When hiking, your feet face all sorts of challenges brought by the terrain and weather. So, always make sure your shoes can keep you comfortable and protected. Read this best waterproof hiking shoes for women reviews & guide to find the perfect pair!
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The Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Women Revealed!
Take a look at the amazing features of the 9 best waterproof hiking shoes available today!
Adidas Outdoor Women’s AX2 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe
With the adidas Outdoor Women’s AX2 Hiking shoes, you get all the functions you want in outdoor hiking shoes! These lightweight shoes are made for speed and with your comfort in mind. The low-cut design provides flexibility, support, and cushioning for your ankles.
Thanks to the breathable gore-tex® membrane upper and linings, your feet stay dry and cool even during hot days. The EVA midsole also provides sufficient cushioning without adding bulk or weight.
For shock absorption and added comfort for extended wear, these shoes also feature an adiPRENE insert. The TRAXION rubber outsole also allows for maximum grip in wet conditions and all directions to give you a secure footing and a comfortable hike.
KEEN Women’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe
Made with a 100% waterproof nubuck leather upper, the Keen Women’s Targhee II hiking shoes gets you ready for any off-road challenges you are about to face on the trail.
The Cleansport NXT naturally helps prevent and control bad odor.
Multidirectional 4 millimeter-long lugs on the non-marking rubber outsole provides dependable traction even on wet and slippery surfaces.
The ESS shank adds support and torsion stability to the ankles and heels. The Keen.Dry hydrophobic mesh lining and membrane create a waterproof seal and wick away moisture to keep your feet comfortably dry all day.
A contoured heel lock and the lace-up design ensure a secure yet comfortable fit.
The removable footbed and dual-density molded EVA midsole also add exceptional cushion and arch support while the S3 heel support protects you from ankle injuries.
The metatomical footbed even follows the natural shape and contour of your feet for a personalized fit and comfort.
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Featuring multiple innovative features, a rugged construction and a stylish design, the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof hiking boots could be your next hiking companion. It does not only look great but is also extremely functional.
The upper is made with 100% suede leather and mesh material for durability, breathability, and water resistance. It also comes with a removable insole in order to accommodate orthotic inserts or custom ones.
The Merrell air cushion in the heels absorbs shock and stabilizes your every step so you can confidently go on more adventure trips. The rubber outsole even has 5mm-deep lugs for ultimate traction and extends into a protective rubber toe cap.
The molded nylon shank provides heel and arch support and prevents ankle torsion. Additionally, the contoured EVA midsole features the Merrell M Select FIT.ECO technology that adds comfort and support.
A padded closed-cell foam tongue and breathable mesh lining also help keep debris out and wick moisture to keep your feet safe, fresh, and dry. Speaking of dry, the M Select DRY technology allows air to circulate and moisture to escape while also sealing water out.
Salomon Women’s X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Hiking Shoe
What I like most about the X Ultra Mid 2 GTX from Salomon is that you can use it all year round, under any weather condition or terrain. Made with Gore Tex, these shoes offer lightweight protection from water, heat, and cold.
Gore Tex offers the ultimate comfort and protection in wet conditions without sacrificing breathability and flexibility.
The mid height offers stability to the ankles and heels, helping you avoid injuries while on the trail. An advanced chassis system also elevates the protection, foot control, and stabilizing ability of the shoes.
High traction Contagrip® rubber outsoles made with a combination of lug geometry and compound density give the shoes an amazing traction on any surface, minimal weight, and durability.
The EVA midsole and OrthoLite polyurethane insole fight fatigue and takes comfort and arch support to a whole new level.
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Similar to the Moab 2 Hiking Boots, the Moab 2 Waterproof hiking shoes offer all the important functions and features but with a different design for those who are not fans of high-cut boots.
What it lacks in height, however, it makes up for in protection and comfort. The Air Cushion Comfort system not only shield the feet from pain and discomfort but also keeps the fit snug and secure.
The leather and mesh upper also look great by featuring the signature Merrell design and neutral colors that blend with the environment. Aside from this, this material also provides water protection, durability and breathability.
Vibram traction rubber outsoles offer an amazing grip to give you a secure and stable footing wherever you go for that ultimate confidence boost. The soles even extend to form a protective rubber toe cap for added defense from the elements. Nylon shanks also protect and support the arch and the heels.
Merrell Women’s Siren Sport 2 Hiking Shoe
You probably know by now that Merrell is a shoe company and manufacturer that I trust and love. Another great pair of shoes from them is the Women’s Siren Sport 2 Hiking Shoe.
These shoes make you feel invincible, comfortable, and light wherever your adventures and hikes may take you.
Featuring a mesh and nubuck leather upper that is both water-resistant and breathable, the Siren Sport 2 was made to protect your feet from any weather condition. Thanks to the M Select FRESH odor treatment and moisture-wicking mesh lining and panels, your feet also stay fresh, cool, and dry!
These shoes also have a Vibram traction outsole for the optimum grip and control on both dry and wet surfaces and in the most extreme temperatures. The traction lugs that offer stability are also placed strategically to allow natural foot flexion and improve comfort.
The Ortholite anatomical footbed and the Q-form comfort Women’s specific cushioning system and air cushioned heels also make your feet comfortable, happy, and painless even after a long day of hiking.
The Omni-Fit lacing system allows you to adjust and tighten the shoes for that perfect, snug fit. You can also choose between two stylish color schemes: olive or black and pink
KEEN Women’s Presidio Shoe
If you are looking for shoes that you can wear on your adventures and also when simply running daily errands, this next model could be the one for you!
Made with a 100% full-grain and nubuck leather upper, the KEEN Women’s Presidio Shoes are waterproof, durable, versatile, easy-to-clean, and pleasing to the eye. Featuring a sporty Oxford design, you can also wear them casually when you’re not on the trail.
The lace-up design provides a secure custom fit while the padded footbed and collar offer support and comfort.
For instant and long-lasting comfort, the removable KEEN Metatomical footbed is paired with breathable mesh linings and a patented toe protection technology. The midsole also provides adequate arch support to reduce fatigue.
Non-marking grippy rubber outsoles help you avoid injury due to slipping or sliding on wet surfaces. This model is also available in five stylish colors that will surely fit your personal taste.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot
The Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus waterproof hiking boot is a classic sportswear-style hiking boot with premium features and a premium feminine feel.
It has several advanced technologies to make your every hiking experience a comfortable and enjoyable one! The Techlite lightweight midsole offers the ultimate cushioning and energy conservation for your comfort.
The Omni-grip advanced traction rubber soles make each step secure even on slippery, rocky, and uneven terrains.
The suede bootie construction and waterproof full-grain leather upper both contribute durability and longevity while the durable mesh tongue and lining offer breathability to keep your feet cool and dry even on a challenging day.
A lace-up closure feature helps give you a secure, adjustable, custom fit so you don’t have to worry about blistering or scuffing.
Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Featuring Ahnu’s unique waterproof yet breathable membrane on the upper, the Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Waterproof hiking shoes protect your feet from mud and rain but also wicks moisture from your feet to avoid discomfort and unwanted smells.
The Vibram non-marking outsole also has slip-resistant lugs for an amazing grip on different surfaces. The Numentum Hike technology includes a medial to lateral TPU heel clip to keep the heels and ankles in a natural, stable position to prevent injuries. A Dual-density EVA midsole absorbs impact and offers heel and arch support as well.
Thanks to the nylon shank and arch support, ankle torsion or twisting is prevented and the midfoot receives extra support. The overall sleek and lightweight design of these shoes really make them great for those who live active lifestyles.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Women
When choosing hiking shoes for women, there are a few things you need to understand in order to know which features are important for you and your needs.
With so many brands, models, and designs to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here, I listed down what I think are the most important features and considerations to find the perfect pair.
Waterproofing
Water-resistance or waterproofing is an important feature of hiking shoes especially because the conditions on the trail can be unpredictable. Waterproof features not only protect your feet from rain or puddles but can also be important during the cold spring, autumn, and winter seasons.
The best hiking shoes should not only keep your feet free from moisture from the outside but must also be breathable to keep your feet free from sweat. Sweat can cause discomfort and bad odor due to the damp environment inside the shoes that it can cause.
Look for premium, durable materials and construction to make sure that the shoes you are buying are really waterproof and will remain so for years to come.
Weight
Whether you believe it or not, the weight of your shoes make a whole lot of difference. Generally, heavier shoes offer bigger toe caps, torsional stability, and support while lighter shoes often lack cushion.
Depending on your needs, try to find the perfect balance between advanced features, cushion, protection, and weight. While most hiking shoes tend to be heavier due to protective and comfort features, lighter ones will reduce the exhaustion you feel after a long day on the trail.
Since the same amount of weight you carry on your feet burns 4 to 6 times as much energy than the weight you carry on your back or torso, choosing lighter shoes will help you save energy to survive longer hikes.
Lighter shoes also mean reduced muscle fatigue, less stumbles, and minimized risk of hip flexor and knee problems in the long run.
Low-cut or Above the ankle
Since hiking shoes can either go up above the ankles or be low-cut like most sports shoes, this is another thing you should consider. Higher-cut shoes are usually a better choice when buying waterproof shoes since low-cut shoes have a higher chance of letting water in through the top.
Taller shoes also provide ankle support and stabilization that prevent injuries. However, some low-cut shoes have nylon shanks or other features that offer the same function.
Toe Cap
The toe cap is a piece of firm rubber, usually a part of the outsole that extends to the top of the toe and sometimes even around the sides. This feature offers extra protection from debris, logs, rocks, or other things that can injure or damage the toes.
While you probably think that this is not important, believe me when I say that a hurt toenail because you accidentally kicked a rock can really hold you back for the rest of your hike. I learned this the hard way and so now I always look for toe caps whenever I’m buying new hiking shoes.
Comfort
Just like in any other type of shoes, comfort should be a priority when it comes to hiking shoes. Being uncomfortable can ruin your hike and can even be dangerous when you climb steep inclines or walk on uneven and rocky trails.
Features like extra padding, arch support, ankle support, heel protection, soft interiors, and sturdy soles all contribute to keeping your feet comfortable.
Breathability
The same features or technologies that make shoes waterproof are usually also the ones that cut off air circulation within the shoes. Thankfully, however, many shoes today like the Merrell Moabs still allow for some level of breathability without sacrificing waterproofness.
If your feet tend to be sweaty, look for hiking shoes made with mesh or leather or a combination of both. These materials are lightweight and breathable.
Traction
Obviously, since hiking involves walking on all sorts of terrain, traction is very important. This refers to how strong your shoe can grip the ground especially when climbing up or walking down steep inclines. Superior traction will keep you safe by preventing you from slipping and falling.
Look for shoes with thick, rubber outsoles that have lugs or grooves for traction to make hiking easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Lacing
The lacing system is probably the most overlooked feature of hiking shoes. However, shoes with bad or poorly designed lacing system may cause you a lot of problems on the trail. For one, you cannot customize the fit and the shoes may be too tight or too loose and slip off as you walk.
So, look for shoes with good quality laces and a lacing system that is easy to adjust. This will give you the right fit and enough flexibility and confidence on your every stride.
Fit
The fit is arguably the most important out of all considerations when buying hiking shoes. A good fit will keep your feet comfortable, supported, and protected from blisters, chafing, and discomfort.
Otherwise, you may end up in pain and your whole adventure may be hampered.
To find the right fit, it is crucial to know your feet’s measurements. You can do this by yourself or have an expert such as a shoe store staff to do it for you. All of us have different needs and preferences. You can have narrow or wide feet, high or low heel-to-toe drop, and low, neutral, or high arches.
All of these are factors that determine if a pair of shoes will fit you well. So, everything will be much easier if you know your personal needs and foot shape.
Conclusion:
So those are the best waterproof hiking shoes for women reviews and buying guide! I hope you learned a thing or two to make your quest of finding the perfect pair much easier.
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