The 10 Best Hiking Boots & Trail Shoes For Women

These versatile hiking shoes from Adidas were designed to be a cross between a hiking boot and a trail runner: resilient enough to handle tough terrain, but still flexible and lightweight. When mindbodygreen's Health & Sustainability Director Emma Loewe tested them out on both the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trails, she found that they were comfortable and supportive on the two wildly different terrains. (Read her full review of the shoes here.) With a low-cut design and sporty coloring, they're also stylish on and off-trail. And weighing in at less than a pound in most sizes, they're way easier to pack than clunkier hiking boots.

How they last on longer hikes:

When distance runner Madiha Zubair set out to complete an ultramarathon on the PCT as part of the Adidas United By Summits campaign, she wore this shoe to comfortably (well, as comfortably as possible) complete the first 30 miles, noting that they stood up to longer distances of running and hiking.

There's a reason Merrell Moabs are a cult favorite among outdoor enthusiasts: They're the real deal when it comes to hiking boots. These mid-height waterproof hikers have everything to support your excursion: waterproof yet breathable material; heel and arch cushioning; plus a sturdy Vibram outsole for plenty of traction and grip. I swear by just about every shoe Merrell makes when it comes to outdoor adventuring—and these are no exception.

For anyone who likes to feel a little more one with nature, Altra has you covered. The brand has a signature FootShape design, which is meant to accommodate the natural shape of your foot. While the sole is a bit less robust than other hikers on this list, it does feature durable material and strategically placed lugs, to help provide optimal traction with every step. I'm a huge fan of Altra's road and trail running shoes—and these lightweight hikers certainly lived up to the others.

I was beyond thrilled when this boot hit the market. Why? It's a first-of-its-kind hiking boot designed specifically for desert terrain—which means ultimate protection from the elements (looking at you, pokey cactuses) and high-traction tread to support every dusty step. I also love that this boot is made with "only materials that have a proven, safe, and timely path back to nature," making this a great eco-friendly pick, too.

Sometimes you just need a no-fuss shoe to throw on before you head out for a nature walk or easy hike. For me, this Columbia slip-on quickly became that shoe. While it's not quite as durable or ultra-supporting as others on this list, the bootie construction provides a decent amount of ankle stability (while keeping rocks and debris out). Plus, it's lightweight, provides plenty of cushion, and has a decently grippy outsole, perfect for those more relaxed outdoor excursions.

Similar to Allbirds usual best practices, these running shoes are constructed with earth-friendly materials—such as eucalyptus tree fiber, natural rubber, and recycled plastic bottles. And they certainly don't compromise on performance. When I tested these out, I personally appreciated the wonderful combination of a wide, cushioned outsole and ultra-grippy tread (perfect for scaling desert boulders, I might add). Plus, it has a knit, sock-like "collar" at the top of the shoe that wraps around your ankle and keeps nasty rocks and debris out. 

For the hiking boot purists, this one's for you. This classic boot has been around for over 30 years, and each pair is still made by hand in Portland, Oregon, constructed with durable full-grain leather. They're also waterproof thanks to GORE-TEX liners. Admittedly, I felt pretty dang cool the first time I took these for a spin—but it's worth noting they do take a couple of wears to really break in and feel amazing on your feet.

Yes, these aren't technically a pair of boots, but I couldn't resist rounding out this list with a sandal option. These classic, durable shoes feature signature ChacoGrip™ rubber for a high-performing grippy outsole, optimized for traction on wet surfaces. Plus, the footbed is podiatrist-accepted—so you can expect all-day comfort and support during your warm-weather adventure.

I first took these shoes for a test run on mountain trails during the middle of winter, and I was immediately impressed by how seamlessly I could hop from dirt path to paved (often icy) road, without losing stability—thanks to the brand's signature Surface Control rubber outsole, and slightly shorter lugs, for grip on various terrain. For all my trail runners out there, the rocker midsole and 3D carbon-fiber plate in this shoe (among other energy-maximizing technology) helped me feel super speedy and light on my feet.

This sleek, lightweight boot is ready to support you through any adventure. The mesh upper molds to your ankle for reliable support and features a GORE-TEX waterproof lining, to make sure your feet stay cool and dry in any conditions.