When people say “No pain, no gain,” they’re not referring to the pain and pressure you feel when wearing poorly fitting footwear. Walking on rough surfaces, going on a muddy hike, and exploring the great outdoors requires proper boots. What are the best walking boots for wide feet, though?
Shopping for walking boots for wide feet can be a tough task because you’re presented with a myriad of options that are sort of wide enough, but they’re not. Blisters, bruises, and bunions seem to have become your everyday reality because you’re unable to find the perfect pair of walking boots.
We salute you for taking care of your health by walking, but we do need to underline the fact that your tatty old ramblers won’t get you far. Wide feet might not be a blessing, but they’re not a curse when you know what footwear to opt for. A wide toe box and soft, stretchy fabrics are a must.
Whether you’re an avid trekker or a green-toed newbie, opt for walking boots that are supportive, water-resistant, and aren’t going to leave your feet blistered, battered, and bruised. We urge you to stop sacrificing the enjoyment and benefits of a good walk because of the wrong footwear.
With a few key tips and tricks, you’re going to find lighter, cushioned styles to put a spring in your step on longer treks and accommodate your wide feet. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to get you started, but you’re the one who needs to bite the bullet and buy the best walking boots for wide feet.
What to consider when shopping for walking boots for wide feet?
When shopping for wide-feet-friendly walking boots, you’re probably going to start with personal preference and where you’re going. What do we mean by that? Someone setting out for a short stroll on the nearby hiking trail might not need the most high-quality, hard-wearing walking boots.
Someone conquering the Three Peaks Challenge, on the other hand, might need to spend days (or even months!) shopping for the right footwear equipped with an array of features and functions. With that out of the way, though, here are a few things to keep an eye on regardless of what you’re shopping for.
Because you’re dealing with a set of wide feet, you’re going to need to focus on features such as a wide toe box or a rounded/square toe that’s going to provide you with enough room for your feet.
Before you decide to break the bank, you might want to opt for soft, stretchy fabrics that can wrap around your feet with ease and prevent you from developing blisters and bruises.
Breathable, lightweight walking boots are always a must because you don’t want your boots dragging you down and making your feet sore and swollen. A waterproof upper and a slip-resistant, grippy outsole can prevent you from slipping and falling and getting soggy feet at the end of your walk.
We know that you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of features you need to keep an eye on, but we’re bringing you our top picks to get you started. Let’s go!
Our top picks for the best walking boots for wide feet
1. On Running Cloudtrax
Lightweight and stylish, On sneakers are known for their plush, pillowy cushioning.
On Running Cloudtrax walking boots attest to that fact, too. There’s no denying that you’re going to feel like you’re walking on clouds when you wear these bad boys! Sufficiently grippy and supportive enough around the ankles, these walking boots will have you bouncing along the trails without pain or pressure.
Made with 85% recycled polyester, CloudTech midsoles for comfort, and a handy no-tie lacing system, On Running Cloudtrax boots are one of the best walking boots for wide feet out there.
2. Hoka Men’s TenNine Hike Gore-Tex
Part hovercraft and part hiking boots, Hoka Men’s TenNine Hike Gore-Tex boots are what dreams are made of. Crafted with a snug fit, springy midsoles, and Megagrip outsoles, these boots are made for walking and that’s exactly what you’re looking to do.
Whether you’re walking on slippery, rough terrains or climbing up steep hills, you’re going to feel like your feet are safe, secure, and taken care of. Hoka sneakers are a favorite among runners, and now we know why. Hoka boots are one of the best walking boots on the market.
Lightweight and breathable, they’re oftentimes overlooked because they’re chunky – but we urge you to give them a go.
3. Meindl Peru Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Meindl was one of the first brands to employ Gore-Tex and that’s why they’re considered the gold standard when we’re trying to opt for the right footwear for walking. Sleek and simple, these walking boots for wide feet aren’t going to attract attention and turn heads. However, they are going to protect your feet.
Engineered with a waxed leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, Duo-Dur III rubber outsoles, and an extra layer of padding around the ankle to reduce pressure, we can’t find anything wrong with these walking boots. We do need to mention that they’re better suited for winter months, but that’s up to you to decide.
4. The North Face Vectiv™ Exploris II
Suitable for all terrains, from muddy fields to rocky coastal paths, The North Face Vectiv™ Exploris II walking boots are perfect for both beginners and seasoned walkers. Attractive to the eye, these walking boots are a favorite among walkers across the world because they’re lightweight, supportive, and snug.
Roomy around the toes, they’re perfect for people with wide feet who struggle to find appropriate footwear. Whether you’re heading out for a stroll or tackling a hardcore hike, you might want to give these walking boots a go. Wear comfortable socks and you should be able to wear them out of the box.
5. Keen Targhee III Walking Boots
With a glove-like feel, Keen Targhee III walking boots are halfway between the flexibility of a trainer and the rigidity of a mountain boot. Perfect for summer hikes, Keen Targhee III Walking Boots are a solid option to consider when you’re not on the hunt for the most hard-wearing footwear out there.
Crafted with a leather and performance mesh upper, a quick-dry lining, and a rubber sole with multi-directional lugs, these walking boots are guaranteed to get you where you need to be. Whether you’re walking, running, or climbing, your feet are going to be supported and taken care of.
6. Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2
We all know and adore Adidas sneakers, but what’s the tea with Adidas walking boots? While they look more like trainers than full-on walking boots, these Adidas beauties are much more than meets the eye. They’re lightweight and breathable, comfortable and supportive, and absolutely attractive!
Moreover, they’re equipped with everything you need on a hike. Between the abrasion-resistant upper, grippy outsoles, and Gore-Tex waterproofing, there’s nothing that these boots can’t offer you. Reviewers agree that they’re better for mild weather and casual hikes rather than challenging terrains.
7. Scarpa Terra GTX
We’ve got another pair of walking boots that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not worth your while. Scarpa Terra GTX walking boost might not be the most fashion-forward style on the market, but they’re designed to keep your feet happy and healthy, nonetheless.
With a leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, and a Vibram Energy II sole unit with improved rigidity, these walking boots feature the right balance of flex and rigidity to make you feel confident on both stony ground and slippery grass. Affordable and practical, they’re worth checking out.
8. Hoka Kaha 2 Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Hoka seems to know what’s up with walking boots for wide feet, right? When shopping for the best walking boots for wide feet, you might want to check out Hoka Kaha 2 Gore-Tex Walking Boots, too.
With a walking-on-air feel, they’re comfortable, wearable, and versatile enough to be a valuable addition to your workout wardrobe. With a leather upper, Gore-tex lining, and Vibram soles, these walking boots cradle your feet and support your ankles.
Not to mention that they’re made with a roomy toe box that promises to keep you on your toes (quite literally!). Needless to say, these boots are perfect for long-distance walks on waymarked trails.
9. Aku Men’s Trekker Lite III GTX
When you’re on the hunt for something comfortable enough to keep blisters and bruises away from your feet, you might want to opt for Aku Men’s Trekker Lite III GTX.
With a heel that locks your feet in place and a firm upper that provides your feet with support for the ankle and mid-foot, you can count on these walking boots to do exactly what they promise to do. With zero rubbing and chafing, they’re a dream come true for people with sensitive feet.
And they’re wide enough to accommodate people with wide feet. At the end of the day, that’s what matters the most. We do need to mention that these walking boots are quite difficult to clean thanks to the combination of suede and mesh on the upper.
While that shouldn’t be a deal breaker, it’s something to keep in mind, Good luck!
