Buying the right hiking boots can sometimes prove challenging for people with various foot conditions. As for me, I have flat feet and often find it hard to find a pair that gives me the support that I need while at the same time preventing foot issues while I walk.
If you suffer from this same issue, you’ll be happy to know that many brands make hiking boots that cater to flat-footed hikers.
Keep reading to find out my recommendations for the best hiking boots for flat feet, which include everything from traditional hiking boots to hiking shoes, so you’ll find exactly what you need to suit your adventures.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Merrell Moab 2 Vent
#2ND BEST CHOICE
KEEN Targhee 2 Mid
#3RD BEST CHOICE
Salomon X Ultra 3 Gtx
Our Top Recommended Hiking Boots For Flat Feet
1) Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
The Merrell Moab is known for its comfort level and the excellent cushioning that they provide on the heel.
This lightweight shoe is a great option for adventurers who want a high-performing shoe that isn’t a traditional hiking boot. Although these hiking shoes seem minimalist, they provide stability, support, and breathability.
This added padding absorbs shock very well, which is an important feature for flat-footed hikers.
They advertise as being true to size, and I did find that to be the case. When I ordered my regular size, they fit well and were the right fit directly out of the box.
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2) KEEN Targhee II Mid-Hiking Boots
This completely waterproof boot offers extra heel support as well, making it one of the most versatile boots for flat-footed hikers.
The Targhee II is one of the best boots for flat feet because of its excellent arch support.
These boots can cost a bit more than some of the others, but we found them on sale, and their excellent comfort and durability make them worth the investment. Of all the boots I tried on, this pair proved very suitable for hiking long distances.
These also make a great option for hikers who prefer a 100% full-grain leather boot.
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3) Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
They’re also very comfortable, and the OrthoLite insole works great for flat feet because it provides excellent cushioning.
If you want truly waterproof hiking boots, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid has a Gore-Tex membrane that works great at completely blocking out water.
That feature and the EVA midsole, which absorbs shock well, make this option a great choice.
I was interested in trying out their descent control technology, which says that it helps to stabilize you as you walk downhill, even if the terrain is slippery. When I tested this feature out, I found that it really did help me to feel more secure on some wet rocks.
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4) Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX
These definitely provided my foot with excellent support during a summit hike, and rigidity through the arch protected my fallen arches well.
If you’re looking for a pair of rugged hiking boots that will take you comfortably through the mountains or roughest terrain, the Salomon Quest 4 makes a great option. These boots are designed for extreme conditions and hold up well to their claims.
Although they are expensive, they are built to last and made of high-quality premium nubuck leather with a gore-tex membrane. They’re also lightweight, a rare find in a boot with this type of construction, which is part of why they made our list of best-hiking boots for flat feet.
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5) Timberland Mt Maddsen Mid Leather
This leather boot is waterproofed as part of the tanning process, making it hold up better than other waterproofing methods.
This boot brands itself as “anti-fatigue”, and the geometric cone technology built into the midsole provides comfort when standing, shock absorption, and helps keep energy levels. These features make it one of the best hiking boots for flat feet.
Customers say that the waterproofing held up well over time also. In my short experience testing them out, it seems to hold up well, but only time will tell if this continues in the long run.
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6) Vasque Talus Low Hiking Shoe
The excellent support partly has to do with the thermoplastic urethane (TU) shanks in the footbed. These shanks work great for providing enhanced stability to the arch and heel.
For hikers with flat feet looking for a hiking shoe rather than a boot, the Vasque Talus makes a great option. It’s not only supportive in the right places but also very lightweight and breathable.
They also have a waterproof membrane which keeps your feet dry in muddy or rainy conditions. I was slightly disappointed in the color options, as only two colors appear available, and none of them really matched my style.
However, I could overlook it because of the way they worked well with my flat feet.
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7) Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
Over several minutes, I tested these out while standing in shallow water, and the waterproofing completely kept everything out. My feet stayed cozy and dry thanks to them.
Columbia has made quality hiking boots for a while now, so it’s no wonder that they make our list of best hiking boots for flat feet. These boots come in various colors and are made of waterproof material that holds up well.
The rubber sole of these boots features a multi-terrain traction system suitable for many different terrains, including ice and snow. The Techlite midsole provides great cushioning. My flat feet really felt comfortable and well-supported in these boots.
And if you’re wanting to get these boots for your children, Columbia makes this version of hiking shoes for kids as well.
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8) KEEN Targhee III Low
The ankle support on these is exceptional, and they have a durable waterproof cover that helps them hold up well in harsh weather.
As the second pair of KEEN hiking shoes to make our list, the Targhee III is a great pair of low-height hiking shoes for flat feet that’s both supportive and waterproof.
I like this pair because their removable insoles allow me to insert my own custom orthotics to enhance the arch and heel support.
The Targhee III has a traditional hiking boot style but also has an option for an Oxford shoe, which is rarely seen with hiking shoes that hold up well in the outdoors.
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9) Timberland White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot
This leather upper hiking boot is one of Timberland’s best sellers for many reasons. It’s especially good for winter hikes and outdoor activities.
Its extra stability is nearly unmatched, and these boots greatly eliminate foot and leg fatigue and other issues that hikers with flat feet often face on the trail. You can also remove the insoles and replace them with your own, another important feature for people with flat feet.
I appreciated the speed-lace hardware on these, making them easy to put on and take off and supporting various lacing configurations.
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10) Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot
The shock-absorbent Vibram soles and reinforced toe make them comfortable in tough environments. They also are good at preventing slippage on wet rocks.
Lowa Renegade Gtx Mid hiking boots are a great option for people with flat feet who do a lot of day hikes on moderate terrain. They support loads of up to 25 pounds, so you can count on them to hold up when you’re carrying a backpack.
I liked the look of these hiking boots because they came in some unique color combinations that other hiking boots don’t offer, making them stand out on the trail.
Although these boots are quite pricy, they hold up well and kept my flat feet comfortable during some long day hikes.
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11) Asolo Falcon GV Hiking Boot
They’re as durable as heavier boots, but the elastomer-based footbed is much lighter than the ones that have full leather construction.
If you like wearing hiking boots but want something a bit more or a lightweight feel these boots are a great hybrid between traditional hiking boots and hiking shoes.
Many reviewers said they were comfortable right out of the box, and I agree with that assessment. These boots required not breaking in time at all before I was comfortable wearing them, even with my flat feet.
Even though they’re a lower profile than some other hiking boots, they still provide great ankle support. The waterproofing also works well in rainy conditions, muddy terrain, or wintery weather.
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Flat Feet Hiking Boots Buyer’s Guide
We considered the following criteria as we analyzed and tested the different hiking boots on the market for flat feet. These criteria helped us determine our 11 best hiking shoes for flat feet.
1. Fit
We checked every pair we tested to ensure a secure fit and that the hiking shoes prevented our heels from slipping. We also ensured that areas didn’t rub or cause blisters and worked well for a pain-free hike.
2. Weight
We looked for shoes that were light in weight and avoided making our feet feel fatigued while walking. This feature is important, especially if you’re carrying a heavy load and don’t want anything extra weighing you down.
3. Tread
Hiking boots with a good tread pattern and a rubber outsole will help to give you high traction on slippery surfaces and prevent falls or other injuries.
All of the boots on our list provide great traction on various terrains.
4. Cost
We made sure to include some budget-friendly options on the list because, although a quality pair of hiking boots can be expensive, there are great options out there for hikers on a budget. More expensive does not always mean better.
5. Cushioning
This area of evaluation is perhaps the most important for hikers with flat feet. People with fallen arches need this extra level of cushion to remain without pain. All of the options on our list provide the ultimate comfort for someone with a flat foot.
6. Comfort
Nothing is worse than experiencing discomfort during the middle of a hike. We ensured that we tested the best hiking shoes for flat feet that made our feet comfortable for long distances and included features like a contoured footbed or memory foam.
7. Material
We also looked at whether or not the shoes were breathable enough to prevent feet from getting sweaty and to wick moisture away adequately.
We included boots made of various high-quality materials from leather to gore-tex and mesh and picked the ones that resisted wear and tear and held their shape well.
8. Performance
We made sure that the hiking boots we tested gave a good performance in various environments and trail types, including providing extra support and added protection to the foot.
Whether you’re on rugged terrain or rocky ground, the footwear on our list performed well.
What Else Do We Consider When Choosing the Best Hiking Boots for Flat Feet?
We know how hard it can be to find your best hiking shoes when you’re flat-footed, so we not only looked at the boot features as described by the manufacturer but also considered what other customers said about the footwear and the ease of purchase.
Feedback
We looked at how other customers rated the product and considered the number of complaints and what they were about when choosing the shoes for our list.
Shipping
We always ensure that the footwear can ship quickly, has a reasonable shipping cost, and arrives neatly packaged and in good condition.
Warranty
If a manufacturer offers a warranty, it basically means they stand behind their product, so we consider this as well when we choose the shoes on our list.
What Is the Difference Between a Regular Shoe and a Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet?
Hiking shoes designed for flat feet will have a bit more of a relaxed fit than other types of shoes to accommodate the width of the foot. They also will have more cushioning to better protect and support the foot when walking longer hikes.
These extra features will help you to overcome your arch support issues.
What Other Things Could Help When Hiking With Flat Feet?
If your flat feet bother you while you hike, you may want to use a special orthotic insole to improve the support for the arches and heels of your feet [1].
These insoles can also add more cushion to this area and give you all the stability you need for your hiking adventure.
Our Number 1 Pick
I enjoyed testing all of the different hiking shoes for flat feet on our list. If I had to choose one to recommend the most, it would be the Merrel Moab 2 Vent hiking shoe.
They also got many solid reviews from other customers.
These shoes felt super comfy during a long hike, and they are also very durable boots with a breathable lining that wicks moisture away well.
FAQs
Yes, people with flat feet can hike without pain or discomfort, provided that they wear shoes with ultimate support and a shock-absorbing midsole.
Merrell makes good hiking shoe options for people with flat feet. The Merrell Moab 2 is one of the best footwear options for people with this type of foot condition.
Salomon boots are great shoes for flat feet. The OrthoLite supportive footbed provides extra comfort and stability to help the foot remain supported throughout the duration of your day hike or longer outdoor adventure.
Yes, ideal hiking boots should always have some sort of support for the arches to absorb shock and help prevent pain from walking. Make sure you choose boots that work well with your feet, whether they are flat or have a high arch.
