When trying to decide what the best type of womens hiking shoe is to buy, there are few things that you must first take into consideration. All hiking shoes are not created equally and you will most definitely get what you pay for. When buying hiking shoes, quality and stability should come first and style and appearance should definitely come last. If you are already a dedicated hiker, you should have a good idea of what to look for in a quality hiking shoe. However, if you are just starting out in hiking, you may be overwhelmed at the wide array of choices you have when buying hiking shoes. Before you make any purchase, there are many things you should consider.

Where are you going to hike?

The condition of the trails you will be hiking play a great role in choosing the right hiking shoe. If you will be hiking areas where trails are predominantly well groomed, packed and finished you may want to consider a trail shoe rather than a hiking boot. If you will be hiking areas that are more natural and rustic or excessively muddy, a hiking boot will be a much wiser choice of foot wear.

How long will you be hiking?

Again, the type of terrain you will be hiking on should be considered, but the length of the hiking trip should also be taken into consideration. Hiking shoes are great for short trails and day trips, whereas you may want a hiking boot for longer trails and multi-day trips. You should also take into consideration whether or not you will be carrying a pack of any kind. Hiking boots can help bear the weight of a heavy back pack far better then light weight hiking shoes. If you are going to be carrying a pack of any kind, you may want to consider opting for a sturdy hiking boot.

Choosing Your Material

Both hiking boots and hiking shoes are made from a wide variety of materials. More manufacturers these days are opting to make hiking boots and shoes from Gore-tex, a highly durable, waterproof and breathable material. For the most part, shoes made from Gore-tex are more costly than shoes made from other materials, and you must decide on whether this additional cost is worth it to you or not. While many hikers enjoy shoes and boots made with Gore-tex, others feel as though it is not worth the additional price you have to pay.

If you will be hiking in wet, muddy terrain or in low temperatures, buying hiking shoes or boots made from Gore-tex may be the way for you to go. However if you will be hiking maintained trails in seasonal weather,