7 Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet [2024 Review] (2024)

Going on a hike is an excellent way to spend the day. It’s not only great exercise but getting lost in nature does wonders for your health and well-being. However, hiking without the right shoes or equipment could ruin your experience.

Finding a sturdy, comfortable pair of hiking boots can be challenging for those with wide feet, as the selection is relatively narrow (pun fully intended).

The good news is that there are brands out there that specifically cater to those of us that don’t quite fit the mold. This article will look at the best hiking boots for wide feet.

How to Pick the Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet

Here are the top qualities to look out for when choosing the best hiking boots for wide feet.

Snug Fit

Your hiking boots should have a snug fit, but they shouldn’t feel tight. There should be enough room to wiggle your toes in there. It’s also essential to ensure that they crease in the right place.

Typically, your shoes should furrow at the broadest part of your foot. When trying hiking shoes, rock back on your feet to see where they fold. If they crease anywhere other than the broadest part of your foot, then they are the wrong width and will hurt your feet during a hike.

Shop at the End of the Day

It’s best to shop for boots at the end of the day when your feet are likely to be at their largest. Many people don’t know that our feet are slightly larger at the end of the day. This is because they swell a little due to carrying your weight all day.

So when you are looking for a pair of boots, it would be best to try them on when your feet are at their largest.

Know Your Shoe Size

Many of us know our shoe size, but knowing the width of your foot is just as important as knowing the length. It’s essential to measure your foot’s length, width, and arch.

REI has a device that calibrates foot volume (yeah, that’s an important aspect, too) and a sizing chart on their website that can help you figure out your shoe size.

Ensure that you’ve gotten the correct length by removing the insoles from the shoes and standing on them. There should be a thumb’s space width between the insole and your longest toe.

Go With Your Hiking Socks

Carry your hiking socks to the shoe store and wear them during the assessment. The thickness of your socks will affect the fit of your shoes. Hiking socks should be synthetic rather than cotton.

Cotton socks take longer to dry and are more likely to cause blisters. If you wear orthotics, carry them with you, as they will also determine the fit of your shoes.

Feel Out the Boots

Take a little stroll around the shoe store with your new boots. Look for stairs you can climb and attempt any inclines you can find. This will allow you to feel out the shoes and check for any bumps or areas where the shoes pinch your feet.

If there is any discomfort or noticeable space at the top of the shoe, you should probably pick a different size.

Online Shopping

Shopping online for hiking boots can be tricky. It would be advisable to go with a brand you are already familiar with because they will tend to have the same fit for all their shoes. Read the sizing chart carefully to ensure the shoes are actually your size.

Get Some Insoles

Insoles are a great way to enhance the comfort and fit of your hiking boots. Look around the store for suitable insoles and try them on with the boots you are looking to buy. Here’s some advice on how to choose insoles.

Break-In Your Boots

Once you are happy with your purchase, spend some time breaking in your shoes before you go on a hike. This article on breaking in your boots will help you avoid sore feet and blisters.

Not Too Heavy

Shoes specially designed to protect your feet tend to be heavier than regular shoes. This results from the additional rubber or metal that makes them hardy. It’s therefore essential to make sure that our new hiking boots aren’t too heavy to take out on the trail.

When selecting hiking boots, it’s not enough to go with your sturdy work boots. You will require shoes designed for traversing trails.

Weather Conditions

The best hiking boots for wide feet should also have features that enable you to perform your activities safely and effectively. For instance, if you’re planning on hiking in areas prone to rain or snow, you should look for boots with waterproof capabilities.

Likewise, if you’re planning on hiking in a warm environment, you’ll want to make sure that your shoes have a high level of breathability. On the other hand, if you’re hiking in a cold or snowy environment, you should look for boots with traction.

Overall, it’s essential to make sure that your shoes are durable and able to withstand the rigors of the hiking trail.

Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet

There are many things to consider when picking out your hiking boots. It would help to think about where you are hiking, what time of year you will be out there, and the trail terrain.

Even if you are only planning on a simple day hike, it’s still essential to get the right shoes.

Here’s our list of the best hiking boots for wide feet. Hopefully, it will help you find the perfect boots for your needs.

1. Best Overall Boots for Men | Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot

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Merrell is a well-known brand that makes some of the most popular hiking and trail running shoes. “Mid” refers to the fact that they come up to the ankles and not the width of the shoe.

The Merrell Moab 2 is the brand’s first shoe to feature the M Select Fit.ECO+ footbed is a revolutionary design that provides superior foot support and comfort. The Moab 2 features a shock-absorbent heel cup and a molded nylon arch shank to support the foot and provide additional stability.

These features help improve hiking efficiency and safety of the shoe.

The shoe’s uppers are made of synthetic leather, making for a flexible yet durable boot. The mesh panels on the sides and inside provide a soft and breathable lining. The breathable upper also helps keep your feet cool during hot weather.

These boots also feature a rubber cap on the side to provide additional protection from accidental toe-stubbing. The closed-cell foam cushion on the ankle and instep offers a comfortable fit.

An appealing feature of the Merrell Moab 2 is the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, which prevents water from penetrating the upper portion of the shoe. In addition, its bellows tongue design prevents debris from getting stuck in the shoe as you cover the trail.

The shoe’s rubber outsole is made from a durable compound known as the TC5+, which can resist wear and tear caused by wet and slippery conditions. Its deep treads provide excellent traction in diverse terrains.

Pros

Cons

2. Best Overall Boots for Women | KEEN Women’s TARGHEE II MID Waterproof Hiking Boot

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The KEEN dry membrane provides a barrier against water, preventing it from entering the shoe. Its odor-fighting mesh lining keeps the boot fresh for longer. In addition, these hiking boots feature an all-terrain rubber sole that provides superior traction even on the most challenging hiking surfaces.

The ankle-high leather uppers are made from premium leather that has been certified by a recognized leather working group. This material is eco-friendly and has passed strict quality standards.

The durable leather uppers and the breathable mesh lining make for a comfortable shoe that doesn’t have to be broken in.

The ESS external support shank provides a stable and supportive fit for the middle portion of the foot. It helps prevent fatigue and strain and can also help improve pronation.

The Metatomical footbed features a dual-density EVA foam that provides support and arch stabilization for the foot. It’s molded to minimize the impact on the metatarsals while walking or hiking.

Its removable and washable design helps keep the foot clean and healthy.

The EVA foam and heel cups provide natural shock absorption and stability, while the TPU heel-capture system helps maintain a stable fit.

Pros

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3. Best Budget Boot for Men | Skechers Men’s Relment-Pelmo Hiking Boot

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These hiking boots are ideal for wide feet due to their relaxed fit construction and wide opening. However, the wide opening allows debris to get in, making the shoe dirty and uncomfortable to wear.

The ankle boot features a design that provides stability and support while reducing strain. In addition, its memory foam insoles offer a little extra comfort and support.

This boot’s uppers are made of synthetic mesh and action suede, durable enough to keep your feet dry while you hike. In addition, its flexible rubber outsole ensures that you can walk on any surface without slipping.

If you are looking for a great hiking boot that won’t break the bank, then the Skecher’s Relment-Pelmo is your choice.

Pros

Cons

4. Best Budget Boot for Women | Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

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The upper of this sturdy boot is made from durable mesh and synthetic leather. Its design features foam bellows designed to keep debris and moisture out of the boot.

The mesh upper of the boot also releases moisture from inside the shoe, keeping your feet clean and healthy.

This feature is facilitated by Merrell’s M Select Dry, which uses moisture-wicking technology to keep you comfortable on hot days.

The rubber toe cap and ankle-length shaft provide additional protection against injuries. These features are crafted to support the foot and prevent you from getting hurt while hiking.

A supportive molded EVA footbed provides a more comfortable fit. Its heel is supported by a removable air cushion, which helps absorb shock and provide stability. In addition, the boot’s sole is made from a durable and flexible EVA that can absorb pressure.

This is a lightweight shoe that you’ll hardly feel as you hike at only two pounds. The Merrell’s Women Moab 2 is an excellent, affordably priced hiking boot.

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5. Best Lightweight Boot for Men | Timberland Men’s Chocorua Trail Mid Waterproof Boot

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These shoes are made with a ReBOTL fabric lining designed to resist water. The unique lining is made from recycled plastic bottles meaning that these boots are eco-conscious. The leather used for these shoes is made from 100% grain leather, sourced from ethical tanneries.

It’s also combined with a mesh upper for a durable and water-resistant fit. The tongue is secured with a gusseted design, which prevents water and debris from entering the shoe through the laces.

The materials used in these shoes are water-resistant, which means the boots can keep your feet warm even when it’s freezing outside. They also feature a multi-air pocket system that provides additional insulation.

The fabric is breathable, allowing moisture to pass through and keeping the inside of the shoe dry.

In addition, the EVA-based construction of these shoes provides lightweight and shock-absorbing support, and their rubber outsole features multi-directional lugs for solid traction.

Pros

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6. Best Lightweight Boot for Women | Timberland Women’s White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot

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These shoes are made from 100% waterproof leather and seam-sealed to enhance water resistance. This sealing process helps prevent needle holes from forming during stitching, which can cause leaks during heavy rains or when walking through puddles.

The dual-density EVA footbed provides a supportive and comfortable fit. Its shock-absorbing EVA midsole helps improve your walking comfort and lowers foot strain. The boot opening is large enough for wide feet.

These shoes are also supported by durable rubber outsoles, which provide additional traction on rough terrain. Best of all, their lightweight design makes them easy to wear on long hikes.

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7. Best Traction Hiking Boots | Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

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The Salomon Mid GTX comes with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, keeping the insides of the shoes dry. In addition, the membrane provides exceptional protection even in wet conditions, and the mudguard helps keep the boot from getting dirty.

These boots also come with sock liners that help keep the feet warm and dry. They are made from a breathable open-cell PU foam and provide exceptional underfoot comfort. Toe and heel caps offer added support.

The shoe’s wide fit allows you to wear thick socks with minimal effort. An injected EVA midsole helps absorb most shocks while maintaining the shoe’s light weight.

The Mid GTX features a new Descent Control technology that helps users navigate tricky downhills. It also provides superior grip and stability as they make their way back to the trail.

They feature a durable, non-marking rubber outsole made from a combination of compounds and densities. This technology helps keep the shoe stable and durable in different weather conditions and landscapes.

The design of the Mid GTX’s rubber outsole helps stabilize the boot and provides better grip when dealing with rocky terrain. Its deep lugs also help provide better protection from sharp stones.

The design of the lugs also helps keep the boot from becoming slippery. In addition, high-density compounds are used on the edges to provide maximum traction.

Pros

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These Boots Are Made for Walking

Getting the right fit is very important for hiking boots, especially for people with wide feet. The quality of your shoes won’t matter much if they hurt your feet as you hike. The Merrell Moab 2 has proved to be an excellent hiking boot for people with wide feet.

It’s durable, waterproof, comfortable to walk in, and has excellent traction. Best of all, they are specifically made for wide feet. The Merrell Moab 2 has men’s and women’s versions, which are reasonably priced.

When shopping for the best hiking boots for wide feet, check out the Merrell Moab 2 for men and women.