The Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2025

Irrespective of the space of your outing or the sort of terrain that you just’re navigating, what you’re carrying in your toes is critically necessary. We’ve accomplished all of the legwork to establish the perfect mountaineering sneakers for girls available on the market proper now.

Lead testers Micah Ling and Chris Kassar, avid hikers and path runners examined these sneakers in rugged situations in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Wyoming’s Teton Vary, and the steep, slick rock of jap Utah to see how they stacked up when pushed to the boundaries. They’ve seen diversified climate situations, together with snow, rain, wind, and greater than a little bit of sunshine. We’ve thought of such particulars as waterproofing, weight, breathability, tread, match, supplies, and general consolation. 

Whether or not you’re in search of the excellent efficiency of our high choose, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Low, or a budget-friendly possibility just like the Merrell Moab 3, we have now a really perfect mountaineering shoe to your wants.

Editor’s Be aware: We up to date this information on March 13, 2025, by including a value & worth part and our favourite minimalist mountaineering sneakers for girls, the newly launched Altra Lone Peak 9.

The Greatest Climbing Footwear for Ladies of 2025

Ladies’s Climbing Footwear Comparability Chart

How We Examined Ladies’s Climbing Footwear

Our Professional Testers

Lead tester Micah Ling isn’t any stranger to many miles within the mountains and the desert. She lives in a mountain city in southern Colorado, proper within the Sawatch Vary of the Rocky Mountains. As a daily contributor to a number of nationwide outside publications, Ling spends as a lot free time as potential taking part in on the path and is all the time considering up a brand new problem or objective. In 2022, a serious journal commissioned her to deal with as many close-to-home trails as potential in a single summer season. After overlaying 1000’s of miles and climbing a number of 14,000-foot peaks, Ling felt like she knew her yard intimately. She additionally spends a good period of time path operating, mountain biking, and tenting together with her husband and pup.  

Editor Chris Kassar, an avid hiker, runner, and mountaineer, stepped in (and out on the path) to assist check many of those mountaineering sneakers for girls. Chris lives in Jackson, WY, and might typically be discovered scrambling up a peak in Grand Teton Nationwide Park or mountaineering together with her pup on Nationwide Forest trails, each ultimate locations to place sneakers by way of the wringer.

Testing Grounds & Course of

We launched our first take a look at the perfect ladies’s mountaineering sneakers in spring of 2024, with six pairs. Since then, we’ve expanded our choice to convey you the picks you see in the present day. We not solely took these sneakers out for varied distances and on totally different sorts of terrain, however we additionally put them by way of the ringer when it got here to climate situations. There are definitely check perks to dwelling within the mountains year-round.

Moreover the yard playground of mountain trails, we even have common weekend entry to Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Idaho, and Arizona. We took selection significantly in these exams since we acknowledge that the majority of you don’t purchase mountaineering sneakers for only one kind of setting. We wish sneakers that enable us to go on all types of adventures in all types of locations. 

To get an actual really feel for the way all of those ladies’s mountaineering sneakers carried out in varied settings, we thought of weatherproof elements, traction, consolation, assist, and sturdiness. We additionally didn’t ignore aesthetic options — how the sneakers appeared on our toes, and the way they made us really feel. Though appears aren’t all the things, we all know it’s necessary to really feel trendy and have the choice to simply go from path to tavern. 

If you wish to spherical out your package to your subsequent mountaineering journey, take a look at our information to the perfect ladies’s mountaineering pants, the perfect mountaineering socks, and the perfect down jackets for girls. In the event you’re in search of several types of mountaineering footwear, take a look at our information to the perfect mountaineering sneakers, the perfect mountaineering boots for girls, and the perfect winter mountaineering boots.

Purchaser’s Information: How you can Select the Greatest Climbing Footwear for Ladies

Match

Within the biking trade, women-specific bikes obtained a popularity of “shrink it and pink it,” which means they have been simply males’s bikes made smaller and with “lady colours.” However there’s much more to creating a top quality ladies’s-specific product, particularly with regards to shoe match. The principle motive to purchase a ladies’s mountaineering shoe is the match. Many ladies have narrower heels than males, and many ladies have smaller and narrower toes general than males.

However once more, it’s not nearly dimension. It’s additionally widespread for girls to have the next arch. Ladies’s-specific mountaineering sneakers are all constructed with these dynamic variations in thoughts. Climbing sneakers for girls aren’t simply smaller and in additional female colours (no matter meaning), they’re really constructed to suit a girl’s foot higher. 

Not all ladies have small, slim toes or excessive arches. Loads of ladies have huge toes, giant toes, or flat toes. The size, width, and quantity fluctuate throughout every shoe model. Some mountaineering sneakers have a wider toebox space, and a few run slim all through the heel. Every has its personal model of development that may work with some toes however not with others. 

Climbing Boots vs. Climbing Footwear

On the whole, mountaineering boots are extra rugged than mountaineering sneakers. They typically provide extra assist, safety, and traction, and have the next higher. This implies they’re additionally heavier, fabricated from extra supplies, and general present extra shoe than you would possibly want for a lot of mountaineering outings. 

A mountaineering shoe is often low-cut, much less inflexible, and infrequently extra snug than a boot. It might incorporate extra artificial supplies, which make it extra breathable and simpler to maneuver in. Lately, mountaineering sneakers are likely to have many comparable options to their trail-running cousins.

Many are impressed by trainers when it comes to consolation and really feel, such because the Hoka Speedgoat 6, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2, and the Altra Lone Peak 9. These boots provide the identical rugged tread as mountaineering boots, paired with a extra versatile higher and extra breathable supplies.  

Climbing boots nonetheless are typically the go-to choose for touring massive miles, particularly when you plan to hold lots of weight, however a heavier-weight possibility just like the La Sportiva Akasha II works with a heavy pack. However don’t assume mountaineering sneakers can’t get up towards harsh situations. Footwear such because the La Sportiva GTX can nonetheless carry out properly by way of varied climate situations, creek crossings, and all-day adventures.   

On the whole, mountaineering sneakers are an excellent selection when you’re trying to hike slightly sooner, need one thing slightly lighter in your toes, and like slightly extra minimalist really feel. Different highlights for mountaineering sneakers over boots embrace that they can be used for path operating, are simpler to pack for journeys, and do higher in hotter climates the place breathability could make or break your day. We caught to mountaineering sneakers, however when you’re in search of extra of a mountaineering boot, we have now the perfect picks in our information to The Greatest Ladies’s Climbing Boots.

Breathability

If breathability is important — as in, you’re going to be in heat climate with much less risk of snow and rain—mountaineering sneakers are the best way to go. Definitely, there are mountaineering boots that may be waterproof and fewer breathable, however mountaineering sneakers are usually made to breathe. That’s as a result of mountaineering sneakers are typically made with breathable higher supplies.

Definitely, mountaineering within the Merrell Moab Pace 2 or the Hoka Speedgoat 6, with a mesh, breathable higher, will make you are feeling lighter and sooner on the paths. If you’d like an especially breathable possibility or count on to spend a ton of time strolling within the water, take a peek at our information to the Greatest Climbing Sandals for Ladies.

Stability

Stability is all about how the shoe feels underfoot. Cushioning, heel-to-toe drop, outsole supplies, lugs, and ankle top have an effect on your stability. The Merrell Moab 3, Danner Path 2650, and the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 are examples of sneakers with good stability. Most individuals need a mountaineering shoe that feels secure on diversified terrain, even when carrying a heavy pack, however not so overbuilt that they will’t transfer quick after they need to. 

Outsole (Tread)

The underside of the mountaineering boot or shoe is the outsole or tread — the floor that comes into contact with the bottom. The outsole is fabricated from rubber and is often made by a unique model from the shoe firm. Vibram has just lately cornered the market with their outsoles, however Adidas companions with Continental, the identical model that makes tires.

Every outsole has a lug sample that helps with traction in all types of situations. Whereas it’d appear to be the larger the lugs, the higher, identical to tire treads, that’s not essentially true. For instance, the Cloudhorizons from On have an superior rubber outsole with a lug sample for traction and stability on free particles and moist surfaces. 

• Shallower lugs: Good for pavement, grime, grass, crushed gravel, fallen leaves, pretty flat (simple to reasonable steepness)
• Reasonable lugs: Greatest for looser terrain corresponding to mud, gravel, scree (reasonable or better steepness)
• Deep lugs: Superb for probably the most supple surfaces like mud, snow, free rock, blended terrain, usually on mountaineering or backpacking boots (greatest for steep slopes)
• Wider-spaced lugs: Enhance friction for an enhanced grip, corresponding to on rock, and extra simply discard particles like mud
• Angled (versus spherical) lugs: Formed like a V, these lugs present much more chunk than spherical lugs (good for steep hikes)

The heel typically additionally has its personal particular tread or “brake” system at the back of the boot, beneath the heel, that helps present traction. The La Sportiva Spire GTX has an “influence brake system” on the heel, made particularly to keep away from falls in slick situations. This heel brake, additionally referred to as the heel shelf, is the place there’s a shelf at the back of the boot, beneath the heel of the foot, that helps present traction, too.

Midsole

While you consider midsoles, you consider cushion and luxury. That is the world between the higher, which works excessive of your foot, and the outsole. The midsole performs the most important function in how your mountaineering sneakers really feel. It’s the place the shock absorption occurs and the place the safety is between you and the bottom. 

Some folks like a closer-to-the-ground really feel, just like the Altra Lone peak 9, and others like plenty of cushioning, just like the Hoka Speedgoat 6, between them and the rocks. It’s all about choice. The midsole supplies are usually EVA, which is plush and light-weight, or polyurethane, which is extra dense. EVA tends to interrupt down sooner and prices much less.

Higher

The higher is the world that covers the highest of the foot and attaches to the supplies beneath the foot, together with the midsole and outsole. Higher supplies can fluctuate significantly, from inflexible and waterproof to versatile mesh. 

Typically, higher supplies embrace leather-based or suede and are proof against climate, such because the Merrell Moab 3, and generally, they’re artificial and lightweight, such because the Hoka Speedgoat 6. Higher supplies are what decide its breathability. Any higher supplies which are designed to be waterproof will mechanically be much less breathable. 

Arch Help

There’s an enormous number of toes on the market, and everybody has totally different preferences concerning arch assist and the way they like their toes to really feel in a mountaineering shoe. 

As an illustration, the Merrell Moab 3 has a zonal arch and heel assist made for prime arches. These sneakers have been designed with assist in thoughts; because the arches of our toes assist a lot of our physique weight whereas mountaineering, we recognize that Merrell incorporates this into its design.

The Altra Lone Peak 9, alternatively, has a zero-drop design, which suggests there’s no top change between the heel and forefoot — there’s the identical quantity of cushion all through. This lack of assist is meant to encourage extra pure foot motion and construct foot energy, nevertheless it will not be for everybody and might take some getting used to.

Worth & Worth

Climbing sneakers, in contrast to their all-leather, high-top counterparts, are usually fairly reasonably priced, usually costing not more than $200. Waterproof uppers, added traction, or further cushioning usually enhance the value tag. So, you’ll want to select primarily based on the kind of mountaineering you usually do and your priorities.

Finances

The Merrell Moab 3 ($120) is the least costly shoe we examined and our high choose for the perfect finances mountaineering shoe. It’s dependable, moderately priced, and secure. However, it’s additionally a bit chunky and doesn’t present waterproof safety. The Merrell Moab Pace 2 ($140) is a lighter, extra breathable possibility for $20 extra.

Mid-Tier

A lot of the sneakers on this listing value $140-180, and our favourite sneakers fall on this tier. If that is your value vary then you might have some robust selections to make. Our high general choose, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 ($160) has the light-weight really feel of a path runner with the soundness of a mountaineering boot.  

In the event you’re in search of a shoe that gives lots of cushioning and sturdiness, then check out the Hoka Speedgoat 6 ($155). The Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140) is a zero-drop shoe with a large forefoot so your toes can unfold out, however it might take some getting used to when you’re new to zero-drop.

Premium

The La Sportiva Spire GTX ($209) and the On Cloudhorizon Waterproof ($190) are the costliest sneakers on the listing. They’re rugged, secure, fully waterproof, and ship added traction, so when you’ll be pushing the boundaries when it comes to terrain or situations, the additional cash is price it. Plus, the On Cloudhorizon sneakers have been probably the most snug for the longest of all of the mountaineering sneakers for girls we examined. Pleased toes are priceless when you ask us.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

There are a number of issues to think about when selecting the best footwear for mountaineering. However usually, stability and breathability are the primary issues to think about. Would you like extra construction in your toes since you’re carrying an enormous pack in your again? Then go along with boots. Or would you moderately have breathable sneakers which are simple to pack and let your toes really feel some air? Then, mountaineering sneakers can be the higher selection. 

Climbing boots are nice for carrying extra weight, touring massive miles, or taking up variable climate and terrain situations. Boots may be the best way to go when you’re doing a multi-day traverse with all the things from mud to snow to creek crossings. Nevertheless, sure mountaineering sneakers just like the La Sportiva Spire GTX and the Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX may match this invoice. 

However when you’re attempting to hike slightly sooner, aren’t carrying every week’s price of substances, and aren’t going to come across each sort of climate or terrain within the e-book, mountaineering sneakers are positively greater than ample. Climbing sneakers typically provide extra motion and could be a good crossover for path operating. They’re additionally simpler to pack when you’re touring. 

In the event you’re going with a mountaineering shoe over a boot, one added characteristic is the flexibility to connect a gaiter to a shoe, like we see within the Altra Lone Peak 9. A gaiter often clips or Velcros onto the higher of a shoe so as to add safety from sand, stones, and grit attending to a shoe. They’re typically light-weight and might be simply added and eliminated. 

One other characteristic that’s quite common today, however nonetheless an enormous profit, is mountaineering sneakers with loops on the again so that they’re simple to clip to a pack with a carabiner. We will’t rely the variety of instances we’ve clipped sneakers to a pack after they’re moist or there simply isn’t room for them anyplace else. This can be a complete lifesaver. 

Any mountaineering shoe that’s billed as a path runner tends to be exceptionally light-weight. The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2, Altra Lone Peak 9 and the Hoka Speedgoat 6 are wonderful mountaineering sneakers within the light-weight camp. They’re fabricated from vegan, breathable artificial supplies that make them wick sweat and dry shortly. 

What supplies are greatest for mountaineering sneakers? The brief reply, it relies upon. 

It principally is dependent upon the way you’re utilizing your mountaineering sneakers and what’s most necessary to you. Leather-based could be very sturdy, nevertheless it tends to be heavier and requires waterproofing when you’re crossing creeks or encountering rain. 

Artificial supplies are typically much less sturdy however typically breathe higher and are inexpensive. 

Typically, it’s all about tradeoffs. Make sure you select the supplies that will likely be most snug and sturdy to your use.