Quick Summary: We have picked the Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoes as the best hiking shoes for flat feet as they are constructed from a mix of durable leather and breathable mesh to limit the risk of bacterial and fungus growth. Both the toes and ankles are protected, and the heel cushioning is shock absorbing.
If you’re a hiking junkie, don’t let your flat feet get in the way of your outdoor adventures.
Hikers with flat feet should choose a hiking boot with good support, a comfortable footbed and good cushioning to make it comfortable when trekking the terrain. It’s crucial to have shoes with enough arch support or space to slip in feet inserts.
If you don’t, you may wind up with painful joints and foot fatigue. When you have flat feet, it’s important to have hiking shoes that will support your foot tendons and ligaments. And with a comfortable footbed, your feet won’t feel pinched.
The shoe for hiking should also be made with material that is cushiony, breathable, and a durable structure. So, what are flat feet?
Overpronation occurs when the foot’s arch collapses inward and downward. This condition is known as fallen arches or flat feet.
When you’re standing, the entire soles of your feet touch the ground or floor. Flat feet can disrupt the natural alignment of your foot and increase the impact of each step when you’re hiking.
With a pair of boots for flat feet, you’ll be able to endure that hike much better. We’ve compiled a list of the best hiking shoes for flat feet. Take a peek.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
- Reviews of Top 10 Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
- How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
- Final Verdict
Comparison of 10 Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
1. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe (Best Overall)This hiking shoe features suede leather and meshes upper. Its closed-cell foam tongue keeps both debris and moisture out. Plus, it has a protective rubber toe cap. Its Vibram TC5+sole provides good support for flat feet. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3nYG56T"]Read Our Review | |
2. Northside Women’s Monroe Low Hiking Shoe (Best Budget)The Northside Women’s Monroe hiking shoes have a contoured removable insole that provides extra support and comfort. Its rugged suede with nylon upper is ideal for a year-round hiker. It also has a protective toe cap with a heel stabilizer. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3d2K0ck"]Read Our Review | |
3. Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0 Bore-lex Waterproof Hiking BootMade of 100 percent leather, this hiking boot is very breathable with abrasion-resistant mesh panels. The shaft is approximate 6” from the arch and the heel is about 1.25”. This hiking boot has a lot of support and is comfortable. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3xFHy5m"]Read Our Review | |
4. KEEN Men’s Oakridge Waterproof ShoeThis hiking shoe is 100 percent leather with a rubber sole. It provides good impact resistance when hiking with flat feet. It also has a breathable leather lining to ward off moisture. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3xuegXe"]Read Our Review | |
5. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking ShoeTotally, waterproof, this hiking shoe lets vapor out without allowing moisture in. Its All-Terrain rubber outsole delivers good traction on muddy and rocky surfaces. Its external shank is lightweight and its cushioned collar provides comfort around the ankle. This hiking shoe has an internal support mechanism that is designed to provide good arch support. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3D8SMR2"]Read Our Review | |
6. Merrell Women’s Siren Edge HikerThis hiking shoe has air cushion comfort technology with a nylon arch shank for comfort and support. And, its EVA contoured footbed works well for flat feet. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3xzvVfX"]Read Our Review | |
7. ALEADER hiitave Unisex Minimalist Trainers Hiking ShoeThe ALEADER has a five-toe box design for lightweight comfort. Rubber outsole gives you a steady strike and its hook and loop closure gives a snug fit. TPU upper provides flexibility for hiking. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3ljVWuX"]Read Our Review | |
8. Skechers Relaxed Fit: Relment-PelmoWith this Relaxed Fit design, this hiking shoe is comfy and roomy. It has a full-length memory foam cushioned insole for extra comfort when hiking. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3cXGFeN"]Read Our Review | |
9 Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle BootThis ankle boot is very stylish with waterproof leather uppers, rustproof speed lace hardware and seam-sealed waterproof construction. The shaft is 4.75” from the arch. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3D4htOl"]Read Our Review | |
10. The XPETI Women’s Thermator Waterproof Hiking BootThe XPETI has a shaft that measures 8” from arch. Its rubber toe cap protection and rubber outsole are ideal for trail grip. Those with flat feet get good traction. It also has a molded TPU ankle support. Even more of a plus for those with flat feet. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3p22aAM"]Read Our Review |
Reviews of Top 10 Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
Best Overall
1. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoes
What You Will Love: The heel has been developed with shock absorbing cushioning and moab ventilator.
The Merrell Men’s Moab 2 is a great shoe for hiking. It is made from a mix of suede leather and breathable mesh, which provides a combination of support and ventilation.
Thanks to the closed-cell tongue, moisture and other external items stay out of the shoe. The air cushion in the heel absorbs the shock you face during your hike. There is also a protective toe cap that reduces the risk of toe injuries.
Unfortunately, the toe box tends to get wider with use, and they are not completely waterproof. The prices range drastically from $67 to $220 depending on the color and size you purchase.
Pros:
- The mix of suede leather and breathable mesh
- Closed-cell foam tongue provides tight fit to keep moisture and debris out
- Protective rubber toe cap
- Lots of color options
- Shock absorption in the heel
- Great grip
- Wide toe box
- Moab ventilator
Cons:
- Not waterproof hiking boot
- Run a little small
- Toe box widens
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3nYG56T”]
Best Budget
2. Northside Monroe Low Hiking Shoe
What You Will Love: They are constructed from a mix of waterproof and water resistant materials.
The Northside Monroe Low Hiking Shoes are a very budget friendly option, and are excellent for those who do not hike very often or for long periods.
With the weather resistant material and the moisture wicking lining, you do not have to worry about wet, sweaty, or smelly feet. This is also good as it decreases the chance of fungus and bacteria growing.
They offer great heel support and abrasion guards around the arch and the toes to help prevent discomfort. The multi directional rubber insole also provides great traction and shock absorption.
Unfortunately, they do not stand up long to constant use, but at prices between $25 and $50, they are worth a shot.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Waterproof hiking boot
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Rubber outer sole provides multi directional traction and shock absorption
- Abrasion guards at arch and toe
- Great heel support
Cons:
- Not good for avid hikers
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3d2K0ck”]
3. Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots
What You Will Love: These shoes offer outstanding protection for your entire foot.
The Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0 Hiking Boots are, I believe, some of the best hiking boots available.
They are made from durable and waterproof Gore-Tex material that provides breathability at the same time.
The ankle collar is padded to provide extra comfort and stability. The gusseted tongue helps provide a secure fit while keeping external items out of your shoes.
The cushioned footbed and molded toe bumper also go a long way in providing comfort and protection during hikes. Somehow, these boots are able to provide all of these features while still remaining lightweight. The prices can range anywhere from $85 to $170.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Made with Gore-Tex
- Padded ankle collar
- Gusseted tongue prevents external things from getting inside
- Cushioned foot bed
- Molded toe bumper
Cons:
- Price ranges get expensive
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3xFHy5m”]
4. KEEN Men’s Oakridge Waterproof Shoe
What You Will Love: The wide toe box prevents your toes from being scrunched up, which leaves you with less discomfort and less chance of long term pain.
The KEEN Men’s Oakridge waterproof hiking boots are a good choice for many hikers. They provide a comfortable fit in waterproof material.
The upper is made from breathable mesh, and the wide toe box is fixed with a protective toe cap. The rubber insoles provide multi-directional traction and stability.
You might find that the shoes are a bit loose around the ankles, but most buyers have found this can be fixed by tying the laces as if they were running shoes.
Prices start around $88 and go all the way up to $225, which is a bit high. However, they are pretty durable, so if you hike often, they are a good investment.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Front and back pull loops
- Multidirectional stability
- Breathable mesh upper
- Protective toe cap
- Wide toe box
Cons:
- Prices can get pretty high
- Can be loose around ankles
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3xuegXe”]
5. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe
What You Will Love: The traction from the shoe offer the ability to hike in snowy and wet weather, so you are not limited to certain terrain types.
The KEEN Men’s shoes for hiking have been known to take care of people with any foot issues or foot pain.
The rubber soles and insoles are created with just the right amount of arch support without being intrusive. The easy-on pull tab makes them easy for anyone to put on, and they have provided a great amount of traction.
The material is both water resistant and breathable. They are reported to run a little small, so you may choose to get a larger size. Also, prices can be up to $246, so they are a large initial investment.
Pros:
- Durable leather uppers
- Easy-on heel pull
- Water-resistant mesh lining
- Aggressive lug pattern for higher traction
- Breathable
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Run a little small
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3D8SMR2″]
6. Merrell Women’s Siren Edge Hiker
What You Will Love: These are very comfortable and supportive in style.
These Merrell Women’s hikers are a favorite among female hikers and non hikers alike, especially those with foot challenges and pain.
The footbed is contoured, so it is designed to fit your foot, though some may require to get flatter inserts.
The mesh lining is breathable, the tongue keeps weather and debris out, and they use organic odor control. The air cushioned heel provides excellent shock absorption.
Prices range from $63 to $125, depending on the colors and size you choose. One big down side is that users have noticed that they are not slip resistant at all, which could cause trouble during hikes. Others, though, state that the traction is great.
Pros:
- Great, vibrant color options
- Contoured footbed
- Tongue keeps external debris out of shoes
- Air cushion heel is shock absorbing
- Organic odor control
- Breathable mesh lining
Cons:
- Wide price range
- Not slip resistant at all
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3xzvVfX”]
7. Hiitave Unisex Minimalist Trail Barefoot Hiking Shoes
What You Will Love: These hiking shoes have zero heel- to- toe drop construction, so your heel and toes are the same distance from the ground. This encourages proper form during your hike.
The Hiitave Barefoot Shoes for hiking are a great option who has flat feet.
The thin but support sole provides just enough support without pushing into the feet. The toe box is wide so your toes are never cramped. The square tread on the sole gives the wearer awesome traction.
They are also very breathable and flexible, and are made to fit your feet like a glove. The midsole provides a great amount of shock absorption, and they are incredibly lightweight.
The only real downside about this shoes that I can see is that there is no ankle support. Prices are very affordable, running between $36 and $40.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Stretchy and breathable
- Synthetic overlays provide support
- Shock absorbing midsole
- Rubber outsole with square tread provides great grip
- Wide toe box
- Lightweight and flexible
- Keeps heel and toes same distance from ground
Cons:
- No ankle support
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3ljVWuX”]
8. The Skechers Relaxed Fit: Relment-Pellmo
What You Will Love: You’ll love the relaxed fit of this boot’s leather and mesh body. Slip in on and enjoy comfort when hiking. It’s both roomy and comfortable for those with flat feet.
Its hallmark is its Relaxed Fit design. The Relaxed Fit design is the ultimate in new foot technology. It’s ideal for both flat and rough terrain.
Padded tongue and collar ramp up comfort, and reinforced toe bumper gives extra protection. Those with flat feet can hike in comfort with this hiking boot.
Full-length memory foam cushioned insole provides extra comforts for the terrain, whether it’s flat or rocky.
Its seam-sealed construction and waterproof leather keeps feet dry. Water has no way to get in in this shoe.
Pros:
- Comfort
- Good support
- Stylish
Cons:
- Heavy
- Break-in period is long
- Shaft is a bit stiff
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3cXGFeN”]
9. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
What You Will Love: You’ll love the fact that this ankle boot is an outdoor-ready ensemble. Timberland has you covered with its good looks and high performance. Look right in style on the trail and get great performance with this hiking ankle boot.
This ankle boot is the perfect combination of high style and performance. There’s just nothing not to love about this ankle boot.
All waterproof leathers keep your feet dry on the trail. You’ll feet will stay dry in water, mud and snow with these ankle boots.
Secure speed lace hardware with hooks keep the boot secure. You’ll have no issues hiking over rough ground.
Rubber sole delivers good traction. Stay on the trail and on your feet in this hiking ankle boot.
Pros:
- Very durable on tough terrain
- Waterproof to keep feet dry
- Good traction on terrain
Cons:
- Poor ankle support
- Sole delaminates
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3D4htOl”]
10. XPETI Women’s Thermator Mid High-Top Waterproof Hiking Outdoor Boot
What You Will Love: You’ll love the optimal trail grip that this boot gives you on hiking adventures. It has a very aggressive sole to give good traction and grab the rocks. You’ll have no worries if you’re hiking rough terrain with this hiking boot.
Plus, it’s waterproof. Stay dry in mud, snow, and rain. You can use these shoes for fishing or boat trips as well.
No one wants to lug around in a heavy boot on a hiking trail. Especially if you’ve got flat feet.
Hydroshield Membrane makes this boot totally waterproof. Stay dry in walks through mud, snow and water.
Molder TPU ankle support eliminates foot and ankle strain.
Its rubber sole grips the ground. Another thing you’ll fall in love with is that this boot is remarkably light.
Pros:
- Durable
- Works well on rough terrain
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Runs a bit small; may have to order a size up
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3p22aAM”]
How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet?
When choosing the best hiking shoes for flat feet, consider the following factors:
Stability and Support
If you have ever been hiking, you know that your feet come into contact with a much different type of terrain than what you walk on daily. As such, it is important that you find hiking boots that provide a great deal of stability and support.
This includes the outer sole as it needs to provide good grip and traction. Without adequate support, you have an increased chance of being injured during your hike.
Toe Protection
You want to protect your toes from bumps, dings, and more serious potential injuries along your hike. A great way to do this is to purchase steel toed boots and hiking shoes with an otherwise protected toe box.
Fit
Getting the right fit in hiking shoes is very important. Shoes that are too loose will not provide good protection and will increase fatigue as you have to compensate for the misfit as you walk. And your hiking shoes should be comfortable for walking long hours. If you have flat feet you can go for specially designed walking shoes for flat feet.
At the same time, shoes that are too tight might decrease circulation to your feet causing a totally different set of problems. Shoes that do not fit well can also leave you with a lot of blisters.
For a good fit, choose a pair of boots that fits your foot sort of like a glove. Also, as your toes will be working more than usual, it is not a bad idea to get shoes with a wider toe box.
Comfortable Footbed
If you are among those people with flat feet, you do not want to purchase hiking boots with high arches. Those will cause a lot of pain and discomfort while you are hiking.
Look for an insole with decent cushioning for comfort while hiking. Also, go for some with padded ankle collars. These will provide a protective layer for your ankles from external elements and increase the secure grip.
Quality Materials
A hiker experiences all types of weather and terrain, so having a shoe with a mix of materials is best. Gore-Tex is a great option as it is not only durable but also waterproof and breathable. All three of those characteristics are great for hikers.
Motion Control
If you have any type of foot or ankle injury, or if you experience over-pronation, you want hiking boots that include motion control. These types of shoes can help you correct your gait while hiking, and help prevent further injury.
Cushioning
Of course, you want some good cushioning in your hiking shoes- and the more, the better. Your insole definitely needs to be cushioned as well as the ankle collar. If you must, replace the current insoles with supplemental ones.
Durability
During a hike is not a good time for your shoes to fall apart on you. That is why it is important to find shoes with materials that can withstand the tough work you put them through.
Gore-Tex and leather are going to be two of the most durable options. There are synthetic options available, but they tend to wear out much more quickly. Also, you need regular maintenance of your hiking boots for flat feet even if they are high quality
Pricing
Bottom line with pricing is that good hiking boots will be a higher investment than those that will easily fall apart or that lack support.
Remember that your hiking shoes are supporting your entire body on rugged terrain. Protect yourself by investing in a great pair.
Final Verdict: Best Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
In this article, we have taken a look at what makes up the best hiking shoes for flat feet, and provided reviews of what we consider the top seven shoes. By using this information, you can feel confident when shopping for your next pair of hiking boots.
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