Should I size up by half a size?

Yes, generally. Feet swell during exercise, particularly on descents. Leaving 0.5 to 1 cm between your longest toe and the end of the shoe helps prevent black toenails. Always try them on with the hiking socks you’ll wear. In the Cimalp range, the 365 X-HIKING and 365 X-TREK run small (go up a size), while the TOUET runs large (go down a size).

With or without a waterproof membrane?

On dry summer trails: without a membrane, the shoe is lighter and more breathable. For three-season use or in wet mountain conditions, a waterproof-breathable membrane is recommended. Cimalp's ULTRASHELL and Gore-Tex from partner brands both offer reliable protection.

How do I care for my hiking shoes?

After every outing: brush the sole and upper, leave to dry in the open air — never near a direct heat source. Every 5 to 10 outings: apply a waterproofing treatment suited to the material to reactivate the DWR.

Low or high cut for beginners?

A mid-cut upper is often the best choice: enough support without restricting movement. A high-cut upper becomes essential once you're carrying a pack heavier than 10–12 kg or heading into mountainous terrain.

What is the difference between a hiking shoe and a trail shoe?

The hiking shoe is designed for stable progression with the option to carry a load. The trail shoe is optimised for running on trails: lighter, less protective, and unsuitable for carrying a heavy pack. If you're walking, even at pace, go for a hiking shoe.

Women's hiking shoes

Our women's hiking shoes combine grip, waterproofing and breathability. High cut for support or low profile for freedom: choose performance and comfort to explore nature with confidence.

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The best Women's hiking shoes for enjoying the mountains

Scarpa hiking and mountaineering footwear

ASOLO Hiking Shoes

Meindl hiking boots

LOWA hiking shoes

AKU Hiking Shoes

Low-, mid- or high-cut: how do you choose?

The first thing to decide when choosing your hiking shoes. It determines ankle support, freedom of movement and shoe weight.

Low-cut: ideal for day hikes on marked trails and relatively even terrain, with less than 300–400 m of elevation gain. Lighter and more flexible, it supports a brisk stride and suits summer outings in dry weather.
Mid-cut: a versatile middle ground for mountain outings on varied trails, mixed terrain (scree and wet forest paths), or weekends with a moderately loaded pack. It offers more ankle protection without restricting movement.
High-cut: essential for multi-day trekking with a heavy pack, technical terrain (scree, snowy sections and loose rock) and any situation where ankle stability is the priority.

Which material should you choose for your women's hiking shoes?

Leather: naturally water-repellent and abrasion-resistant, leather gradually moulds to the shape of the foot. It is Meindl's preferred material for its long-distance hiking models. It needs regular care (conditioning and waterproofing).
Breathable synthetic materials: lighter than leather and quick-drying, they suit summer hikes and routes in hot climates. Choose them when low weight matters more than long-term durability.
Waterproof, breathable membranes: our Ultrashell membrane, developed by Cimalp, provides full waterproofing while allowing sweat to escape, keeping you dry in bad weather and during exertion. The Meindl, Scarpa and Lowa models in our range feature a Gore-Tex membrane, an industry benchmark with equivalent properties. A membrane is essential when hiking in rain or on wet or snowy terrain.

Outsole, cushioning, lacing: the technical criteria

The outsole: Vibram is the premium benchmark for grip on dry rock, loose ground and mixed terrain. Lug depth varies with the shoe’s intended use: deeper for muddy terrain, less aggressive for rock. The sole type is listed for each model.
Cushioning: it protects the knees, hips and back over long distances and on technical descents. Choose it for routes with more than 800 m of cumulative elevation change, on hard ground, or if you have a history of joint problems.
The lacing system: traditional laces remain the benchmark for a precise fit. Some AKU models feature the Dual Fit system, which lets you adjust the forefoot and ankle independently. Quick-lacing systems make adjustments easier while hiking.

Shoes designed for women's feet

Women's feet have a distinct shape: a narrower arch, a slimmer heel and a proportionally wider forefoot. A shoe built on a dedicated women's last, rather than a scaled-down men's last, holds the heel more securely, reduces pressure points at the forefoot and feels more comfortable from the first hours of walking.

All the brands we stock (Meindl, Scarpa, Lowa, AKU and Asolo) develop women's lasts distinct from their men's models. Our Cimalp range follows the same approach.

Women's walking and hiking shoes: the five Cimalp models

Hiking trainers are low-cut shoes: the 365 X-HIKING weighs 350 g in size 38, while the leather TOUET weighs 360 g. The TOUET is also available with an Ultrashell membrane. Check the sizing advice: the 365 X-HIKING runs small, so go up a size; the TOUET runs large, so go down a size. The mid-cut 365 X-TREK weighs just 355 g and also runs small. In the mountains, the BALME (420 g) supports a pack of up to 15 kg on technical trails. For trekking with a heavy pack, the high-cut BERARDE weighs 480 g per shoe, or 960 g per pair.

Our women's hiking shoe brands

Cimalp: our own range features the Ultrashell membrane for reliable waterproofing on alpine trails, with women-specific designs developed for comfort in mountain conditions. Tested on trails in the Alps and Vercors.
Meindl: Bavarian manufacturer founded in 1683, renowned for high-quality full-grain leather tanned for alpine use. Recommended for long-distance hiking and demanding trekking.
Scarpa: designed in Asolo, Italy, since 1938, lightweight and technically precise, with Vibram soles and Gore-Tex on most women's models.
Lowa: European production since 1923, a precise fit and proven versatility, from day hiking to multi-week trekking.
AKU: Italian innovation featuring the Dual Fit system, with Vibram soles and Gore-Tex in the waterproof versions.
Asolo: Italian mountain footwear specialist since 1975, using hybrid leather and synthetic construction to combine durability with low weight.

Explore our range of men's hiking shoes.

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