Women’s minimalist hiking shoes are designed to provide the bare minimum amount of support and protection while still being comfortable and lightweight. These are the best hiking shoes for those who want to hike more naturally, without all the extra bulk and weight of a traditional hiking boot.
When buying hiking shoes, it is important to consider the terrain you will be hiking on, as well as your own foot type.
If you have high arches or are prone to ankle injuries, you might want to choose a shoe with more support.
On the other hand, if you are an experienced hiker looking for a more challenging hike, you might want to consider a minimalist hiking shoe that is lightweight and allows you to feel the terrain more.
No matter what type of hiker you are, there is a women’s minimalist hiking shoe out there that is perfect for you. So start exploring the most comfortable shoes possible by checking out our top picks below.
Are Barefoot Shoes Good For Hiking?
There is no definitive answer, as everyone’s feet are different. However, many hikers find that barefoot shoes are good for hiking, as they help to distribute weight evenly across the foot.
This makes them a good option for those who have problems with arch pain or heel pain when hiking. barefoot shoes can help to improve balance and stability while hiking, much like zero-drop hiking shoes.
Additionally, barefoot shoes often have a wider toe box than traditional hiking shoes, which can provide a more comfortable fit for those with bunions or other foot problems.
Ultimately, it is important to try different types of shoes to see what works best for your feet.
Below are our top picks for the best women’s minimalist hiking shoes.
Women's Minimalist Shoes
Conquer any trail with ALTRA Lone Peak 5 women's trail-running shoes that are updated to be more responsive and durable.
Features:- Lace-up lacing system
- Dual-layer EVA midsole
- Zero-Drop
- Rugged Trail Shoe Type
- Amazing grip no matter the trail (rocks, mud, ice, snow)
- Durable & Easy to clean
- Great for road-to-trail transitions
- Stable
- Could be too cold for the winter for others
- No ground feel
Where To Buy:
Available on Amazon and Rei Co-op Shop
The Terraflex II is lighter and more flexible than their original best-seller, the Terraflex, which helps you feel more connected to the trail.
Features:- Xero-drop (zero-derop)
- Abrasion and water-resistant upper
- Trail gripping traction
- Superior traction and grip
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Wide toe box
- Poorly stitched as per other users
Where To Buy:
The vegan-friendly, light, and comfy Lems Women's Trailhead minimalist hiking shoe will keep you going all throughout your hike.
Lems Women's Trailhead is a minimalist hiking shoe that is vegan-friendly, lightweight, and comfortable to last you long on a hike.
Features:- Vegan-friendly
- Wide toe box for all-day comfort
- Breathable and quick-dry knitted mesh
- Removable insoles
- Versatile (can also be worn casually)
- Excellent traction in both trails and pavement
- Low-heel drop
- Stylish
- Some users report the laces quickly come apart
- Others report the shoes to retain an unpleasant odor after some time
Available on Lems Shoes and Rei Co-op Shop.
The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II offers enough room for movement and has one of the biggest toe boxes on the market. Check it out!
Featured:
- Recycled Breathable Mesh with seamless synthetic overlays
- Ultra-thin
- Vegan-friendly
- Foot-shaped
- The lacing system locks down the midfoot for distraction-free strides
Pros:
- Flexible
- Wide Toe Box
- Durable
- Excellent traction
- Versatile
Cons:
- Expensive
- Other users report it to be on the heavy side.
Where To Buy:
Available on Amazon
If you like a trail running shoe without a hefty frame or a constricting shape, then the Merrel Women's Trail Glove 5 Sneaker would suit you best. Check it out!
Features:
- Vibram TC5+
- TrailProtect pad offers additional support
- Mesh and TPU upper
- Traditional lace closure
- M Select FRESH antimicrobial agents reduce shoe odor
- Integrated footbed
Pros:
- Breathable mesh lining
- Excellent support and grip
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Stylish
Cons:
- Other users report it rubs the skin
- Some reviews report it is not true to size.
Where To Buy:
Available on Amazon
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Visiting the Smokies this fall with your little ones? There are a lot of things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids, along with some of the best Smoky Mountains hikes that the kids will enjoy.
If your kids are into photography, you can also try this 4 seasons photo scavenger hunt. Not only would the kids get excited while thinking creatively and improving their photography skills, but they can also use this all throughout the year!