Best Hiking Boots For Wide Feet 2020 Reviews

Hiking is one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities. It is undeniable that experiencing life from a higher perspective can only be done if you hike. But if you want to go on that kind of adventure, I recommend finding some proper equipment first.

For people with wider feet, this could be a problem. Luckily, there are boots specifically made for wide feet.

Top 6 Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet

Hiking is fun but requires careful preparation. You want every piece of gear that can make your hike easier. Of all your body parts, your feet should receive the most protection, support, and convenience while doing this activity. As all of you know, your feet catch all of the upper body pressure when trekking.

Choosing hiking boots is all about personal preference. But if you have wide feet, then your options are limited. You have to find boots that fit, while still giving you enough comfort, protection, and traction. These three things should never be compromised.​

As an important reminder, always pay attention to the size of the boots. Do not ever buy hiking footwear that is too loose or too small for you. It becomes painful to use, which will eventually ruin your trekking experience.

1. Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot

The Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot is the ideal footwear for men with wide feet. Award-winning trail runners have worn it because of the support, stability, and performance it gives. What makes this boot great is that it also improves the stability of the ankle.

Aside from hiking, this boot is also ideal for running as it’s both nimble and stable. It is an excellent choice for all-rounder trail runners.

Additionally, its outsole uses Contagrip technology that gives quality traction, regardless of the terrain that you are trekking. Aside from this feature, this footwear sports the 4D Advanced Chassis that increases foot support and gives stability to the torso.

The upper construction is a combination of synthetic and leather materials meant to improve the boot’s durability and resistance to abrasion and water.

It has a quality lacing system, and its ankle collar provides comfort whenever you are descending. It also uses Gore-Tex mesh for superior water resistance.

Pros

• Sturdy and durable construction
• All-around shoes
• Great traction
• Provides stability to the foot
• Waterproof

Cons

• Has a lot of seams that can wear out
• Too burly for casual hiking

2. Vasque Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot

The Vasque Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex is another excellent choice for hikers who are in search of high-performance hiking boots.

The design itself makes you never want to take them off. The boots also come with an affordable price that won’t burden your mind.

The Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex boot uses lightweight and multi-padded EVA cushions in its midsole for superior comfort to your feet.

Its entire construction is a combination of different sturdy synthetic materials that improve the footwear’s flexibility and durability. It also has Gore-Tex Mesh that gives waterproofing and breathability.

Moreover, it uses Vibram technology on its rubber sole to improve ground traction and shock absorption. The Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex also uses a modern lacing system, which is complemented by its unique collar design.

Unlike some other boots that discarded durability and stability for weight purposes, this footwear didn’t. Therefore it is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a hiking boot that can deliver top performance at the cost of some weight.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Durable and stable
• Waterproof
• Modern lacing system
• Perfect for wide feet
• Traction on wet surfaces is excellent

Cons

• Heavier than the rest of the brands

3. Merrell Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

One unique attribute of this hiking boot is that it has dual layers for its uppers—textile and leather. Coupled with its waterproofing feature, this shoes is perfect for the cold and wet environment.

The soles are made of EVA. Thus, you can expect that this boot is comfortable and is flexible. Instead of actual lugs, the shoe sports lug patterns. The removal of lugs increases the flexibility of the shoe and maximizes comfort.

The uppers feature breathable mesh that allows moisture from the feet to escape while preventing water from entering the shoes. Nonetheless, moisture does not escape efficiently. In addition, it locks in heat, so your feet feel warm. We don’t recommend this boot for hiking in summer or hot areas.

Pros

• Waterproof and breathable upper.
• Highly flexible soles.
• Removable insole.
• Antimicrobial materials.

Cons

• A bit heavy.
• Durability issues.

4. Timberland Premium Waterproof Boot

You can’t deny that you will have sore feet when you go on hiking. To lessen the soreness, you need to find appropriate footwear.

Compared to all hiking boots featured in this review, the Timberland Men’s 6″ Premium Waterproof Boot has a rather simpler design. Perhaps the intended purpose is to serve up to its name—being a boot for men.

The upper is clearly mad of nubuck leather which gives it a suede appeal. You’d expect this shoes to be highly durable (and thankfully, it is).

However, the material is soft on the inside. It may seem quite uncomfortable on the outside, but it feels soft inside.

Soles are made of rubber thus it sports some degree of flexibility. However, the soles are not designed for maximum flexibility and do not have added cushioning effect.

One attractive feature of this boot is that it’s available in wider sizes. Since its designed for men, it’s just logical that Timberland makes wider versions available.

Pros

• Available in 2E size.
• Highly durable
• Comfortable.
• Waterproof.
• Simple design.

Cons

• Does not allow heat and moisture to escape.
• Moderately flexible.

5. KEEN Targhee II Mid WP Hiking Boot

Often, the problem with waterproof shoes is that it also locks in moisture inside allowing the accumulation of sweat. The Keen Men’s Targhee II Mid WP Hiking Boot makes waterproofing possible while allowing breathability inside the shoes. As a result, your feet remain dry all throughout your hiking activity.

For maximum flexibility, the midsoles and outsoles are all rubber. The upper is made of nubuck leather.

As the name suggests, this hiking boot is available in mid-cut height. This maximizes ease of movement while still retaining support for the ankles.

Pros

• Comfortable.
• Protects the ankles.
• Waterproof yet Breathable.

Cons

• Has durability issues.

6. Hi-Tec Altitude IV Waterproof Hiking Boot

The Hi-Tec Men’s Altitude IV Waterproof Hiking Boot may not be a popular choice, but it’s more than adequate for almost anyone who wishes to go hiking.

With a great price value, you would be surprised at how many useful features it sports. It high-quality nubuck leather keeps the entire shoe protected against abrasion and water.

Also, it is a very lightweight boot, so it doesn’t add much pressure from carrying heavy gear while you are trekking.

The boot’s amazing level of comfort comes from thick cushioning and padding on its midsole, making it an excellent wear. It also doesn’t itch like some other boot models tend to.

Perhaps the greatest edge of the Altitude IV is its stability. The midsole is relatively stiff, and the thickness of the outsole improves traction. It also provides a lot of support to the ankle although the collar has a lower cut.

Furthermore, various rubbers are used in the upper construction so that this footwear can enhance lateral support to your feet. Luckily, the boot is still flexible on top of all this.

Pros

• Durable
• Provides lateral support to the feet
• Super comfortable
• Highly flexible and stable
• Waterproof
• Perfect for people with wide feet

Cons

• Not breathable
• Moderate traction

Hiking Boots for Wide Feet – Buyer’s Guide

Since there is a lot of variety, picking the ideal pair can be a little bit tricky. To help you out, I’ve written a comprehensive guide so that you may avoid spending on the wrong product.

One Size Does Not Fit All

The overall comfort, stability, and usability of a hiking boot depend on how well it fits your feet. If you find the perfect size, then you can hike without your feet bothering you. When you are looking for a hiking boot that matches the size of your feet well, the number of footwear brands will drastically narrow.

Hiking Boots or Shoes? Not all brands offer shoe sizes for wide feet. Therefore, brands like Salomon, Merrell and Columbia are some of your options. If you want to play it safe, look for hiking boots rather than hiking shoes. Shoes are not typically known to fit wider feet.

Their entire construction alone will tell you the reason. The lacing system of the shoes is only limited to your feet. On the other hand, a hiking boot extends a little upward to your legs. Hence, it has enough support to capture your feet.

I will also share with you a little trick. There is a way to improve how well the boots fit by a tiny amount. Depending on how your feet feel inside the boots, you can always wear thicker or thinner socks. In this way, you can achieve the perfect fit for your wide feet.​

Types of Hiking Boots​

You can choose from among the three types of hiking boots depending on your preference, type of hiking activity you’ll be engaged in and the type of hiking environment you will have:

Day Hiking Boots​

Day hiking boots are also perfect for day hiking. Similar to hiking shoes, they are also intended for light loads and short camping or hiking trips. These shoes are flexible and more durable than hiking shoes. Day hiking shoes are available in mid- and high-cut models.

Backpacking Boots​

Of all the type of hiking shoes, backpacking boots are the most durable. They are made to accommodate heavier loads and are perfect for an extended camping or hiking trip. Most of the backpacking boots are high cut and perfectly supports the ankles and feet. The midsoles of backpacking boots are stiffer compared to the two types of hiking boots mentioned.​

Material

1. Uppers​

This pertains to the upper portion of the shoes. The kind of material used for the uppers determines the weight of the boots as well as other factors such as water resistance, durability, and breathability.

2. Split-grain leather​

This type of material is a cheap option for uppers. The “split” in the name refers to the splitting of the smooth exterior of the cowhide to the rough interior. The downside of this material being cheap is that it has poor water and abrasion resistance.

3. Full-grain leather

Because of this material’s durability and its ability to resist water and abrasion, full-grain leather is often the choice for backpacking boots. Full-grain leather can withstand long trips, rough terrain, and heavy loads. This material, however, is less breathable and requires a sufficient break-in time before the shoes can be used for a trip.

4. Waterproof membranes

This material is perfect for wet conditions or environment and hiking boots made out of this can easily resist water. What amazing about waterproof membranes is that they remain breathable despite having water resistance. Popular brands of waterproof membranes include eVent® and Gore-Tex®.

The breathability of this type of material, however, is not as great as split-grain. Another downside to this material is that, since it doesn’t allow moisture to enter or exit, the feet can accumulate moisture from sweat during summer, thus rendering this shoes unfit for dry conditions and environment.

5. Nubuck leather

This is a full-grain leather, but it closely resembles suede. It’s buffed to make it look like suede, but it can resist water and abrasion and is highly durable. Similar to full-grain leather, hiking boots made of this require an extended break in period before it becomes completely flexible.

The most common materials used for Nubuck leather are nylon, polyester, and synthetic leather. Shoes made of Nubuck leather dries quickly, breaks in for a significantly lesser time than full-grain leather and is relatively cheap.

The main disadvantage of nubuck leather is that it is less durable than full-grain leather and shows wear sooner.

6. Vegan

Vegan is a type of synthetic leather. Usually, shoes made out of vegan materials target customers that do not want any product derived from an animal.

7. Insulation

Insulation materials for hiking boot uppers are thick and are often multi-layered. The purpose is to maximize insulation. Shoes with this material are perfect for cold and wet conditions.

8. Midsoles

The midsole is the part of the shoes that is widely responsible for the shoes cushioning effect. The material for the midsole determines how efficiently the shoes absorb and protect the feet from impact and how stiff the shoes is. There are two materials used for midsoles:

9. EVA

Ethylene vinyl acetate is the standard material for the midsoles of lighter and softer hiking boots. If you’re planning to go on a short hiking or hiking in the daytime with a less challenging environment, then EVA is the perfect material for the midsole of your shoes.

Not only does EVA cushion the feet well, but it is also a relatively cheap material. Shoes with EVA midsoles, thus, cost less than shoes with Polyurethane ones.

10. Polyurethane

This material is more expensive compared to EVA. The reason is that polyurethane is firmer and sturdier compared to EVA. If you want your hiking boots to last you long or if you want to go hiking for an extended period, then polyurethane is perfect for you.

Components

Your hiking boots should have additional components that make them breathable and durable depending on the terrain you are facing. The more innovative and sophisticated your footwear is, the more benefit it gives to your feet.

For example, a hiking boot that has improved torsional stability is ideal for rocky and rough terrains. Moreover, boots that are stiffer can give more support to your feet. This feature is essential for reducing pressure, especially if you are carrying a heavy backpack.

Internal Support​

Two important features that need to be present in the shoes are the shanks and the plates.

Shanks

This part of the shoe can either cover half or the entire length of the midsole and is responsible for adding stiffness to the midsole. This does not only improve the durability of the shoes, but it also increases the ability of the midsoles to absorb impact.

Plates

Hiking exposes your feet to rough and uneven terrains. Often, you will have to trek paths that are filled with rough stones, poking roots or thick twigs. The inclusion of the plates between the midsole and the outsole ensure that your feet are protected from being punctured and bruised by these things when hiking.​

Of course, even with all these components, hiking boots should never be bulky. It is still important to have lightweight footwear so that you can have superior performance when trekking.

Conclusion

All of these brands of hiking boot display superior performance and comfort when you take them on a rough trip. Many users of each of these footwear brands have already testified to the durability and stability of these boots, even on challenging terrains.

Moreover, their additional features such as waterproofing, abrasion resistance, and lacing technology make them a comfortable choice.

But what makes these hiking shoes truly stand out is the fact they are fit for men with wide feet! As I have mentioned, the performance of a hiking boot depends on how well it fits!

Because of these features, buying any of these shoes is a smart investment on your part. Not only they will improve your hiking experience, but they are also guaranteed to last a long time.