We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More \u203a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Once you\u2019ve been bit by the hiking bug, a little bit of rain is the last thing that\u2019s going to stop you from getting after it\u2014and that means investing in a pair of waterproof hiking shoes. But finding the right shoes for your needs can be challenging since the fit and construction can vary so widely: from wide fits with burly leather uppers to cushioned trail runners. To help you find your foul-weather footwear of choice, we\u2019ve pulled together the waterproof picks of some of the best hiking shoes for women we\u2019ve tested.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Outdoor Life<\/em> team has been surveying the landscape of shoes and boots from a number of different angles. We\u2019ve surveyed the likes of the Colorado Mountain Club to find the best hiking boot<\/a>. We left the best waterproof hiking boots<\/a> in a bathtub for 14 hours to find out which were waterproof in name only. An Assistant Editor ran four hundred miles to find the best trail runners<\/a>. We surveyed individuals with wide feet to find the best hiking shoes for wide feet<\/a>. And the Outdoor Life gear team collectively put the renown Altra Lone Peak<\/a> through its paces, to see how the thru-hiking community\u2019s favorite shoe fared across a range of different activities.<\/p>\n The picks for this story have been compiled from the range of the tests, surveys, and reviews we\u2019ve compiled to date. While I\u2019m confident that all of these shoes are high quality choices for\u00a0<\/p>\n your next outdoor adventure, keep in mind that for truly waterproof footwear your best bet is one of the best waterproof hiking boots<\/a>, which provide more coverage for the top of your foot and ankle.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lowa Renegades have long been known for being nearly as comfortable as a trail runner with all of the security of a classic hiking shoe or boot. \u201cThey were very comfortable from the first time I put them on,\u201d one Colorado Mountain Club member said.<\/p>\n Like the majority of great hiking shoes, these come with a Gore-Tex waterproof liner and Vibram sole that ensures the Renegades grip well on a wide variety of terrains. The combination leather and Cordura upper provides additional waterproofing and, over time, forms to the foot for a secure fit.\u00a0<\/p>\n The use of polyurethane in the midsole, while more comfortable for a wide range of hikers and backpackers, isn\u2019t the most durable and can degrade over time. One CMC member noted that they \u201cdon\u2019t last very long\u201d compared to other hiking shoes.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Asolo Eldo Mid was my sufferfest pick from our roundup of the best waterproof hiking boots<\/a>, and the low-cut version of this boot is built for the tough conditions encountered by rock climbers heading to the base of an off-trail climb. Its minimalist lacing design securely tightened around my foot with my heel locked in place. It features a grippy sole that is perfect for slippery rock. And it\u2019s lightweight, with each shoe clocking in at well under a pound.\u00a0<\/p>\n Not only was this shoe perfectly watertight after fourteen hours in a pool of water (thanks in part to the water-resistant suede wrapped around the connection point between the midsole and the upper), but it also dried surprisingly fast.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX splits the difference between a lightweight trail runner and more protective waterproof hiking hiking shoe. In preparation for an upcoming thru-hike, one tester took the Danner Trail Campo 2650 GTX on a series of day hikes that totaled fifty miles around Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. She found that the integrated tongue of the shoe improved the overall fit, locking her heel into place and giving her the stability she was accustomed to from hiking shoes. Strategically placed leather panels on the upper also helped protect her toes and Achilles area, while the ventilation in the Gore-Tex kept her feet from overheating.\u00a0<\/p>\n But they were more akin to trail runners when it came to comfort, \u201cI did not have to break them in at all\u2014they felt great on the first hike,\u201d she reported.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Altra Lone Peaks combine the best features of responsive trail running shoes with the serious bona fides of a true hiking shoe. This shoe is a great choice for everything from long distances to day hikes to trail runs. It starts with a zero-drop in the stack height (meaning there\u2019s no height difference between the front of the shoe and the back of the shoe), which promotes striking on the midfoot. Yet, they still provide enough cushion for committed heel strikers. The Lone Peaks also have an unusually wide toe box that allows your toes to splay as you hike, improving ground feel and promoting stability.\u00a0<\/p>\n While not fully waterproof, the water-resistant construction is plenty enough to protect hikers from muddy puddles on rainy trail days. One OL staff member was also impressed by the substantial lugs on the Lone Peak 6, which performed well on a steep pass covered with wet leaves, \u201cI felt in control even in the moments I slowed down out of caution,\u201d they said. <\/p>\n Read the <\/em>OL Gear Team\u2019s full review: Altra Lone Peak 6 Review: We Put the Best Hiking Shoe to the Test<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The substantial cushion on the Hoka Speedgoat 5 will catch your eye immediately. This feature makes this shoe the go-to for a wide range of people, from day hikers to trail runners to thru-hikers. But the 32mm stack height belies the mild heel-to-drop on this shoe, which promotes a mid-foot strike (as opposed to a heel strike), which lessens the impact on the rest of your body\u2014especially if you\u2019re carrying a heavy load down a steep trail.\u00a0<\/p>\n The waterproof version of this popular trail running shoe has a Gore-tex membrane running around it, keeping your feet dry on even the wettest trail days.\u00a0<\/p>\n Compared to previous versions of the Speedgoat, the 5s have slightly less cushion but are substantially more stable. An OL<\/em> staff member noted that, in combination with the Vibram outsole and 5mm lugs, these shoes were excellent on their state\u2019s varying terrain. Whether backpacking or trail running, \u201cfrom solid trail to steep scree fields \u2026 my foot felt secure and supported,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Maybe you already have a favorite pair of shoes, a set you\u2019ve broken in that has lots of life left \u2014but the waterproofing has broken down. Rather than buy a new pair of shoes and start the cycle all over again, you can refresh the waterproofing on your shoes with one of Nikwax waterproofing products, including nubeck and suede proof<\/a>, fabric and leather proof<\/a>, and waterproof wax for leather<\/a>.<\/p>\n To use, simply wash all the excess dirt and grime off of your boot, clean them with some footwear cleaning gel and apply the right waterproofing spray for your shoe (depending on whether your shoe is synthetic, leather, or a mixture of the two). Once your shoe is dry you\u2019ll be ready to hit the trails.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s no surprise that the Merrell Moab was a favorite of Colorado Mountain Club members for low-priced hiking shoes. For many people, including those with wide feet, it\u2019s a comfortable hiking shoe from day one that doesn\u2019t result in blisters. And the combination of suede leather and mesh will stand up to tough trail conditions. This is a hiking shoe that you can expect to own for several years without any issues.<\/p>\n The waterproof version of this shoe features a Gore-tex waterproof membrane, which is also breathable, preventing unwanted sweat from turning the inside of your shoe into a puddle.\u00a0<\/p>\n Like many hiking shoes, the Moab is heavy, and has a substantial heel drop, especially if you\u2019re used to wearing lightweight tennis shoes. Your ankles may feel more fatigued more quickly in this shoe. It\u2019s also designed to accommodate heel strikers, which is common but something to keep in mind if you typically have a mid-foot strike.<\/p>\n To learn more about how to choose between hiking boots, hiking shoes, and trail runners, I chatted with Kim Kelley, a member of REI\u2019s virtual outfitting team. Here\u2019s what I learned:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The choice between hiking boots, hiking shoes, and trail runners is a matter of personal preference. Some like the secure fit of a hiking boot, while others prefer the more athletic feel of a trail runner. Still, others are looking for something in-between. A hiking shoe can provide a nice mixture of the foot and ankle support of a hiking boot with the lightweight, athletic profile of a trail runner. At the end of the day, the choice is about what\u2019s most comfortable for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n It turns out that the upper of a hiking boot does not help prevent ankle rolling\u2014it\u2019s actually the firmness of the base that does this. If you\u2019re thinking about switching to a hiking shoe from a hiking boot, you can test this by trying to twist the base of the shoe. If it moves, it won\u2019t provide as much ankle support.\u00a0<\/p>\n On long hikes or backpacking trips, it\u2019s common for the arch of the foot to become fatigued, which can lead to plantar fasciitis. A common cause of this, especially among day hikers and backpackers, is overpronation, where the foot leans or collapses inward. Anyone experiencing this, or suffering from pain while they walk might benefit from one of the best insoles for hiking<\/a> like Superfeet<\/a> (individuals with exceptionally strong arches may prefer a Currex<\/a> insole).\u00a0<\/p>\n With hiking shoes, it\u2019s important that there\u2019s some space between your toes and the end of the shoe\u2014aim for about a finger\u2019s width of space between the end of your toes and the tip of the shoe. For most people, that will work to about a half size larger than they typically wear. However, Kelley cautions that many people, especially women, rely on shoe sizings that they received when they were younger, and don\u2019t take into account the natural growth of the foot over time. Getting your foot sized by a professional\u2014something you can do through REI\u2019s Virtual Outfitting<\/a> without visiting a store\u2014is an important part of choosing a hiking shoe.\u00a0<\/p>\n Traditionally, one of the most important differences between trail runners and hiking shoes was the size of the lugs. But today, there are a number of trail runners on the market with substantial lugs that mirror the functionality of traditional hiking shoes or boots.\u00a0<\/p>\n One important difference between hiking shoes and trail runners is durability. Hiking shoes typically last for 500 to 700 miles, while trail runners only last 300 to 500 miles. Factors that can affect this include the durability of the rubber, the sole, the midsole, and the uppers (leather vs. mesh), as well as the weight of the person wearing the shoes and the conditions they frequent.\u00a0<\/p>\n No, not all hiking shoes for women are waterproof. If you\u2019re shopping for a new pair of shoes, look for shoes advertised as being waterproof, having Gore-tex (a top waterproofing technology), or, sometimes, as being \u201call weather.\u201d You can also add waterproofing to your current pair of hiking shoes with a waterproofing spray like Nikwax Nubeck and Suede Proof.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Yes, virtually all waterproof hiking shoes for women come with removable insoles.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n While Gore-Tex is not a warranty per say, it is considered a best-in-class waterproof technology.\u00a0Keep in mind that even with waterproof shoes, once water comes in over the top of the shoe, such as in a stream crossing, your feet will get wet.\u00a0Purchasing a pair of hiking shoes advertised as containing Gore-Tex is a good way to ensure your feet stay dry on trail.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Since 1898, OL<\/em> has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we\u2019re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we\u2019re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works\u2014or doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products\u2014because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear\u2014we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.<\/p>\n If wet feet are keeping you from heading out into the backcountry during the shoulder season then it may be time to invest in a pair of one of the best waterproof hiking shoes. If you already have a favorite pair, then start your search by checking to see if the manufacturer makes a waterproof version of that shoe. If you\u2019re starting your search from scratch then any of the below picks will get you started:<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n Published Apr 19, 2023 7:16 PM
\n <\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\nHow I Chose the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes<\/h2>\n
Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Women: Reviews & Recommendations<\/h2>\n
Most Protective: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Lowa](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/04\/19\/Lowa-Renegade-GTX-Mid.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Approach Shoe: Asolo Eldo LTH GV<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/04\/19\/Asolo-Eldo-LTH-GV.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Hybrid: Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/04\/19\/Danner-Trail-2650-Campo-GTX-1.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Trail Runner: Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Low<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/04\/19\/Altra-Lone-Peak-All-Wthr-Low-1.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros\u00a0<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Most Comfortable: HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX Low<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/04\/19\/womens-HOKA-Speedgoat-5-GTX-Low.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best for Used Shoes: Nikwax Nubeck & Suede Proof<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/04\/19\/Nikwax-Nubeck-Suede-Proof-1.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Best Budget: Merrell Moab 3 GTX<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/04\/19\/Merrell-Moab-3-GTX.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Things to Consider Before Buying Waterproof Hiking Shoes<\/h2>\n
Hiking Boot, Hiking Shoe, or Trail Runner?\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Ankle Support<\/h3>\n
Arch Support<\/h3>\n
Shoe Size<\/h3>\n
Traction<\/h3>\n
Durability<\/h3>\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n
![\"Even](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/04\/19\/hikers-crossing-stream.jpg\")
Q: Are all hiking shoes for women waterproof?<\/h3>\n
Q: Do waterproof hiking shoes for women come with removable insoles?<\/h3>\n
Q: Is Gore-Tex a waterproof warranty?<\/h3>\n
Why Trust Outdoor Life?<\/h2>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n