Top 15 inexpensive Hiking Footwear for Ladies

AKU Tribute II LTR Hiking Boot – Women’s

No, Aku hasn’t been sneaking into your bedroom at night and taking secret measurements of your feet; the fit of the Tribute II LTR Women’s Hiking Boot just makes it feel that way. The secret is in the polyurethane midsole, which is injected into the shoe in liquid form so it conforms to the shape of the last as it cools, providing an incredibly precise and supportive fit that works together perfectly with the carefully constructed Anatomical Fit last. It provides pronation support at push off and supination support upon foot strike, which mirrors the way you walk, reducing fatigue and the potential for injury when you’re moving over rocky, slippery, or uneven terrain.

The Tribute also rocks a removable EVA footbed and medium-stiff TPU lasting board for cushioning and easy heel-to-toe foot roll. It’s plenty supportive, too, with an Exoskeleton chassis that provides extra side-to-side rigidity in the heel to prevent ankle rolling and a Vibram Sendera rubber sole that’s engineered to make short work of moderate mountains, muddy trails, and slick grass.

Zamberlan Trail Lite EVO GTX Boot – Women’s

Classic mountaineering style and lightweight comfort come together in the Zamberlan Women’s New Trail Lite EVO GTX Boot. It offers the support you need when shouldering heavy loads for multi-day forays into the wilderness, but is still light enough for afternoon hikes across tough terrain. And with its retro style, it looks damn good doing either.

Crafted with an artisanal tanning process that was used over a century ago, the single-piece leather upper is soft, yet tough, for increased comfort and dexterity without compromising durability. It’s treated with Hydrobloc to help it shed mud and rain, and if that’s not enough, it’s backed by a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane to keep soaking downpours out while still allowing your foot to breathe. Lightweight EVA cushioning eases each step and provides rebound to spring you into the next. It’s finished off with a Vibram Pillow outsole for reliable grip on everything from dusty rock to thick mud, because you’re sure to encounter a number of different conditions along the way.

Scarpa Crux Air Approach Shoe – Women’s

Out of Scarpa’s entire selection of approach shoes, the Women’s Crux Air Shoe is by far the airiest, lightest, and most comfortable option for warmer weather. It features the same Vibram sole as Scarpa’s technical approach shoes, even with a MegaGrip rubber compound constructed specifically for slippery rock surfaces. Scarpa strapped this Vibram sole to a knit upper for lightweight comfort and airy breathability that you’ll enjoy when it’s warm enough to climb comfortably.

Merrell MQM Flex Shoe – Women’s

For trail blazers of any level, the Merrell Women’s MQM Flex Shoe is ready to join you on whatever trail running adventure you take on next. Built with breathable mesh and a durable TPU upper, these running shoes pack a punch against humid, hot days, loose gravel paths, and mid-trail roots. Merrell Air Cushion offers a comfy underfoot bouncy while it absorbs shock from hard-packed dirt and pointy stones while the M Select Grip rubber sole provides traction as you fly down the trail. Built with Trail Protect pads and and EVA midsole, the MQMs add extra stability and protection for when you find yourself traversing scree fields and bounding over boulders in an off-trail adventure.

La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX Boot – Women’s

Supportive boots are essential when hiking in rugged, rocky, and steep mountain environments, especially with the weight of a heavy pack on your back. But the extra weight and bulk of full-leather boots can also be cumbersome. Enter the La Sportiva’s Trango TRK GTX Women’s Boots. Weighing in at just over a pound, these boots are light, supportive, and super breathable to keep feet cool and comfortable during peak-of-summer hikes.

La Sportiva built the Trangos around a breathable and light polyester mesh material, then applied TPU overlays for protection against the rocks and logs you’ll encounter on the trail. Rubber toe and heel rands ensure the boots don’t break down when you’re spending most of your time off trail. Since rain and mud is almost always a threat, La Sportiva was sure to put a Gore-Tex membrane behind the ultra-breathable mesh upper, and it even threw in AirMesh tongue inserts to increase the overall breathability of the uppers.

Vasque Mantra 2.0 GTX Hiking Shoe – Women’s

The make or break factor during a hike of any length is your foot’s comfort. The Vasque Women’s Mantra 2.0 GTX Hiking Shoe ensures you don’t have to think about it, freeing your mind to ponder the tracks in the mud or the raptors soaring overhead. The women-specific fit, supportive midsole, and weather-blocking upper with a Gore-Tex membrane all work together to provide a superior hiking experience in your chosen outdoor playground.

La Sportiva Eclipse GTX Hiking Boot – Women’s

Built for long, demanding hikes, the burly La Sportiva Eclipse GTX Hiking Boots are constructed with waterproof protection, lasting comfort, and stability to easily maneuver over arduous, technical terrain. Roughout leather offers a highly-resistant design to handle scree fields and tight canyons, while the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining works to keep water out and dry comfort in as you splash through creeks and face unexpected rainstorms. A 4mm Ortholite Approach footbed keeps fatigue at bay as you spend hours trekking over uneven, loose, and rocky terrain, while the injected-molded EVA midsole with a 2mm stiffener supports your feet and ankles where you need it. Differentianted lugs on the Vibram XS-TREK rubber outsole ensure you have the grip you need to rip up sloppy terrain in unsavory conditions without fear of losing footing when you need it most.

Salewa Wild Hiker Mid GTX Boot – Women’s

The leaves are changing, the air is crisp—it’s your favorite time of year and the Salewa Wild Hiker Mid GTX Boot is going to help you enjoy it. This mid-height hiking boot craves mixed mountain terrain, technical rocky paths, and steep trails, with a structure designed for perfect front-foot balance when footing is tricky. The durable mesh uppers are ready for alpine adventures, backed by a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof protection if you’re hiking into wet weather or across muddy straights. And should you encounter early season snow and ice, the Vibram outsole provide reliable footing across slick surfaces.

Salewa equipped the Wild Hiker with a flexible mid-height collar, giving your ankles the support they need on rocky terrain while increasing the ankle’s rear range of motion during the inevitable descent. An adaptive midsole combines with the cushioning footbed for a comfortable ride through all the twists and turns, so you can focus on the breathtaking views instead of sore feet.

Columbia Wayfinder Outdry Hiking Shoe – Women’s

Heading to Europe? Or exploring the public land in your backyard? The Wayfinder Outdry Hiking Shoe from Columbia fits the bill for both, making it a versatile addition to any shoe closet. With no insulation, this shoe works especially well in wet environments during spring, summer, and fall when the waterproof tech can do it’s magic and keep your feet dry even if you step in a mud-puddle. You’ll likely want to hike even farther knowing your feet are protected, and the well-cushioned midsole will stand up to high-mileage treks or long days in European capitol cities.

Oboz Sawtooth II Hiking Shoe – Women’s

The Oboz Women’s Sawtooth Hiking Shoes check off all the boxes—lightweight, rugged, and comfortable. A tough Sawtooth sole offers ridiculous traction over varying terrain, so you don’t lose your footing over tricky routes, and breathable uppers keep your feet feeling great no matter how hard you’re pushing yourself. Dual-density EVA cushioning in both the insole and midsole let you hike all the live-long day without getting tired toes; the O Fit footbed is designed with a sculpted arch that places the foot in a neutral position, and the deep heel cushion makes for natural support. Finish the Sawtooth II off with a sturdy heel counter and asymmetrical (aka comfortable) collar, and you have got yourself one ideal hiking shoe.

HOKA ONE ONE Sky Kaha Hiking Boot – Women’s

It doesn’t matter how long or rugged the trail is, when the view is worth it you’re going to take on all challenges, and with the superior cushioning of the HOKA ONE ONE Sky Kaha Hiking Boot your feet will stay supported and comfortable from the trailhead to the summit and back down again. Using HOKA’s signature max-cushioned design, this boot provides soft underfoot support that absorbs impact through long miles over rough trail surfaces. Speaking of rough surfaces, the Vibram Megagrip will give you uncompromising grip on everything from slippery rock to dry and dusty single track, so you can charge on with confidence over changing terrain. Plus, you’ve got reliable weather protection thanks to the eVent waterproof and breathable membrane, so you can remain unfazed by sudden showers and sloppy trails. 

Merrell Siren Traveller Q2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot – Women’s

After an early start and countless miles of driving, you finally got to the trailhead to find that there’s now a 50% chance of rain. But you don’t let odds like that stand in your way, because you have Merrell’s Siren Traveller Q2 Mid Waterproof Women’s Hiking Boot. When your gamble busts and the clouds roll in, M Select Dry waterproofing lets you trudge confidently through growing puddles and flowing creeks. An arch-supporting insole combines with a naturally stabilizing midsole to provide comfort and match your movement on the trail. Odor reduction technology ensures your boots will stay nice and fresh for the next mud-soaked adventure.

Lowa Lady Light LL Boot – Women’s

If you’re always getting blistered and chafed by the tightness and internal stitching of your hiking boots, Lowa’s Lady Light LL Boots might be the next logical step in attaining on-trail comfort. Built with extra room in the forefoot area, these boots prevent hot spots and add volume to accommodate wide, sensitive feet. The Lady Lights are built without any internal stitching, so they won’t gnaw at your feet when you’re six or seven miles from the trailhead.

Vasque Sundowner GTX Backpacking Boot – Wide – Women’s

The Vasque Women’s Wide Sundowner GTX Backpacking Boot looks just like the boot your grand mommy used to wear back in the day, but modern updates bring this boot up to contemporary standards for the modern adventurer. Updates like a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex lining or Vasque’s rugged Pyrenees sole make sure you can reach your backpacking destinations whether you’re trekking through rain or shine.

Mammut Saentis Low GTX Hiking Shoe – Women’s

Your day hikes take you through a range of terrain and landscapes—from winding forest trails to high mountain traverses, and if you’re in need of a shoe that can handle it all without flinching, lace up the Mammut Saentis Low GTX Hiking Shoe and hit the trail. This shoe is durable, comfortable, and ready to go no matter the conditions. It’s got a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that’ll keep you moving when rainy skies, huge puddles, and flowing creeks stand in your way, while the Michelin rubber outsole ensures grip on both dusty desert trails and muddy riverside romps alike. Plus, its upper delivers an ideal balance between breathable mesh sections and robust synthetic overlays, letting your feet stay cool in warmer weather while they also stay protected from scrapes against roots, rocks, and overgrown branches.