Which walking boots are best for wide feet?
For people with wide feet, finding a snug-fitting pair of shoes can be a little tricky. This can be a big problem for those who like to venture into the open spaces for a hike or trek every once in a while, but also have slightly wider feet!
Investing in a wide-fit pair of walking shoes can go a long way to assure your comfort on the trail / wild camping. You’ll have ample room inside your shoes to spread your toes and breathing space for your ankle. However, finding the right hiking shoes for your wide feet comes with a lot of questions.
To save all the due diligence, let us look at some of the best walking boots for wide feet currently on the market!
Contents
What is Meant by Wide Fit Boots?
Typically, wide-fit boots are about 1/8” wider than normal boots.
This may not seem much but the extra room makes a big difference for the comfort of your feet.
Wide fit boots are designed for people with larger than usual feet who require more space in their shoes.
They are a little bit wider than their same-size standard-fit peers, resulting in a deeper and wider toe box for your digits to spread out, as well as a wider instep.
What is the Right Fit for a Walking Boot?
When you wear a pair of boots for the first time, it is normal for it to feel a little tight because the material hasn’t had time to soften with repeated wear. But this does not mean that you should leave the store with a pair that squashes your toes.
Ideally, you should go one size up. The right fit for a walking boot should be snug to ensure your comfort throughout the journey.
It shouldn’t be too squeezed to cause discomfort while walking or too wide to let your feet slip inside them. Also, ensure that your feet don’t hang over the sole. It also depends on your walking socks, if you’re wearing a pair of waterproof hiking socks, they can be thicker than your normal socks.
What is the Ideal Weight for Walking Boots?
When shopping around for a pair of hiking shoes, you want to take into account the distance you intend to walk in the boots. This will help you determine the appropriate weight to look for in the shoes you are about to buy.
If you’re planning a long-distance hike, it is recommended that you go for lightweight shoes that won’t drag you down as you go deeper into the trail.
But you should still note that when the boot is too lightweight, it might undermine the stability of your steps. Generally, the average weight for walking boots is between 2.75 and 3.25lbs, although manufacturers produce lighter designs for longer distance adventures.
Do I need My Walking Shoes to Be Ventilated?
Nobody wants to deal with sweaty feet during a hike! It can be extremely irritating and even result in blistering. This usually happens because of poor ventilation in the design of the shoe and gets worse when you’re hiking in a hot environment. Usually, the tradeoff you get for ventilation is waterproofing, although modern technologies ensure that you can get the best of both worlds.
Materials such as Gore-Tex will keep away moisture yet remain breathable enough to keep your feet cool and dry. Some shoes are also designed with mesh fabrics to make it easier for you to overcome this problem.
Should I Buy Waterproof Walking Boots?
If you want a versatile pair of shoes that you can use in whatever weather, then you should consider buying a waterproof hiking boot. These types of shoes remain practical both in hot situations and when it starts to rain. They are treated with a waterproof layer in their construction to protect your feet from wetness.
Best Walking Boots for Wide Feet – Reviews
| Top Walking Boots | Price | Rating | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Leather Mid GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes | £117 | 4.5 / 5 | View |
| KEEN Men’s Targhee III Mid Wp High Rise Hiking Shoes | £85 | 4.5 / 5 | View |
| Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes | £79.97 | 4.5 / 5 | View |
| Berghaus Men’s Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Walking Boots High Rise | £99.00 | 4.5 / 5 | View |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 Hiking Boots | £129.00 | 4 / 5 | View |
| Merrell Women’s Siren Edge Q2 Waterproof Low-Rise Hiking Boots | £69.97 | 4 / 5 | View |
| Salomon Women’s Outline Mid GTX Boot | £136.17 | 4.5 / 5 | View |
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Leather Mid GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes
The Moab 2 Leather Mid GTX Hiking Boots by Merrell are designed for people who stay on their feet all day long and those who like to hike in wet and treacherous terrain.
They are conveniently lightweight while offering all-weather protection to remain practical for use come rain or shine. Also, the manufacturer used an array of high-tech features to ensure that you get one of the best walking boots for wide feet in the market.
Firstly, the Mob 2 Men’s GTX hiking boots feature M-select fresh, which is an antimicrobial treatment that keeps your feet from stinking despite hiking in these shoes for miles.
A Vibram outsole is included to keep you upright no matter the conditions. Vibram is famous for its top traction on slippery surfaces like moist grass and even rocky cliffs.
From the name, you will notice that these boots employ Gore-Tex material in their construction. This offers 100% protection against moisture, enabling you to wade through inches of snow and cross streams without getting your feet wet.
However, the material manages to remain breathable so that your feet don’t suffocate when the conditions get toasty.
Furthermore, there is a moulded nylon arch shank that lends much-needed support to your arch. This helps to keep your muscles and tendons relaxed, making for a great fit for people struggling with fasciitis pain.
The toe area features a rubber cap that protects your foot digits from damage when you trip on small rocks and tree roots.
Not to mention that the cell-foam tongue is soft and comfortable to your feet while also acting as a shield against debris. Your comfort is further reinforced by the Merrell air cushion heel, which will be a godsend for those with heel pain.
The heel design absorbs shock on impact, helping to keep your muscles and tendons at ease. Overall, you get a feature-rich pair of walking boots that will allow you to thrive on distant treks.
Pros
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Antimicrobial treatment
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Waterproof but breathable
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Shock-absorbing heel design
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Toe cap for protection
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Great traction for stability
Cons
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Only one color available
KEEN Men’s Targhee III Mid Wp High Rise Hiking Shoes
The Targhee IIIs from KEEN are a great choice for men struggling with various foot conditions. This comfortable pair of walking boots come with a durable and stylish design, and will significantly help to reduce the pain in your feet. Whether you like to get on the trail a lot or your line of work keeps you on your feet for the better part of the day, you might want to consider getting the Targhee III hiking shoes.
Several features have been employed to make these shoes perfect for walking. You can wear them for hours on end without feeling a pinch.
Firstly, the manufacturer used a proprietary Keen Dry hydrophobic mesh lining that serves to keep out water, ensuring that your feet remain dry and comfortable.
The membrane also wicks away moisture when it gets sweaty inside the shoe.
The boot is also treated with an antibacterial material known as Cleansport NXT, to prevent bacteria from thriving on your feet. This means you won’t have to deal with smelly feet after a day-long outdoor adventure.
The leather upper features a sturdy build that is resistant to stains, punctures, and strains. It allows your shoe to age nicely even as it works diligently to protect your feet from the harsh outdoors.
The Targhee IIIs are fitted with durable rubber soles that are also resistant to punctures.
These offer great traction on all kinds of surfaces, ensuring that you remain on your twos even when the situation gets slippery. There is plenty of support, thanks to a dual-density footbed. This patented design delivers an optimal mix of support and cushioning to make for unrivalled comfort all the way.
An injected TPU heel helps to keep your heel stable and comfortable. It is a nice choice for people suffering from tendonitis or plantar fasciitis as it serves to keep your foot muscles and tendons relaxed.
Finally, you can choose from five different colours if you want to blend your footwear with the rest of the outfit.
Pros
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Water and breathable
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Great traction
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Antibacterial treatment
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Puncture and stain resistant
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Reduce foot pain
Cons
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A little heavy
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes
Merrell is among the few brands in the industry that specialise in creating wide-fit trekking shoes. The Moab 2 Mid GTXs are one of the best women’s walking boots for wide feet that you can buy. They are pretty comfortable and accommodating to larger than usual foot sizes and their stylish design allows you to remain fashionable even during a tough hike.
These walking boots will favour anyone with sore feet that need ample ankle support.
The rubber toe caps in the shoes help to prevent hurting your toes when you bump into boulders and undergrowth on the trail.
The same is true when you have to descend a steep slope. A moulded nylon shank helps to support your arch while keeping it in a relaxed position.
This way, your foot tendons and muscles don’t stretch when you walk, making these boots a great option for those distant hikes lasting multiple days.
The leather not only looks good but also completes a rugged construction that will make for durable performance. It can resist light rain and dew on the grass but it won’t be of much help when the heavens open.
The gum rubber sole offers good traction on various surfaces and ensures that you don’t lose your footing.
Finally, the Moab 2 Mid GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes from Merrell come in a range of colours to fit your preference, although all of these fall in the black-grey shade.
Pros
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Protective rubber toe caps
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Good traction
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Stylish leather outer
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Adequate arch support
Cons
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Not fully waterproof
Berghaus Men’s Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Walking Boots High Rise
This UK-based brand comes with a revered reputation in the outdoor gear industry.
The Expeditor Ridge 2.0s are a great find for men with wide feet. They boast a wide-fitting construction that will accommodate all nature of feet. Thanks to a combination of high-performance features, these are among the best walking boots for wide feet you can take on a hiking expedition.
The boots feature rugged construction that is suited for the rough hiking terrain. They have a sturdy leather upper that keeps small stones and twigs from getting inside.
The outer shell is also made out of leather manufactured in a tannery cleared for environmental performance, ensuring that the shoes retain their shape even after multiple walking sessions.
A breathable AQ lining is integrated into the construction to ensure that your feet remain dry and fresh. This is also waterproof to let you walk in the Expeditor Ridges comfortably even in wet conditions. The simple lace-up design also makes it easy for you when wearing and removing the shoes.
The sole of the shoe is made using ethylene vinyl acetate for necessary traction on various surfaces.
You also get an EVA insole for enhanced comfort and shock absorption when trekking on uneven ground. Overall, this is a comfortable pair of hiking boots that anybody with wide feet should consider.
Pros
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Breathable and waterproof AQ lining
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Durable leather construction
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Great arch support
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Stylish look
Cons
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Only two color options
Salomon X Ultra 3 Hiking Boots
For long-distance hikers who spend multiple days on the trail, a comfortable pair of shoes is imperative to keep your adventure entertaining. You need something like the Salomon X Ultra 3; the latest release from Salmon’s X Ultra range of hiking shoes.
The boots come with a wide-fitting build that will come in handy when you want to embark on long and treacherous walks.
This is possible because the Ultra 3 offers intense waterproofing and breathability from the Gore-Tex material wrapping. This keeps out the water without suffocating your feet, ensuring that they remain cool and dry. The outsole is made out of dual-rubber to offer excellent grip and durability on all kinds of surfaces.
An advanced exterior chassis is integrated into the shoe to provide needed support by wrapping around the boot in a protective frame.
This results in a solid structure that enhances your stability on the trail. The low design of the shoe also makes for a lightweight build that won’t slow you down on distant hikes.
Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 3 offers an upgraded performance that will impress outdoor enthusiasts. It is also cheaper than its predecessors to offer you greater value for your money. There is a women’s version that also employs the same level of performance to make for unforgettable trekking experiences.
Pros
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High performance outer chassis
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Gore-Tex material
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Dual-rubber outsole for durability
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Lightweight design
Cons
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Hard to find replacement laces
Merrell Women’s Siren Edge Q2 Waterproof Low-Rise Hiking Boots
The Merrell Siren Edge Q2 Boots come with a multifunctional design that will favour ladies who like to get out a lot. They are supportive enough to walk in for miles on end yet lightweight enough to get on a bike with. Overall, they offer a great balance between support, comfort and “lightweightness”, making for a practical option for any form of outdoor activity.
The shoes come with a synthetic and mesh upper that is breathable to enhance ventilation when it gets toasty.
This is reinforced with an M-select Dry lining that will stop wetness from getting to your feet during light showers. Although the manufacturer markets the Siren Edge Q2s as being waterproof, you will realise that this is not true when it rains hard.
This also means that you shouldn’t walk in mud puddles or try to cross streams in these shoes. On the bright side, the M-select Fresh treatment on the material offers antimicrobial properties that will keep your feet odour-free even when they get wet.
The metal-and-hook eyelet design makes for stable lacing that keeps the laces from getting undone during strenuous activity.
You also get a bellows tongue to keep off debris from getting inside the shoes while the Kinetic Tri-Fit insole contours to your feet to offer tri-zonal arch support.
This ensures that you remain comfortable and at ease even when you walk for hours without feeling any joint pains. Furthermore, there is a moulded nylon arch shank that is paired with gender-engineered midsole technology to make this the perfect women’s walking boot for wide feet.
Finally, the Siren Edge Q2s employ M-select Grip outsole technology to make for sufficient traction when walking on loose and slippery surfaces.
Overall, this shoe uses extensive technology to make sure that your hiking adventure is not interrupted by any form of discomfort. It is a great option for ladies looking for value for their money!
Pros
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Triple-zonal arch support
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Dirt and odour proof
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Breathable and comfy
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Lightweight and comfortable
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Gender-engineered construction
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Supportive and stable outsole
Cons
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Not suitable for rainy and cold weather
Salomon Women’s Outline Mid GTX Boot
Our last product choice is the Outline Mid GTX women’s boot from Salomon. It is the kind of shoe you wear when you want to make a fashion statement on the trail. But aesthetics is not its only strong point, the Outline offers a nice fit, especially for wide feet to ensure that you remain comfortable from the beginning to the end of your hike.
These shoes are also pretty lightweight, although you may not be impressed by the limited cushioning.
The lacing system does a great job of drawing the shoe into a snug fit around your foot while the long ankle cuffs serve to protect your feet and ankles during the hike.
Despite these high cuffs, the shoes are still easy to get into and you won’t waste too much time wearing them. They will feel a little stiff when you first wear them but after a couple of walking sessions, they will cinch into the shape of your feet. The outsole is quite grippy to keep you stable on slippery surfaces.
Finally, there is a Gore-Tex membrane which makes the shoe waterproof for continued practicality when it starts to rain.
While you might be forced to spend a little more on this particular model, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a bang for your buck!
Pros
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High ankle cuffs
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Gore-Tex material
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Nice design for women
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Comfortable fit
Cons
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Limited cushioning
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A little pricy
Timberland Women’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boots
If you are searching for water-resistant shoes to hike with on wet ground, the Timberland Women’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boots are a practical choice for women. These wide-fit boots are especially suited for people with sensitive skin thanks to the extra cushioning used inside. It also means that those suffering from plantar fasciitis will be reprieved to wear the shoe.
With a big-name brand like Timberland, you can expect quality workmanship on this women’s walking boot.
This is evident from the material used to construct it. The leather outer is hard-wearing to make for long-lasting use. Although not fully waterproof, the material will also shield your feet against light wetness.
A stylish leather upper is used to enhance the aesthetics of the Timberland while making sure that the shoes maintain their shape even as they age. You also get a mesh inner layer to allow for breathability when the weather gets hot. This ensures that your feet get to breathe to remain cool and comfy.
The outer sole features gum rubber material, which is grippy on various surfaces to keep you stable at all times.
Meanwhile, the insole is designed to be curvy and cushioned to protect your feet when walking on tricky terrain. The 1” flat heel is especially useful for people suffering from plantar fasciitis as it eases the pressure on your heels during hiking.
Lastly, the simple lace-up design allows your foot inside the shoe without struggling. Unfortunately, the shoe is only available in one color, a dark brown shade that may feel dull for some ladies.
Pros
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Good traction on slippery terrain
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Breathable and partly waterproof
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Well-crafted weather construction
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Support the heels to reduce pain when walking
Cons
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Not completely waterproof
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Only one dull color
Conclusion
Whether you are going hiking in the middle of nowhere or simply walking around the park on a laid-back weekend, the best hiking boots will ensure that you won’t be dealing with discomfort.
For people with wide feet, you must take extra time in identifying a pair that best suits the nature of your feet. To get you on the right track, this article lists and reviews some of the best walking boots for those with rather wide feet!
FAQ
Should I Buy Fabric or Leather Walking Boots?
When shopping for a pair of walking boots, your decision might come down to fabric or leather as far as the construction material is concerned. The appropriate material will depend on a matter of factors, including the nature of walking terrain and the prevailing weather conditions. Each of these materials comes with its own pros and cons; something you might want to consider before making your choice.
Leather walking boots will be the more suitable option if you want something that will last you for the long haul. These have a hard-wearing design and tend to retain their shape even as they age. They also feature less stitching in their design, meaning fewer weak areas for wear and tear to take effect. The leather material is also more supportive and will be a great choice for mountain climbers.
On the downside, leather boots are generally heavier than their fabric counterparts.
This means they are not the best option for long walks. They also need higher maintenance, which includes constant cleaning and reproofing. Lastly, they require some break-in period before you get the right fit.
When it comes to fabric walking boots, you’ll be favoured if you want something practical to wear straight out of the package. You can wear them to a hike as soon as you buy them without feeling uncomfortable and come with a “trainer-style” that suits your preference.
Generally, they are lightweight and come in handy during distant walks and treks. Not to mention that they are easier to maintain and feature more colour options compared to leather boots.
However, fabric walking boots tend to be less durable, especially when used in tough conditions. They also offer less support on tricky surfaces and don’t do a great job of protecting your feet from the elements.
What is the Difference Between Walking and Hiking Boots?
There isn’t much difference between the two! Rather, the difference comes between a walking boot and a walking shoe.
The main difference is that you will notice traditional ankle support on a boot that you won’t find in a walking shoe.
This means less support when wearing the shoes and more strain on your ankles. The soles are also thinner in walking shoes, resulting in a lighter construction. Shoes are generally more comfortable but won’t last long when used on distant adventures.
How Do I Maintain My Walking Boots?
If you want to maximise the performance of your walking boots, then you have to do everything to maintain their shape for as long as possible. This will mean performing a couple of maintenance activities every once in a while. These include:
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Remember to always clean your walking boots after use. You may use a damp piece of rag to do this but after the cleaning, the boot will need to be reproofed with a specialist product.
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Use the appropriate fabric or leather proofer to keep the boot waterproof. This can be resprayed then allowed to heal.
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If you are using a leather walking boot, apply some wax to keep the leather material from drying out. Shoe polish may also be an alternative in case there is no wax.
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Hang the boots in the air and allow them to dry naturally. Avoid placing them on a radiator or airing cupboard as this can easily puncture the leather. Use newspaper inside the boots to dry out the inner layers or place some silica gel for a more versatile option.
Can I Use My Hiking Boots for Regular Walking?
Yes! Hiking boots are built for walking long distances so they will feel right at home when used for shorter and more routine walks. But if you’re walking on the hard tarmac in heavily designed hiking boots, this may end up turning into a struggle and you might find yourself spending too much energy to cover a short distance. You might want to find a more practical walking shoe for your road walking.
Note that it is not recommended to use your hiking boots for trail running, especially the heavy designs. They will likely irritate you after a short while because their overall design doesn’t favor fast movement of the feet.
How Much Should I Spend on a Pair of Walking Boots?
The right price for hiking boots will depend on a range of factors.
For instance, if you are an amateur looking to buy your first pair of shoes, you need not spend a fortune when you are still getting your toes wet. Numerous modestly priced options will still offer the right amount of comfort, reliability, and safety needed for a successful hiking experience.
