10 Best Women's Backpacking Shoes
Updated on: May 2023
Best Women's Backpacking Shoes in 2023
Salomon Women's Authentic Leather GORE-TEX Backpacking Boots, Lead/Stormy Weather/Eggshell Blue, 11 B US
Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot, Taupe, 7.5 M US

- Breathable mesh lining.5mm lug depth
- Performance suede leather and mesh upper
- Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
- Merrell M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support
- Vibram TC5+ sole
Salomon Women's Quest Prime GORE-TEX Backpacking Boots, Lead/Stormy Weather/Eggshell Blue, 8.5 US

- WATERPROOF BACKPACKING BOOT: This lightweight boot features great cushioning for long-distance comfort, a rubber toe cap to protect from hazards, & waterproof GORE-TEX for breathable weather protection.
- GO FARTHER, FASTER: If backpacking is your sport, the Quest Prime GTX is your boot. Super lightweight at 490g, it's made with optimum cushioning & protection so you can eat up the miles in comfort.
- ADVENTURE AWAITS: Whether you love a local day hike or hitting the trails for a multi-day adventure, Salomon makes innovative hiking & backpacking shoes & boots for men & women to help you go the distance.
- TIME TO PLAY: Whether you are into trail running, hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, Salomon has shoes & gear for kids, men & women to help you conquer a new distance, personal record, or event!
- SINCE 1947 Salomon has used our passion for outdoor sports & innovation to create progressive gear. Our road & trail running shoes, hiking sneakers, boots, & water shoes help make any path your own.
Salomon Women's Amphib Bold Athletic Water Shoes, Black/White/Electric Green, 7

- All around comfort: Breathable, easy to adjust with Quicklace, and wearable as a slide or a performance shoe, This shoe feels great in every situation
- Breathability: A super-breathable mesh keeps your feet happy in hot weather, and dries very quickly
- Convenience: the collapsible heel lets you wear it as a slide or a shoe, and the quicklace makes adjusting the fit fast and easy
Salomon Women's Quest 4D 3 GTX Backpacking Boots, Lead/Stormy Weather/Bird Of Paradise, 12

- Stability & cushioning: Salomon 4D Advanced Chassis guides the foot, even on the roughest terrain, reducing fatigue during long days on the trail
- Ride: A new 4D Advanced Chassis design enables more forefoot flexion for a smoother ride that flows from step to step
- Secure grip : we've improved the outsole of Quest 4D 3 GTX with a new lug design for better grip on all surfaces
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot, Elk/Mountain Red, 9 Regular US

- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot features a seam-sealed construction, combined with our TECHLITE lightweight midsole, for long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return.
- DURABLE HIKING BOOT: This women's boot is inspired by classic mountaineering style. A durable mid cut waterproof hiker that provides great traction and comfort. This classic Columbia hiking boot, will deliver reliable and comfortable service.
- ALL TERRAIN TRACTION: Our signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain, and versatile three season use.
- REINFORCED TOE AND HEEL CONSTRUCTION: Designed for extended years of use, we’ve reinforced the toe and heel barriers, and extended the outsole toe overwrap to guard these key wear points.
- HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this hiking boot's waterproof combination of supportive leather and suede construction.
Salomon Women's Quest 4D 3 GTX Backpacking Boots, Ebony/Chocolate Plum/Peppercorn, 8

- WATERPROOF BACKPACKING SHOES: Designed for maximum traction on mixed terrain, the Quest 4D 3 hiking boot features our 4D Advanced Chassis to help guide the foot & reduce fatigue, even on the roughest terrain.
- ANY PATH YOUR WAY: Light & cushioned with running shoe adapted technology, yet supportive enough for backpacking, the Quest 4D waterproof hiking boot helps you get to the next camp site with happier feet.
- ADVENTURE AWAITS: Whether you love a local day hike or hitting the trails for a multi-day adventure, Salomon makes innovative hiking & backpacking shoes & boots for men & women to help you go the distance.
- TIME TO PLAY: Whether you are into trail running, hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, Salomon has shoes & gear for kids, men & women to help you conquer a new distance, personal record, or event!
- SINCE 1947 Salomon has used our passion for outdoor sports & innovation to create progressive gear. Our road & trail running shoes, hiking sneakers, boots, & water shoes help make any path your own.
Salomon Women's Speedcross 4 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes, Black/Black/Metallic Bubble Blue, 8 M US

- TRAIL RUNNING SNEAKER: Featuring an aggressive grip, precise foothold, & GORE-TEX protection, the Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX is the ideal shoe for runners who want to conquer soft, technical trails.
- ALL THE WILD PLACES: With a monster grip for soft trail conditions, the lightweight, weatherproof Speedcross 4 GTX is the perfect shoe for trail runners who aren't afraid of wet & dirty terrain.
- GO THE DISTANCE: Whether you love daily road running in your neighborhood, an escape to a local trail, or something more rugged, Salomon makes shoes that ensure you have a smooth ride on any & all terrain.
- TIME TO PLAY: Whether you are into trail running, hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, Salomon has shoes & gear for kids, men & women to help you conquer a new distance, personal record, or event!
- SINCE 1947 Salomon has used our passion for outdoor sports & innovation to create progressive gear. Our road & trail running shoes, hiking sneakers, boots, & water shoes help make any path your own.
Salomon Women's Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes, Poseidon/Eggshell Blue/Black, 10

- The fourth generation of our legendary Speedcross lug pattern is an even hungrier monster for eating up soft, technical trails
- Feel one with the trail with a precise combination of Sensifit with Quicklace, performance last shape and endoFit
- Just enough to provide protection for technical trail running; Features mid feather upper construction
- Salomon 2 year limited warranty
- Sockliner; Molded eva, eva shaped footbed and ortholite
Clorts Women’s Hiking Camping Boots Waterproof Breathable High-Traction Grip Backpacking Hiker Shoes HKM-822F US 8.5 Yellow

- WATERPROOF and BREATHABLE : Clorts women hiking boots will keep you steady and confident on muddy, rocky and rugged terrain. Uneebtex breathable, waterproof membrane protects feet from outside elements, seals out rain, puddles and other things that splash to keep your feet dry. Clorts Hike technology to keep your foot extra stable on challenging trails.
- COMFORTABLE and LIGHTWEIGHT : Mid-cut height increases ankle support. Hardy suede leather and mesh upper. Breathable mesh lining offers a great in-shoe feel. Padded collar and tongue offer additional comfort. Lace-up closure offers a secure and snug fit. Heel pull provides a comfortable and easy entry. No breaking in. Easy to walk in. Clorts women hiking boot delivers all-day comfort and support. TPU shank for lightweight stability.
- SUPPORTIVE and STURDY : Protective toe cap. Removable dual-density sockliner cushions the foot and puts a spring in your step. EVA footbed features zonal arch and heel support. EVA midsole provides stable comfort. Clorts outsole delivers high-performance durability, stability, and traction. Clorts hiking boots offers a steady structure for long distance endeavors
- OCCASION : Extensive occasion suited, ideal for hiking, backpacking trip, trekking, rocky trail, camping outdoor sports, urban leisure, city walking, travelling and day hikes. Stylish design make it also great as a daily wear boots and work boots. Gear up for a fun-filled day on the trail with Clorts hiking boot. Ideal for holiday gift
- NOTE : DON'T SIZE UP! In 2019, the size of this women hiking boots have adjusted. Recommend order your normal shoes size. If the shoes do not fit you perfectly, all you need to do is to pack them in the original box and follow Amazon return procedure. If the shoes do not meet your expectation or you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us because we are always here to help until problem completely solve
How to Pack like a Pro
The Backpacking Essentials are offered in this article.
According to Karen Berger's Hiking Light Handbook , wearing too many pairs of socks and tying boots too tightly will constricts one's the blood flow, which expedites freezing in cold, wet conditions, . "Had I done my research," says Beckwith, "I would have known to bring waterproof socks or looser boots." The site also recommends gaiters, lower leg coverings designed to keep feet warm and dry in even the most extreme conditions.
Beckwith's frozen feet, says University of Oregon Wilderness Survival Professor Michael Strong, "is a common example of novice adventurers doing the wrong thing with the right intentions." Strong himself experienced a similar situation during a 5-day canoe trip in the Canadian Rockies. His ill preparation led to hypothermia. "In winter conditions, cotton kills," he declares. "I can't say it enough."
Even in the 1930s, "The Mountaineers," a Seattle organization of climbers, would have agreed with Strong that "cotton is rotten." The group created a "10 Essentials" list, which still serves as the backpacker's packing bible. The Mountaineers believe that no journeyer should leave home without navigation, hydration, nutrition, sun protection, insulation, warmth, illumination, first aid, shelter and a whistle.
Navigation in the backcountry is made possible via compasses and maps. In order to pass Strong's class, students must demonstrate ability to decipher contour maps and participate in a compass outing. He says, "You can pack the map and compass, but what good does it do you if you don't know how to use them?"
Reading contour maps will aid in finding rivers, streams and ponds for hydration, the second essential on The Mountaineers' list. Access to water sources is equally as important as the water bottle you pack in your backpack. Prior research about the area you're in will yield information about the content of the water sources, indicating whether or not you need to bring a water filter or purification tablets on your trip.
The inside of most REI backpacks lists the third essential, nutrition, with a note that says "Bring food... and extra food." The Hiking Light Handbook suggests bringing 2.5 pounds of food per day for winter trips and 2 pounds of food per day for every other season.
Sunburns are common even on cloudy days, so spread on your sunscreen and SPF lip balm and sport those shades. Sunglasses can be especially helpful in protecting eyes from fishing lines while casting and branches while hiking.
Insulation, the fifth essential, is often mistaken for layering. Layering is simply piling on more garments, while insulation is the process of controlling body temperature. Strong advocates that backpackers should begin with a base layer, or an underwear system that will keep skin dry and also allow moisture to move to outer clothing. On top of the base layer, backpackers need several thin layers. The best types of material for these layers are wool, down and polyester. Add gloves, a hat, a warm rain jacket and you're good to go.
When The Mountaineers' list warmth as the next essential, they mean fire. Bring both a lighter and matches not one or the other. If you're planning on cooking food, a stove and proper fuel need to be on your packing list too.
Fire can't be your only source of light in the wild, and thus illumination is on the essentials list. A flashlight with batteries will allow you to navigate in the dark, but a lightweight headlamp is an even better option to free your hands.
First aid is the eighth essential. Your basic kit should be equipped with bandages, pain reliever and duct tape. Beckwith swears by duct tape. He says, "It saved my last hiking adventure. I put them on blisters and made it down the mountain, pain-free."
If you're on a backpacking trip, you've already thought to bring a tent and sleeping bag. The ninth essential, Shelter, is aimed at day-trippers who might get stuck. Be prepared by packing a space blanket or tarp in case of emergency.
The tenth essential is a whistle. Outlast your vocals by keeping one tied on a string around your neck.
When it comes to venturing the backcountry, Young believes "experience is the best teacher." Here are some extra items that experienced backpackers have added to their packing lists beyond the ten essentials:
Needle and thread: You never know what might need mending along the way. Dental floss is a great substitute for thread; it's more durable and it promotes good hygiene.
Bandana: Use it to block the sun and wind, to clean pots and pans and to stop gushing blood in case of an emergency.
Roll-up foam pads: Don't bother with chairs in the wild; rocks work just as well and you don't have to carry them around with you. Foam can protect you from cold and rough surfaces and even serve as a sleeping pad in warmer months.
Hand sanitizer: Bring a small bottle, especially if you're cooking for others.
Flavored drink tablets, tea bags and Siracha sauce: "It's the spices and seasonings that make life a little happier," says Beckwith.
No matter what materials, including Siracha, you decide to bring on your trek, they can't serve you unless you know how to use them. Young compares backpacking to having a really nice car; "Unless you learn how to drive it, you're a hazard out there." There is no driving test to take before heading into the backcountry, but you can do some test runs. Practice day hikes with your full backpack to find out if you've got the right weight. Break in your shoes before you leave to avoid blisters. Set up the new tent in your backyard. You might not be a pro, but if you follow the essentials list, you'll be able to pack like one.