There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as getting out in the open air and hiking in the great outdoors.
But if you suffer from flat feet or have fallen arches, then you’ll know just how important it is to have the right pair of boots.
In this guide to the best hiking boots for flat feet, I’ve listed all the key features you should look for when buying a new pair of boots.
Without adequate support, what should be a pleasant experience can become a painful one very quickly indeed.
Here are five of my favorite hiking boots for flat feet, with suggestions for both male and female hikers.
What To Look For When Buying Hiking Boots For Flat Feet
The arch of your foot acts like a shock-absorbing spring that distributes your weight efficiently to maintain balance.
If you have little to no arch then your feet may roll inwards as you walk, or may not roll inwards enough.
This is likely to lead to pain in the long term, often in your legs and feet, and sometimes in your back too.
This means that you need to look for hiking shoes that offer excellent support and stability.
Many hikers with flat feet also prefer their boots to be lightweight and flexible.
Comfort is key, of course, so ensure your heels are cushioned and that the fit is just right for your foot.
If you have wide feet, ensure there is enough room in the toe box, or look for a boot that comes in both standard and wide fittings.
It’s equally important to make sure that your boots are not too loose, as movement from the boots can lead to blistering.
The other main considerations are that the boots should be durable – giving you value for money – and waterproof.
It is also a good idea to think about traction and find boots that offer the best grip in various types of terrain, as this will give you more stability on your hikes and prevent injury.
Salomon Men’s Authentic LTR GTX Backpacking
Some of the best hiking boots for flat feet currently available, these classic leather boots have all the features you need for comfort and durability.
Available in two different colors, they have a very deep lug pattern, so they provide excellent traction on all sorts of terrain.
This enhances your stability, making hiking a great deal more comfortable and preventing your feet from undergoing additional stress.
They are lightweight, which helps you maintain a brisk pace, and are made with an EnergyCell midsole.
This is a high-performance EVA foam that provides excellent support whilst absorbing shock, preventing the jarring effect that can cause discomfort in your legs and back.
These boots also use a SensiFit foothold, which supports the foot’s contours snugly and gives them a customized feel.
The breathable OrthoLite sock liner ensures your feet feel cool and comfortable for the duration of your hike and – no matter the conditions – you can be confident your feet will stay dry.
This is thanks to the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane which completely blocks any moisture from entering the shoe through the uppers.
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
These Timberland boots are some of the most popular boots around and are very good hiking shoes for flat feet.
Both the footbed and midsole are made from EVA which provides the support you need whilst effectively absorbing any impact.
The arches are well supported too, preventing any knee or back discomfort, even after hours of hiking. The padded collar gives you plenty of ankle support, which helps with stability and reduces the stress on the foot.
The well-spaced multi-directional lugs on these boots offer amazing grip, so no matter what the terrain, you can hike with confidence.
Hardy and rugged, these are built to last, with full-grain waterproof leather uppers, rustproof speed lace hardware, and fully sealed seams to keep water out.
The heavy-duty heel sling makes them easy to put on and also comes in handy as you can use the loop to attach them to your backpack.
Lacing them is easy too, thanks to the eye loops below and hooks at the top, and the toe box is a comfortable size.
Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX Hiking Boot
These durable boots from Asolo are a great choice if you are looking for the best hiking shoes for flat feet. The Asolo boots are ideally suited to lighter hikes, along with other outdoor activities like coastal walking.
The lightweight feel makes them incredibly comfortable to wear and they are specially designed to improve performance.
This is achieved by the Duo Asoflex midsole, which combines a soft, shock-absorbing material with stiff support, promoting anti pronation, anti supination, and anti-torsion – all important considerations if you suffer from flat feet.
The uppers – which come in two different colors – are made from water-resistant suede and Cordura, whilst the Gore-Tex liners ensure that the boots are fully waterproof whilst remaining breathable.
This means that you will stay dry at all times without overheating!
The toe box and heels are reinforced with rubber for durability and there are both standard and wide fit sizes available, so you can ensure the boots are the perfect fit for you.
There is also great ankle support, giving you the stability you need on uneven terrain.
Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 MID GTX W
Offering maximum traction on all kinds of terrain, these mid-height hiking boots for flat feet are carefully designed to make your descents as comfortable as your ascents.
Using a SensiFit Foothold, your foot is perfectly cradled and cushioned in all the right places, with the OrthoLite sock liner providing the breathability you need to stay cool.
Enhanced stability is provided by the lightweight advanced chassis between the outsole and midsole, whilst the shock-absorbing EnergyCell midsole keeps your feet free from stress.
The waterproof Gore-Tex membrane ensures your feet stay dry, whatever the weather and the boots come in 4 different colors, with a wide fit available in addition to standard fit in some colors.
Even the muddiest trails are a breeze with these boots.
The protective mudguard all around the base protects both the medial and lateral sides, and the mesh upper is designed to resist debris and stop any annoying bits of debris from becoming trapped between the footbed and your foot!
Easy to clean and guaranteeing you a comfortable hike, these boots barely need breaking in and are great straight from the box!
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
Among the very best hiking shoes for flat feet are these shoes from Merrell, which provide all the stability you need.
They come in a wide range of colors and both standard and wide fit, so it is easy to find a pair that will suit you perfectly.
The uppers are made from a combination of 100% suede leather and mesh, which not only provides durability on the trail but is breathable too.
The high-performance Vibram rubber soles are designed to last and have a lug depth of 5 mm for better traction.
Comfortable straight out of the box, they have a very supportive footbed. What makes them particularly comfortable is the cushioning on the heel.
This reduces stress on your foot with every step you take, preventing those aches and pains that you can typically get with inferior hiking shoes.
These boots would make a great hiking gift since they are responsibly produced with the environment in mind, using sustainable methods.
All these great features help you see why Moab stands for ‘Mother of All Boots!’.
Final Thoughts On Hiking Boots For Flat Feet
Wearing good hiking shoes for flat feet will make a huge difference on your next hiking adventure.
A long hike shouldn’t result in pain in your feet, legs, or back and finding a comfortable pair of boots is key to an enjoyable trek.
Looking for hiking inspiration?
Check out our list of the best hiking songs and inspiring hiking quotes.
