Finding a comfortable pair of boots when you have wide feet can be a nightmare, right?
But when it comes to hiking boots, it’s important to find a pair that fit you properly, as a spot of rubbing or pressure can put a swift end to your trip.
I’ve put together a list of the best hiking boots for wide feet in 2023 to make your search easier. All of the boots on this list are either slightly wide in their fit or come with wide sizing available, or both.
Have a read of the pointers at the end if you’re not sure how to choose your next wide fitting hiking boot.
The boots below are a mix of men’s and women’s but all of them come in both men’s and women’s styles and sizes and are equally good in either.
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Contents
- TOP 13 Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet 2023
- Oboz Women’s Sawtooth II Low
- Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid
- Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid
- Oboz Men’s Bridger BDRY
- Keen Women’s Durand 2 Mid
- Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 GTX Mid
- Vasque Women’s Canyonlands UltraDry
- Keen Men’s Targhee II Low
- Asolo Women’s TPS 520 GV
- Scarpa Men’s Kailash Trek GTX
- Danner Women’s Mountain 600
- Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid
- Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus
- What Should I Look for When Buying Wide Hiking Boots?
- FAQ
- Summary
TOP 13 Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet 2023
Oboz Women’s Sawtooth II Low
Review: Oboz boots are a great choice for wide feet. Not only are they slightly wide fitting anyway, but they have plenty of wide sizing options available.
Furthermore, their proprietary molded insole is particularly comfortable and supportive.
These low rise shoes are ideal for summer backpacking trips or day hikes. Their outsole even consists of a map of the infamous Sawtooth mountain range.
Pros
- Nubuck leather and breathable mesh upper.
- Sawtooth outsole with deep mud-shedding lugs.
- A tree is planted for every pair sold.
- Very comfortable molded insole.
- No break-in period required.
Cons
- Not waterproof – designed to be breathable for summer hiking.
Takeaway
These are the best women’s hiking boots for wide feet if you’re looking for a versatile summer shoe that won’t weigh you down or cook your feet.
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid
Review: The Merrell Moab is the go-to boot for hikers looking for a versatile, comfortable and durable option.
The mid height rise of this boot gives just enough ankle support without being overbearing and the mix of Nubuck leather and mesh throughout the upper provides more stability while remaining breathable and not too hot.
This ventilation makes them an amazing summer hiking boot. But, their 5mm Vibram lugs mean that they can handle a variety of terrains and surfaces too.
Pros
- Wide sizing available.
- 5mm Vibram lugs provide excellent traction.
- Breathable mesh panels in the upper.
- Durable Nubuck leather.
Cons
- Require a little breaking in (but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing).
Takeaway
The perfect all-rounder for the weekend 3-season hiker. These boots are some of the best wide hiking boots on the market.
Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid
Review: The Lowa Renegades are highly popular, top-rated hiking boots. Aside from coming in wide sizing, they are made with gender-specific lasts so the fit will be exceptional.
Completely waterproof with a 100% Nubuck leather upper and breathable Gore-Tex lining, they are well suited to a wide range of terrains and weather conditions.
New midsole technology keeps their weight down so you’ll be light on your feet mile after mile and their high-quality construction means that you really will be wearing them for many many miles before they start to show signs of wear.
Pros
- Wide sizing available.
- Waterproof Gore-Tex membrane.
- Moisture-wicking footbed.
- 100% Leather uppers.
- Vibram sole provides reliable traction.
Cons
- Pricey, but easily some of the highest quality available.
Takeaway
These are easily the best wide hiking boots for women if you’re looking for top of the line durability, waterproofing and comfort.
Oboz Men’s Bridger BDRY
Review: The Bridger hiking boots offer great stability and support with plenty of wide sizing available and a slightly higher rise than your average mid-rise boot.
They have reliable traction and waterproofing with more stability features than most hiking boots, including a molded EVA insole with a sculpted arch and TPU chassis in the midsole for torsional stability.
Their 100% leather upper and B-DRY waterproof membrane makes them a solid 3 season boot, or 4 season if you’re not doing any alpine stuff.
Pros
- B-DRY waterproof technology keeps your feet dry.
- Granite Peak outsole with 4mm multi-directional lugs.
- EVA insole provides great arch support.
- Comfortable and well cushioned.
Cons
- Likely to be hot in warm weather.
Takeaway
These are a really high quality and reliable pair of Oboz boots. They are easily some of the best men’s hiking boots for wide feet.
Keen Women’s Durand 2 Mid
Review: Keen boots are known for being extremely comfortable, especially for wide feet, and these boots are no exception.
The EVA footbed provides some nice arch support as well as cushioning for the trail.
The leather uppers are treated using PFC-free water repellent treatment while 4mm rubber lugs provide great off-road traction.
Pros
- Built using more environmentally friendly technology than other shoes.
- Extremely comfortable.
- Water repellent leather uppers.
- Wide sizing available.
Cons
- Soles will wear down quickly if you wear them on the road.
Takeaway
If comfort and a nice wide fit are your priority, you can’t really go wrong with these boots.
Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 GTX Mid
Review: Specifically built for wider feet, these popular boots are waterproof, very durable, and kitted out with reliable Salomon traction to keep you stuck to the trails no matter the terrain.
Providing a good amount of stability and arch support in a lightweight package, these boots are ideal for fast hikers looking to move quickly over technical terrain.
Pros
- Breathable Gore-Tex membrane.
- Good arch support and stability.
- No break in period required.
- Lightweight for a mid-rise boot.
Cons
- Some weaknesses to the waterproofing.
Takeaway
Lightweight but solidly constructed, these durable boots are comfortable and long-lasting making them a great choice for hikers who want to cover many miles.
Vasque Women’s Canyonlands UltraDry
Review: This mid-range boot from Vasque is another slightly more affordable option. It won’t have the same durability as some of the more expensive boots, but if you’re not hard on your footwear, these are an excellent value choice.
Their leather upper is waterproof with a moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet dry and comfortable, and the Vibram outsole ensures you’ll stay well-gripped to the trail.
Pros
- Good value for money.
- No break in period.
- Waterproof Nubuck leather upper.
- Vibram outsole provides great traction.
Cons
- May need to size up.
Takeaway
These Vasques are a reasonably-priced mid-range option, ideal for weekend hikers looking for a waterproof, leather option with minimal break in time.
Keen Men’s Targhee II Low
Review: The Targhees are available as mid-rise boots as well, but this low rise option is worth considering if you don’t have weak ankles and will mostly be sticking to well-formed trails.
You get all the benefits of Keen comfort in a slightly lighter and more affordable package.
Keen shoes are slightly wide fitting anyway, but these come with wide sizing available so you can be sure you’ll have plenty of space for your feet.
Pros
- Wide sizing available.
- Waterproof Gore-Tex membrane.
- Keen All-terrain rubber outsole.
- Very comfortable.
Cons
- Keen shoes don’t have the best durability over time.
- Low rise so will require hiking gaiters if you plan on getting wet.
Takeaway
If you’re not really hard on your shoes, the Keen Targhees are a super comfortable, summer hiking shoe.
Asolo Women’s TPS 520 GV
Review: These boots are about as sturdy and rugged as they come. If you’re looking for stability and don’t mind a bit of weight or the maintenance that comes with leather boots, these Asolos are a reliable choice.
The full-grain leather upper combined with the Gore-Tex lining makes for a completely waterproof boot.
Trust me, you can walk through a stream in these boots and a good pair of gaiters and your feet will stay dry.
Pros
- Full-grain leather and Gore-Tex upper.
- Vibram outsole provides excellent traction.
- Extremely durable and long lasting.
- Comfortable and very stable once you break them in.
Cons
- Take a bit of breaking in.
- Leather will require some maintenance if you get it wet.
- A little heavy – but you get used to it.
Takeaway
These boots won’t be comfortable out of the box – they’ll take some breaking in. But once you’re used to them, they provide a very stable, secure and comfortable hiking experience.
Scarpa Men’s Kailash Trek GTX
Review: Scarpa are widely thought to be one of the best brands when it comes to serious hiking boots. They’re as durable and high performing as it gets with, formidable traction and waterproofing.
The high rise ankle provides secure ankle support with plenty of plush cushioning and lacing that reaches the toe for a snug fit.
These are excellent year-round shoes for long or technical trails, though they may be a bit warm in the summer.
Pros
- Suede leather and Gore-Tex upper.
- TPU toe cap provides protection against trail obstacles.
- Vibram Biometric Trek rubber outsole.
- Lacing goes down to the toe for a secure fit.
- Spacious toe box and wide sizing available.
Cons
- Warm in hot weather.
- Pricey.
Takeaway
These are easily the best waterproof hiking boots for wide feet on the market. It doesn’t get much better than the Scarpa Kailash, if you can afford it.
Danner Women’s Mountain 600
Review: These boots may look like they’re more of a fashion statement than a functional hiking boot. But, it turns out they do what they’re supposed to do!
They’re very comfortable, supportive and provide good traction on a range of terrains.
The full-grain leather upper features Danner Dry waterproofing and an Ortholite footbed provides a soft underfoot feel.
Pros
- Very comfortable.
- Minimal break in required.
- Full-grain leather upper available in a range of colors.
- Warm in cooler temperatures.
Cons
- May need to size up.
Takeaway
These are a very comfortable, lightweight pair of hiking boots that work well for people with wider feet.
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid
Review: One of the more affordable options on this list, and the perfect option for the entry-level hiker, this Timberland boot is a popular choice for wide feet, with plenty of wide sizing available.
The full-grain leather uppers are completely waterproof making them ideal for wet or muddy hikes. (But they will require some maintenance if you want them to stay that way.)
They also come in a range of wide sizing options.
Pros
- Full-grain leather upper.
- Wide sizing available.
- Affordable.
- Recycled rubber sole.
Cons
- Ankle support is not reliable despite being mid-rise.
- Leather requires some maintenance if you want the boots to last.
Takeaway
If you’re looking for an affordable mid-level boot for easy year-round hiking, and don’t mind rubbing in some boot wax to leather every now and then, these Timberlands are a great choice.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus
Review: Columbia’s Newton Ridges are a super popular entry-level pair of hiking boots. They don’t quite have the durability or stability of better brands, but they’re a popular choice for people on more of a budget, looking for a versatile boot.
The traction is great, they are lightweight, waterproof and require little breaking in.
Pros
- Minimal break in needed.
- Great traction.
- Lightweight.
- Waterproof full-grain leather upper.
Cons
- Not as supportive as they could be.
- Some people may have issues with a crease in the toe box.
Takeaway
These are an affordable and versatile pair of entry-level hiking boots with plenty of wide sizing available.
What Should I Look for When Buying Wide Hiking Boots?
Hiking boots aren’t a cheap purchase that you make without thinking it through.
A good pair that will stand up to the rigors of the trail will cost enough to make you stop and think about what you’re spending your money on.
Being in a comfortable pair of boots or shoes that fit you correctly can make or break your hike. So, it pays to get it right first time.
There are a few key things to think about:
What Kind of Hiking are You Going to be Doing?
Are you going to be doing multi-day backpacking trips or day hikes? Hikes over rough terrain or well-formed trails?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help with the next ones.
How Much Ankle Support do You Need?
If you’re going to be hiking on well-formed trails and don’t have really weak ankles, you could walk in either hiking shoes (low-rise) or mid-rise hiking boots.
Mid-rise hiking boots will provide more ankle support. But unless you’re walking on an undulating trail with rocks and tree roots that could cause you to twist your ankle, this isn’t really necessary, and you may come to depend on the support and develop weak ankles!
If you are going to be hiking on rough routes that involve some rock scrambling, bush bashing or steep slopes, you’ll want at least mid-rise boots, maybe even high-rise.
What Weather Conditions will You Mostly be Hiking in?
This decides whether you opt for waterproof boots or not.
It’s easy to think that waterproof must always be superior to non-waterproof, but this is not always the case.
For example, in places like New Zealand where you have to do so many stream and river crossings that its common practice to leave your boots on and walk through them, waterproof boots are less practical because they hold onto all of the water that enters over the top and you end up walking in a pond.
Waterproof boots are also not a guarantee to keeping your feet dry in wet conditions (although pairing them with good gaiters can help a lot). If they’re not breathable enough, your feet will sweat and get damp that way.
And, in hot weather, waterproof boots tend to be very warm to hike in, and take a really long time to dry out once they do get wet.
It really doesn’t make much sense to choose waterproof boots if you’re mostly going to be hiking in summer. If you know you’re going to be a summer hiker, have a read of our guide to the best summer hiking boots.
On the other hand, if you know you’re going to be doing a lot of winter hiking, choosing boots that are waterproof, higher rise (to keep the snow out) and insulated will be the way to go. We have a guide to the best winter hiking boots right here to get you started.
How Wide are Your Feet?
I’m guessing that since you’re here, you have wide feet. Generally speaking, most hikers with wide feet would do well to choose wide sizing to accommodate the extra width without adding unnecessary length.
However, some people may find that choosing a brand that doesn’t fit narrow and going up half a size could also work, if their feet aren’t too much wider than normal. This can open up your options a little.
Another option, for women at least, is to consider a men’s boot. Men’s boots tend to be made a little wider than women’s boots.
So if there is no wide sizing available in the boot you want, you could try the men’s equivalent in your length and see if it’s wide enough. The only downside to this is that men’s boots can be heavier and stiffer than women’s.
If you prefer to stick to gender-specific footwear, that’s understandable! It can make things a lot more comfortable.
We have guides to the best hiking boots for men and hiking boots for women to make your search easier.
Do Your Feet have Other Problems?
Problem feet? I hear you. Bunions, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, can all cause pain if you’re not in the right kind of footwear.
Bunions need a wide toebox to allow plenty of space for the protrusion to sit comfortably.
Plantar fasciitis sufferers usually benefit from a little arch support and a well cushioned footbed (although you can add your own insert which will help a lot with this).
Meanwhile, flat footed hikers often need wider boots (you’re in the right place!), good stability and also appreciate a cushioned platform.
For more boots well suited for plantar fasciitis, read this, and for more boots for flat feet, read this.
FAQ
What is the best hiking boot for wide feet?
The best hiking boot for wide feet is the boot that fits your particular foot shape properly as well as suiting the style of hiking you’re going to be doing and your budget.
All of the boots on the list above are great choices for wide footed hikers.
What hiking boots have a wide toe box?
Many hiking boot brands now make boots with nice, wide toe boxes, as the industry recognizes how important a spacious toe box is for healthy toe splay.
However, some brands are known for having reliably wide toe boxes. These include Keen, Merrell, Oboz, Vasque and Danner.
Should I buy wide hiking boots?
If you have wide feet, you should definitely buy hiking boots in a wide size rather than just sizing up.
If the boots end up being too long for you then you’ll have other problems!
Should you buy boots half a size bigger?
Buying boots half a size bigger is generally safe as hiking socks can be pretty thick and you want to be extra sure that your toes won’t hit the end of your boots when you walk downhill.
However, any more than half a size bigger and you’re looking for trouble.
How much toe room should hiking boots have?
The general rule of thumb (pun not intended) is that there should be about a thumb width of space between the end of your big toe and your boot.
You can safely have a little more to allow for thick socks, but if there’s too much space, you run the risk of the toebox area creasing too far forward for your toe joints and rubbing on your toes.
Do Merrell shoes have a wide toe box?
Most people find that Merrell shoes and boots have spacious toe boxes. However, as wide feet are often wide through the whole forefoot, it pays to still choose wide sizing if you have wide feet.
Is it ok to wear boots a size too big?
Generally speaking, it’s better to wear boots that fit your feet. Even a size too big could result in heel slippage, rubbing and/or blisters.
Also, boots that are too big could make you less coordinated, having larger, ungainly objects on your feet that could cause you to trip more easily.
Summary
Thank you for reading this guide to the best hiking boots for wide feet of 2023! Hopefully, you’ve found a pair you like the look of and are already planning your next hike!
Please share your thoughts in the comments section below if you’ve tried out any of these boots or have others that you would recommend.
And be sure to download our free solo travel guide if you haven’t already to make sure you’re as prepared as you can be!
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Karlis Kikuts
Coffee addict. Digital nomad. Solo traveler and blogger. Camping and hammocking enthusiast. Tiny book worm. In other words, the guy behind independentwolf.com
