Best Hiking Boots For Wide Feet: Top 5 Picks

By mattv

Updated:

It’s not easy having wide feet. I know, because I have had them my whole life. There are certain brands of shoes that will just never fit my feet. The same is true for hiking boots and hiking shoes. If you do have wide feet there are only so many options that are going to keep your feet happy and free of blisters on your hikes. Hiking Daily is going to make your mission to find the best hiking boots for wide feet super easy.

In this guide, we only showcase hiking boots that are truly a wide fit. These are also the newest and best options you can get right now.

Top 5 Picks For The Best Hiking Boots For Wide Feet (Men + Women)

Our Top PicksMen’sWomen’sWhy Buy?
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof WideCheck REICheck REIBest all-around, cushiony comfort
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf Gore-TexCheck REICheck REITraditional style and modern comfort
Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide Mid Gore-TexCheck REISalomonFast, lightweight, power hiker
Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid WideCheck REICheck REIDurable shoes with no break-in period
Oboz Bridger Vent Mid WaterproofCheck REICheck REIBreathable waterproofing and rugged sole

All of the above hiking boots are available for both men and women. Each boot is waterproof. Some are available in a non-waterproof version if you live in a hot or dry climate. Let’s get into the details of each hiking boot and what they offer.

1. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Wide

If you want a hiking boot that comes in a wide fit and is built with a focus on cushion and comfort, then the Merrell Moab 3 Mid is the best option for you.

If we had to pick the best all-around hiking boot for most people with wide feet, this would be it.

Moab 3 Mid has been one of the most popular hiking boots having been worn by over 20 million people to date. This is the perfect hiking boot for those that like a relaxing and leisurely hike. Recently update from the Moab 3, the boot is better than ever.

  • Waterproof + breathable (Note, this boot also is available with Gore-Tex)
  • Durable suede leather and mesh upper
  • Protective rubber toe cap
  • Bellows tongue keeps debris out
  • EVA midsole delivers stability and comfort
  • Nylon arch shank for extra support
  • 5mm lug depth provides excellent traction
  • Vibram TC5+ outsole
  • 1012 grams

Why we recommend: Best overall hiking boot for wide feet for most hikers that want sustained comfort and cushion.

2. Danner Mountain 600 Leaf Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

The style of these all-leather hiking boots hasn’t changed much since Danner started making boots in 1932 but the technology has. The ankle-high boot is lighter and more flexible than it looks. And like traditional hiking boots, the Danner 600s can be resoled and repaired. This boot fits large so Danner recommends try a half size down.

  • Full-grain leather
  • 2-layer GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane contains 45% postconsumer recycled materials
  • Rubberized EVA midsole provide long-lasting cushioning
  • Midsole is designed to enhance rebound, comfort and support
  • Self-adapting lugs move with your feet for better traction and stability
  • Vibram Megagrip compound for incredible grip on both wet and dry surfaces

Why we recommend: Traditional waterproof ankle-high leather hiking boots with modern comfort and flexibility.

The Danner Trail 2650 Mid is a lightweight trail-to-town shoe for wide feet but only in men’s sizes.

3. Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide Mid GTX

If you are looking for a lighter more athletic hiking boot that comes in a wide fit, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide Mid GTX is a superb option.

  • Waterpoof and breathable with Gore-Tex
  • Super grippy dual rubber Contagrip TD outsole
  • Multi-directional deep aggressive lug pattern
  • Lightweight chassis between midsole and outsole
  • High performance EVA foam midsole with EnergyCell technology
  • Polyurethane coated leather for extra protection and durability
  • Anti-debris mesh and gusseted tongue keeps debris out
  • Descent Control Technology makes the downhills more stable and in control
  • Protective toe cap

Why we recommend: This is the best lightweight hiking boot for wide feet for hikers that are aggressive and want to move fast over rough terrain.

4. Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid Wide

For years Keen is a brand that is known to comfort troublesome feet. This is true for wider widths as well. The Keen Targhee III has become an iconic hiking boot that works for all types of terrain that you can encounter on your hikes. This is another super durable and protective hiking boot in a wide width.

  • Waterproof KEEN Dry membrane
  • Large durable rubber toe protection and mud shield
  • Premium leather and mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • TPU heel-capture system delivers extra stability on the trails
  • ESS shank offers lightweight support
  • KEEN All-Terrain rubber outsole
  • 4mm multi-directional lugs
  • Dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole for support and cushion
  • Anatomically shaped (removable) footbed for added support

Why we recommend: This hiking boot for wide feet is perfect for those that want a balance of comfort, support, and protection.

5. Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof

The Oboz Bridger is another very good all-around hiking boot for wide feet. This boot provides a great combination of support and ventilation. The Bridger also protects your feet on those extra long rocky hikes in the mountains with a TPU chassis and tough outsole.

  • Waterproof B-DRY membrane
  • Mesh liner wicks moisture and dries quickly
  • Nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant synthetic upper is both durable and breathable
  • TPU forefoot plate for stability and underfoot protection (against rock bruising)
  • O-Fit insole (or just go for an after-market insole)
  • Stiff Granite Peak outsole is stiff and protective (rocks and roots)
  • Aggressive lug tread
  • Rubber toe cap protection

Why we recommend: Much like the Keen boot, this Oboz Bridger delivers a good blend of comfort with a little bit more foot protection.

Quick summary

You really can’t go wrong with any of our top 5 picks. Try to match up the type of hiker that you are with the reasons we recommend each hiking boot. Some options above are better for relaxed leisure hikers. While others are better suited for athletic, aggressive, fast hikers that need extra under foot protection from rocks, roots, and more challenging terrain.

Top features and considerations when buying hiking boots for wide feet

Not all hiking boots are equal. If you were to try on each of the options we recommend, you will experience subtle differences. We encourage you to buy a few top options online and compare them in the comfort of your own home. Get an idea of what feels the best, and then simply keep the pair you like most and return the ones that are not perfect.

Fit

Each brand and each model of hiking boot is going to feel a little different on your feet. This is why we recommend buying 2-3 options and testing them out at home. All of the hiking boots featured in this review are specifically for wide feet, yet one or two of them will definitely feel better on your foot shape. Some boots will have a wider toe box. Others will fit more snugly in the heel area. While others might have a more defined or sculpted arch support. Finally, some boots will have more or less room in the instep area of the boot. Take the time to feel out these subtle differences to make a great choice.

Weight

You will generally find lightweight options and regular weight options. If you are more athletic and move quickly and thus cover greater distance on a day hike you probably will want a lighter weight boot. If you are a leisurely hiker you will want something that has more cushion and support, these types of hiking boots are going to weigh a bit more. None of the boots we recommend are overly heavy to wear.

Tread / Grip / Traction

The tread is one of the most important features that you should pay attention to when buying hiking boots. Specifically, the depth and pattern of the lugs underneath your feet. We recommend hiking boots with a lug depth of 4-5 mm that have a dispersed multi-directional pattern to maximize grip on the trail. Also, pay attention to the rubber compound. Will it perform in a variety of weather conditions? Outsoles that are made of 2 or more types of rubber will give better grip and traction in dry, wet, or snowy conditions.

Durability

The more leather that your hiking boot has in the upper (top) of the boot, the more durable it will be, and thus last longer. Nubuck is the most durable leather you will find, then suede. Watch out for “synthetic” leather (found in some Merrell hiking boots) which is likely less durable.

The more synthetic materials found in the upper will add more breathability and be less heavy but also less durable in the long run.

Breathability

In general, waterproof hiking boots are less breathable. If you live in a dry and hot climate you are probably better off going with a non-waterproof version. This is an option with some of our top picks above.

The more leather in the upper means less breathability and ventilation for your feet. The more synthetic fabric used in the upper will increase ventilation and breathability. All of our top picks have a fairly equal ratio of leather to synthetic materials.

Waterproof vs. Not

Think about where and what season you will be hiking. If rain and snow is something you expect to encounter time to time than get a pair of waterproof hiking boots with either a GORE-TEX lining or something similar. If you live and hike in warm dry climates waterproof hiking boots are not the best option since they are less breathable.

Comfort

Think about the type of terrain you will be hiking. If you hike on softer dirt trails with no rocks or roots you should get a more cushiony yet moderately supportive oriented boot. On the other hand, if you hike in the mountains on rocky terrain, you are going to want a hiking boot that has more underfoot protection against rock bruising. A TPU shank or chassis will accomplish this and thus keep your feet comfortable and protected. A stiffer outsole will also help to protect your feet.

Mid vs. High Cut

All hiking boots are either a mid cut (around or slightly below the ankle) or a high cut (above the ankle). This compares to hiking shoes which are cut below the ankle. The higher the cut, the more protection and ankle support.

Hiking Boot Parts

Upper

This is the top of the hiking boot. It is made of leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of the two.

Midsole

The midsole is the part sandwiched between the upper and the bottom of your hiking boot. Most midsoles are made of two types of compressed EVA foam. This part of the hiking boot provides cushion and foot support.

Outsole aka Tread

Finally, the outsole is the bottom of the hiking boot that is a combination of tread and foot or toe protection.

We recommend tough rubber Vibram outsoles if you can find them. Vibram has a long time reputation of durable and grippy treads.

Lacing Systems

Examine how the laces are tied up. Some use leather which is more durable, while others use synthetic loops that are lighter but are prone to ripping or tearing. Other boots will have metal or plastic hooks to help keep your laces tightly wrapped around your feet and ankles.

GORE-TEX

This is a lining that you will find in many waterproof hiking boots. This fabric keeps water out but allows moisture (sweat) to escape and is thus breathable. Some manufacturers use their own proprietary version of a waterproof breathable lining.


Want more information? Be sure to check out our footwear section. Or, check out our complete guides to the: Best hiking shoes for men, best hiking shoes for women, best hiking boots for men, best hiking boots for women, and best kids hiking shoes.

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