6 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes For Women in 2023
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Why trust us
If clunkiness is not an option on your daily nature wanderings, super Janes like you had better be in the best women’s lightweight hiking shoes. Must-buys from this empowering corner average around 700 g per pair, highlighting freedom and bolstering momentum as you go.
Over 200 pairs of female-centric hikers have been tested (by us) for this compelling selection. There’s enough to go gaga about here, whether you need a speed-boosting all-rounder, an amphibious shoe, or a budget-friendly pair.
How we test hiking shoes
Rounding up the best women’s lightweight hikers, though rewarding, is no easy feat. Here’s how we go about it:
- For us to be as unbiased as possible with our reviews, we purchase lightweight hiking shoes for women with our own funds.
- We hike on varying terrain for several days to determine which women’s lightweight kicks deserve the limelight.
- We reflect opinions from hundreds of regular hikers and professional gear testers in our comprehensive reviews.
As a result, every women’s lightweight hiking shoe receives a 0-100 rating, a.k.a. CoreScore. This scoring system is integral to our selection process.
Best lightweight hiking shoes overall for women
Danner Trail 2650
91
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The Danner Trail 2650 is a supremely comfortable and capable hiking shoe, boasting a heritage and style that’s brought the early 20th century into the 21st these are more than just a statement piece. Grippy and comfortable there’s very little to pick at in the 2650.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good grip
- Incredible midsole
- Protective TPU shank
- Excellent lockdown
- Fits true to size
- Breathable
Cons
- Ankle support isn’t there
- No waterproofing
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Backcountry
Free shipping
$170
REI
Free shipping
$170
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$170
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$170
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$179
Getzs
Free shipping
$190
Best women's lightweight hiking shoes for speed hiking
Salomon X Ultra 4
84
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Salomon X Ultra 4 looks like the sort of hiking shoe you expect in 2021, lightweight, robust with a slew of features to get you walking further. While some are hesitant about the high ankle support, the benefits of the shoe (grip, weight, support) make up for this in heaps.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Exceptional breathability
- Excellent grip
- Comfortable midsole
- Great ankle support
- Insanely protective
Cons
- Lacing system is not adjustable
- Some issues with rubbing at the ankle
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Backcountry
Free shipping
$108
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$120
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$120
Getzs
Free shipping
$120
REI
Free shipping
$140
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$140
Best lightweight waterproof hiking shoes for women
Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX
88
Superb!
What makes it the best?
If you’re looking for an almost indestructible, waterproof rugged low-cut hiking shoe, then look no further.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fits perfectly
- Amazing lockdown
- Incredible heel cup
- Waterproof
- Decent traction
- Good lacing system
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Grip fails in wet conditions
- Very firm
- Not supportive
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Out of stock in all 50 shops
Adidas women's lightweight hiking shoesBest lightweight day hiking shoes for women
Merrell Moab 3
88
Superb!
What makes it the best?
They say "third time's a charm," and for the Moab 3 from Merrell, that is quite the case. Indeed, this third-gen Moab hiker will push you to go further with extraordinary grip, all while charming your feet with plushness all over. Glorious in almost every way, the Moab 3 is also the one to beat when it comes to affordability and value for money.
Pros
- Supremely comfy
- Zero break-in
- Boss-level support
- Solid grip
- Stable platform
- Fantastic cushioning
- Fits various foot shapes
- Cheaper than average
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Not quite sleek-looking
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$53
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$82
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$110
Backcountry
Free shipping
$110
REI
Free shipping
$110
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$110
Best lightweight Gore-Tex hiking shoes for women
Merrell Moab 2 GTX
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Merrell Moab 2 GTX is a well-built hiking shoe. With heaps of comfort and a solid waterproofing system, the Moab 2 GTX might be your best choice for your go-to day hiking shoe.
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable
- Waterproofing that actually works!
- Durable upper
- Perfect for short one-day hikes
- Soft, plush feel
- Protects from sharp rocks underfoot
- Flexible
Cons
- Poor heel lockdown
- Average grip
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$60
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best lightweight low cut hiking shoes for women
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
79
Good!
What makes it the best?
Sporting the ultra comfy Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX has leveled up the hiking game for many. Taking inspiration from agile trail running shoes, this waterproof and grippy wonder will push you forward across technical terrain with or without rain.
Pros
- Instant comfort
- Impeccable waterproofing
- Very lightweight
- Exceptional grip
- Excellent support and lockdown
- Stable platform
- Roomy toebox
Cons
- Quicklace is not for everyone
- Too-high collar
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Backcountry
Free shipping
$109
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$150
Amazon
Free shipping
$150
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$150
REI
Free shipping
$160
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$160
Comparison of the 6 best lightweight hiking shoes for women
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