Finding hiking shoes for wide feet can be tricky, but every hiking enthusiast knows the importance of comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
So, how can you find the best hiking shoes for wide feet? What should you be looking for? What styles are there to choose from? And, how can you find the best pair for you? We’ll answer all those questions, and give you our top 5 picks.
The bottom line up front: we’d recommend the KEEN Men's Targhee III Height Waterproof Hiking Boot. They have excellent grip and are very stable to wear, even on rough terrain.
We’d also recommend:
- Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot – an ideal choice for the winter, these boots are warm and comfortable
- Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe – these are comfortable hiking shoes that feel lightweight to wear, but still offer a good amount of protection for your feet.
We’ll be looking at:
- The best hiking shoes for wide feet, compared
- What ‘hiking shoes for wide feet’ are
- Which features you should be looking for, including style, comfort, and durability
- Our top 5 picks, including their key features, pros, and cons
- Some frequently asked questions
- A little more detail about our top picks for today
Table of Contents
- Best Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet Compared
- What are Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet?
- What to Look for in Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
- Top 5 Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet
- Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot – Best Wide Fit Hiking Boots for Men
- KEEN Men’s Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot – Best Stability
- Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe – Best Women’s Wide-Fit Hiking Shoes
- Blowind Hiking Shoes – Best Wide Fit Hiking Shoes for Men
- Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Women’s Waterproof Boot – Best Wide Fit Hiking Boots for Women
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Final Thoughts …
Keep reading to find out more!
Best Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet Compared
What are Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet?
Hiking shoes are made to keep your feet safe and supported. They’re usually tough and durable, ideal for long walks on uneven terrain.
Simply put, shoes for wide feet have extra space. They may have wider and deeper toe sections, allowing your toes to spread as they would when barefoot to avoid rubbing or pinching.
What to Look for in Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
When it comes to buying hiking shoes for wide feet, there are a few things to consider:
Comfort
Comfort is key for hiking shoes. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on a long hike with uncomfortable boots! Your shoes should feel comfortable to wear, with a good amount of wriggle room for your toes. They should absorb shock when your feet hit the ground.
Style
There are 3 main types of hiking shoes to choose from. Which one you pick will depend on the weather conditions where you plan to hike.
- Boots – these are great to keep your feet safe on winter hikes. They’ll provide excellent protection, warmth, and the necessary ankle support.
- Shoes – these look like sneakers, and are a comfortable, lightweight option for most weather conditions.
- Sandals – these have reinforced soles to protect your feet, but they’re great for hiking in hot weather or if you plan to hike near water.
Durability/Weatherproofing
Hiking shoes can be pricey. That’s why it’s extra important to find a pair that is going to last. While no shoes will last forever – particularly if you’re wearing them on challenging hikes – they should still be durable enough to protect your feet.
Look for tough soles (usually made from rubber or synthetic materials) and leather uppers. This will provide protection for your feet in all conditions.
If you want waterproof boots or shoes, make sure that the product description specifically states this. Some are advertised as ‘water resistant’, which means they’ll be able to keep a little water away, but won’t be able to withstand you wading through a puddle without some leaking!
Sizing
If you have wide feet, you’re probably already aware of how important it is to find properly fitting shoes. The right shoes should feel comfortable and secure, and they shouldn’t be too tight.
It’s also important to avoid loose-fitting shoes because these can cause you to trip or stumble.
Top 5 Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet
In no particular order, here are our top hiking shoes for wide feet. We’ve included the key features you need to know about, like sizing and material. We’ll also let you know how comfortable and durable they are.
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot – Best Wide Fit Hiking Boots for Men
Key Features
- Sizes: 7-15 (Regular and Wide fit)
- Materials: Leather, rubber
The Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is the best option if you’re looking for wide-fit hiking boots. They have great grip, ankle support, and are easy to adjust to make sure they provide a close fit.
They come in a wide range of sizes, from 7-15 in wide fit.
These boots are notably tough. No matter what the weather is like, they’ll keep your feet warm and dry. While they’re perfect for hiking, it’s not a good idea to wear these as work boots. They may wear out quickly if worn all day every day, but they should last if you want to wear them on long hikes.
Pros
- Good arch support
- Tough and durable
- Will keep your feet warm
- Good range of sizes
Cons
- Might not be suitable as work boots
KEEN Men’s Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot – Best Stability
Key Features
- Sizes: 7-9.5 (Regular and Wide fit)
- Materials: Leather/synthetic
The KEEN Men's Targhee III Height Waterproof Hiking Boot has an external support shank, designed to provide support on uneven ground. If you plan to take on some more challenging hikes, these are the ones to go for. The wide fit boots have a good amount of space in the toe area, too.
They only have a few sizes available, 7-9.5.
They’re made from leather with a synthetic sole. They have a waterproof membrane that is super breathable, helping your feet to stay dry and comfortable even if you warm up on your hike. The outer layer is water repellent, too. They’re not as durable as some of the more expensive options on this list, but they’re a good mid-priced boot that should last a while.
Pros
- Comfortable in the wide fit size
- Very good grip and stability
- Waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry even when warm
Cons
- May not last as long as the other boots on this list
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe – Best Women’s Wide-Fit Hiking Shoes
Key Features
- Sizes: 5-11.5 (Regular and Wide fit)
- Materials: Suede leather/mesh
The Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe is a great choice if you’re looking for sneaker-style hiking shoes. They’re comfortable, with plenty of wriggle room for wide feet and excellent stability for hiking on uneven terrain. They feel lightweight to wear, so they work well if you don’t like the feel of hiking boots.
These shoes come in a range of sizes from 5-11.5.
Made from suede leather and mesh, these are protective, comfortable and pretty durable. They’re not waterproof, though, which is something to bear in mind as they’ll best for hiking in warmer weather.
Pros
- Lots of wriggle room for wide feet
- Good stability
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Not waterproof
Blowind Hiking Shoes – Best Wide Fit Hiking Shoes for Men
Key Features
- Sizes: 7-12 (regular, wide fit)
- Materials: Leather, synthetic
The Blowind Hiking Shoes is a good all-rounder for men. In a sneaker style, they’re comfortable, lightweight, and also protective. They have a strong, anti-slip, shock-absorbing rubber sole. They’re comfortable with plenty of room in the toe area.
They have a good selection of sizes in wide fit.
In terms of durability, these shoes are great. They have an anti-kick thickened toe head, to keep your toes safe as you hike, and an integrated heel to protect your toes and ankles as you walk. The soles are water-resistant, but not waterproof, so that’s something to take note of.
Pros
- Plenty of room in the toes
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Shock-absorbing rubber sole
- Durable
Cons
- Not waterproof
Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Women’s Waterproof Boot – Best Wide Fit Hiking Boots for Women
Key Features
- Sizes: 5-12, Regular and Wide fit
- Materials: Rubber, leather
The Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Women's Waterproof Boot is a protective, comfortable hiking boot. They’re comfortable, with excellent shock absorption and grip, as well as lots of room in the wide fit option. They have a lace-up closure for excellent fit.
Columbia has a wide range of sizes and colors, so there are plenty of options for you to pick from. They also come in half sizes, which is ideal.
These are tough boots, with good weather protection and breathability. They have a dual-zone winter tread pattern, which gives grip even on ice and snow. The downside is that they’re not as durable as some of the other boots on this list.
Pros
- Comfortable and secure
- Excellent shock absorption
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
- Good weather protection
Cons
- Not as durable as some of the others on this list
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you go, here are some frequently asked questions about hiking shoes for wide feet:
How can I break in my hiking shoes?
Some hiking shoes feel stiff and uncomfortable at the beginning. They may require breaking in, which essentially means softening them up a bit, making them feel more comfortable to wear.
The best thing to do is start by wearing them at home, wearing the socks you’d be wearing on the trail. Walk around your house in them, gradually building up the time you wear them. Next, you can wear them to run errands. Once they start to feel less stiff, you’ll be ready to take them on their first hike!
Is hiking good for you?
Yes, hiking is really good for you! There are several benefits to hiking:
- Being outdoors is great for your mental health, according to several studies. Just being in nature can help you to feel more calm and less anxious.
- Hiking releases endorphins, which provides a mood boost.
- In terms of physical health, there are plenty of benefits, too. Hiking is an excellent cardio workout, which means it’s great for your heart.
Can I wear my hiking boots on a hunting trip?
You can, yes! Just make sure that they’re not too bright or colorful, otherwise you might draw unwanted attention to yourself.
If you want some more advice on hunting, try our guides to the best elk hunting backpack
and the best bow hunting backpack.
When going fishing, can I wear my hiking shoes?
Nothing is stopping you from doing so, but hiking shoes can take a while to dry out if they’re not waterproof, so it might be worth investing in a pair of fishing shoes.
Can I wear my hiking shoes for work?
You can, technically, but there are safety procedures to take into consideration. Work boots and hiking boots are similar, but work boots tend to have a reinforced toe area for safety purposes, which is vital if you’re working in construction or lifting heavy objects. Check out Occupational Health & Safety’s Guide to Safety Footwear Regulation for more information.
Is it safe to hike if I have wide feet?
It’s completely safe to hike with wide feet, providing that your shoes fit you properly and don’t hurt your feet while you walk. Check out Healthline’s guide to wide feet for tips on how to ensure your footwear is suitable for you.
Our Final Thoughts …
If we had to pick one, we’d go for the KEEN Men's Targhee III Height Waterproof Hiking Boot. Ideal for both beginners and more experienced hikers, these boots will protect your feet on uneven terrain, they’re also comfortable and ensure that your feet are secured.
If you’re hiking in the winter, go for something like the Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Warm, comfortable, and protective, these boots are everything you need for hiking in colder weather.
There’s also the option of sneaker-style hiking shoes, like the Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe. These are lightweight and comfortable, and are perfect for conquering trails on warmer days.
We hope this has helped you to find the best hiking shoes for wide feet. Let us know in the comments if you have any hints or tips for new hikers, or if you have any shoe recommendations for us. And, if this guide has helped, please share it online with your family and friends!