Buy hiking boots for wide feet – What you should pay attention to in 2025
The best hiking shoes for wide feet are hard to find – especially if you:
- has wide or swollen feet,
- has flat, splayed or fallen arches,
- suffers from hallux valgus or rigidus.
When buying, pay attention to:
- a wide toe box,
- sufficient space in the midfoot area,
- half a size larger to compensate for swelling while hiking.
Personal experiences when buying lightweight hiking boots for wide feet
I can hardly find suitable hiking boots in brick-and-mortar stores because:
- normal shoe stores usually only offer standard sizes,
- Specialty stores often only carry low shoes for everyday use,
- Even there, outdoor models for wide feet are missing.
My advice:
- Buy online – there's more choice there.
- If shoes are too tight: use leather stretcher or stretch care spray.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Women's extra-wide hiking boots – the best models for wide feet
If hiking boots offer a wide toe box, they are particularly comfortable to wear for wide feet. Extra wide hiking boots are well suited for this. These wide hiking shoes for women are suitable for sensitive feet.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Men's hiking boots for wide feet – how to find the right model
Hiking is a wonderful way to experience nature and clear your head. But to really enjoy the trip, the right shoes are crucial. The choice of suitable hiking shoes is often limited, especially for men with wide feet. Fortunately, there are more and more manufacturers who offer wide hiking shoes for men.
When buying hiking boots, you should pay attention to the fit. If your feet are wider, a normal shoe will quickly pinch. That's why wide hiking boots for men are a good choice. They offer the space and comfort you need to cover long distances without discomfort.
There are various models and designs that are not only comfortable but also look stylish. Whether you are planning easy hikes or challenging tours, it is worth investing in good hiking shoes for men. Because only with the right footwear can you enjoy nature to the fullest.
Hiking boots for men with wide feet – what you should pay attention to
- You can buy hiking boots for wide feet for men with a wide shoe width here*
- You can buy men's extra wide hiking shoes here*
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Best hiking shoes for problem feet on easy paths
Personally, I have had very good experiences with lace-up shoes for easy hikes. These shoes for wide feet are also specially made for sensitive feet. If you wear these shoes while walking or hiking, you will hardly feel the condition of the ground you are walking on. They are also surprisingly light. They don't tire your legs as quickly as with other shoes. What I also like is that wide hiking shoes for women like these pair well with pants for any occasion. This means you'll cut a good figure even on formal occasions. This makes them perfect for longer trips where they can be used in a variety of ways.
Top recommendations: The best women's hiking boots for wide feet
I'm a big fan of Ganter shoes* (Advertisement). These are comfortable. They offer plenty of space for a wide forefoot. I also find it very pleasant that they are light and don't get tiring when walking. They look chic even though they are specifically for wide feet. Therefore, I can wear them on longer walks or hikes as well as in the city. This also proves to be very beneficial for travel.
Wide Hiking Boots for Women are suitable when the Terrain is rougher
If you are looking for hiking boots for wide feet, the choice is quite limited. With hiking boots, you should make sure that they give your joints support. They should reach over the ankles so that they are protected even in difficult terrain. This reduces the risk of injury if you buckle on uneven ground. Such boots are not cheap. However, this expenditure pays off when hiking.
Buying wide hiking boots online is easy
How to find suitable hiking boots online:
📏 Measure your feet correctly: Determine length and width.
📝 Read customer reviews: Pay attention to reviews from people with wide feet.
📦 Order multiple sizes: Use shops with free returns.
🧦 Test with hiking socks: This influences the fit.
🚶 Do a living room test: test run at home – including a small raise and squats.
💬 Read forums: Get tips from like-minded people.
🕓 Take your time: Don’t buy the first thing you see – it’s worth comparing!
The right size is important when you buy hiking boots for wide feet
When purchasing, pay attention to the following:
🦶 Your feet will swell when hiking – plan for this.
👟 Choose shoes at least half to a whole size larger.
🧦 Thick hiking socks need space – so choose more width.
👌 Nevertheless, the shoe should sit firmly on the foot, otherwise walking becomes tiring.
🕒 Shoes best try on in the afternoon – according to Stiftung Warentest, feet are then more realistically swollen.
Are wide hiking shoes suitable for your tour?
In order to answer this question, you should consider how often you hike. It is also important what kind of hikes you do. Are these more leisurely walks on well-developed paths? Does it go up from time to time? When hiking in the mountains, the paths are often rougher and lead over rocky ground than when hiking through the forest.
Trekking boots for wide feet – what you should know:
👟 Usually only available as unisex shoes.
🔁 Not all models are waterproof – check the label.
🪨 They must provide secure grip on uneven terrain.
🔧 Pay attention to a sturdy sole and lateral stability.
At MS Welltravel you will find extensive Tips on what you should consider when hiking for several days.
Which brands offer hiking boots for problem feet and wide feet?
Here we briefly introduce manufacturers of wide hiking boots:
- Meindl – the Meindl shoe sizes are narrow, medium and wide. For anyone who, like me, has a protruding big toe joint, the ComfortFit® size is suitable. It's also worth taking a look at the Meindl men's lightweight hiking shoes for women with wide feet. Men have wider feet, so women with wide feet can also find suitable hiking shoes there. When hiking boots have wide toe boxes, walking becomes easier.
- Hanwag – the shoe sizes “wide” and “Bunion” are suitable for wide feet. If you need a wide toe box, bunion sizes are suitable.
- Lowa – the shoe sizes are narrow, standard, wide and extra wide. Lowa often offers hiking boots of the same size with different widths.
- Keen – this manufacturer offers exclusively hiking shoes for wide feet for men, such as the Targhee III* (Advertisement). Shoe sizes are "Wide" and "Wide Fit."
- New Balance – this manufacturer has some hiking shoes for wide feet.
- Merrell offers models such as the Moab 3 Mid GTX Wide* (Advertisement) Robust, comfortable hiking boots for wide feet, ideal for easy to moderate tours.
- Salomon – when buying shoes for wide feet, you should look for the “Loose Fit” and “Wide Fit” options. Salomon offers both Hiking shoes for wide feet for men and women* (Display).
- Ganter – this manufacturer produces, among other things, lace-up shoes and sneakers. Shoes labeled “Sensitive” are particularly suitable for hiking.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Even if hiking shoes for problem feet are expensive, they are worth buying
One thing should be clear to you before buying. Wide hiking boots for problem feet are not cheap. On the contrary! Nevertheless, it is worth paying the high price. Your feet will thank you.
Have you packed everything for your hike in yours large backpack? With our hiking checklist you can check if you have everything with you.
Stiftung Warentest 2022: The best hiking boots tested
Stiftung Warentest has in its issue (Output 10 / 2022) conducted a new test for hiking boots. The testers focused primarily on comfort, even on difficult trails. They looked for waterproofness and breathability in high summer temperatures. The boots also needed to be as lightweight as possible to make them suitable for longer hikes. The testers tested the boots in practice, but also subjected them to a technical inspection. They paid attention to the durability of the hiking boots. They also examined the boots for harmful substances. The test winners were the following hiking boots:
-
- 1st place: Salewa Ws Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX hiking boots for women
- 2nd place: Apennin (lady) MFS by Meindl
- 3rd place: Renegade GTX Mid (Ws) by Lowa
However, all three test winners are not available in shoe width wide.
Hiking shoes Test for shoes for easy hikes
In the hiking shoe test for shoes for easy hikes, Stiftung Warentest relies on a test by the Austrian test magazine Verbraucher. It was tested how good the grip of the light hiking shoes is on wet and dry ground. The testers checked how robust and air-permeable the shoes were. They determined whether they protect against rain and blisters. They also made a point of being easy to put on and take off.
New tests for hiking boots 2025
The FAZ tested 2025 hiking boots in 39. This hiking boot took the
- Place 1: Meindl Baltimore GTX* (Advertisement)
However, it is not available in shoe sizes Wide or Extra Wide.
Trekking boots for long hikes
Trekking boots for wide feet are usually only available as unisex shoes. Wide hiking shoes for wide feet are particularly resistant and can withstand a long period of use in difficult terrain. Not all of them are waterproof. It is important that they offer good grip on unsafe terrain. You should pay particular attention to this when buying, especially if you are planning a trek through the wilderness.
Here you can find more hiking and trekking shoes
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Light hiking shoes with good cushioning
These hiking boots are well cushioned*. (Advertisement)
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Trekking shoes for women light
Are you looking for lightweight trekking shoes for women? You can find them here *. (Advertisement)
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Lightweight hiking boots waterproof
Is it important to you that your hiking shoes are waterproof? There is a difference between waterproof and waterproof. If you want to walk through the water with dry feet, waterproof hiking shoes are recommended. Shoes that combine leather with Gore-Tex are considered to be particularly waterproof. Gore-Tex is a material that is totally waterproof, while leather is tough and almost waterproof. The shoes in this selection are not specifically designed for wide feet. As a woman with wide feet, however, it is worthwhile to also look around at men's shoes. Gentlemen have wider feet. Therefore, light hiking shoes for wide feet are also tailored to them.
- Weatherproof shoes women you can find here*
- lowa hiking shoes women waterproof you can find here*
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Monika's recommendations: These hiking boots for wide feet convinced me
For me, hiking is more than just a pastime. It's a way to explore the world and stay fit at the same time. But I know from personal experience how important the right shoes are, especially if you have wide feet. That's why I'm sharing my personal recommendations with you today.
Ganter: My faithful companion
I have already taken many hikes with me Ganter shoes* (Advertisement) made. They are comfortable and offer enough space for wide feet. What I particularly appreciate is the longevity of this brand. Since we don't do any demanding hikes, these shoes are ideal for both pleasure hikes and sightseeing tours on city trips and walks.
Personal tip: Choosing the right socks
I have found that the choice of socks makes a big difference. Thick socks provide more cushioning while thin socks provide more breathability. There are also special ones hiking socks. Try what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brands offer hiking shoes specifically for wide feet?
There are some brands that specialize in hiking shoes for wide feet. These include, for example, Salomon, Keen, New Balance and Merrell.
How do I find out if a hiking shoe is suitable for wide feet?
A good indication is the availability of different width options. Many manufacturers offer models with different widths, such as "wide" or "broad". You should also pay attention to customer reviews in which other buyers with wide feet share their experiences.
What characteristics should a hiking shoe for wide feet have?
Hiking shoes for wide feet should have a generous toe box to provide enough room for toes. It is also important that the shoe offers good lateral stability and does not press too tightly on the sides. An adjustable lacing system can also be helpful in order to optimally adapt the shoe to the individual foot shape.
Are hiking shoes for wide feet as stable as other hiking shoes?
Yes, hiking shoes for wide feet can be just as stable as other hiking shoes. There are models specially designed for wide feet that have all the necessary features for good stability. When buying, make sure that the shoe has a sturdy sole, good cushioning and adequate arch support.
Where can I buy hiking boots for wide feet?
You can find hiking shoes for wide feet at outdoor stores that have a wide selection of brands and models. Online shops also offer a variety of options. Make sure the shop has a good return policy so you can exchange the shoes if they don't fit.
shoes for wide feet
If you need shoes for wide feet, you will find them here Wide-width sandals, comfortable Pumps for wide feet There's also here.
Hiking tips from travel bloggers
- What do you need for hiking
- Do you already know ours? Tips for hikes in Germany?
- Or are you looking for Tips for hikes in Austria?
About the author:
Monika Fuchs is a hiker and travel blogger with over 30 years of experience in tourism. As a former tour guide, she has led countless guided hikes in Europe and North America – from leisurely leisurely hikes to more challenging tours in the Alps and Rocky Mountains. Her practical experience on the trail flows directly into her product recommendations: She knows exactly what to look for in hiking boots – especially for wide feet, which she herself has. In her blog, she shares honest, practical tips. Her goal: to make hiking accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone.
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Source Best hiking shoes for problem feet: research and personal testing. Our opinions definitely remain our own.
Text Hiking shoes for problem feet: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Photos Best Hiking Shoes Wide Feet Women: © Copyright Amazon and Canva
