Hiking is fun, especially if you like escaping amidst nature and love being around mountains and beautiful lush green slopes. But hiking has its risks if you do not have the right gear for your adventures. The basic requirement is a pair of the best hiking shoes.
Especially if you have flat feet, you need to make sure that the shoes reduce the pressure on your feet while you climb or tread downhill, and finding such a comfortable pair is not an easy task.
Understanding the dilemmas that hikers and adventure seekers. We decided to help out the expert and aspiring hikers and adventure seekers, by reviewing the best hiking shoes that are also suitable for people with foot deformities and flat feet.
Discover the Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet in 2022: Top 10 Picks Reviewed by Actual Hikers
| Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoe | Merrell Men’s Moab Edge Hiking Shoe | Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot Shoes | Salomon Men’s Authentic Leather & GORE-TEX Backpacking Boots | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | Men, Women | Men | Men | Men |
| Toe protection | No Toe Protection | No Toe Protection | No Toe Protection | No Toe Protection |
| Slip-resistant | No | No | No | No |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Material | Leather, Mesh | Leather, Mesh | Leather, Synthetic | Leather, Synthetic |
| Arch support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cushioning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Breathability | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Weight | Medium | Medium | Heavy | Heavy |
| Flexibility | High | High | Low | Low |
| Durability | Good | Good | Good | Good |
Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoe
These shoes provide comfort like no other and hence are considered to be one of the best hiking shoes from the entire range. With outstanding comfort, classy looks, and a supportive finish and design, these shoes from Merrell are ideal for hiking and days of adventure and the performance is not at all disappointing. It has been purchased and loved by 20 million people and all of them have reviewed these shoes positively making them a people’s choice as well.
It has performance suede leather with a mesh upper lining that makes the shoes durable and breathable at the same time. The closed-cell foam tongue provides adequate cushioning while also making sure that no dust or debris comes across your feet. The forefront has a protective rubber toe cap that makes them extremely suitable for downhill climbing and trekking. It has a supportive inner footbed with a patented design from Merrell that has an EVA-contoured design with a zonal arch and heel support.
These features are especially important for people with flat feet as they can’t afford to have the base touching the ground which may cause immense pain. The arched support for the base of the feet and padded support on the heel provides ample cushioning and reduces the overall pressure for people suffering from any feet deformities, especially flat feet. The arch support is also shock-absorbing, meaning it protects against impactful activities.
The shoes have a 5 mm lug depth and come with a molded nylon arch shank to protect and cover as well as support the ankle region. The air-cushioned heel is also shock absorbing and adds to the stability while climbing or going downhill. These shoes have proven to be the best partners for hiking and trekking and are loved by most adventurers.
Pros
- Protective rubber toe cap at the forefront
- Vibram outsole for traction
- Breathable mesh fabric combined with leather for durability and comfort
- Air-cushioned heel for shock absorbance and support
Cons
- The fitting of the shoes is not great
| Feature | Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoe |
|---|---|
| Gender | Men, Women |
| Toe protection | No Toe Protection |
| Slip-resistant | No |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Price | $$$ |
| Material | Leather, Mesh |
| Arch support | Yes |
| Cushioning | Yes |
| Breathability | Good |
| Weight | Medium |
| Flexibility | High |
| Durability | Good |
Merrell Men’s Moab Edge Hiking Shoe
Buy these shoes from Merrell and they will love you back. Athletic looks to die for, excellent performance and superior traction, these features well define the range of shoes that makes them very sporty as well as the best hiking shoes across town. First off, it is comfortable unlimited due to the athletic mesh fabric that keeps your feet feeling ventilated and makes the shoes very breathable.
Unlike other leather boots, these shoes are very flexible and provide ample space for movement of your feet, their lightweight design is something to look for and the TPU upper with mesh combination adds to the durability and flexibility of these shoes.
These shoes come with a traditional lace closure for a snug-fitting across your feet and M Select FRESH antimicrobial agents to reduce the odor from the shoes making your feet feel fresh and comfortable all day. Kinetic Fit BASE insole is contoured, the shape of which makes the shoes fit very tightly and provides a good grip around your feet.
The nylon arch shank gives enough room for movement while also making sure it provides enough support to your ankle. These athletic shoes are available in a range of attractive colors featuring a very sporty design that goes with any look while also making sure to support your feet.
The footbed is contoured and has EVA fabric that is extremely soft as well as supportive for people with flat feet while also offering good shock absorbance. It also has a cushioned tongue and collar while also coming with a loop at the back for ease of wearing and slipping of the shoes. These sneaker-like shoes are very convenient to use and the best athlete-like shoes for day-long comfort.
Pros
- Vibram outsole provides superior traction
- Attractive design that adds to your style quotient
- Mesh fabric ensures total breathability
- Contoured footbed for a snug and comfortable fitting
Cons
- The shoe design is not as durable
| Feature | Merrell Men’s Moab Edge Hiking Shoe |
|---|---|
| Gender | Men |
| Toe protection | No Toe Protection |
| Slip-resistant | No |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Price | $$ |
| Material | Leather, Mesh |
| Arch support | Yes |
| Cushioning | Yes |
| Breathability | Good |
| Weight | Medium |
| Flexibility | High |
| Durability | Good |
Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot Shoes
Probably one of the best hiking shoes in a budget price, Dunham’s Men’s Cloud Mid Cut Waterproof Boot Shoes are stylish, comfortable, and stable in every sense, making them a supportive range for people with flat feet as well as suitable for hikers and adventurers. These handcrafted shoes are made to perfection and they have a full-grain leather upper fabric that makes them waterproof as well as durable. The outsole has an aggressive pattern that provides extreme traction on any slippery surface.
The tongue and the collar region come with some extreme padding that is very comforting while the toe area is protected by a rubber toe cap that provides extra protection. The laces are embedded using metal hooks and loops that add to the style and give them a snug-fitting around the feet.
Hikers believe that these are one of the most comfortable pairs of hiking shoes they have ever come across. They are not very hard and extremely flexible reducing the overall break-in period and making it easy to adjust to these shoes. It accommodates orthotics pretty well which makes it customizable as per your support requirements which makes it an excellent feature for people with flat feet.
It has a very lightweight design and mostly runs true to size as claimed by experts as well. They stand true to their feature of being waterproof and the ankle shaft is capable of providing additional ankle support as well. It has an overall spacious design that makes it suitable for people with wider feet and provides some decent level of support to the ankle as well as the base of the feet. These shoes are recommended for people with diabetes and other foot deformities due to their customizable sole pattern.
Pros
- Full-grain nubuck leather enhances the durability of the shoes
- Slip-proof design
- Reinforced rubber toe guard for ultimate protection in the forefront section
- Provides good ankle support as well
Cons
- These shoes are not waterproof
| Feature | Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot Shoes |
|---|---|
| Gender | Men |
| Toe protection | No Toe Protection |
| Slip-resistant | No |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Price | $$$ |
| Material | Leather, Synthetic |
| Arch support | Yes |
| Cushioning | Yes |
| Breathability | Good |
| Weight | Heavy |
| Flexibility | Low |
| Durability | Good |
Merrell Men’s Moab Adventure Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Moab’s shoes are known to provide some out-of-the-box comfort and these boots that are meant for adventure and hiking won’t disappoint you either. It gives you the kind of lifestyle look you love and deserve and the perfect waterproof fabric is something to look for if you want overall protection for your feet. They have a nubuck leather upper that is very tough, waterproof, and abrasion-proof while the lace closure provides a very snug fitting across your feet. The shoes also have a breathable mesh lining that keeps your feet dry and ventilated all day.
The EVA contoured lining around the midsole, adds to the snug-fitting of these shoes while also contributing to odor control and overall comfort for your feet. The molded nylon arch shank keeps your feet extremely protected and covers the ankle portion providing ample support to all parts while hiking. The midsole is made of EVA material that is supportive, comfortable, and provides stability while you are walking or climbing.
The shoes are extremely lightweight and the outsole is made of Vibram material that provides superior traction and in turn, keeps you stable while you enjoy your hike. The aggressive pattern in the bottom makes them extremely slip-proof while the mediocre level of cushioning reduces the overall weight of the shoe and also manages to provide a decent level of comfort.
The durable stitches around the design of the shoes make them tear-proof and tough for wear and tear. These shoes are also capable of sustaining in any condition and environment, be it the warmest to the coldest, your feet are sure to remain protected throughout.
Pros
- Breathable mesh uppers
- Cushioned collars for additional comfort and reduced pressure
- High shaft for added protection
- The outsole provides good traction
Cons
- Not waterproof as claimed by manufacturers
- The seams start giving away and are not strongly stitched
Salomon Men’s Authentic Leather & GORE-TEX Backpacking Boots
This range of boots by Salomon is perfect for backpackers who love going on random treks and trips that involve adventure. The perfect leather finish on the top with the svelte design looks outstanding and the cushioned collars provide great comfort for your feet to reduce the pressure due to intense hiking and activity. These shoes also have a 3D stretch air mesh that keeps your feet feeling well ventilated and makes the shoes breathable and sweatproof.
With a back loop at the collar, these shoes are also easy to slip on and slip off while the padded tongue also provides ample support to your shin and ankles. The waterproof split suede leather with the rugged finish as well as the visible stitches enhances the durability of the shoes as well as keeps your feet protected.
These shoes also have an upper mudguard for protecting your feet against muddy and watery or slippery surfaces while hiking. These shoes also have a protective heel cap that reduces the impact on your heels and keeps the overall surface of the shoes safe. The GORE-TEX Waterproof fabric is something to look for in these shoes while the Sensifit foothold provides an extremely comfortable grip around the feet.
The contra grip outsole provides traction on any terrain that maintains stability and balance while hiking as well. These shoes have begun to be handcrafted since 1947 and ever since then have only been getting better in terms of design, comfort, and durability. These shoes are suitable for intense activities as well as running and the lightweight design does not allow the shoes to come in your way of hiking. Enjoy a great hiking session outdoors with this classy range of shoes from Salomon.
Pros
- GTX Waterproof fabric
- Contragrip outsole for good traction
- Sensifit foothold for perfect grip across the feet
- Full-grain Nubuck leather that is waterproof
Cons
- Users claim that the quality of the shoes is very cheap
- The lower surface of the boots is not even with the ground
Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot
These boots by Lowa are specifically made for hiking with their leather uppers and superior styling that holds the foot in place while also adds to your looks and style. It has a renegade GTX Midsole and a GORE-TEX lining that reduces the pressure on the most pressure prone hot spots of your feet. This keeps your feet feeling comfortable.
It also possesses a climate control footbed that is sweat and moisture-proof and keeps your feet feeling dry and comfortable. The boot lining also has some perforations that allow good circulation of the air while wicking away the moisture of your feet. These hiking boots also have a full-length nylon shank that is not only comfortable but also protective covering the shin area of your leg. This helps in providing ample stability.
The derby style lace pattern makes sure that the boots have a snug-fitting around your feet and the nubuck leather upper reduces the strain on the forefront and toe section while downward hiking and risky slope areas. The boots also boast of a durable Monowrap frame that reduces the overall weight of the boots so that they do not come in your way of hiking. The outsole is made of rugged Vibram material that increases traction and gives a good grip while climbing or in downhill sections.
The Vibram sole is also known to provide good shock absorbance which is beneficial especially for people with flat feet. The height of the shaft is quite high, around 5 inches to 7 inches from the arch while the platform measures around 1 inch providing good stability and gait in any terrain.
These shoes are also nicely carved and arched in the midsection that is extra comfortable and supportive for people with flat feet. These boots are also available in a versatile range of colours and sizes, that make them vibrant, stylish, and comfortable for hiking trips.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking outer material
- Nylon shank for ankle protection
- Vibram outsole for good traction
- Lightweight trekking shoes due to Monowrap frame
Cons
- The quality of the shoes are not great
- The boots are not very durable
Vasque Men’s Talus Trek Low Ultradry Hiking Shoe
The Vasque Men’s Talus Trek Low Ultradry Hiking Shoe is made of nubuck leather that keeps your feet ultra-dry and protected across any terrain. It has an abrasion-resistant mesh fabric that adds to the durability and the breathability of the shoes along with reinforced stitching at the sides and the heel areas for extra durability.
It also features Ultradry technology along with a lace-up design for a snug fit around your feet. Moreover, it has a padded collar and tongue region for additional comfort and pressure reduction along with a loop for easy slip-on and slip-off shoes. The removable footbed is highly perforated for added breathability and is customizable while it comes with extra support in the heel region.
It also has a shock-absorbing midsole and the overall shoe has a very sturdy and flexible design. The durable PU Vibram rubber outsole is slip-proof providing extreme stability and traction on any terrain. The moulded EVA midsole along with the TPU shank allows for extra cushioning and stability for your feet.
Pros
- Vibram sole provides good flexibility and traction
- Polyurethane midsole for good support for people with flatfeet
- Removable and perforated footbed
- Easy lace-up and lightweight construction
Cons
- The sole is slightly hard giving an increased break-in period
- Not true to size always
Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Canvas Hiking Boots
If you are someone who enjoys being a part of adventures and loves going on long trips, then the Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Canvas Hiking Boots are an ideal purchase for you. It gives you a good amount of stability and flexibility across any surface and comes with an ergonomically cushioned tongue that supports your ankle and reduces the pressure on your feet.
The laces provide a very tight-fitting and the design is such, it provides day-long comfort for long hiking adventures. It is extremely lightweight as well as promises to provide good protection and stability to your feet.
The 4D Chassis technology promises active comfort and comes with a dynamic cushioned design. It also reduces fatigue over the feet making it suitable for people with flat feet. The outsole design is such that it provides a good amount of traction. It adjusts according to the shape of your feet due to the sport-specific geometric design while it also comes with a sport-specific density.
It has a techno fabric with GORE-TEX technology that is extremely breathable and works for all seasons. The 3D mesh design is also great that enhances the breathability and the overall comfort aspect of the shoe. It has removable Ortholite footbeds that make them customizable and adjustable for people with foot pain and deformities.
It also provides good shock absorbance and reaches over the ankle for covered protection to the feet. The material is antimicrobial treated that reduces the chances of odor and bacteria from lingering around your feet, keeping them fresh for every trek.
Pros
- 4D advanced Chassis technology reduces fatigue in the foot
- Breathable and lightweight
- Sensifit technology for snug-fitting around the feet
Cons
- The boots are not very durable
- Not waterproof as claimed
Lowa Men’s Camino GTX Hiking Boot
These tall and high-standing boots from Lowa go above the ankle providing absolute protection to the feet and are bonded with Vibram AppTrail Sole for pure comfort meant for hiking. You can also replace the sole as per your comfort and convenience. These shoes may feel very heavy to some due to their extremely cushiony and supportive construction that reduces overall pressure on the feet.
It also has an Achilles Notch that provides the feet with a good range of motion. The overall shoes are very stiff, especially the midsole that provides a good amount of support on sharp rocks and uneven surfaces but lacks the flexibility you may need for movement. The heel notch is very deep and pronounced that supports your weight and provides you with very good stability in rocky terrains and slopey hiking surfaces.
Since it has a Vibram outsole, it is also slip-proof on wet surfaces. The lacing system of the shoes is very good and allows you to tighten and loosen as per your comfort. It has metal eyelets and ball bearings that keep the lace very secure and provides a good fitting around the feet just with a single pull.
The tongue is highly cushioned and stays at the center to provide support to the ankle. The heel and the toe have rubber rands to protect those areas of the feet especially and the toe region also has a rigid cap. The shoes are also suitable for people with wide feet that makes them roomy, spacious, and suitable for people with wide feet as well.
Pros
- Vibram outsole provides good traction
- High shaft for good protection
- Polyurethane midsole provides good torsion
- Cushioned tongue for pressure distribution across the ankle
Cons
- Not true to size at times, feet may feel compressed
- Does not provide decent stability
Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot
With a fine leather fabric construction and sturdy looks, these pair of shoes by Vasque Men’s Breeze are very comfortable and made of imported fabric that is to stay for years. It has a very plush design and possesses a good amount of cushioning for extra comfort during long hiking hours. The high shaft design keeps your feet protected from uneven and rough surfaces while the heel measures around 1.25 inches from the base that gives good stability and control while walking and hiking.
The platform is around 0.75 inches that provide a great balance while climbing and the material is also known to be very breathable and comfortable that is resistant to getting worn out or is rather abrasion-proof. The surface has air mesh panels that enhance the breathability of the shoes and keeps you comfortable and sweat-free for hiking.
The shoes also have GORE-TEX with extended comfort technology for all-round waterproof protection in any surroundings and environment. These boots also have a rubber toe cap that is slightly bent to keep your toe protected. The reflective piping adds to the looks and classy texture of the shoes while the EVA footbed is something to vouch for in terms of long term comfort and support to people with flat feet.
The outsole is the exclusive Vibram Contact Outsole that is Vasque patented and consists of an XSTrek Compound. The padding around the tongue and the collar region also provides additional support to the shin and the ankle region of the feet. These shoes are your best partners for trekking and camping and keep you feeling comfortable.
Pros
- Low friction lacing
- Mesh material panels on the outer surface
- EVA Footbed provides support to people with foot deformities
- Dense cushioning around the collar region
Cons
- The quality of these boots are not worth the price
- Not meant for people with wide feet
Things To Consider When Buying Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
If you want to consider hiking but suffer from flat feet at the same time, it can get very tough for you. Here is a list of features that we think are essential before choosing the best hiking shoes for flat feet.
Material
Ideally, shoes are made of leather and nubuck material that is very durable and tough concerning the outer environment and in terms of protection. However, we must also see that the material is breathable and easy to survive in for day-long wear and comfort.
If you are a hiker, then long trips and tiresome walking can cause your feet to get sweaty and stinky. Breathable material like mesh is ventilated, airy, and lightweight, which adds to the comfort and does not pressurize your feet, thereby avoiding distraction and irritation while hiking.
Make sure that the leather or mesh material you choose is soft and does not rub against your feet to cause abrasions and cuts, thereby injuring your feet with long hours of hiking.
Weight
As hikers demand a lot of activity on their feet, heavy shoes may restrict the movement of your feet and may slow down your regular pace. This can be distracting and time-consuming during your hiking process and you do not want the weight of the shoes to hinder your trek.
Therefore, before purchase, carefully look for the weight of each pair in the description to avoid further pressure on your feet.
Traction
Hikers have to tread across uneven and rough surfaces which may cause them to slip or lose grip. This can lead o accidents or injuries upon slipping, which is why you need shoes with extreme traction and stability.
The outsole should have a slip-proof pattern that can easily grip on any surface and provide you a good grip for hiking and trekking.
Foot Support
For people who suffer from flat feet, any additional activities like excessive walking or trekking can cause their feet to feel pressurized and eventually hurt the shaft of the feet and ankle.
Therefore, for people with flat feet, a pair of trekking or hiking shoes with good arch support provides a natural arch to the base of the feet, thereby providing support and reducing pressure on the base.
The foot support is ideally determined by the kind of insole and the amount of comfort that it can provide. The midsole and the outsole also contribute to providing adequate support to the feet.
Cushioning
Hiking requires constant movement and tremendous support from the insides of the shoe. For which, the insoles need to be soft and extremely cushioned for your feet to get adequate support and not feel fatigued while hiking.
Moreover, for people with flat feet, cushioning within their shoes is a must for good support and to reduce overall pressure on the feet.
Stability
While hiking it is very important to maintain balance for which the shoes need to provide good stability. The shoes must mostly feet, not too arched from the heel to the top nor too complicated in design that disrupts the stability of your feet and distracts you while hiking. There are various technologies available in shoes these days like an EVA midsole to provide adequate compression as well as a snug-fitting and stable gait.
Shock Absorbance
The midsole area of the shoe is ideally responsible to provide adequate shock absorbance. This is a very essential feature in hiking shoes as you are prone to receiving heavy impacts on your feet while jumping and climbing across uneven surfaces.
This can affect your nerves and cause pain in your feet, especially if you are suffering from arthritis or flat feet. Therefore, hiking shoes that provide maximum shock absorbance are an ideal purchase.
Waterproof and Sweat Proof
Whether you are hiking in any region or climate, shoes that get soggy wet after coming in contact with water can cause them to get spoilt and cause them to stink.
Shoes that are made of waterproof leather or mesh material, dry easily and do not allow sweat or odor to linger around the shoes thereby, allowing your feet to remain hygienic and protected from the environment as well as sweat.
Removable Insole
For people suffering from flat feet and other feet related deformities, they may need customization or two with the insoles of the shoe to match as per their comfort. For which, shoes with removable insoles and customizable soles for better support are always a better deal, especially for hikers with foot deformities and pain in their feet.
Conclusion:
Shoes form one of the most important aspects for hikers as they should be providing good traction and stability while climbing or treading downhill. However, for hikers with flat feet, the shoes have to be extra supportive and cushioned in the right places. After careful analysis and examination and with recommendations from several experts, we concluded that the best shoes for hiking for people with flat feet are the Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe.
Leather and mesh uppers, svelte design and a well supported EVA contoured footbed, these shoes are a combination of stability, comfort, and support while hiking as well as reduce the pressure of your feet. With a protective design and mesmerizing looks, these shoes have won our and many people’s hearts, be it hikers or non-hikers.
Read our reviews on the best shoes for hiking for people with flat feet and let us know which one makes your best choice for your adventurous trips in the comments section below!!
Also Read:
- Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Boots for Landscaping
- Best Shoes for Roofing
- Best Work Boots for Flat Feet
