Nowadays, hiking has gained immense popularity as a great hobby to escape from daily life tension . And the need for the best hiking boots for flat feet plays a significant role in deciding the best hiking experience.
However, for flat feet, not all products can offer enough support and a suitable build to save users from a painful hiking memory! So don’t hesitate to dive in our reviews of top picks for flat feet and choose an ideal product!
Our Team's Picks
* Best overall hiking boot for men: Merrell Men's Moab 2 MID WTPF Hiking Boot
* Best lightweight hiking boot for men: Adidas Men's Terrex Swift R2 GTX
* Best budget hiking boot for men: NORTIV 8 Men's Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots
* Best waterproof & comfortable hiking boot for men: Foxelli Men's Suede Leather Hiking Boots
* Best durable hiking boot for men: Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots
* Best hiking boot for women with ankle support: Manfen Women's Hiking Boots
* Best waterproof hiking boot for women: KEEN Women's Targhee 2 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe
* Best budget hiking boot for women: Mishansha Women Men Hiking Boots
* Best overall hiking boot for women: Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Shoe
* Best durable hiking boot for women: Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Gtx Hiking Boot
Hiking Boots For Flat Feet Comparison Table
Hiking Boots | Preview | Weight | Material | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1.2 pounds | Suede | 4.9/5.0 | |
 | 1 pound | Synthetic and mesh | 4.7/5 | |
 | 2.65 pounds | Waterproof synthetic leather | 4.8/5 | |
 | 2 pounds | Suede leather | 4.7/5 | |
 | 1 pound | Leather/ suede/ mesh | 4.9/5 | |
 | 1.85 pounds | Waterproof mesh | 4.7/5 | |
 | 2 pounds | Waterproof leather | 4.9/5 | |
 | 1.63 pounds | Artificial leather | 4.7/5 | |
 | 1.06 pounds | Leather/ suede/ mesh | 4.9/5 | |
 | 1.1 pounds | Synthetic mesh and leather | 4.9/5 |
Hiking Boots For Flat Feet Reviews
The wide range of hiking boots on the market must have once made you overwhelmed and unable to decide on one for flat feet. Let’s chase this shopping puzzle away with 10 following brilliant suggestions.
1. Merrell Men's Moab 2 MID WTPF Hiking Boot
This Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof is ideal for male hikers for comfortable day hikes with high-quality hiking boots. The Moab 2 is one of the best items for flat feet in the Merrell’s line, allowing you to have an excellent pair of shoes in different conditions.
This pair of boots is 13.7 x 9 x 4.8 inches in dimension and 1.2 pounds in weight, allowing you to easily bring them on hiking trips. The model has a durable leather design and mesh uppers, enhancing the comfortable feeling for your flat feet.
The product comes with protective rubber toe caps and a breathable mesh lining for your convenience in hot weather. You will feel comfortable even when you wear the boots all day, thanks to this special feature.
Another interesting feature is the speed band that runs lengthwise on both sides of the shoes. It will give you better stability when you climb up and help to fix your posture of flat feet.
The boots’ tongue includes a closed-cell foam, preventing debris and water from getting into the shoes. This feature will provide great waterproof ability, giving you ultimate protection on wet or muddy days.
This item also offers decent arch support with the molded heel cup, making it easier for your flat feet to stay in place while hiking. In addition, the extra padding in the heel will provide you eye-opening trail isolation and underfoot protection.
The Merrell shoes take advantage of an air cushion fitted on the soles to absorb shock. It has an enhanced grip, which makes the boots suitable for various kinds of terrain.
When it comes to durability, this Merrell version will not live up to your expectations. The mesh along the upper material turns out to be a potential area of weakness, requiring you to treat it with proper care.
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2. Adidas Men’s Terrex Swift R2 GTX
Adidas has gained popularity as a great hiking footwear brand over recent years, and the Terrex Swift series is a noteworthy standout product. If you love having long hikes in your free time, this Terrex Swift R2 will be a worth buying decision for your flat feet.
The R2 GTX is an outstanding waterproof hiking item that weighs only 1 pound and has the dimension of 12.2 x 8.3 x 4.8 inches. This item provides you with great stability and adequate protection despite being lightweight.
It is built on a stable platform with a sturdy and durable midsole, giving your flat feet comfort when you wear the boots for a long time. The heel also has an external plastic counter on the inside. However, the height is so low that it sometimes leads to your toes slipping off.
The soft rubber of the outsole will support and maintain the posture of flat feet when going hiking for a long time. Furthermore, the effective rubber can cover the area alongside the balls of the feet, leaving enough space for extra protection on the inside and outside of the foot.
The Terrex Swift is famous for its amazing waterproof system. The product comes with the ability to stay dry even at a 4.5-inch flood level, along with the impressive Gore-Tex liner to extend the water resistance. You never have to experience the feeling of waterlogged since anything soaked into the boots will evaporate quickly.
Thanks to the solid design and stiff structure, this product will keep your flat feet and ankle in place every time. The lacing system also does a good job of keeping tight around your feet. When fully laced up, you will have no difficulty climbing up and down at some rough and mountainous terrains.
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3. NORTIV 8 Men's Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots
Nortiv8 is an American leading professional footwear brand for outdoor sports activities, especially hiking. Get ready for your wonderful time wearing the boots since the product’s outstanding performance will take you by surprise.
If you wish to own a solid pair of boots, which can protect your flat feet and provide excellent stability, the Nortiv8 will meet all your expectations.
The padded tongue and high collar of the boots will prevent you from rubbing your feet. Furthermore, your ankle will be ensured to align all the time properly. It also helps your flat feet to be kept in position which will fix the posture in the long run.
You can confidently go hiking with this product since it is designed to provide adequate protection against obstacles that might hurt your feet. Thanks to the sturdy material of the upper part, you will be fully protected from things like debris or small rocks.
The Nortiv8 model comes with a 6mm flexible insole, providing enough cushion for every step of the way without making your flat feet swollen. The midsole is equipped with shock absorption to ensure you have comfortable long hikes no matter what kind of surface you encounter.
The lacing system is also well-designed when your goal is to head for long hikes. The braided shoelaces are strong and durable to lock your flat feet in position, so you don’t have to stop and tie them too often.
You can rely on the Nortiv8 hiking boots for durability. The item uses high-quality material such as synthetic leather, which will ensure your perfect experience in the long run.
This item can withstand any weather condition with the durable rubber outsole and the sturdy upper material.
As the name suggests itself, the Nortiv 8 ankle-high waterproof hiking boots will be a must-have for different terrain. When you go hiking in wet conditions, the waterproof capability will protect your feet against water and any form of condensation.
The product will keep your feet dry while ensuring that you have superior protection against wet and cold conditions. It is also suitable to use the shoes in hot weather since it allows your feet to feel comfortable and breathable.
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4. Foxelli Men’s Suede Leather Hiking Boots
This Foxelli hiking option for men is an attractive deal if you need a pair of supportive boots for your flat feet. The product offers excellent features to help you feel comfortable whenever you go for a hike.
It consists of a durable suede leather upper attached to a strong rubber sole. With the slip-proof rubber soles and excellent traction, the model allows you to have better stability on rocky terrain. This brilliant design will give you full support so that your flat feet are protected all the time.
The wide toe box provides enough room for you to comfortably move your toes inside the shoes. The product also comes with ankle and arch support, offering safe flat feet posture and movement while avoiding unexpected injuries.
The soft foam included in both innersoles will provide maximum protection to your feet when you are on a hike. Shock absorbent midsoles also minimize the impact on joints, avoiding injury after hiking.
The KingTex waterproof system will remove all water and moisture to keep your feet nicely dry, even in heavy rain. In addition, on hot days, the breathable collar and tongue will make it easier to circulate air inside your boots.
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5. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots
The incredible cutting-edge hiking boots like the Newton Ridge Plus II will give you an unforgettable time hiking. It is lightweight hiking footwear with the dimension of 12 x 4 x 8 inches and only 1 pound in weight.
The product is designed to deal with various kinds of demanding outdoor activities. Inspired by classic mountaineering style, it has a sophisticated design with three materials: suede, leather, and mesh for reliable use.
Thanks to the mid-level shaft and the smart lacing system, the item delivers exceptional support and stability for your flat feet. The triangular lacing system, along with the clamshell, will lock your feet in position to ensure the right posture of your flat feet.
The Ridge Plus II features an excellent traction system with the aim of providing proper grip and traction for your comfort. The responsive midsole and solid rubber outsole are geared for hiking better over rough surfaces, providing flexibility and shock absorption. You can rely on those brilliant features for a safe hiking time.
The superior cushioning part on the boots will do you good when hiking in an area with uneven terrain. Your feet will be protected well without limiting your mobility.
The upper part is mainly made of polyurethane and leather, making it more versatile for different hiking conditions. With polyurethane, not only does the item provide breathability, but it also protects the leather from scratches and water.
That’s why the waterproof ability of the boots is so wonderful that you can hike through puddles without having your feet wet. Moreover, the upper section also offers mesh, enhancing the ability to circulate the air while reducing moisture.
The Columbia hiking boots always put safety features first to ensure your smooth hiking experience. With a firm shank beneath the arch plus the padded tongue and collar, your feet will receive additional support and stability to avoid injuries.
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6. Manfen Women’s Hiking Boots
The Manfen Women’s Hiking Shoes will impress you as one of the most elegant designs for women on the market. This option comes in six different models with various colors for you to choose from according to your needs.
The product is designed to allow maximum performance and safety to protect your flat feet even on the roughest hiking trails. It comes with a lightweight construction that provides toe cap and heel protection for the best support around your feet and ankle.
Another noteworthy feature of the boots is the waterproof mesh upper, making it easier for you to go hiking on wet areas or snowy days. The feature of 200 grams of Thinsulate is equivalent to the insulation for -30℃. It’s best to wear Manfen boots in colder weather to prevent the cold.
The anti-fatigue insole part makes your feet breathable and stays dry during walks through mud and snow. Even if the terrain is hilly and uneven, you will feel comfortable after a long day. The great traction system is also a plus when it comes to difficult surfaces in winter.
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7. KEEN Women's Targhee 2 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe
The KEEN brand is one of the famous brands of hiking shoes that mainly develops hiking shoes for flat feet. The Targhee 2 hiking footwear for women is a famous product for its wonderful design and incredible features.
The Targhee 2 provides comfortable and supportive hikes all day since it has the specific design for women’s form. It provides great support for your flat feet, avoiding the ankle and heel pain when hiking for long hours.
The model comes with a well-padded tongue, a balanced footbed, and a roomy toe box for your stability on long hikes. It also offers external stability with lightweight support, making it easier for you to have better mobility and control on flat feet.
The cushioned collar will help reduce irritation and discomfort around the ankle, giving you a wonderful hiking trail. It is a good idea for the product to feature a rubber toe cage. This special design covers the front and the top of your toes, ensuring the ultimate protection in various situations.
The 4mm lug depths and awesome mesh portion will allow the boots to be breathable and hold maximum traction over uneven surfaces like slippery ground. The design also makes them perfect for wearing in all seasons and in hotter times to be specific.
Another top-notch feature of this model is the lacing system. The wide spacing among shoelaces will create the ability to adjust freely based on your needs. You can loosen the lace for comfort, while the heel can be cinched into the heel cup for security.
The Targhee 2 waterproof technology with the breathable membrane works well in a wet environment. It will remove the vapor without letting any water inside the boots. It works well and keeps your feet dry when you hike through a stream with a few inches of water.
However, if you have to stand in the water for an extended period, water will likely get inside your boots. Thus, it’s best to wear boots in shallow waters so that your feet will remain dry.
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8. Mishansha Women Men Hiking Boots
Do not miss the chance to buy a pair of hiking boots with brilliant features for both men and women like this Mishansha model. You will not regret purchasing it once you have carefully considered this suggestion.
The detailed product measurement is 12.09 x 8.23 x 4.06 inches and 1.63 pounds, making it suitable for both genders to wear comfortably. Regardless of your gender or age, you will find this model a worth buying choice.
The product has the classic ankle boots design, giving you a sophisticated look that never goes out of date. It is made of artificial leather with a wide range of colors to choose from based on your personal preference.
With the fur inside the boots, your feet will be warm and dry throughout the day. Like other hiking boots, the rubber sole provides long-lasting support and reliable traction for your flat feet to feel comfortable.
In addition, the toe cap has enhanced material for anti-collision and foot protection. The upper parts of the boots have the leather design, preventing water from seeping into the boots when hiking in damp environments.
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9. Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Shoe
Another excellent model coming from the Columbia brand is the ColumbiaWomen’s Newton Ridge Plus. This product shares some similar features with the men’s version.
The design of the boots is classic and elegant, mainly to suit women. It’s 13.58 x 9.25 x 4.96 inches in dimension and weighs 1.06 pounds, lighter than most hiking boots out there to further suit female hikers. Hence, many hikers favor this version for the elegant and convenient design.
With modern technology in making the boots, the midsole is durable enough for your comfort in the long run. Furthermore, an advanced traction rubber sole and the superior cushion will help you have slip-free movement on tougher terrain. Your flat feet will have full support to reduce the painful inflammation.
The boots provide a strong grip, great ankle support, and reasonable water resistance. It is suitable for hiking in different terrain without causing you to worry about its performance.
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10. Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Gtx Hiking Boot
Coming from the same Merrell Men’s Moab 2 series, the Gore-tex boots will meet all your expectations of great hiking boots. It offers a 13.7 x 9.02 x 4.8 inches dimension, creating a suitable look for any outfit of yours.
This Merrell model is available in both regular and wide sizes, making it easier for you to choose the right one that fits you. It is also lightweight, only about 1.1 pounds, so you will feel comfortable in every step you take with the boots.
The upper part of the shoes will do a good job of holding your flat feet in position. Thanks to this feature, you will reduce the pain of your heel and ankle to comfortably go hiking. It has removable leather strips and breathable mesh segments for your exciting and memorable adventures.
The insole parts of the boots are soft and flexible so that you can replace them with other insole sections for your needs. The outsoles of this model bear more resemblance to those of sneakers than those of hiking boots.
You can rely on the waterproof membranes on the inner surface of the upper for your comfort. When you are hiking through wet surfaces or snow, the inner parts of the boots will remain completely dry.
However, the problem will arise if you step into a stream since some fluid is bound to seep in your boots. But do not worry too much because it will dry very quickly.
The black caps in the boots are made from rubber, and they will only wear out after a couple of years of heavy usage. The cap works pretty well to protect your heels and toes, avoiding unwanted pain for your flat feet.
In addition, the soles are made of highly textured grey and black rubber. They will allow you to get a good grip of the trail without difficulties.
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How To Choose The Best Hiking Boots For Flat Feet
Before purchasing, you want to think carefully about all the options and choose the best boots for your hiking adventure. The guidelines below will list some key factors for you to consider when you want to own a quality pair of hiking shoes.
Hopefully, you can find your perfect choice after taking a closer look at the following options.
1. Material
The first and foremost thing to take into consideration is the material of your boots. It would be best to have suitable material for your hiking areas, and the season you go hiking.
The three most common materials for hiking boots are leather, suede, and fabric. It is highly recommended to invest in shoes made of high-quality material that offer comfort and support for a long hiking time.
Make sure your hiking shoes will provide a great waterproof system as well as sufficient ventilation. Your feet will not get wet on rainy days or sweaty after a long excursion in hot weather.
If you love hiking in areas with wet grass and puddles, leather boots are a wonderful option for you. Leather will do you good in wet conditions, thanks to its unbeatable waterproof qualities.
If you rarely hike or only go hiking when the weather is nice, opt for fabric boots. There are different types of material for fabric boots, such as suede or canvas fabric. The advantage of this material is that it is lighter and provides you with a more stylish look than other boots.
2. Size
For flat feet hikers, it is of paramount importance that the shoes perfectly fit your feet. Your hiking shoes are in perfect condition when they are neither too loose nor too tight. Remember to choose the model that fits your flat feet, and you feel comfortable wearing it.
Pay attention to the shape of your feet since this factor will directly affect your buying choice. Try to figure out if your feet are flat or wide, small or big, to find the most suitable size.
Bear in mind that as your feet expand during the day, they will be a little bit bigger at the end of the day. That’s why you should try on boots in the evening when your feet have expanded to get the precise size.
One useful tip for choosing the right size is to insert your index finger at the back while having your toes at the front. By doing this, you will find the right boots’ size with enough extra space at the front.
With extra space, you will have more comfort and additional protection when hiking downhill since your feet tend to slide forwards in the hiking boots.
You can also get rid of the socks and wear the boots with bare feet. You will have a more accurate feel of the boots before purchasing.
3. Waterproof Ability
Another important thing you should bear in mind is whether the boots are effective in terms of water resistance. Without a proper waterproof exterior, water and moisture will ruin the material of your hiking shoes and cause trouble to your feet.
The product will gradually shrink and end up being a waste since it no longer fits you. Furthermore, you will feel uncomfortable when your feet are wet during the hike.
The best hiking boots need to be waterproof and supportive to your feet, so you can focus on hiking instead of worrying about your feet.
4. Effective Footbeds
If your feet are flat, you will find it difficult to bear the brunt of your hikes; therefore, you should consider sufficient padding when purchasing hiking shoes for flat feet.
The solution to fix your flat feet posture is to have hiking shoes with soft and sufficient footbeds. With this feature, you will no longer feel the pain and discomfort when hiking.
The suitable padding will help you to have comfortable time outdoors while maintaining the right posture of your flat feet.
5. Comfort
When you go hiking, even the smallest foot pain will distract you from enjoying a great hike. That’s why comfort plays an important role in choosing the best hiking boots for flat feet.
If you have stiff and inflexible flat feet, it would be helpful to go for a soft and cushioned pair of hiking boots. It will help absorb the impact when you press down your feet while hiking.
If you have flexible flat feet, you had better opt for boots with arch support. This feature will provide great stability for your feet when you go up and down the hills.
With sufficient ankle and arch support, the footwear will distribute your body weight evenly on your feet, avoiding the strain or twists on your joints.
6. Maintenance
In addition to the above features, maintenance is also a key element for you to have a durable pair of boots in the long run. With proper cleaning steps of hiking shoes, you can expect a long hiking companionship on the trails.
Most shoes will come with a specific water treatment when you purchase at the store. It will help get rid of debris and prevent the upper material from absorbing moisture.
The frequency of cleaning depends on how active you are with your footwear. If you usually go hiking in your free time, the boots will require weekly cleanup for the best condition. The model will only need occasional cleaning to look better if you go hiking once in a while.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before jumping to the final buying conclusion, here are some frequently asked questions for you to consider. Reading these questions will help you find answers to related concerns with buying hiking shoes and some helpful tips before purchasing.
1. How to deal with flat feet when hiking?
2. How to make my boots more comfortable?
3. How often should I buy a new pair of hiking boots?
4. Are barefoot shoes good for hiking?
Conclusion
After reading the review and considering my recommendations, it’s your turn to choose the best hiking boots for flat feet. A comfortable pair of hiking shoes will solve all the problems of painful heel or arch fatigue for your flat feet.
The final choice is up to you but keep in mind that your decision will lead you to different experiences during your hiking time.
I will suggest my top three footwear that are worth considering: Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II, Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Waterproof, and KEEN Women’s Targhee 2.
For male hikers, both the options of Adidas and Merrell will do you good. While the Adidas model offers you great water-resistant qualities, the Merrell Moab 2 will help you perform well thanks to the features of speed band and foam tongue. Both of them come with brilliant features, offering you wonderful experiences.
The most outstanding product for female hikers is the Keen Targhee 2 model. You can rely on the features of a great toe box, a cushioned collar, the lacing system, etc. for comfortable hiking time.
