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Strong Women
Best hiking shoes for women: 7 walking shoes and boots for your outdoor adventures
2 years ago
5 min read
Scheduling some hot girl hikes for spring? Thinking about signing up to the Strong Women Treks? Then you’ll be needing a pair of sturdy shoes for all terrains and weathers…
The sky is blue, the sun is shining and summer is inching ever closer – we can’t think of a better time to get out and hit the trails for a good old-fashioned hike.
While the words hike and walk are often used interchangeably these days, some key differences make taking on a hike a little more challenging. It’s all about the type of terrain, distance and duration you move for.
Typically, a walk occurs on even-ish ground (such as a pavement or field) and isn’t too challenging. A hike may involve walking over uneven or varied terrain, navigating inclines and moving for a significant period of time or over a lengthier distance.
And often, hiking is sweatier and grubbier than going for a walk. While both walking and hiking are great for cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of developing certain diseases, you need to walk briskly to reap the most health benefits, while only need to go on a moderate hike to feel significant DOMS. Oh, and that’s not even counting the huge mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature (although, of course, you can do city hikes).
Keen to step into your hot girl hike era? You’ll probably need to make sure you’ve got the right footwear for the job. Here’s everything you need to know.
What to look for when shopping for hiking shoes
“There are a number of things that should be considered when deciding upon hiking footwear,” says Carla Khouri, professional hiking guide, qualified mountain leader and outdoor instructor.
“As a professional hiking guide, I spend most of my time on my feet and cover a lot of mileage over a range of different terrains in every type of weather that the British Isles have to offer, so it’s important to bear in mind factors such as comfort, support, durability, water resistance, style and environmental impact.”
The best place to start when shopping for hiking shoes is to consider the kinds of hikes you plan on doing, as this will inform your decision. If, for example, you’re keen to scale mountains, then you’ll want to narrow your search to sturdy boots with ankle support. Similarly, if you’re going to be hiking in an area with unpredictable weather then you’ll want a pair that are totally waterproof.
If possible, it’s best to try before you buy when shopping for hiking shoes. We all have different foot shapes and require different kinds of support, so experimenting with a few options and getting an in-person expert opinion can help you find the optimal pair for you.
And, don’t forget that some hiking shoes need breaking in, so it’s advisable to wear them around the house and on easy walks before lacing up for mammoth hikes.
7 of the best hiking shoes for women
Merrell Waterproof Speed Eco
This hiking shoe is a firm favourite of Khouri’s. “It is the most sustainable, environmentally friendly shoe ever made by Merrell, with the majority of the materials coming from recycled fabrics and rubber,” she says.
“Merrell has designed this shoe without compromising on any of the features that I require from a hiking shoe: it’s comfortable, durable and waterproof with good traction. I love the look of the design of these, too, and they wouldn’t even look out of place with a casual outfit away from the trails.”
She’s not wrong. They’re also lightweight and come in two cute colourways.
Adidas Terrex AX4 Mid Gore-tex
Great for wet and rocky terrain, Adidas Terrex AX4s are a solid hiking shoe choice. They’re waterproof, thanks to the Gore-tex membrane, they have decent grip and they feel sturdy too – ideal for when you need a little extra support. They’re also super comfortable and don’t need breaking in.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-tex
There’s a reason the X Ultra 4s are a go-to shoe for many who love to hike. The All Terrain Contagrip outsole provides traction on all surfaces, whether dry, wet or loose, while smart design tweaks such as a moulded insert embedded in the outsole gives impressive lateral support.
They’re surprisingly lightweight, given their sturdiness, and they’re waterproof, too. They also boast a quick-lacing system for getting them on or off in a hurry.
On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
Cloud by name, cloud by nature. The Cloudrock 2s are waterproof all-trail hiking boots and have all the comfort appeal of the brand’s trainers while helping you scale summits (if you so choose).
The rubber sole provides traction come rain or shine, while the mid-rise design provides ankle support (helpful when walking on uneven ground). They’re available in four colours and come in half-sizes, to ensure you get a snug fit.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro Mid GTX
New Balance doesn’t just do dad shoes, fancy suede walkers and marathon trainers – it also manufactures good quality walking shoes. The Fresh Foam Hierro Mid GTX has been designed to help you navigate uneven terrain while keeping your trotters dry, making them perfect for hiking in temperamental British weather. The base is cushioned and comfy to walk on, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole keeps slips to a minimum.
Merrell Siren 4 Mid Gore-tex
“This is a boot that comes with many great features,” says Khouri. “The foam insole, FloatPro foam midsole and padded collar ensure that this shoe is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, while the outsole design has lugs that offer good traction on wet or slippery surfaces.
“The Gore-tex membrane means that the shoe is waterproof but breathable, and the materials are vegan-friendly and contain lots of recycled material.” It also has the added benefit of ankle support.
Berghaus Women’s Explorer Trek GTX
If you’re looking for a sturdy boot with decent ankle support, the Berghaus Explorer Trek GTX is a solid option. Although not the most lightweight hiking shoe, this pair is robust and durable, and the sole boasts an anti-mud-clogging system that enhances grip. They’re also entirely waterproof and the suede is supple, so they don’t require laborious breaking in.
Up for a challenge this summer? We’d love you to join us as we head outdoors for a scenic half-marathon charity hike. Bring your friends on our second Strong Women Trek for a day of walking, fresh air and countryside adventure. Book your tickets here.
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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