Today, we’ll be reviewing 16 best hiking boots for flat feet for men and women.
I know how frustrating it is when your gear is ready to go but your flat feet aren’t.
Hiking boots that do not provide enough support for flat feet or fallen arches make for a painful hiking experience you’d rather forget.
Luckily, there are some great quality boots and today I’ve reviewed 16 hiking boots for flat-footed hikers like you.
Let’s dive right in …
Related:
- Best Hiking Sandals
- Best Hiking Boots for Ankle Support
Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX
The Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX is perfect for someone looking for all the stability and the support of a hiking/backpacking boot but doesn’t want a boot that’s going to weigh them down. Its arch support is great for flat feet and overpronation.
The construction and the design in this boot is such that it gives you all that stability and support you would expect in a hiking boot but in a really lightweight package.
First of all, the Salomon Quest is a GORE-TEX boot. This gives full waterproof protection for rainy days, small creek crossings, and that sort of thing.
Into hiking sandals? Check out this comparison of Keen, Teva, and Chaco.
Upper
The padded tongue is gusseted most of the way up so you’ve got protection all the way up.
It is also very ergonomic and it fits to the shape of your leg really well.
When you need to cinch the boot down and really cinch your heel into the heel of the boot, you’re going to have comfort down there.
The boot is going to move with you a little bit but also offer that ankle support that you need in a heavy hiking boot.
The upper features a mixture of suede, nubuck, and fabric. So it’s textile and leather giving a pretty lightweight feel, but also with that leather, you have a durable construction.
There are metal eyelets where you really need to cinch down the boot as well as some fabric eyelets on the bottom.
On the front, there’s a really nice protective toe cap to protect your toes against rocks and other elements.
On the back, you have a nice heel wrap. Again, when you really need to cinch down the boot, this heel wrap is going to cup your heel to make sure that it is placed exactly where it needs to be while you’re hiking.
Related:
Dive deeper into our comprehensive guide on the best running shoes for flat feet.
Midsole/Outsole
There’s a lot going on with the midsole and the outsole. You’ve got different materials to provide rugged stability while also giving cushioning and comfort.
The boot features Salomon’s 4D Advanced Chassis which runs the whole length of the boot.
There’s light EVA foam which gives cushioning and gives a little bit more comfort as you hike.
Just throughout the whole boot, you do have a nice fit and nice cushioning in there, especially with the Ortholite sock liner insole.
The Ortholite is a nice removable insole compared to a lot of other hiking boots. It’s really breathable and wicks away sweat easily giving a lot of added comfort.
On the bottom, you have the Contagrip outsole which gives a lot of stability on rocky terrain or wet terrain.
With muddy terrain, you do have really deep lugs so you can really dig into rocks or mud that way.
Fit & Feel
As far as fit and feel, right out of the box, the boot has flex and does give a little bit, but it does take some break-in time.
It doesn’t take as much break-in time as a traditional all-leather hiking boot, but you do need to break it in a little bit before you go on a multi-day trip.
All in all, with the smart design and the different materials that Salomon uses to give you that stability but also lightweight feel, this is the perfect boot for someone looking to carry a heavy load anywhere from day trips to weekends to multi-day trips in the backcountry.
Cons:
- Flimsy eyelets.
Merrell Moab 2 Mid
Merrell has updated the upper and are going from normal suede to premium waterproof performance leather suede.
Yet, they’ve kept using the mesh that’s a little bit more aerated to give you a little bit more breathability across the tongue and across the front of the foot where your foot heats up the most throughout the day.
This is the most superior suede on the market and has incredible waterproof properties.
The other interesting thing about this suede is that it has very tight fibers, which allows the color to be incredibly rich.
This is how Merrell was able to achieve much more bright and vibrant colors as well.
They’ve also updated the tongue to a closed-cell foam so it doesn’t pressure pump water through the tongue. It keeps it a little bit more waterproof and a lot dryer.
A nice wide toebox fit is going to give more space for your toes to move around and breathe a little bit better.
The Moab has a nice toe cap to help protect your foot from rocks and stumps on the trail.
The boot features a nice mid-height that’s going to help lock your heel in place to keep your foot from sliding back and forth on the downhill.
It’s also going to give you a little bit more support torsionally keeping you from rolling your ankle on the trail.
Inside
Midsole
Outsole
The bottom features a TC5+ outsole from Vibram. It’s really tacky and really grippy on wet rock surfaces. The 5mm lugs help shed a lot of dirt and debris from underneath the shoe.
It has a nice heel to the back of it so when you’re going down steeper rocky terrain, it helps give you a little bit more support and really grip in to help give you a brake system on the back of the shoe.
The Moab is going to give great out-of-the-box comfort with a little break-in period to keep you going all season long.
Merrell is known for making incredibly comfortable shoes, but there’s something special about the Moab 2. It has this little WOW factor about it when you put it on.
You can hike, bike, run and anything you can think of you can do in the Moab 2. It’s incredibly comfortable, super versatile, and breathable in hot climates.
Cons:
- Not waterproof enough.
Oboz Bridger Bdry
Offering reliable traction, durability, and waterproof materials, the Oboz Bridger Mid BDry is sure to appeal to hikers or backpackers who need durable, trail-worthy performance and great support for their flat feet.
Upper
Starting with the upper, we’ve got a durable waterproof nubuck leather that fully wraps around the boot.
It’s a really nice material that’s going to provide some great durability and longevity in the boot’s life.
You’ve got a molded rubber toe cap that’s great for protection if you happen to kick up against any rocks or if you happen to bump your toes a lot when you’re hiking.
On the backside, you’ve got Oboz molded heel counter. It’s a rubber-reinforced heel as well.
As the leathers start to wear and break in and loosen up, that heel is going to provide a nice stable hold throughout the life of the boot.
We’ve got a mixture of fabric and metal eyelets. The fabric eyelets are going to provide some extra flexibility while the metal ones have nice durability with the metal hardware there.
We do have a gusseted tongue so the boot is going to hold its waterproofing up to about the mid-ankle portion.
There is a BDry membrane underneath the leather making this boot a waterproof breathable piece of footwear.
With that BDry membrane, you have a nice wicking lining on the inside which is going to help to pull the sweat away from your foot helping you to feel more comfortable and more dry along your hike.
Midsole
Moving down to the midsole, there’s a dual-density EVA with a nylon shank which is going to provide really good shock absorption and some extra stiffness as well as just overall comfortable fit.
Insole
There’s a really nice feature with the Oboz which is the insole. The insole is Oboz BFit Deluxe insole which is a lot different from other insoles.
It’s a lot more sturdy and rigid instead of being just a flimsy piece of foam. By that I mean there’s actually some structure in the arch and the heel.
This gives a much more supportive overall fit with the boot because of this insole.
Another neat feature on the insole is it has an EVA pad in the high-impact zones, under the heel and under the ball of the foot.
This is going to provide some extra shock absorption for added comfort. The insole is also perforated to allow for more breathability.
Outsole
On the bottom, there’s Oboz Granite Peak outsole which is a really toothy and rugged-looking tread.
It has a nice TPU chassis built-in with that which is going to help protect your foot from the underfoot stone bruising as well as giving the boots some extra stability and torsional rigidity without inhibiting the flex.
The outsole itself has got nice directional 4mm lugs. They’re very toothy and they’re self-cleaning lugs and they’re going to provide really nice grip on the trails.
Another neat feature about this tread is that it comes up around the side. It’s a pretty cool system because if you’re on and off camber trail or potentially a crooked trail doing some switchbacks, it’s going to provide good grip on the sides of the boot as well as the underside.
So, you have a really neat full wrap when it comes to the tread of the boot.
All in all, the Oboz Bridger Mid BDry is a great durable, hiking, backpacking boot that’s suitable for hikers, backpackers, or anyone who just needs trail-worthy performance.
Cons:
- Slippery laces.
Zamberlan Vioz GT
This is a finely crafted Italian hiking boot that’s a best-seller for Zamberlan. The Vioz GT has a durable construction, really hefty materials, and is built for the long haul.
Upper
This boot can handle extended backpacking adventures in almost any condition.
It is constructed with nice smooth sleek looking Hydrobloc full-grain and waxed leather that’s durable and waterproof.
The entire top side of the boot is one piece of leather. It’s really durable and it’s tanned to enhance the water resistance, the durability, and the overall life of the boot.
The hardware on the boot has a high-resistance treatment so it’s riveted through that leather.
It’s a GORE-TEX boot so you do have a waterproof breathable bootie inside that leather.
The Zamberlan offers full waterproof protection and if the wax exterior treatment on the leather starts to wet out or allow water to absorb a little bit, you do have that GORE-TEX to enhance the waterproofing of the shoe.
As it is full-grain leather, you should treat or condition the leather occasionally during use just to make sure you get the longest possible life out of the boot.
Also, it is a pretty stiff boot and it will require a substantial break-in period before it fits super comfortably.
Inside
Cons:
- No toe rand.
Keen Targhee II Mid
For hiking on snow, wet surfaces, dust, mud, or rocks, you can’t beat the stable traction that the Targhee provides. The Keen Targhee II is one of Keen’s most versatile hiking boots.
Made by Keen, the leader in outdoor tech, the mid-cut height of this boot provides plenty of ankle support and stability through canyons and over mountaintops.
The Targhee II is 100% waterproof with Keen Dry waterproof technology which is proprietary for Keen.
Upper
There’s a breathable mesh down the center to give you that ventilation and breathability you’re going to need over a long trip so you don’t get hot and sweaty.
The waterproof breathable eVENT barrier keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long.
The Targhee II is light and flexible and comes with Keen’s famous patented toe bumper which protects you from injury on the roughest terrain.
Keen do use a cool system at the ankle that as you tighten down the lace, it straps down the rest of the heel and anchors you in.
At the back of the shoe, there’s an S3 heel support structure and that cushions the heel as well as ensures your foot remains stable within the boot itself.
Inside
It’s inside where things get really interesting. There’s a metatomical footbed. What that means is you’ve got an individually shaped footbed for both your left and for your right foot. The footbed provides excellent foot support and is removable.
Midsole
It features a dual-density EVA midsole for cushioning giving you that ride and stability you need for that long hike.
Outsole
The Targhee has got a full rubber outsole which offers great traction for everything you might do on a weekend backpack trip.
There are some aggressive lugs that make sure you’ve got excellent grip when you’re out and about.
Shank
The outsole also has a torsion stability shank, and that means the boot stays nice and stable over rocky ground.
With most boots, you generally have to wear them in three, four, five times before they get really comfortable, but the Targhee is so comfortable right out of the box and you can literally hit the hills running.
If you’re looking for a great versatile lightweight hiking boot that works well for long day hikes but it’s comfortable enough to wear around town, the Targhee II Mid hiking boot is the perfect fit.
Cons:
- Poor ankle support.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
These boots are made durable and comfortable for any hiking adventure.
Upper
For starters, the outside is made from a combination of full-grain leather with suede for a durable design.
The design is completely waterproof and seam-sealed to keep your feet dry in wet weather or terrain. The mesh tongue allows to keep the airflow going so your feet always feel fresh.
The lace-up closure offers a more dialed-in and secure fit when you’re out exploring.
Midsole
Then the Techlite midsole provides excellent comfort for those long all-day hikes.
Outsole
Underfoot, these hiking boots have an Omni-Grip rubber outsole that improves traction on variable terrain so you don’t slip or fall.
Overall, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus waterproof hiking boots are a great choice for any hiking adventure.
Cons:
- Toe box is a bit restrictive.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
These are made durable with features to keep you comfortable on any terrain.
Upper
This boot has a durable leather upper that is coated with polyurethane to make sure water stays out.
The upper suede mesh reduces weight and improves ventilation so your feet are always cool and comfortable on the inside.
Midsole
We have a Techlite midsole that delivers excellent support and energy recovery so your feet don’t get sore in those longer hikes.
Outsole
Underfoot, this boot has an Omni-Grip outsole with non-marking rubber lugs for reliable grip on variable terrain.
When it comes to fit, these shoes are spot on as far as your normal shoe size depending if you wear a thicker sock or not.
Normally, I wear a size nine and a half with a medium thickness sock and it is perfect.
Overall, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is a great choice for any hiking adventure with longèlasting comfort.
Cons:
- Outsole is not very durable.
Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Mid
The Timberland Waterproof White Ledge hiking boot is tough enough for challenging hiking trails and comfortable enough that you’ll want to wear it for everyday use.
Waterproofing
Timberland takes their waterproof know-how and applies it to these hiking boots to create a performance-oriented all-leather day hiker that can handle any weather conditions.
Timberland works the leather waterproofing process into the tanning of their leather.
Then they add a seam-taped waterproof and breathable membrane in the lining for the ultimate in waterproof construction. The result is dry feet.
Again, the seam-sealed waterproof construction keeps your feet dry along with the moisture-wicking lining for a breathable field that cuts back on odor.
So regardless of the weather, your feet are comfortable and dry in the Timberland hiking boots.
Along with a removable perforated dual-density EVA footbed, you’ll feel like you’re walking on air.
Upper
The moisture-wicking lining helps maintain a warm dry environment for your feet while the removable dual-density footbed provides a comfy fit.
Timberland adds an external heel covering for added support and protection.
For added protection, there’s an external heel cover for added support and protection so you can focus more on the best path to take and less on whether or not your boots can handle it.
Outsole & B.S.F.P
The rugged outsole with strategically placed lugs delivers excellent traction and support, too.
The B.S.F.P motion efficiency system consists of lugs that are strategically placed to follow the curved center of the pressure path to support natural motions of the foot.
This basically means that you get great support and movement all day.
These rugged and durable boots are perfect for wet or inclement conditions and a hiker’s best friend.
The Timberland Waterproof White Ledge hiking boot is lightweight, durable, breathable, and best of all, affordable.
Cons:
- Waterproofing is not effective.
Timberland Chocorua
The Chocorua hiking boot is one of Timberland’s best styles and represents the Timberland brand in many different levels of distribution.
It’s a great value all-day hiker that is really versatile.
The ideal customer is the person that’s just looking for a good overall versatile outdoor boot that they can hike in and work in.
Upper
The boot has full real leather in its upper and some fabric for breathability.
GORE-TEX
The waterproof breathable outer has a GORE-TEX membrane. It’s durable enough to withstand repeated use over a range of terrain.
Whether it’s on or off the trail, wet or inclement weather, your feet will remain comfortable and dry.
Midsole
There’s also a dual-density EVA midsole that offers lightweight cushioning for an added layer of comfort.
Outsole
The comfort zone chassis with a tuned support plate supports the natural motions of the foot so you can focus on the open trail ahead and not on the pain in your feet.
This hiking boot is a high-performance boot that delivers exceptional comfort on and off the trail.
Weighing in at only two pounds, the Timberland Chocorua trail hiking boot feels feather-light with every step making your next day on the trail an enjoyable one.
Cons:
- Soles are thin for tougher terrain.
- No toe bumper.
Keen Voyageur Mid
These are the Keen Voyager mid boot and shoe.
In common with their better-known Targhee II cousins, these are an extremely rugged pace. The main difference is that they’ve had their waterproof membrane stripped out.
Upper
In combination with the ventilation ports, these are some of the most breathable shoes in the Keen range.
Around the back, there’s an S3 heel support structure. What that refers to is Shock, Stability, and Suspension.
So every time you step out, shock is dissipated away from the heel. The heel itself is kept nice and stable and what it will lead to is less sprained ankles.
Outsole
The outsole has these four-millimeter multi-directional lugs to give you great grip whatever terrain you’re on.
ESS
Something we can’t see from the outside that is integral to the Keen fit and comfort is an ESS torsional shank system that protects the foot from rocky ground.
Footbed
On the inside, you’ve got two metatomical footbeds individually shaped to both the left and the right foot.
These footbeds naturally follow the contours and the arches of your foot for a supremely comfortable piece of footwear.
Toe Guard
On the front, we can also see the Keen patented toe protector. Not only does this protect the leather at the boot, but it also protects those little pinkies as well.
The Keen Voyageur Mid is exceptionally lightweight and will enable you to keep going for longer.
Cons:
- Bottom lugs peel after a few months.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
This is the Renegade GTX Mid from Lowa all-terrain classic category. The Renegade is a lightweight multi-purpose boot suited for day hikes, walks, and everyday use on groomed trails.
Outsole
It’s built on a Lowa Vibram EVO rubber outsole for guaranteed, stability non-slip performance, and optimal cushioning.
GORE-TEX
The GORE-TEX lining keeps the boot absolutely waterproof and offers the best and most comfortable temperature regulation.
This is Lowa’s best-selling boot internationally. Fun fact, it takes 190 pieces to build a pair of renegade GTX Mid and every piece in the production process has been touched by a person.
MONOWRAP
The patented Lowa MONOWRAP construction along with the injected polyurethane technology offers an extremely strong connection between the upper and the sole.
It ensures that the foot is well supported all around for increased stability and protection, especially on unstable terrain.
The Renegade GTX Mid set a benchmark for multifunction hiking boots thanks to its design, its stable nubuck upper leather, and innovative sole construction.
The boot can be called into duty for a wide variety of needs from urban exploring, hikes on groomed trails, to everyday uses, of course.
The lower Renegade GTX Mid is also available in multiple different colors in a wide version and in a leather-lined version as the Renegade LL Mid.
It’s also available in a low cut version as the Renegade GTX Low and all these models are available in women’s versions.
Cons:
- Takes longer to dry.
Asolo Fugitive GTX
The Asolo Fugitive GTX is a lightweight, waterproof backpacking boot suitable for any length day hike on maintained trails in easy to medium terrain. It can be used for backpacking with loads under 30lbs.
It’s also perfect for coastal walking and even walking the dog.
Upper
The boot’s fabric and leather construction offers a comfortable fit and durability in areas that see the most abrasion and wear.
This boot is going to be easy to maintain, easy to clean, and easy to waterproof.
You have a nice lace system with the old eyelets. The laces are really easy to adjust whether you need to tighten them up or to loosen them up during the walk or your hike.
The outside has got lots of stitching. The upper is going to stretch and mold over time to mimic pretty much the shape of your foot especially if you do have narrow feet.
Toe Box
The solid toe box works really well with the nubuck material so it doesn’t feel too harsh and it doesn’t feel too solid on the front part of your foot, but it’s going to give you the protection you need.
On the heel area, Asolo kind of doubled over the system of nubuck giving it a nice strong padded back. So the heel area is nice and secure but it’s also really comfortable.
Waterproofing
All you need to do, wait for your boot to dry, give it a brush, and then give it a spray conditioner and waterproofing.
You want to condition the nubuck suede on the outside so it stops it from drying, which will reduce cracking and obviously any issues with the seams. Then give a good spray of waterproofing just to coat the outside of the boot.
Obviously, talking about waterproofing …
GORE-TEX
The Fugitive GTX is fully waterproof and breathable due to a full GORE-TEX bootie. The fabric panels increase the effectiveness of this waterproof breathable system.
If you take care of GORE-TEX, GORE-TEX will take care of you. So that’s a really key feature to have.
Asoflex
Underfoot, you’ll find Asolo’s Duo Asoflex anti-torsion shank to protect the bottom of your foot from the impact of roots and rocks. The bottom of the shank is very rigid.
This gives the boot its structure and also offers that protection underfoot from rocks and roots especially with a pack on.
The top layer is made out of a soft yet very supportive layer that offers shock absorption to your foot all day.
Midsole
There’s a polyurethane midsole to help cushion your foot on longer hikes.
Outsole
The outsole of the Fugitive GTX looks very basic but it’s actually a really nice technical sole.
It is an Asolo exclusive called Synchro Rubber which features bi-density rubber and the Asobrake heel design for better traction on steep descents.
The heel part gives you nice shock absorption on the back. So if you have to jump down or anything like that, the shock absorbers are going to be impactful and that’s due to the Synchro rubber outsole.
Along the sides of the outsole, you’ve got the side grips. So if you need to dig in or if you’re scrambling for safe for instance, you’ve got nice flex points that work really well with the bend of the boot.
This will kind of help push you forward while also giving you that extra bit of grip as well.
Cons:
- Not-so-cushy footbed.
Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Mid
Lightweight, water-resistant and well-cushioned, the Ultra Lone Peak Mid is a great boot for runners, ultralight backpackers, fast packers or even hikers. Click To Tweet.
The Lone Peak is built with high-quality materials that make it weather-resistant and comfortable.
Upper
The upper is constructed with a quick-drying air mesh material and it does have a Polartec Neoshell lining.
That Polartec Neoshell is a weatherproof lining for the boot and it’s going to provide a little bit of warmth and insulation for those cooler weather runs or hikes.
The Lone Peak is abrasion-resistant and it actually has a synthetic overlay called the Medial Impact Shield. This is going to give you some extra protection around the sides of the shoe.
The boot is well padded in the mid-portion and it is cut a little bit higher with a really good cushion up top to really hug the foot and be comfortable for a long run.
Foot-shaped
The toe box is a really interesting design with all Altra footwear. The Lone Peak 3.0 has a foot-shaped toe box that’s much wider than a traditional trail shoe.
The toe box is not quite aggressive and it does not taper off as much as most running or trail running shoes.
This feature allows the big toe to stay straight and stay properly aligned which is going to give you a little bit more comfort and more room for your toes to splay. It’s also designed to promote a more neutral stride.
Other features on the upper include a gaiter trap attachment and a ring on the front which makes the Lona Peak certainly compatible with Altra trail gaiters. The gaiters are not included and are sold separately.
Zero-drop Midsole
The midsole is very well designed. It’s an EVA foam midsole with an Abound top layer.
The big story with the midsole is that it is a zero-drop platform. That simply means that the heel and the toes are the same distance off the ground.
What’s that designed to do is to help promote a more natural stride and a more natural gait.
This design promotes that forefoot strike. So instead of landing on your heels and rolling off to the toes, it is designed to help you try to land on your forefoot and push off with your forefoot.
But be careful because that does take a little bit of getting used to. So I recommend following Altra’s instructions on transitioning to that type of running.
Outsole
The outsole of the Lone Peak is really grippy. It features Altra’s trail claw outsole and it’s actually multiple different densities of rubber.
So, you’ve got a slightly softer compound and a harder compound where you need that extra grip.
The outsole is strategically designed and the lugs are really deep and they give you multi-directional traction so you can really get a good grip on the trails.
So the outsole is super sticky all the way, really flexible, and really comfortable while offering really good grip.
Stone Guard
Another benefit to the shoe is that sandwiched between the midsole and the outsole, there is a stone guard protector which is going to give you extra protection from sharp rocks or things that are jumping off the trail and potentially could hurt you under your foot.
All in all, with that Medial Impact Shield, reinforced heel, really good Neoshell upper materials for weatherproof performance, comfortable zero-drop platform, and that really sticky outsole, the Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Mid is a great hiking, trail running, or fastpacking boot.
Again, Altra is known for making some of the best hiking shoes for flat feet.
Cons:
- Lacks ankle support.
- Too wide for narrow feet.
Hoka One One Tor Ultra HI
