Hiking is always a good idea since you get to be outdoors and hang out with your friends, but when you have flat feet, the fun can be ruined before you even leave your house. Hiking is an activity that requires the right hiking gear, and if you have flat feet, part of that hiking gear should include the best hiking shoes for flat feet around.
Flat feet are a common cause of general musculoskeletal pain and problems, causing discomfort and pain. You certainly can’t expect to walk among rocks and climb steep hills with the wrong footwear; this is a fact that goes beyond having any foot condition, but if you have flat feet, all the more reason to invest in proper footwear.
Your feet need not only protection from the environment but also extra support, cushion, and comfort. If you are serious about hiking and want to make sure not to cut short your time in nature, the best hiking shoes for flat feet are what any expert would recommend. Experts agree that shoes with a supportive sole are best for flat feet.
Without question, the best hiking shoes with arch support will help you avoid possible discomfort during your hiking journey. Do not let flat feet keep you from enjoying your hiking plans, and check out below our top picks for some of the best-rated hiking shoes for flat feet and everything you need to know to make an intelligent decision.
Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet Reviewed In This Guide
- Best Overall Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet: Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
- Best Seller on Amazon Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet: KEEN Men’s Targhee Waterproof Leather Hiking Shoe
- Best Affordable Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet: BomKinta Hiking Shoes Anti-Slip for Women
- Best Flexible Support Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet: Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe
- Best Traction Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet: KEEN Women’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe
How To Choose The Perfect Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet?
When buying flat feet hiking shoes, first, you must consider several factors and determine which design suits your and your feet’ needs. People with flat feet often develop plantar fasciitis as a side effect; proper arch support is key in this case.
The best hiking shoes for flat feet will provide ample arch support. Look for a shoe with a firm but cushioned insole to support the surface of your foot. The sole of the shoe should be flexible but not floppy.
You must also identify what type of flat feet you have. For neutral pronation, you need hiking shoes emphasizing stability and a balanced insole cushion.
For overpronation, where your foot rolls inward, you need durable hiking boots with a cushion toward the inside. This provides you with ample support so your feet will stay supported.
If you’re in the under pronation or supination group, you need a sturdy and lightweight outward sole for your foot that rolls too far outward. This will give you more support and protection.
The proper footwear should protect your feet. That means no cuts or damage to your feet from the elements. They should be comfortable. You should be able to use them without getting blisters.
They should additionally be lightweight. You will step thousands of times when you hike. Every ounce saved on lifting your feet is more energy to hike farther.
Generally, try to evaluate shoe weight relative to other features. Even though the foot and shoe weigh relatively little, the weight factor is essential.
Lastly, keep in mind, that a pair of leather shoes is not only going to hold up better to the elements but also last longer as far as general wear and tear are concerned. The durability of hiking shoes depends on the material, so you also want to focus on this key factor.
Types Of Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
Regular Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
Hiking shoes take the best elements of hiking boots and trail runners and combine them into one. They are lighter and more comfortable than hiking boots but generally offer the same level of protection (minus the cuff around your ankle).
Hiking shoes for flat feet are designed to last longer than a trail runner but are usually a little heavier because of the extra protection.
They’re also a bit stiffer than a trail runner. Overall the durability, lighter weight, and protection offer the best balance for hikers.
Water-Resistant Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
During winter, a water-resistant hybrid is a good choice. It will keep your feet warm in the snow and offers good protection. If the snow level is higher, wear a pair of gaiters as well to keep snow from going into your shoe.
The life of these is similar to a trail runner but usually lasts longer since most people don’t do as much winter hiking as in the rest of the year.
Trail Runners hiking shoes with arch support
If you want the best option and are okay getting new shoes every 500 miles or so (6-12 months for most folks), go with trail running shoes. They are lighter and more “springy” than hiking shoes.
Trail runners have more breathable uppers than hiking shoes but offer less protection. Trail runners are probably not the best bet if you’re bushwhacking off-trail. But the lightness and comfort make hiking feel like walking down the street in sneakers.
Hiking Boot For Flat Feet
If you just want the maximum protection and a shoe that will last (potentially) for thousands of miles, go with a hiking boot.
Overall they’re heavier and require more energy to hike with. If you are going off-trail or want something very beefy for all conditions, including winter, a hiking boot is a good choice.
Best Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet List
1. Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
Pros
- Removable footbed liners
- Spacious back heel.
- Arch support, comfortable.
- Breathable, washable.
- Anti-slip.
Cons
- Narrowed across the toe box.
- Delicate No Ankle Support
- No Removable Insolematerial.
Experience out-of-the-box comfort with durable leathers, a supportive footbed, and Vibram traction, all in a versatile package; you won’t doubt why Moab stands for Mother of all boots.
This leather and mesh upper provides breathability and durability on the trail. High-performance rubber sole with unmatched durability, stability, and slip resistance, giving confidence on your feet.
What Our Testers Say
My grandfather was an orthopedic surgeon. He always insisted that we had to have the highest quality footwear while we could cut corners on clothing. How your feet feel influences how the rest of you feels. Merrells are my go-to brand for work, hiking, and hanging out. They have never, ever disappointed.
Targeted heel cushioning improves overall comfort by reducing stress on your foot with each step.
Tips
Slowly break into your leather hiking boots. Before going on long hikes, go on shorter ones first.
2. KEEN Targhee hiking shoes with arch support
Pros
- Rubber Sole
- 100% Leather
- Waterproof
- Comfort
Cons
- Expensive
These hiking shoes for flat feet are waterproof; they bring a breathable membrane that keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water in.
The all-terrain rubber outsole provides a high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces with 4mm multi-directional lugs. Non-marking rubber outsoles leave no trace or imprint when walking indoors.
What Our Testers Say
I bought these as a gift for my father, who walks 3 miles daily with me and needed new shoes. I bought them as a gift, and he LOVES them! He wears them everywhere! He said his legs and feet don’t hurt anymore! We have walked hundreds of miles together, and this is the first pair of shoes he’s ever asked if he could get another pair!
With torsion stability External Support Shank (ESS) provides support on uneven surfaces; the injected TPU heel-capture system provides next-level stability. The low-profile upper for comfort and secure fit with padded tongue and collar.
Tips
To treat day-to-day wear and tear, especially on lighter color leathers, it is recommended to use a common leather cleaner and conditioner.
3. BomKinta Anti-Slip Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
Pros
- Anti-Slip
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Quick-Dry
Cons
- Runs Large
This pair of flat feet hiking shoes features an air mesh upper for ventilation and lightweight support. Let your feet feel comfortable when you put on these sneakers.
The one-piece tongue prevents wind, sand, water, and gravel from penetrating. The sole is anti-skid and durable. And it is sustainable and stable. It meets the needs of different outdoor sports and provides a sturdy grip in wet.
What Our Testers Say
I hike an average 4-5 times per week over rocky, hilly terrain. My old hiking boots had broken down and needed replacing, and I suffered a foot injury as a result. While deciding on a replacement pair, I ordered these thinking they could serve two purposes… hiking and as an everyday shoe, wide enough to give my foot room to heal. They are great value for the money, perfect for strolling along flat paths, and perfect for an everyday casual shoe.
The backup support is soft, waterproof, and breathable. These hiking shoes save people’s energy when walking, hiking, mountaineering, and any outdoor sports.
BomKinta aims to create the most comfortable and stylish footwear designs for everyone.
Tips
You can clean off the mud by hosing them down with water and brushing them off.
4. Merrell Women’s Siren Edge hiking shoes with arch support
Pros
- Rubber Sole
- Mesh and TPU Upper
- Breathable
Cons
- Expensive
- Narrow In The Middle
The Merrewoman’sn Edge 3 hiker shoes are reliable for taking on the trails. This trail shoe has a vegan-friendly construction and is designed specifically for a woman’s foot to keep you evenly supported all day long.
From day trips to week-long backpacking treks, these are among the best hiking shoes to support your next outdoor excursion. Hit the trails and explore beyond the beaten path with training and trail running shoes that fit your needs and your environment.
Protect your feet from the daily grind with work boots designed to meet the most challenging demands while being comfortable enough to wear daily.
What Our Testers Say
I bought Merrell shoes three years ago and still wear them. They were starting to look shabby, so I wanted to buy another pair just like them. Of course, they’re not making that one anymore. So I bought this one because it looked sort of like it. I was not disappointed. They are comfortable, sized right, have good soles, and are well constructed. Three years from now I will buy another pair. Well worth the price.
5. Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
Pros
- 100% Leather
- Waterproof
- Cushion Collar
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires Breaking-in
These hiking shoes for flat feet bring a rubber outsole that provides a high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces. Non-marking rubber outsoles leave no trace or imprint when walking indoors.
The external stability shank offers lightweight support for improved mobility and torsion control. Cushioned collar reduces irritation and discomfort around the ankle, and a mesh lining helps keep feet cool in warmer environments.
What Our Testers Say
The most comfortable shoe I have ever owned; also, this is the second time I purchased these identical hiking boots same color and model/style! My last pair is eight years old, and I wear them almost every day and still will. They are fabulously good-looking pair of walking/hiking shoes which get lots of compliments. I love them.
The Keen-Dry is a waterproof, breathable membrane that lets vapor out without letting water in. Durable waterproof protection stands up to wet weather, and the lug outsole adds traction.
Tips
When your old Keens start to get holes in the bottom from so much use, just keep them and use them as water/river shoes. They are still sturdy enough for this use and to keep your feet supported and covered in the rocky streams and rivers.
flat feet hiking shoe Buying Guide
What Are HikThey’rees For Flat Feet?
Hiking shoes are designed to last longer (about 800 miles or 9-18 months for most hikers) than a trail runner but are usually a little heavier because of the extra protection. They’re also a bit stiffer than a trail runner.
Overall the durability, lighter weight, and protection offer the best balance for hikers.
How Do Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet Work?
Hiking shoes for flat feet, as you may imagine, are unique, they are fabricated explicitly with features that make them suitable for harsh environments, and their most important goal is to protect your feet and keep them as comfortable as possible while outdoors.
Hiking shoes with arch support also increased outsole traction, offering stability at the same time thanks to a cushioned footbed and quality midsole. The outsole is the layer that comes into contact with the ground.
It is supposed to be durable and provide enough traction. Most outsoles are made of rubber because the material is both soft and durable. All these combined features make hiking shoes for flat feet work.
Features To Look For In flat feet hiking shoes
Adequate Support
Hiking shoes for flat feet support your foot and ankle, mainly when walking in rocky and hilly areas. These shoes prevent your ankle and foot from twisting. Wearing hiking shoes will also protect your foot from possible blisters
Fit
Fit is critical. No matter how well a hiking shoe is constructed, it will not function properly if it does not fit well.
The last is the foot-shaped form on which shoes are made, and the shape of the previous significantly influences fit. Fit directly influences comfort. Proper fit is also a prerequisite of function.
Traction
Hiking shoe traction is achieved with increased outsole traction and midsole stability. The outsole is the layer that comes into contact with the ground. It is supposed to be durable and provide enough traction.
Most outsoles are made of rubber because the material is both soft and durable.
Breathability
Conventional hiking shoes for flat feet often fail to provide sufficient ventilation. This causes discomfort to the wearers in hot climates because the feet become really hot and the lack of ventilation does not allow moisture to escape from the boot.
This results in many skin problems such as blisters, rashes, and infections. The more moisture absorbs, the more breathable the material, resulting in greater comfort.
Thdoesn’tcommon manufactured materials in hiking shoe uppers are nylon meshes. Nylon mesh, which is knitted instead of woven, is more popular bThat’s its strength doesn’t depend on the tightness of the weave.
Weight
The weight of the shoe is an important consideration when choosing hiking footwear. That’s why many experienced backpackers prefer wearing lightweight hiking shoes. Others credit leather hiking boots as more solid and reliable footwear.
In general, long-lasting hiking boots are heavier. When maintained in good shape, they can last several years or more.
Cushioning
Cushioning is the ability of a shoe to absorb shock. The human body can sense damaging motions such as discomfort or pain. Poor cushioning ratings are a good predictor of discomfort and pain in the feet.
But how does cushioning work in reality? A cushioning system functions by increasing the duration of an impact, thereby reducing the shock load transmitted to the musculoskeletal system.
Comfort
Oxygen consumption and fatigue have been strongly correlated with comfort. If a hiking shoe makes the user consume more oxygen and the muscle activity increases, the user will feel uncomfortable in that shoe.
Improving the comfort of a shoe can result in a reduction in stress-related injuries. Hiking shoes enhance comfort, mainly when walking in hilly areas. Besides, they can withstand challenging terrains.
Durability
The durability of hiking shoes depends on the material, technology used, storage, duration of use, terrain, and weather conditions (including humidity). Synthetics are much more prone to abrasion damage than leather hiking shoes.
If you like hiking on rough and rocky terrain, you need durable hiking shoes or boots, preferably with an upper made of leather.
Protection
A pair of good hiking shoes for flat feet must protect your feet against harsh conditions on the trail. These include cold and wet environments as well as hard and rough surfaces.
To some extent, the level of protection depends on the weight of the footwear (heavier hiking shoes or boots often, though not necessarily always, provide better security).
However, much more important factors for good foot protection are: the material that your hiking shoes have been made ofbody’she presence or absence of additional features such as a toe cap
Rigidity And Ankle Support
Because the bodYou’llight distribution is a little different with flat feet, it can be easier than usual to twist an ankle. You’ll want to wear a boot with sturdy construction and strong ankle support to reduce the chances of injuring yourself.
Ideally, the ankle shaft should cover the ankle, stabilizing it and holding it in place. Construction from a hardy, non-bendable material is best. A quality lace-up system is also essentthat’s provide extra hold at your preferred level of tightness.
Correct Width
If you pick a shoe that’s too tight, you will create more stress for your feet than they need. A loose shoe on the other will cause friction, and with all that movement and chaffing, you will likely blister up. Now no one wants that while they are hiking, so make sure to measure your foot width correctly before buying.
Common Questions About Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
What are flat feet?
Flat feet, also known as pes planus, have to do with the bones in your feet. When someone has flat feet, it means they have bone position lower than high or usual arches.
Most people have a slight arch in the bones in their feet; some people have high arches, where the bones in their feet curve up more.
So with flat feet, the arches fall so low that the entire foot touches thThere’sd. The foot makes a clean lfoot’stween the floor and the flesh when seen from the side. There’s no pouch of air where the foot’s arch creates space between the foot and the floor.
- Neutral Pronation occurs wyou’reur foot moves from side to side when you walk or run. This condition can also occur when you’re standing; the term pronation refers to how much your foot rolls inward toward the arch.
- Overpronation or pronation happens when the foot rolls too far inward toward the arch.
- Underpronation, or supination, happens when the foot rolls too far outward from the arch.
Do flat feet need arch support?
If your flat feet are painful, your doctor might suggest Arch supports (orthotic devices). Over-the-counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet. Or your doctor might suggest custom-designed arch supports, which are molded to the contours of your feet.
What do podiatrists recommend for flat feet?
Orthotic devices can help correct gait or structural abnormalities and prevent additional problems from developing. These devices can help with conditions that may affect your spine and limbs.
If you have flat feet, orthotic devices should be custom-made to give you adequate support.
Can flat-footed people hike?
Overpronation is when the foot over-flattens during walking. During a hike, this over-flattening can cause the joints to take on more rotation force, leading to common aches and pains in the ankcan’tknees, and hips.
However, do not be alarmed; having flat feet does not mean you can’t do vigorous activities like hiking. You only have to find a suitable pair of shoes for ultimate comfort.
What is the difference between hiking and walking shoes?
When it comes down to it, the main difference between hiking shoes and walking shoes is the level of protection and weight of the shoe. Typically, hiking shoes are meant for rough terrain.
That means these types of shoes have thicker material, thicker soles, and more protection than walking shoes.
Are Salomon boots good for wide feet?
Salomon runs slightly narrow as a brand. However, they now offer their best-hiking boots and shoes in wide sizes, including the XA Pro. Hikers with wide feet may find Salomons too narrow, but the XA Pro (in wide) should fit hikers with moderately wide feet.
What is a good fitting of the flat feet hiking shoe?
The shoe needs to have a shape and dimensions which maintain good health. Good fitting also means comfort in most cases. The optimal underfoot shape also gives a good fitting if it is checked carefully.
Insole and socks must be checked as carefully as styling to ensure they fit the user.
Proper fitting of footwear to feet involves understanding feet, shoes, and the selection of shoes to achieve a required fit.
Why do you need hiking shoes for flat feet?
- Ever felt discomfort on a hiking expedition because of cheap or ordinary shoes? Hiking shoes provide sdoesn’tnt support both to the foot and the ankle. They make sure your ankle doesn’t twist when you are walking. They will also protect your foot from blisters and injuries.
- Hiking footwear ishouldn’tr you should always carry when going on nature trips. You shouldn’t walk in your ordinary shoes since they may lack the necessary foot support, mainly when climbing hills and mountains.
Enjit’sour New Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet
When on a hiking expedition, it’s always the right move to wear hiking shoes, mainly if you deal with flat feet discomfort. Hiking shoes for flat feet can protect you from injuries in case of an accident.
In addition, flat feet hiking shoes offer sturdy arch support, providing comfort, convenience, and ultimate peace of mind while ocan’tr outdoor adventure. With the right hiking for flat feet, you can’t go wrong.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to send a message. We are always here for you.
