Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet [By Expert]

If you are blessed (or cursed) with wider feet, you are probably tired of your toes getting scrunched up in your shoes on those longer hikes. Instead of just dealing with the blisters on your digits, look for new hiking boots that are specifically designed for wide feet.

The winner of this product round-up is the Timberland White Ledge mid waterproof ankle boot, a comfortable and supportive shoe that stands the test of time. Made of full-grain leather, the White Ledges only look better with wear, and they are lined to be waterproof.

For a complete comparison of various shoes, check out our product round-up below to find the best hiking shoes for wide feet!

Product Reviews

Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot: Best Overall

The Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot is the winner of this product round-up. This fashionable boot comes in three colors and standard and wide sizes, so you can easily fit it to your feet comfortably. Made of 100% full-grain leather, the White Ledges are high in design and reliability.

These boots sport a seam-sealed construction, which means a waterproof lining on the inside of the seams to keep your feet protected from the elements. Along with this, the White Ledges have a “ReBOTL” recycled fabric lining for the environmentally conscious.

The uppers of this shoe are designed with full-grain leather, which holds up well to hiking and looks even better as it ages. Also, the hardware on the laces is rustproof and easy to use with a fast lacing hook system.

Keep in mind that because these shoes do not feature any mesh areas (except on the tongue), they are not breathable. However, they’re a better fit for chilly weather.

The outsoles are made of rubber with short multi-directional lugs for added traction. This type of short lugs is great for gripping dusty or flat trails and won’t pick up too much mud. The boots have a cushioned EVA footbed and midsole for support and comfort.

Pros

• Cushioned and supportive EVA foam midsole
• Full-grain leather
• Eco-friendly design
• Waterproof
• The fast hooking lace system
• Multi-directional lugs for traction

Cons

• Heavy
• It Maybe too warm for summer hikes

Keen Targhee II Waterproof Mid Hiking Boot: Most Premium Option

The Keen Targhee II Waterproof Mid Hiking Boot is the most premium option in this review. This is an all-terrain shoe that is meant to be performance-oriented. Keen shoes are known for running wide, and the Keen Targhee II boots are no exception. They are designed with a wider toe box, making them extra comfortable for those who need more space.

The Targhee are constructed with a waterproof “KEEN.DRY” membrane that also promises to be breathable while still keeping water out. The uppers are made of a premium nubuck leather, which wears well. The leather itself is treated with a durable water repellent for further protection. Along the tongue, there is a nylon mesh for added ventilation and comfort.

For even easier lacing, the Targhee feature speed hooks that simply pull your laces tighter with one tug and keep them secure. This way, you won’t have to worry about your laces untying on the trail.

The outsole is made of a durable, all-terrain rubber that won’t mark up your floors. The midsole is thick EVA to absorb shock. There is even a removable dual-density EVA footbed inside for added support at your arches. You will protect your feet from rough terrain with the internal shank, which provides stability.

Further protection comes from the leather mud shield at the front of the shoe. Also, the boots feather 4 mm lugs going in various directions for added grip on slippery surfaces.  The boots are also designed with “Cleansport NXT” to prevent odor.

Pros

• Speed hook lacing system
• Genuine nubuck leather
• Treated with durable water repellent and has a KEEN.DRY membrane
• Grippy outsole and removable EVA footbed
• Internal shank for protection and support
• Mud shield at front of the shoe
• Padded mesh tongue for comfort and breathability
• Contoured to the foot, lots of heel stability
• Odor prevention

Cons

• Expensive

Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: Most Technical

The Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking boots are the most technical option, perfect if you’re looking for a shoe built for mixed trails or more challenging technical trails. This type of shoe is a great option if you want to feel sure-footed no matter the terrain.

The Salomon holds your foot very securely to help with motion control, which keeps your ankles from rolling. The boot is equipped with an “Advanced Chassis” between the shock-absorbing EVA midsole and outsole. This chassis has plenty of foam for an extra cushion, making sure that the shoes are responsive.

In addition to heel support, the Salomon offers traction and stability. The multidirectional, deep Chevron lugs on the soles give plenty of grip, especially on loose dirt and mud.  The Salomons feature two types of durable Contragrip rubber along the surface of the soles for the best traction.

These boots also have a “Descent Control Technology” pattern along the bottom of the heel specifically designed to prevent you from slipping as you descend the trails.

The Salomons also feature a “SensiFit” system that helps the shoes feel snug on your feet. A gusseted tongue, which is attached to the upper part of the shoe along both sides, keeps debris out of your socks. There is also a mudguard near the base of the shoe.

The insoles are a molded OrthoLite sockliner, which is thin but soft and cushioned. This makes for an overall comfortable shoe.

The upper of these shoes is a mixture of textile and polyurethane-coated leather that ensures breathability, durability, and protection from the elements. For further waterproofing, these boots are equipped with GORE-TEX. The Salomons also feature a mesh and textile lining that promises to be breathable.

Pros

• Hold ankles securely
• Plenty of support from “Advanced Chassis”
• Multi-directional lugs for grip
• Descent control technology prevents slipping downhill
• SensiFit system for a snug fit
• Gusseted tongue keeps dirt out
• Mudguard
• OrthoLite sock liner is comfortable
• Upper is a mixture of leather and textile for durability and breathability
• Waterproof with GORE-TEX

Cons

• Rather expensive

Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot: Most Breathable

The Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot is the most breathable option. Although the uppers are made partially of nubuck leather, they feature plenty of nylon mesh areas for excellent ventilation to keep your feet from sweating. With all the mesh, these shoes are also relatively lightweight.

The outsole of this shoe offers plenty of grip with its Vibram Contact Grip rubber. The footbed is a dual-density EVA with an all-terrain EVA molded midsole and thermopolyurethane shank for stability. The midsole helps absorb shock and give added spring to your step. There is also a rubber protection cap to protect your toes if you accidentally hit any rocks.

These shoes are waterproof thanks to the GORE-TEX lining, which is a Teflon membrane with 9 billion pores per square inch that keeps moisture out while allowing evaporation of moisture from your feet (to prevent sweating and clamminess). There is also a quick-drying nylon mesh lining to wick away moisture.

Like the Salomons above, the Vasque shoes feature a padded, gusseted tongue to keep debris away.

Pros

• Nubuck leather with air mesh for ventilation
• Grippy outsole
• EVA cushioned footbed and EVA midsole with shank
• Rubber toe cap for protection
• GORE-TEX for waterproofing
• Wicks away moisture
• Relatively lightweight because of mesh

Cons

• Somewhat expensive

Danner Men’s Mountain 600 4.5″ Hiking Boot: Most Comfortable

The Danner Men’s Mountain 600 4.5″ Hiking Boot is the most comfortable thanks to its extra flexibility, performance-oriented cushioned midsole, inner shank, and OrthoLite footbed.

The Danners are equipped with a Vibram “Specialized Performance Elastomer” midsole for a higher level of cushion, support, and spring. For the outsole, you’ll find a multi-directional Vibram Fuga lug pattern for excellent traction on either wet or dry trails.

The outsole itself is also extra flexible with its flex lines that enable your foot to expand as needed. This is a great option for those with wide feet. There is also an OrthoLite footbed for added cushion and an inner shank for support.

The upper section of this shoe is made out of a lightweight suede leather, which is also waterproof and resists tearing. The shoes are equipped with a “Danner Dry” lining for further waterproofing.

Pros

• Lightweight suede leather upper
• “Danner Dry” lining (waterproof)
• Flex lines in the outsole for added comfort
• Multi-directional lugs
• Shank for support
• Cushioned and springy midsole with OrthoLite footbed

Cons

• Expensive

Skechers Men’s Element-Pelmo Hiking Boot: Best Budget Option

The Skechers Men’s Element-Pelmo Hiking Boot is an excellent choice if you’re budget-conscious and still looking for a reliable, comfortable hiking boot. These Skechers have a relaxed fit, which is great for wider feet as well.

The uppers of the Skechers Relment-Pelmo are made of suede and feature a lace-up design with hooks. The boots are equipped with a mesh fabric along the collar and laces for added breathability, great for those warmer hiking days. The tongue is padded and gusseted to prevent debris from entering as well.

There is a rubber toe bumper along the front for protection against impact, and the midsoles absorb shock to protect your joints. The lining of these shoes is soft for enhanced comfort, and there is a full-length memory foam insole to keep your feet from getting tired. The outsole is a durable rubber with added traction via lugs.

The whole shoe is seam-sealed for waterproofing, although there is no GORE-TEX here. Therefore, its waterproofing may not be as reliable.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Mesh for breathability
• Gusseted, padded tongue
• Rubber toe bumper for protection
• Shock-absorbing midsoles
• Soft lining
• Memory foam insole
• Good traction

Cons

• No GORE-TEX (not as waterproof)
• It May is not as durable as more technical shoes

Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot: Best Women’s Option

The Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is the best choice for women’s feet, as they come in a wide width and provide plenty of reliability, durability, comfort, and traction. These boots also feature an “M Select DRY” waterproof membrane to defend you against the elements while still remaining breathable.

The Moab 2’s are designed with a 100% suede leather and mesh upper for a combination of durability and breathability. There is a closed-cell foam tongue for comfort and to keep debris away.

The outsole of the shoe is a durable Vibram rubber with 5 mm lugs for additional traction.

There is a removable Merrell air cushion insole inside for added comfort and shock absorption at the heel. For added comfort and arch support, there is also an EVA contoured footbed and EVA midsole that improves stability. The shoes also feature a rubber toe cap and molded shank for protection against impacts.

Pros

• Leather and suede upper (durable yet breathable)
• Molded arch shank
• Lightweight
• Durable rubber outsole, EVA footbed, and midsole for stability and support
• Lots of traction with 5 mm lugs
• Air cushion insole
• Rubber toe cap
• Waterproof

Cons

• Somewhat expensive

Buying Guide: What to Know Before Purchasing

Cost

As far as price, you can find comfortable hiking boots in wide widths at a range of price points.

The most inexpensive shoe in this product round-up is the Skechers Men’s Element-Pelmo Hiking Boot, which normally runs as cheap as around $65. Although this shoe is inexpensive compared to others, it is a good entry-level boot that provides comfort and grip on the trails.

For those looking for a more tactical or technical option with extra features, like enhanced technology in the outsoles, midsoles, and uppers that provide additional support and traction, you may need to spend more.

For example, the Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking boots above cost up to $300. Keep in mind that these boots should last for many years and are best suited for serious hikers.

More: Hi-Tec Hiking Boots Review: Is it a Good Brand?

Weight

The weight of your hiking boots is important because shoes that are too heavy will really start to weigh down your legs near the end of a long hiking day. Typically, a pair of men’s hiking boots will weigh around 2 lbs.

Keep in mind that fully waterproof shoes will weigh more because of the added GORE-TEX lining or polyurethane coating that is necessary. The more mesh in the design, the more lightweight the shoe will be. However, shoes with mesh may allow water to seep in, which will really weigh down your boots.

More: Best Hiking Boots Under $100 According to Avid Hiker

Fit

The fit of the boot is also very important. If you’re interested in shorter day hikes in milder climates where you’re unlikely to encounter technical terrain or heavy weather issues, a low cut boot may be a great option. Low cut hiking boots are more lightweight but don’t provide as much ankle support or protection.

Mid cut (ankle) boots are more suitable if you’re planning on longer all-day hikes. If you may encounter more technical trails, look for at least an ankle boot to get that extra ankle support.

High cut boots go higher up on your legs and are the best choice for very cold or snowy weather where you need to protect your legs from the elements. This style of boot provides the most stability but will be the heaviest.

Tread and Traction

Check out the tread pattern on the boots to ensure it is a good fit for the terrain you plan to encounter. The gold standard for traction is durable rubber, which you’ll often see as “Vibram.” This provides excellent grip.

If you plan to hike on loose gravel, for example, you’ll want a shoe with deeper (longer) lugs that really dig into the gravel and prevent slippage.

For dusty hikes, though, shorter lugs are best because they’re easier to walk on. Also, shorter lugs don’t hold onto mud as badly as long lugs.

In addition to the lug length, the lug pattern itself is also important. Some shoes, for instance, are designed with a lug pattern that prevents you from slipping on icy terrain. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s specifications to find out which type of terrain the outsole is designed best for.

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Comfort

For comfort, look at whether or not the boot has an insole. Some shoes, such as the Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking boots above, are built with an OrthoLite sock liner or memory foam liner inside for extra cushion.

Also, the midsole of the shoe will likely be made of EVA foam for support and responsiveness. Look for a tongue that is designed with padding as well. This makes for an overall comfortable shoe.

Also, when picking out hiking socks, consider the fit and style of the hiking shoe, especially if your boots are mid-cut or higher. You may want to make sure that your sock is taller than the heel of the shoe to prevent blisters from forming. You can also purchase padded socks to keep your feet even more comfortable.

Breathability

Hiking shoes featuring a lot of mesh areas will have a greater amount of ventilation, which will help to prevent your feet from overheating. The mesh is typically made from a breathable nylon, which also makes the shoe more lightweight overall than an all-leather shoe.

FAQ

What is a wide last vs wide width?

This is one of the most important questions to understand when determining how wide you need your shoes to be.

The “last” is the wooden mold that the boot is pulled over and shaped around. Each boot manufacturer typically uses the same last for most of their boots. So, if a manufacturer typically creates boots with wide lasts, nearly all of their boots (even in medium width) will run wider than boots from other brands with narrower lasts.

Of course, make sure you try on the boots if you have the chance. It is possible for lasts from the same manufacturer to vary in width.

A wide width boot is just as it sounds: a boot that comes in a size “wide.” In this case, the manufacturer most likely created a boot in narrow (A, B), medium (C, D), and wide (E, EE, EEE) widths for different feet sizes.

More: The Best Hiking Boots Under $50 Right Now

How are wide shoes sized?

Shoes are typically sized with two measurements: length (which is a number) and width (which is a letter). So, you’ll see sizes like 10E and 8.5D.

Sizing for wide shoes is slightly different between men and women. Width sizes are determined relative to a men’s medium width (“D”) shoe.

A men’s medium (neither narrow nor wide) shoe has a width of “D”. Because men typically have wider feet than women, that same “D” shoe would be wide on a woman’s feet. So, in women’s shoe sizing, “D” is wide.

See below for size charts.

Can I just size up instead of getting a wider boot?

“Sizing up” in a shoe typically refers to the length of the shoe. In some cases, sizing up (as in, getting a size 11 instead of 10 length) will provide more room at the ball of your feet. This may be a suitable alternative to purchasing a wider size.

However, some shoes are designed with narrower toe boxes. In these cases, sizing up will likely not provide enough room for wider feet. The shoe will only become “longer” instead of actually expanding outwards.

So, the answer to this question is that it depends on the shoe. If you can, try on the shoe in at least two full-lengths and a couple of widths to determine the correct combination to fit your feet best.

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Should I be able to touch my toes to the end of the toe box?

The amount of space needed in the toe box is based on personal preference. Some people like to have extra wiggle room for their toes, while others don’t mind if their toes are touching the end of the toe box.

However, always keep in mind that as you hike, your feet will expand throughout the day. Because of this, if you purchase shoes in which your toes are already touching the end of the toe box, you may find that your toes are getting even more crunched at the end of a long hike.

This will probably be uncomfortable, so it’s typically recommended that your toes should be a thumb nail’s width away from the end of the toe box.

Conclusion

Hikers with wider feet may have a hard time finding boots that are comfortable and fit well. Hopefully, this product round-up has helped guide you towards a pair that you will love.

The winner of this product round-up is the Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot. These boots are waterproof, made with 100% full-grain leather, and designed for durability. Their grippy outsoles with multi-directional lugs also help prevent you from slipping on technical trails.

No matter which boots you choose, we hope to see you out on the trails soon!