Hiking can be an enjoyable outdoor activity if you have the required gear. Ranging from a good helmet, protective clothing, and other accessories, getting well-fitted hike boots can mean bliss for you.
As we know, hike boots come in different colors, purposes, and sizes. Not only that, hike shoes are designed for both genders, men and women alike.
You might end up becoming exasperating and frustrating when you put on the wrong hike boot size. Getting a Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet is much easier than you can ever imagine. Let’s go deeper.
Features of Good Hiking Boots
Great hiking boots can boost your performance and comfort. You need to understand these vital features before you make your next purchase.
Comfort
Your boot is regularly supposed to provide optimal comfort for your feet. An ideal hiking boot should keep your feet not only dry and cool but it should also protect you from blisters. Instead of choosing stylish boots, check out those hiking boots that make you feel comfy. Comfort in your boot equals being free from injuries during an outdoor activity. A rule of thumb for you is to keep away from narrow boots, as they can deprive you of the needed comfort.
Weight
Do you wish to improve your hiking experience? Go for lightweight boots. It is a known fact that many good hikers prefer shoes that allow moving quickly without losing out on flexibility and comfort. A heavier shoe will exasperate you and drain your energy faster than ever.
Stability
Hiking activity requires a lot of balance. You cannot trade it for anything else. Hiking footwear is expected to offer you complete support and prevent you from slipping off. One major part that makes stability possible is the tread of your boot. The deeper the track, the firmer you will be on the ground.
To confirm if your new hiking boot will grant you enough balance, squeeze the rear of your boot. If you can easily twist it, your boot will not cushion you with the maximum stability you may need for your outdoor activity. Generally, good hiking boots do resist twisting and compression. Unstable boots are easily twisted.
Breathability
Not having enough air circulate your feet in your hiking boot can cause you to have rashes. A sunny and hot day can make you get heated in the feet. Getting a breathable boot would come in handy to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Look out for boots that provide you with upper part material that would allow air to come in, keeping your feet fully aerated, dry, calm, and comfortable.
Types of Hiking Boots
Hiking shoes
Hiking shoes have become popular in recent times. Due to its flexible midsoles, you can use hiking shoes for light traveling. It features a low-cut ankle, thereby affording the necessary comfort and flexibility for your darling feet. It makes the perfect choice for long-distance travel since they are light-weighted, compact, and easy to pack. You enjoy it more when the trails are flat, and the added support for your ankle keeps you protected from slip.
Lightweight hiking boot
Are you looking for cheaper yet sturdier hiking boots? Lightweight boots can be a fantastic idea for you. It can take you for an entire day of hiking activity and related outdoor activities. They might not be as challenging as the midweight or heavyweight boots, and your support is assured any day, anytime.
Midweight Hiking Boots
Here, we see slightly heavy hiking boots. If you plan on going on a backpacking trip, the mid-weight hiking boots can be the most suitable for this purpose. The shoes give optimal grip and traction to tread on the snow, mountain, and other rugged terrain while maintaining your balance on the trip. Usually, the category of boots is way stiffer than the lightweight version but not excessively stiff. Owing to the top-notch materials used in manufacturing the heavy outsole, they could come out relatively costlier than their lightweight counterparts.
HeavyWeight Hiking Boots
Have you ever heard of first-generation hiking boots? Heavyweight boots are built with high-quality leather and can carry through any steep or rugged terrain; other types of boots will not dare to step in.
These options appear to be an excellent option for you if you don’t give a hoot about flexibility. Also, if you are the type that loves hiking with a baby carrier, the heavy-duty boots are most suitable to cater for the support your arches will be needing. Rugged terrain can no longer be an excuse for hiking with these fantastic boots.
Hiking Boots Sizing Guide
Ideal hiking boots should offer you optimal comfort and flexibility when you are out for your outdoor activities. Below are some helpful clues to help you get started on the right track.
Fit snugly with your feet
Hiking boots are not too tight or too loose; they should fit snugly with your feet. When you wear your boot for the first time, there should be at least a quarter-inch at the back of your heel. Perfectly fit boots allows you to wiggle your toe during the day’s hike. You don’t want to be caught unprepared!
Use appropriate socks
Using familiar socks can save you many heartaches before purchasing your new boots. When you use synthetic socks, you are protected from blisters, rashes, and other similar foot conditions.
Identify your shoe size.
For some people, one foot may be slightly longer than the other. As such, it is always advisable to try on the boots and make sure they fit perfectly without being too tight or too loose. The presence of a finger space is an indicator you are wearing your perfect fit.
Spend quality time in your new boots before purchasing them
After you are sure, the new boot is your size, walk around the store to determine if the boot does not feel uncomfortable at the forefront of the upper part of your feet. Any negative sign should be a red flag for you as you report the same to the attendant.
Go for familiar brands.
Over time, your familiar brands tend to stick with the same shoe size. So, you may not have to brainstorm before getting the best fit for your fit.
Watch out for any heel lift.
Having latched your shoelace, do well to check out for any looseness around your ankle. If your ankle does not fit properly with the shoe, you will end up having blisters around your ankle. So, check well before purchasing your new set of boots.
Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet: Top 4 Reviewed
GRITION Men’s Hiking Boots
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- Lace-up closure type
- Flyknit fabric outer material
- Made with water-resistant materials
The Grition Men’s Hiking boots are designed to keep your feet breathable with their well-aerated upper material. The knit upper part guarantees the lightweight of your boot, and that means it can carry deep into the woods without getting exasperated. Its water-resistant materials make you keep your mind at rest before you go out for your hiking activity.
You can be pretty sure your feet will remain dry and cool throughout an entire day outing. Also, if water gets into the boot from the upper part, the waterproof socks inside keep your feet dry as you continue your activity. The EVA sole makes your double footwear wear; everyday wear and hiking gear.
Pros
- Water-resistant.
- It makes your feet cool and dry during an entire day trip.
- It is breathable.
- Extra comfort for your feet.
Cons
• Water may penetrate from the upper material.
Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Wide GTX Hiking Shoes
Key Features
- Rubber outsole.
- It is made from water-resistant materials.
- Lace-up closure type.
- It uses descent control technology.
Are you planning to hit the trails or looking for casual footwear? Salomon Men’s Hiking Shoes is the perfect option for you to explore your hiking potentials fully. The waterproof feature makes you ready to face the unprecedented weather. The descent control attribute of these fantastic hiking shoes allows you to effectively tackle rugged and challenging terrain, including wet, snowy areas.
Whether you plan to go mountaineering, local day hiking, or backpacking, Salomon hiking boot is more than capable of getting you going throughout the way. The exceptional foot protection gives you the confidence to face the daring downhill.
Pros
- Durable
- Breathable
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Waterproof
Cons
• It does not come with a steel toe cap.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Shoe
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- It possesses advanced technology that protects against slip.
- Omni grip technology that assures firm traction.
- Soft exterior mesh.
- Techlite midsole.
The Newton Ridge Hiking boot is specially designed for the comfort of women. Styling with its superior materials, it is the real deal to offer optimized performance in your outdoor activities. The waterproof feature of this fantastic boot makes you stay dry and comfortable.
The midsole is designed to provide you with the maximum cushioning effect while giving extra grip on any soil.
Pros
- Water-resistant.
- It is made from lightweight materials.
- It offers optimal comfort.
Con
• It may give you blisters if you are not wearing the correct size.
KEEN Women’s Targhee 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Key Features
- Rubber outsole.
- Cushioned collar to prevent irritation.
- EVA midsole to support your weight.
- Probiotic-based technology ensures an odorless adventure.
This Keen hiking boot features waterproof to ensure you remain dry and relaxed during your outdoor performance. The natural probiotic technology makes your feet odorless. The rubber outsole provides the needed traction to get you going and make your hiking experience worthwhile.
Pros
- Durable
- Odor resistant
- It offers enough traction to keep you on the go.
Con
• Arch support may be minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can you wear hiking boots for walking?
Correct! You can use your hiking boots for everyday walking. If you are treading on a sturdier road surface, a heavy hiking boot can cause you to exert more energy.
• Can hike boots be used for running?
Using hiking boots can cause severe ankle strain for you. It would be best if you used the dedicated trail runner boots for long-distance running.
• Are hiking boots affordable?
There are varieties of hiking boots that are pocket-friendly. You don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get a good hiking boot.
Conclusion
Hiking can be an enjoyable outdoor activity when you use the proper gear. If you have wide feet, Wide Hiking boots are an effective tool to make your hiking adventure enjoyable. So before you go for your next shopping, take time to look out for hiking boots that make you relaxed and comfortable.
Read More:
Review On Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet
Best Cycling Shoes for Wide Feet: Comfortable Fit
