will last longer and save you money, long term.

5. Ankle Support

This feature is especially important when selecting hiking boots. Shoes with good ankle support, whether high or low-cut, protect your ankles from rolling or spraining, especially on rugged terrain. Boots that come up over your ankles, provide better support than shoes that don’t.

6. Water Resistance

Wet feet are uncomfortable, and when you're out on a long hike, it can lead to painful blisters, especially if you have a pair of lightweight shoes. Selecting a water-resistant pair of shoes helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable in damp conditions like walking through a wet trail or crossing streams. Gortex is a good material for water-resistant shoes but if you hike solely in dry conditions water-resistant shoes may not be a priority.

Tips for Fitting Your Women's Hiking Shoes

Choosing the best pair of women's hiking boots or shoes is only the first step. You still need to ensure that you are selecting the proper size and fit to prevent any discomfort while hiking. Here are some essential tips to follow while fitting your shoes:

1. Choose the Right Socks

The best way to get an accurate fit is to wear the socks you plan to hike in when trying on your shoes. Never hike in cotton socks because they absorb moisture and rub against your skin, causing blisters. Always go with wool or synthetic socks.

2. Try on Shoes in the Afternoon

While trying on shoes, take into account the swelling of your feet later in the day or after hours of hiking. Try the shoes on in the afternoon or late evening to ensure that you are getting the correct size.

3. Bring Custom Orthotics or Footbeds

You may require additional support and cushioning to alleviate potential pain and discomfort. Bring your custom orthotics or footbeds with you while shopping to see how the shoes' fit and feel once they are in place

4. Adequately Lace Your Shoes

Once you have found the perfect shoes, lace them tightly to ensure that they fit secure, comfortably and prevent slipping. Loosen the laces in places where there is too much pressure to improve circulation and redress the lacing to find the right tension level.

Where to Buy Women’s Hiking Shoes

Now that you know what features to look for and how to fit your shoes, you need to know where to buy them. You can search for hiking shoes in-person at outdoor gear shops, department stores as well as online but make sure you read reviews and check the retailers' reputation. Some top brands for women's hiking shoes include:

• Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
• Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator
• Columbia Women’s Redmond
• Hoka One One Sky Kaha
• Adidas Outdoor Terrex Free Hiker GTX
• Vasque Sundowner GTX
• Garmont Trail Beast GTX
• Keen Oakridge Mid Polar- Waterproof

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right women's hiking shoes is essential when it comes to hiking comfort, protection, and safety. Make sure you opt for comfortable, breathable, and durable shoes. Shoes should provide adequate traction, ankle support, and water resistance depending on the trail ahead. Once you have found the right pair of shoes, break them in by taking short day hikes, so they are comfortable and work according to your preferences. By following these tips, you can find the perfect pair of shoes that will help you tackle your next trek with confidence.