Are you ready to conquer the trails while keeping your feet dry and comfortable? Look no further! In this article, we have researched and compiled a list of the best waterproof hiking shoes for women that will take your outdoor adventures to the next level. From the rugged terrains to unpredictable weather conditions, these top-notch shoes will not only keep your feet protected but also provide the perfect blend of style and functionality. Get ready to hike with confidence and style as we dive into the world of the ultimate waterproof footwear.
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX ($160)
Pros: Waterproof and provides excellent traction; gaiters help keep debris out.Cons: Unique design may not appeal to everyone; gaiters may take some getting used to.
Upper: Made with elite engineered mesh materials.Outsole: Features high-abrasion rubber for durability.Weight: Weighs 1 lb. 0.5 oz.
When you hear the name Nike, you usually think of basketball, but the brand excels in the hiking and running categories as well. The Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX was initially designed as a waterproof trail running shoe, but it functions just as well as a hiking shoe.
When we first tried on these shoes, we found the design of the gaiters around the ankles to be a bit unusual, but we quickly adjusted to it. While the shoes are meant to be worn with ankle socks, they provide a secure fit around the ankle that keeps rocks and debris from entering the shoe. Additionally, they offer a bit of extra height to keep your feet dry during creek crossings, which are common on Hawaii's trails.
These shoes are lightweight and comfortable, while still providing plenty of support underfoot. Although they are marketed as running shoes, they may feel a bit bulky for running. However, they are well-suited for hiking. The traction patterns and rubber outsoles wrap around the front of the foot, providing excellent grip on wet, dry, and muddy terrain. The design of the shoes may be a bit unconventional, but they perform well and feel comfortable to wear.
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KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Hiking Shoes ($155)
Pros: Built-in odor control and mud shields for added convenience.Cons: Requires some time to break in.
Upper: Made with oiled nubuck leather.Outsole: Features rubber for durability.Weight: Weighs 1 lb. 9.2 oz.
KEEN has a long history of producing high-quality hiking shoes, and their KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Hiking Shoes are one of their latest offerings. These shoes are exceptionally durable and designed with muddy adventures in mind.
The Targhee III shoes are both waterproof and breathable, with mud shields that provide additional protection during muddy hikes. The removable EVA footbeds allow you to customize the level of support you need. Keep in mind that these shoes require some time to break in, so it's best to avoid long hikes right out of the gate.
Unlike some hiking shoes that become smelly after getting wet or sweaty, the Targhee shoes feature Cleansport NXT technology for odor control. The all-terrain rubber outsoles live up to their name, providing excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
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The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro ($250)
Pros: Unique rocker midsole geometry that propels you forward.Cons: Relatively expensive, not the best for steep uphill climbs.
Upper: Made with textile materials.Outsole: Features Surface CTRL rubber for traction.Weight: Weighs 1 lb. 1.1 oz.
The The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro is one of the most unique shoes on our list. While it was initially created for trail running, it also functions well as a hiking shoe.
The Vectiv shoes offer excellent stability and cushioning. They feature foam midsoles with carbon fiber plates, which enhance stability on technical terrain and provide added support. These shoes may feel a bit different at first, especially due to the curved design that resembles a banana. However, this design is intended to add toe spring and propel you forward as you run or hike. It may feel strange initially, but it's actually quite a cool sensation.
The rubber outsoles of the Vectiv shoes provide solid grip on flat and moderately hilly terrain, though they may be a bit slippery on steep uphill climbs. Keep in mind that they are relatively expensive compared to other options on the market.
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La Sportiva Mutant ($165)
Pros: Incredibly grippy outsoles that provide superior traction.Cons: Ankle support may feel a bit strange for running.
Upper: Made with recycled nonslip AirMesh and TPU FusionGate reinforcements.Outsole: Features FriXion XF 2.0 compound for excellent grip.Weight: Weighs 1 lb. 2.2 oz.
The La Sportiva Mutant is labeled as a trail running shoe, but we found it to be even better suited for hiking. Initially, these shoes didn't seem like top performers, but once we hit the trail, our opinion quickly changed.
The quality of these shoes is evident from the integrated lacing system that keeps them lightweight and non-bulky while still providing a secure fit. The ankle region features a four-way stretch gaiter system that offers added ankle support and helps keep debris out. While the ankle support may feel a bit strange while running, it's a feature that hikers will appreciate. It's worth noting that individuals with weak ankles may find these shoes perfect for their needs.
What truly sets the Mutant shoes apart from the crowd is their incredibly grippy outsoles. The Ultra-sticky FriXion XF 2.0 rubber compound provides outstanding traction on soft and muddy terrain, which is common in Hawaii. The shoes also feature an Impact Brake System, which is especially useful for navigating tricky downhill sections. They are compatible with spikes for added traction during winter hikes or on extra slippery surfaces. Additionally, these shoes have a super cool look to them.
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Oboz Sawtooth X Low ($160)
Pros: Incredibly durable and made from recycled materials.Cons: May not be the most comfortable option.
Upper: Made with oiled nubuck leather and CORDURA fabric mesh.Outsole: Features True Tread rubber.Weight: Weighs 1 lb. 12.2 oz.
Oboz has a longstanding reputation in the hiking world, and the Oboz Sawtooth X Low is a special shoe celebrating the 10th anniversary of their original Sawtooth hiking footwear. These shoes are exceptionally well-made, durable, and offer incredible traction. However, they may not be the most comfortable option available.
The Sawtooth X Low is a shoe that you'll want to ease into wearing. Our tester found them to be a bit stiff and uncomfortable during a one-mile dog walk as the first wear. However, they do become more comfortable with time, although they may never be the most comfortable choice available.
In addition to their durability, the Sawtooth X Low is made from oiled nubuck leather and CORDURA fabric mesh, ensuring they will last a long time. These waterproof boots feature sturdy rubber outsoles that provide the kind of traction you need in a reliable hiking shoe.
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Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX ($200)
Pros: Wide toe box, zero drop heel, lots of supportCons: Wide toe box and zero drop can take some time to get used to
Upper: Leather
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 10.5 oz.
Altra is well-known for their exceptional trail running shoes, so we were excited to try out their hiking shoes. The Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX exceeded our expectations. Like most of Altra's shoes, these feature a wide toe box and zero drop heel, promoting a more natural stride. They also have Vibram Megagrip outsoles, ensuring excellent traction in wet and dry conditions. The shoes are equipped with GORE-TEX technology, keeping your feet dry during wet trail and stream crossings. Our tester has narrow feet, and while other Altra shoes have felt too big, these fit comfortably and true to size. During a longer hike, our tester did notice some rubbing from the Olympus 5 shoes, but they offered a lot of support, which was appreciated. Read the full review here.
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Xero Shoes TerraFlex II Hiking Shoes ($110)
Pros: Heel cinch and adjustable midfoot, super grippy outsole.Cons: Not very supportive, require a break-in period.
Upper: Made with synthetic mesh materials.Outsole: Features FeelTrue rubber.Weight: Weighs 14 oz.
We have to admit that calling the Xero TerraFlex II hiking shoes may be a bit of a stretch. Out of the box, they appear more like rock climbing shoes than hiking shoes. However, after testing them out, we would say they fall into the category of an Approach shoe, which is a blend of hiking and climbing footwear.
Like many other shoes on our list, the TerraFlex II features a wide toe box and a "Xero-drop" design that promotes a healthy stride. Keep in mind that these shoes require a break-in period before embarking on a long hike. We recommend wearing them for a few walks around the neighborhood to prevent discomfort during longer hikes.
The TerraFlex II is lightweight and breathable, with wicking mesh linings that help keep your feet cool and dry. If you prefer a more barefoot feel, the 3mm insoles can be removed. The heel cinch and adjustable midfoot are excellent design features that allow for a custom fit. The rubber soles offer exceptional grip for both hiking and climbing, although that isn't their intended purpose.
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Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Low ($130)
Pros: Unique aesthetic and made from recycled materials.Cons: Tongue may cause rubbing.
Upper: Made with a combination of leather and fabric.Outsole: Features rubber for durability.Weight: Weighs 2 lbs. 9.6 oz.
Upon unboxing the Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Low, we were immediately impressed by their unique aesthetic. However, Timberland is more known as a fashion outdoor brand than a technical hiking brand, so we were curious about their performance on the trails.
At first, the Motion 6 Low may not be the most comfortable shoes. They feel like something is missing in terms of footbed cushioning, and the tongue may cause some rubbing if you're not wearing higher socks. However, once we started hiking, we quickly adjusted and found them to be quite comfortable (we do recommend wearing higher socks).
These shoes are designed with sustainability in mind. The fabric lining contains at least 50% recycled plastic, and the midsoles consist of a combination of 25% EVA and 75% sugarcane and naturally grown rubber. The rubber outsoles contain 55% naturally grown rubber from farms committed to regenerative agriculture. While the shoes have a unique and fashionable look, they may not be the most comfortable option for long hikes. Consider adding inserts for additional support. On the other hand, they are lightweight, breathable, and provide good traction on various surfaces.
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Lems Mesa Shoe ($100)
Pros: Lightweight and breathable.Cons: Runs small and provides minimal support.
Upper: Made with synthetic knit mesh materials.
Outsole: Features rubber for durability.
Weight: Weighs 8.4 oz.
After trying out the Lems Primal Pursuit Mid hiking boot and being impressed with their comfort, we were excited to test the Mesa Shoe. This shoe is designed to be a comfortable sneaker for people on the move. It features a lightweight and breathable mesh upper, EVA cushioning, a 4mm drop for a natural stride, and durable tread.
While the Mesas are incredibly lightweight and breathable, they weren't as comfortable as we had hoped. They seemed to run a bit small, so we recommend ordering half a size or a full size up for a better fit. We also caution against considering these shoes as hiking shoes, as they provide minimal support and traction. Instead, they are better suited for walks or relatively flat hikes.
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Saucony Peregrine 13 ($140)
Pros: Made with recycled materials, lightweight and breathable
Cons: Not much ankle support
Upper: Mesh
Outsole: PWRTRAC rubber
Weight: 1 lb.
The Saucony Peregrine 13 is designed for rugged trail running and can also be used as hiking shoes. These trail runners have mesh uppers, protective films in high-abrasion areas, gaiter-compatible D-rings, PRWRRUN foam cushioning, rock guards, and PWRTRAC outsoles for increased grip.
We found these shoes to be incredibly lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, making them ideal for long days on the trail or for everyday wear. We appreciated their gaiter-compatibility, which enhances water resistance and protection. Although the Peregrine 13s do not provide extensive ankle support, they are perfect for those who prefer nimbleness.
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Astral TR1 Mesh Shoes ($130)
Pros: Lightweight, antimicrobial properties
Cons: Minimal support
Upper: Ripstop mesh with thermoplastic polyurethane overlays
Outsole: G.15 high-friction nonmarking rubber
Weight: N/A
Upon seeing the Astral TR1 Mesh Shoes online, we were drawn to their appealing appearance. These low-profile shoes come in neutral colors, making them suitable for both trekking and casual outings. The Astral TR1 Mesh Shoes feature G.15 rubber for grip and abrasion resistance, Trail Grip outsoles for excellent traction, Water Ready holes for drainage and ventilation, Balanced Geometry for a barefoot feel, EVA and rubber for impact absorption, and Polygiene-treated insoles with antimicrobial properties for moisture and odor management.
These shoes are incredibly lightweight, breathable, and suitable for adventures in and out of the water. While they provide comfort and good traction, they may lack sufficient support for longer hikes.
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Merrell Bravada 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes ($130)
Pros: Incredibly eco-friendly, breathable
Cons: Lacking ankle support
Upper: Knit
Outsole: Quantum Grip rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.
Our tester had never tried Merrell hiking boots or shoes until recently, and she became a fan. The Merrell Bravada 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes are remarkably eco-friendly, as they are made from recycled materials including EVA footbeds, footbed covers, and foam midsoles. The knit uppers feature recycled laces, webbing, and mesh linings.
These shoes are lightweight, breathable, and surprisingly waterproof. The Merrell Air Cushion in the heels provides stability and support, and the Quantum Grip rubber outsoles ensure excellent traction. The only downside is the limited ankle support due to the low cut. Nevertheless, they are comfortable and easy to maneuver in.
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Salomon Outrise ($110)
Pros: Made from recycled materials, grippy outsole
Cons: Bottom can be uncomfortable after long hikes, may run slightly big
Upper: Synthetic
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz.
The Salomon Outrise hiking shoes are designed to be lightweight, comfortable, versatile, and supportive. These shoes prioritize sustainability, with recycled sockliners and foam made from an EVA compound that uses fewer artificial polymers. The socks liner helps manage moisture and control odors. The All Terrain Contagrip outsoles provide reliable grip on various surfaces.
While the Outrise shoes are initially lightweight and comfortable, our tester experienced some discomfort on the bottom of her foot towards the end of her hike. To address this, she suggests using insoles with these shoes. Additionally, the shoes may feel slightly big on narrow feet, but when tightly laced, they perform better.
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Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX ($160)
Pros: Waterproof, excellent traction, breathable
Cons: Runs slightly small
Upper: N/A
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 9.5 oz.
The Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX is designed for rugged trail running and provides waterproofness, breathability, and support. These shoes feature GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membranes to ensure waterproofness while maintaining breathability. The foamy midsoles offer added comfort, and the release grooves in the midsoles allow for easy adaptation to rough terrain. The updated Ballistic Rock Shield protects your feet from rocks and pebbles.
The gusseted cuff of the shoe helps keep sand and debris out, and the TrailTrack rubber outsoles provide reliable traction on wet and slippery surfaces. The shoes are also compatible with gaiters, making them suitable for extra wet trails. Our tester recommends ordering a half size up to accommodate foot swelling during hikes and runs. Despite concerns about breathability due to the GORE-TEX, no issues were noticed, and the waterproof feature was greatly appreciated.
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In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best waterproof hiking shoes for women, there are plenty of excellent options to choose from. Whether you prefer the durability and versatility of brands like Nike and KEEN, or the comfort and support provided by The North Face and Merrell, there is a shoe on this list that will suit your needs. Don't let wet and muddy trails hold you back from exploring the great outdoors - invest in a pair of these top-quality hiking shoes and embark on your next adventure with confidence. Happy hiking!
