My Top Hiking Shoes & Boots for Women
Last week we celebrated National Hiking Day and this coming week we embark on Black Friday & the holiday buying season, so it feels like the perfect time to answer the question I get asked the most — “What shoes do you wear hiking?” Believe it or not, I never would have imagined calling myself a day hiker when I started this blog…in fact, I didn't own a single pair of hiking boots. When I started adventuring, my idea of outdoor footwear was my trusty UGGs (see this post as proof). While I still love my UGGs, you won’t find me climbing mountains in them anymore. As soon as I purchased my first pair of real hiking shoes I was hooked (who knew traction was really a thing 😂). This week I’m sharing 6 pairs of footwear I’ve been using and loving on the trails over the past two years.
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Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots at Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park
Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots at Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park
Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots
1. Danner Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boot
Danner was established nearly a century ago in 1932, and for an outdoor footwear company to be around for so long you know they must be doing something right. Part of the Danner tagline is “You Don’t put on a pair of Danner boots to sit around the house. They’re made for Adventure…”
As a west coast hiker, this brand (and specifically the Mountain 600 style) intrigued me as it was designed to withstand the climate and terrain of the Pacific Northwest and promises unparalleled grip on both wet and dry surfaces with superior cushioning.
In my personal experience, this shoe definitely delivers on both wet and dry terrain and it’s absolutely waterproof. I’ve hiked to numerous waterfalls in these, including Death Valley’s Darwin Falls and Yosemite’s Chilnualna Falls. What I find most impressive is how lightweight these boots are…it’s very rare to find footwear that can support varied terrain but feels more like a lightweight sneaker.
Click here for buying options on Amazon.
Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 Aero Hiking Shoes along the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 Aero Hiking Shoes
2. Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 Aero Waterproof Hiking Boots
Salomon was stablished in the French Alps in 1947. George Salomon is quoted as saying “What fascinates me the most, is what I’ll do tomorrow,” and the brand still stands by those words with a commitment to continuing to invent the future of outdoor sports.
I hate to pick favorites, but when I’m hiking on the most rugged terrain and long distance trails, these are my go-to choice. This boot construction holds my feet securely and comfortably, especially on tough downhills. The X Ultra is a mid-rise boot, and as a former figure skater, I love that this style is snug and secure around the ankle…and these are also completely waterproof! You can see these in action on one of my favorite Yosemite hikes, The Mist Trail.
Click here for buying options on Amazon.
Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boots at the Cascades in Yosemite National Park
Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boots
3. Columbia Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boot
When I finally decided to step out of my comfort zone and get actual hiking footwear, my first purchase was Columbia Newton Ridge boots on Amazon. While I’ve made my fair share of impulse purchases, these boots are one of the best. My first adventure in these was to Death Valley National Park, and I encountered a flash flood where these boots hiked through Badwater Basin as it filled with a temporary lake. I was certain I ruined these on their first outing (you can see the full adventure here), but they were completely waterproof and cleaned up like a dream. There’s a reason these are one of the most versatile and highest rated hiking boot…they are perfect for someone who is just starting out, but they are strong enough to hold up to some pretty rugged conditions. Over the years I’ve purchased 3 pairs of Columbia Newton Ridge and hiked countless trails in them, including Yosemite hikes like Mirror Lake, Wildcat Falls and the Cascades, and Foresta Falls.
Click here for buying options on Amazon.
Oboz Sypes Hiking Boots along the Pohono Trail in Yosemite National Park
Oboz Sypes Hiking Boots
4. Oboz Sypes Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots
Oboz was dreamed up in Bozeman, Montana, and whether you’re a hiker, walker, runner or biker, they create great footwear for the outdoors. The design is both durable and comfortable for just about any day hike, and these are probably my most versatile hiking boots. Oboz believes in the transformative powers of nature and they plant a tree for every pair of Oboz purchased. A few of my favorite adventures with my Oboz include hikes inside Redwood National Park, Death Valley National Park and of course Yosemite National Park.
Click here for buying options on Amazon.
Kodiak Fernie Boots at Grand Canyon National Park
Kodiak Fernie Boots
5. Kodiak Fernie Waterproof Street Hiker Boot
For over a century since 1910, Kodiak Boots have been providing premium footwear for everyday outdoor pursuits. I personally own four pairs of Kodiak boots in two different styles. I originally purchased these because I thought they’d be great for walking the dog and gardening, but they quickly became one of my favorite brands. Personally I prefer to day hikes that are packed, paved or boardwalk trails with my Kodiak Fernies, such as Big Trees Trail in Sequoia National Park, Hermit Road in Grand Canyon National Park and Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park.
Click here for buying options on Amazon.
Kodiak Surrey II Boots in Yosemite National Park
Kodiak Surrey II Boots
6. Kodiak Surrey II Waterproof Hiker Style Boot
I also love my Kodiak Surrey II boots as well. I wear these almost daily, whether I’m heading to the grocery store or walking Thumper. However, they are definitely trail-ready, and this year I decided to visit three of my favorite national parks in one day…and from driving hundreds of miles to hiking multiple trails, these were great. See the full post here.
Click here for buying options on Amazon.
Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Snow & Ice Cleats at Lower Yosemite Falls
Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Snow & Ice Cleats at Lower Yosemite Falls
BONUS: Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Traction System
The Winter season is fast approaching, and much of the country has already experienced snowy weather…and although all of the hiking boots listed above have great traction, these snow and ice cleats from Yaktrax are a must for Winter adventures. These traction cleats easily strap on over your existing footwear, and the patented diamond shaped beads along the bottom are made of steel alloy.
I recently made the hike to Yosemite’s Vernal Fall along the Mist Trail during snowy & icy conditions, and these cleats saved me from slipping and falling numerous times along the steep sections of the trail. They also assisted me on my Lower Yosemite Falls hike, as well as on my many Firefall adventures over the years.
Click here for buying options on Amazon.
Keen Howser Slipper at Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra
Keen Howser Slipper
BONUS: Keen Howser Slipper
Although not a traditional hiking shoe, I love slipping on my Keen Howsers for shorter adventures around the campsite. They slip on easily, making them great for indoor and outdoor use…and they are extremely comfortable! The rubber outsole provides great traction, which is perfect for rock hopping and exploring on all kinds of terrain.
Click here for buying options on Amazon.
Kodiak Fernie Boots at Grand Canyon National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me on all my adventures, and I hope I’ve answered the question about my footwear. For another look at the hiking boots I’ve listed above, check out my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post or watch it on YouTube here. Make sure to stay tuned next week for a brand new adventure…and until then, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
For even more of my favorite products and brands, check out my products page here!
Kodiak Surrey II Boots at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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