Most hikers have a myriad of options when they’re shopping for footwear. Whether they’re on the hunt for boots, sneakers, or other kicks, they’re presented with numerous styles, features, and frames that are guaranteed to fit them to a tee. What are the best hiking shoes for flat feet, though?
Hikers with flat feet tend to have limited options, which, we’re sure, you’ve noticed yourself.
When you’re trying to get your hands on a pair of hiking boots that are stable, supportive, and protective, you’re met with a few brands to choose from and an array of questions – “Do these have arch support?” or “Do these come with a wider toe box?”
When you’re suffering from flat feet, your posture, balance, and stability are affected to an extent, which means you need your footwear to provide you with what you’re short of.
When you’re on a hike, you spend most of your time walking, running, and climbing. When you do that without proper support and you push through the pain barrier, you risk hurting your feet.
Flat feet occur due to collapsed arches – that’s why you need footwear with proper arch support, orthotics, or even physical therapy to tackle the problem head-on. How can you choose a pair of hiking shoes for flat feet out of the (very little) bunch, though? Read down below!
How can you pick the best hiking shoes for flat feet out of the bunch?
When you’re shopping for footwear, you do need to keep your eyes peeled on a few features that guarantee to keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Whether you’re hiking, running errands, or walking to work, the right footwear’s going to keep your feet happy and healthy.
Before you start Google searching the key features, you might want to make sure your feet are actually flat. You’d be surprised at how many hikers confuse the pressure of walking on rough surfaces with the pressure of flat feet.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor, go to a specialized store, or do a little test to check for yourself.
Wet your feet and walk on a smooth, reflective surface to check the shape of your imprint. If you can see the entire bottom of your foot, you probably have flat feet. Walk in front of a mirror to check whether your feet roll inwards – that’s another sign pointing toward flat feet.
Once you confirm the foot problem you’re suffering from, you can go ahead and search for different features that are going to make your life (and your hiking hobby) much easier.
Arch and ankle support are great starting points because they’re going to provide your feet with support and stability.
Padding’s another feature you might want to opt for because you’re going to need as much comfort as you can get. And, to make matters even better, padding tends to keep your feet supported, too.
A wide toe box might be of assistance for people who need more wiggle room, but getting the correct width for your feet’s going to make a world of difference.
Of course, you might want to opt for a high-quality, hard-wearing shoe that’s going to last you a long time.
What are the best hiking shoes for flat feet on the market at the moment?
1. Xero Shoes Xcursion
Starting with one of our favorites, the Xero Shoes Xcursion boots are pretty much the best hiking shoes for flat feet because they’re packed with favorable features.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a breathable lightweight boot that’s waterproof or an anatomically-designed one that’s supportive, these boots are the perfect fit for you.
Not to mention that they’re designed with attention to detail – they’re easy on the eye, simple to slip on and off when necessary, and flexible enough to move with your flat feet. We can’t forget about the fact that the brand comes with years and years of experience backed by happy customers, either.
2. Merrell Moab
Merrell Moab hiking boots are super popular and prominent among hikers for a reason – they’re made with high-quality, hard-wearing fabrics, offer a variety of color combinations and patterns, and provide the wearer with comfort, support, and protection.
Where do we even start? Merrell Moab hiking boots are equipped with ankle and arch support, plenty of wiggle room (thanks to a wider toe box), and a mesh upper that allows airflow and keeps you dry on hot summer days. Moreover, they’re reinforced with rubber outsoles to prevent you from slipping and falling.
3. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Salomon footwear reigns supreme when we’re talking about the best hiking shoes for flat feet – or the best hiking shoes in general.
While you can’t go wrong with any of the styles that Solomon offers, we suggest going for Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX hiking boots because they’re perfect for hikers with flat feet. We’d go as far as to argue that they’re the most supportive hiking boots we’ve mentioned thus far.
And, they’re probably one of the most equipped hiking boots, too. From Salomon’s 4D Advanced frame and durable Gore-Tex membranes to sturdy Contagrip soles and removable OrthoLite insoles, these boots come with everything a hiker with flat feet might need.
4. Freet Tundra
OK, you’re searching for footwear that accommodates both flat and wide feet? Search no more because the Freet Tundra hiking boots might be your version of Cinderella’s glass slippers! And no, they’re not going to fall off your feet.
Right away, Freet Tundra hiking boots are the widest ones on the market at the moment. Rather than offering a bunch of different widths to accommodate everyone’s feet, Freet focuses on producing wide and extra-wide boots.
They’re super comfortable because they’re padded, but they’re made with a roomy toe box and ample space all around. They’re not as supportive as some of the other boots we’ve mentioned beforehand, but with custom orthotics, they’d be everything you ever wanted – and more.
5. Columbia Newton Ridge
When you’re on the hunt for affordable alternatives, check out the Columbia Newton Ridge hiking boots. They’re comfortable and supportive, and you don’t have to break the bank to get them.
These shoes are equipped with Columbia’s Techlite midsoles for comfort, Omni-Grip outsoles for traction, and a waterproof upper to protect your feet when you’re walking on wet surfaces.
They’re lightweight and breathable, too, which means you might forget you’re wearing them. They’re a great purchase, but they’re not as durable as some of the more expensive ones we mentioned beforehand.
6. Keen Targhee III
We can’t forget about the Keen Targhee III hiking boots, either. While Keen Targhee III might not be the best hiking shoes for flat feet, they’re pretty freakin’ close – with Keen’s signature Metatomical footbed design, a waterproof leather upper, and a breathable mesh lining, they’re a decent option to consider.
Out of the most favorable features that Keen Targhee III hiking boots possess, arch and ankle support make the biggest difference. We recommend wearing them around the block beforehand, though, because they’re quite stiff when they’re straight out of the box.
7. Dunham Cloud
Moving on to Dunham Cloud hiking boots, we were over the moon when we noticed how fashion-forward and attractive these bad boys are. Not everyone’s bothered by appearance, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get excited over a good-looking hiking boot, right?
Other than the attractive design, these hiking boots are marked by a few features that promise to keep you safe and secure throughout the day.
From a speed lace system and fiberglass lace closure technology to TRU-TRAK outsoles and Memory Foam and EVA foam insoles, these boots are what dreams are made of.
8. Vasque Breeze III GTX
When you’re on the market for something a little more lightweight, though, you can’t go lighter than the Vasque Breeze III GTX hiking boots. They’re made with a mesh upper that allows airflow and keeps you dry throughout the day.
They’re equipped with a bunch of features, too – Vasque’s Arc Tempo, Gore-Tex membranes, and Vibram Megagrip outsoles make for the most supportive and protective footwear ever.
Not to mention the padding protects your feet when you’re walking on rough surfaces. Lightweight, stable, and reliable – what’s not to love, right?
9. Timberland Waterproof
Whether you’re suffering from flat feet, plantar fasciitis, fat pad atrophy, or other feet-related problems, you’re guaranteed to find a Timberland boot that suits your needs. Timberland’s one of the best boot brands out there, and that’s why you can’t go wrong with Timberland Waterproof hiking boots.
Sure, they’re waterproof and that’s great for rainy days and muddy terrains. But they’re much more than that! Timberland shoes are designed to provide you with excellent grip, sufficient ankle and arch support, and significant comfort.
Before you turn a blind eye to them because they’re expensive, remember that they’re built to last you a long time – they’re essentially an investment.
10. Nortiv 8 Waterproof
We’ve decided to close the article with one of the most comfortable hiking boots out there – the Nortiv 8 Waterproof. They’re breathable, lightweight, and waterproof. They’re supportive, durable, and dependable. And, they’re affordable which means you can’t go wrong with them.
