Hiking Boots
Best Hiking Boots Wide Feet. Whether you’re looking for women’s hiking shoes or men’s wide trail running shoes, the right pair of boots can make all the difference. You’ll want footwear that provides support and protection, as well as plenty of breathability for hot feet.
Our ankles aren’t designed to flex, so you’ll want sturdy boots with rigid ankle support. You can also find hybrid options with a soft, supportive insole and a more flexible midsole that provide support without weighing you down.[1]
Best for Extra-Wide Feet
If you have extra-wide feet, you may find it difficult to find hiking shoes or boots that fit properly. Fortunately, there are a few brands that have made hiking shoes and boots that fit wide feet well, including Merrell and Keen.
First of all, make sure you get the right size. You don’t want to get a pair of hiking shoes that pinch or constrict your feet as you walk, because that can lead to discomfort and injury.[2]
Once you know what size you need, it’s important to buy from a reputable retailer that sells a variety of shoe styles and sizes. If you can, try on a pair of your shoes at the store to see how they fit and to test out the sizing.
You should also take a few measurements of your feet to ensure you get the best fit possible. You’ll need to measure the inside of your foot, the outside of your foot, and the heel. You’ll also want to check how wide the shoes are.
Many hiking shoe manufacturers have an online sizing chart that helps you choose the right size. You can also check the size of your foot with a measuring tape, or by placing your foot in a pair of shoes and seeing how much room they have.
If you need a little help, try trying on several pairs of shoes or boots to make sure you’re getting the right fit. This is especially important if you’re buying your first pair of hiking shoes or boots and don’t know what size to go with.[3]
If you have extra-wide feet, a boot with a roomy toe box is one of the best options. The Keen Targhee is a great choice because it’s comfortable, has good traction, and comes in wide-fitting sizes.
Best for Thru-Hikers
If you’re planning to hike long distances, you need hiking boots that provide support and protection. Luckily, there are plenty of brands that have given wide feet the kind of footwear they deserve.
Hiking boots from brands such as Merrell, Columbia, Salomon, Chaco, and Keen offer wider fittings in both men’s and women’s shoes. They’re also great options for those with high arches, as they often have specific insoles for this trait.
The best pair of hiking boots will have a tall cuff for ankle protection. This helps prevent rolling an ankle while cramming a fully loaded pack into your backpack. However, it limits mobility and tends to feel clunky at first.[4]
It’s also worth looking for boots that have multi-directional lugs to give you a firm grip on slippery rocks and roots. This will help ensure you stay on your feet, which is especially important if you’re hiking over difficult terrain or a steep slope.
Those with narrow feet should opt for a boot with a roomy toe box so that your toes can spread out naturally without becoming squished. A narrower toebox can cause your big toe to curve inward, putting pressure on the rest of your foot and causing bunions.
They’re a little heavy, but they’ll hold up to years of use on the trail. Plus, they’re waterproof thanks to a GORE-TEX liner.
The Renegade GTX Mid ($225) is an ideal choice for those who want a boot that can handle a variety of outdoor activities, from off-trail rambling to hunting and remote fishing ventures. They’re also perfect for those who don’t mind a bit of leather maintenance.[5]
Best for River Crossings
Whether you’re gearing up for your first long-distance hike or just need a new pair of boots to keep the mud at bay, the best hiking boots for wide feet are the ones that don’t make you feel like your feet are being squeezed. We tested some of the sexiest hiking boots on the market, including this lightest of the lightweights.[6]
Among the many boots we tested, the best otp were the Salomon X Ultra 3 and the Lone Peak All-Weather Mid. Both have a few cool tricks up their sleeves, like an eVent bootie that breathes (as well as being waterproof) and a speed-lace system that locks your foot into place.
The aforementioned X Ultra 3s also boast a high-tech waterproofing system that keeps your feet dry on the most clammy of river crossings. We also took a close look at the newest iteration of the Lone Peak All-Weather, which sports an eVent waterproofing that’s as good at keeping your feet dry as it is at keeping out water from the sky. The newest iteration is more than a year old and boasts the best traction we’ve experienced to date, with an excellent fit and finish that won’t break the bank.[7]
Build and Quality
A boot’s build is influenced by its materials, which are typically a mix of synthetic (nylon or mesh) and leather. The quality of these materials correlates directly with the boots’ durability and ability to breathe.
Lightweight hikers are a trend these days, with a variety of options to choose from that range from the traditional KEEN Targhee III to the more modern Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid. Generally, these boots are made of lightweight materials and use waterproof liners to keep feet dry.
Most hiking boots use EVA foam in the midsole, which helps take some of the sting out of heel and midfoot impacts. However, not all EVA is created equal, and some can be overly soft. This can make the midsole break down over time, much like a running shoe’s.[8]
Likewise, the outsole of the boots is usually made of rubber with a variety of lug patterns designed to grip varying degrees of terrain. The best outsoles will offer maximum traction on slippery, rough terrain.
Many manufacturers also add an extra layer of protection to the bottoms of their boots, like a rock plate or gusseted tongue to keep water and other debris out. These features are important to protect ankles and prevent sprains, especially on trails that tend to fling roots and rocks at you.
In addition to protecting your feet, a solid heel brake will help you stop when you need to. This will help avoid injuries or falls, and it can also make you faster.
A boot’s lace system and footbed are two other crucial factors in its overall fit. These can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so be sure to try the shoes on before deciding which pair to buy. You’ll want to ensure that you’re wearing the right size and that they’ll be comfortable for long periods of time.[9]
Tip for Checking Fit
When it comes to comfort, your feet play an important role. They help you stand up straight, keep your balance on uneven terrain, and support your weight. So, it’s important to find the right pair of shoes or boots for your feet.
There are a few things to look for when you’re choosing your hiking boots wide feet, including sizing and fit. A good boot will provide a snug fit around your heel and sides with an inch of room at the toes.
A boot that doesn’t fit correctly can lead to blisters, so it’s essential to get the right fit. That’s why it’s a good idea to try on your new boots before hitting the trail.[10]
If your boots don’t fit properly, there are several things you can do to improve the fit. First, make sure that the laces are laced tight. If they aren’t, re-lace them and try to cinch them a little more tightly.
Another key thing to look for when trying on your boots is traction. If the boot doesn’t have a good grip on a slippery surface, you might want to think about returning it.
You’ll also want to make sure that the boots aren’t too narrow or too wide, as that can lead to blisters or other foot problems. That’s why it’s advisable to buy two pairs of boots in case you don’t end up liking one.
The best way to test a boot’s fit is to walk in them, but you can also try them on at home if you have access to an inclined surface. It’s also a good idea to test them with socks. It’s normal for your feet to swell a little after a day of walking, so putting on the right socks will help you see if the boots are a good fit.[11]
Finding the Best Hiking Boots Wide Feet
If you have wide feet, it can be difficult to find hiking boots that fit well. You don’t want to wear shoes that are too tight or cause blisters, so it’s important to find the best hiking boots wide feet for your needs.
You want a boot that’s comfortable, waterproof, and made to handle all the different terrains you might encounter on your hikes. You also need a boot that has adequate ankle support to help protect your foot from injuries.[12]
Sizing Shoes for Wide Feet
Hiking boots for wide feet are a great way to get more support and protection when you’re out on the trails. They also offer the benefit of a good grip on rough surfaces, so they’re well worth considering.
The best hiking boots for wide feet are those that have a generous toe box and fit your heel securely. This will help prevent painful pinching, which can happen when you wear a shoe that’s too tight for your foot.
A wide toe box is also useful for those with bunions, hammertoes or other issues. The extra room can help alleviate the pain associated with these conditions and also make it easier for your toes to spread out while walking.
If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that’s specifically designed for wide feet, you’ll need to look for orthopedic shoe companies or specialty footwear brands. These companies specialize in designing and developing shoes that accommodate wide feet, and they may be able to accommodate you even if you’re not a perfect fit for standard sized shoes.
While you’re shopping for the best hiking boots for wide feet, it’s important to pay attention to the sizing recommendations that are listed on the product description. These can be found in the model number and include information about the widths that are available – Narrow (N), Medium (M), and Wide (W).[13]
You’ll also want to take note of the weight of the boot. Generally, the lighter the boot, the less stable it is. The weight of the boots you choose should be based on the type of trails and length of your hike.
Another key factor to consider is the arch support of the boot. Many boots don’t have much in the way of arch support, which can cause strain on your feet.
A high arch can be especially problematic if you have flat feet, as it can cause problems with your balance and can even lead to injury. Some of the best hiking shoes for wide feet offer good arch support and help to alleviate issues such as shin splints, ankle pain, and blisters.
Best Overall
Hiking boots are the key to getting through long hikes without suffering from blisters and shin splints. Fortunately, there are a lot of great hiking boots for wide feet on the market that will make your hikes a breeze!
When looking for the best hiking boots wide feet, you should look for features like a reliable Vibram outsole or multi-directional lugs. These can be hard to find, so it’s worth doing some research and trying out a few different pairs of boots to see what fits your needs the best.
The Keen Targhee II and III are great options for wide feet, thanks to their roomy toe boxes. They have a dual-density EVA footbed that provides plenty of cushioning and support, as well as a waterproof upper to keep your feet dry.[14]
If you want something a little more casual, you can check out the ZCloud from Chaco. This is a lightweight option that’s available in both men’s and women’s, as well as in wider and regular fittings. It’s a versatile choice that can take you anywhere outdoors, with a choice of colors available.
Another great option for a wide foot is the Merrell Moab 2 pair. This is a popular choice among many hikers, and it’s a good pick for anyone who wants a durable and comfortable hiking boot.
This mid-height GORE-TEX hiking boot is durable, waterproof, and designed for maximum traction on all terrains. It’s also designed with Descent Control Technology, which is helpful for tackling technical hikes and handling all types of environments, including arduous descents.
These shoes are lightweight and made from a combination of natural and synthetic leathers, and come in both regular and wide width sizes. They have a memory foam insole that can be replaced with a more supportive option, and they are water-resistant. However, the memory foam insole isn’t the most supportive option out there, so you may want to avoid them if you’re planning on doing some serious hiking.
This shoe isn’t a top choice, but it’s a solid option for people with wide feet that don’t need as much arch support as some other options on this list. It is waterproof, has a single-pull lace, and is thick enough to handle all kinds of hiking conditions.[15]
Best Arch Support
When choosing hiking boots for wide feet, it’s important to choose a pair that has the right arch support. This can help reduce your foot pain and prevent injuries. It also helps improve your gait so you can keep moving forward.
The best arch support for hiking boots is a supportive insole that can fit in your boots and will distribute pressure evenly across your feet. This will also help reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, a condition that can cause inflammation and pain in the heel or arch of your foot.
Some brands of insoles are designed to fit the widest range of shoes, but you may have to try a few different pairs before you find the right ones for you. It is also best to order your usual size to ensure you get the correct fit.
Insoles for hiking boots should be made from a material that is durable enough to handle the rigors of trail hiking. They should also provide plenty of cushioning so you don’t feel any discomfort while you are hiking.
If you have plantar fasciitis, it is especially important to choose a boot that will offer adequate arch support for your foot type. If you do, it will reduce your foot fatigue and keep you from having to stop to take a break from hiking, which can lead to pain and injury down the road.
A good option for wide-footed hikers is the Keen Targhee III. This low-cut women’s hiking boot has a flexible upper that is breathable and waterproof. It is a sturdy boot with great arch support that has been around for a long time and is popular with many women.
While these shoes are a bit stiff at first, they will get more comfortable after a few break-in hikes. They have good traction and are perfect for dry climates or rocky trails.[16]
Another option for hikers with high arches is Superfeet’s Green and Carbon insoles. They are designed to fit in high-volume hiking boots and can reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. They work by locking the heel in place and preventing pronation and supination, which can cause foot pain. They can also be used by people with medium to high arches who need a little extra support.
Best for Flat Feet
Hiking is a great way to spend time in nature, but it can also be strenuous for your feet. If you have flat feet, it can be difficult to find hiking shoes that are supportive enough for your feet, but that are still lightweight and comfortable enough to wear for a long day out on the trail.
One of the best hiking boots for flat feet are these Lowa Camino GTX women’s hiking boots, which have been a favorite of people with flat feet for a long time. They feature a lace-up system that allows you to adjust the laces for different foot sizes, which helps reduce pressure on your feet when hiking.
A padded tongue and collar, along with a contoured heel cup and a stability shank provide excellent ankle support. An EVA midsole provides soft cushioning and comfort, while a lace-up system makes it easy to slip on and off your feet.[17]
These boots come in a wide range of colors and a standard fit, so it should be easy to find the right pair for you. They are also waterproof, which is an important feature for anyone who hikes regularly.
They are also highly durable and should last you a long time, as they’re made with Vibram Megagrip soles that have serious traction for rough terrain. They are also made of Super Fabric, which is waterproof and breathable and will mold to your feet over time.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus men’s and women’s hiking boots are a popular choice for hikers with flat feet because of the many positive qualities they have. They are water-resistant, which is a big deal for flat feet, and they have the added benefit of breathable PU coated leather, mesh, and suede for additional moisture absorption and support. The Techlite lightweight midsole also adds cushioning and responsive shock absorption, letting you hike for long periods without getting tired.
