Anyone who has ever hiked before can tell you that there is some pretty important gear that you need during your journey.
One of the most important pieces of gear is your shoes. The kind of shoes you wear will make a huge difference in how comfortable or uncomfortable your backpacking adventure will be.
Unfortunately, for people with wider feet, this search can be more difficult.
When it comes to choosing the right pair of boots for you, there are a few key features to be on the lookout for and in this article we breakdown our top 5 picks for the best hiking boots for wide feet.
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The Top 5 Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet
Keen Men’s Targhee Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a versatile comfortable hiking boot. The padded tongue and collar maximize this shoe’s stability and comfortability while the leather lining is completely breathable allowing ventilation to properly flow through the shoe. The waterproof material keeps your feet dry, while the aggressive outsole grips into the terrain. A great hiking boot that can not only handle your hiking adventures but fit your wide feet too!
What We Liked
- Outsole has great traction
- Made for wide feet
- Padded tongue and collar
- Stability
What We Didn't Like
- May only last a few months
The Salomon Men’s Quest 4d 3 GTX Backpacking Boots are great for hiking. The synthetic material increases durability. It is light and cushioned with shoe adapting technology. This shoe is very supportive, which makes it perfect for heavy backpacking.
What We Liked
- Comfort
- Durable lock laces
- Sole cushioning
What We Didn't Like
- Not the most comfortable toe box
The Scarpa Men’s Zodiac Plus Gtx Hiking Boot is an excellent boot for long hikes. It’s very breathable while offering waterproof protection and a shockfit fit to the shoe for maximum stability and for all types terrain. One of the best features about these shoes is that they are specifically made for wide feet.
What We Liked
- Great for wide feet
- Perfect for rocky terrain
- Extra padding for comfort
What We Didn't Like
- Color is really bright
If you are looking for a great backpacking shoe, the Mishmi Takin Kameng is a great option. The water-resistant suede keeps your feet dry while also resisting abrasions. This wide feet shoes also comes with an air-permeable membrane that allows for a good amount of airflow through the shoe to avoid your feet getting hot. The traction on this shoe will have you traveling the toughest of terrains in no time.
What We Liked
- Water-resistant
- Comfortable
- Highly durable
What We Didn't Like
- Can run small
- Not good if you don't like to feel the ground beneath you
The Nortiv 8 Men’s Ankle High Shoes is another great option for those who are looking for a nice pair of durable boots for their next backpacking trip. Water stays out with the included waterproof lining and the durable outsole will grip the terrain just like you need it to. The EVA footbed allows for comfortability and good movement as well. A great pair of hiking boots in a variety of different colors.
What We Liked
- Durable
- Great Fit
- Lightweight
What We Didn't Like
- Can get hot
- Laces get worn out easily
What Factors To Consider When Choosing a Hiking Boot for Wide Feet
When it comes to hiking shoes there is always going to be a base set of features you want to look for but when you have wider feet, this can be much more challenging. If you’re looking for a hiking shoe for wide feed you need to consider the following factors:
Weight
When it comes to shoes, even a few ounces can make a difference. Depending on how far you’ll be traveling, you’ll need a shoe that is relatively lightweight, to void fatigue early in your trip.
Lighter boots may offer less lateral stability and support. Having less support is fine if you’re going the minimalist route but if you’re carrying heavy gear, a lighter boot could be an issue.
Waterproofing
Some boots have a water repellent coating that keep them waterproof. This attribute may not mean as much if you’re going somewhere that’s dry.
If you happen to really find a pair of boots you like but they’re not waterproof, you could turn to using gaiters over the top for water protection.
Having a quality waterproof lining can keep you reasonably dry, even in some of the worst types of weather. The gaiters can also keep out debris and snow from getting inside your boots as well.
Stability
Depending on what type of terrain you’ll be traveling on will ultimately determine how much stability you really need. If you’re traveling a pretty straight trail with not a lot of uphill or downhill terrain, you can probably be flexible with the stability of the shoe but, if you’re hiking rocky terrain, stability is really important, to avoid falling and twisted ankles. You’ll also need stability if you’re hauling around heavy backpacks and other types of gear.
Size
In this instance, size does matter! Especially when you have wide feet. This is pretty much self-explanatory, but when buying a shoe online you should check out the other reviews to see what others are saying about the size becomes sometimes a shoe may run smaller or larger than you think.
Comfort
Comfort is relative and depends on exactly what you like, but looking for a shoe with a thicker sole that offers more cushioning will definitely increase your comfort. Making sure that your shoe has a comfortable ankle collar and proper ventilation will also contribute to the overall comfort.
Types of Hiking Boots
Trail Runners
Okay, we know that the majority of the time, these aren’t boots but, they’re still pretty awesome. These types of shoes are for easier trails and a lot of ultralight backpackers like to wear these kind of shoes. They are excellent if you’re running long distances.
Mid Distance Hiking
This option is much more flexible as they don’t necessarily require a long break-in time. These types of shoes can be used for anything from short backpacking trips, to multiple-day hikes.
Day Hiking
When looking for a day hiking boot, you should keep an eye out for a flexible midsole for more comfortability during shorter distances.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to shop around for hiking boots, especially if you have wider feet. Making sure that the shoe you are interested in getting fits you is vital. Checking to see if they run big or small will let you know if you need a size larger or smaller.
In general there are a few things you’d want to look for in general when choosing hiking boots and they are things like comfort, traction, size, stability, weight and they type of boot. Taking all of these factors into consideration before making your purchase will ensure that you get the best shoe possible.
Our top pick for the best hiking boots for wide feet is the KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Not only do they have good traction, are comfortable and lightweight, but they also fit those hikers who have wider feet. A shoe that embodies exactly what hikers need.