If you have narrow feet you may be familiar with the pain of trying to find a pair of hiking boots that properly fit your feet. Once you have been through this, it is likely that you won’t want to have to do it again.
For this reason, it is vital that you can find a pair of hikers that will fit your feet like a dream, and even when they have been worn, you can easily replace them with another pair of the same shoes. Fortunately, there are many options like this, you simply have to look around a little. But we have done the hard work for you.
In this article, we are going to be looking at the importance of hiking boots that fit narrow fit correctly as well as showing you our top picks for 2021.
Why Is It Important To Find Hiking Boots For Narrow Feet?
Hiking is an extremely enjoyable activity, not to mention it is brilliant exercise. However, spending long hours on your feet can put them under enormous strain. If you do not have footwear that fits you properly, this can result in a whole host of problems.
For people with narrow feet, regular fitting hiking boots may move around on the feet. This can mean that the shoes rub and cause blisters and sores. This is the last thing that you want when out on a remote trail, especially if you do not have a spare pair of comfortable boots.
You will have noticed that wearing ill-fitting hiking boots can have this effect particularly on the heels and is extremely uncomfortable. A lot of hiking boots seem to run pretty wide so it is important to be mindful of this when making a purchase. Of course, the best way to determine how well the boots fit is to try them on.
How To Tell If Hiking Boots Fit Well
One of the easiest ways to tell if your hiking boots fit correctly is to check around the heel. You should be able to slide your finger into the space between your heel and the back of the shoe, but there should not be a notable gap.
When you try the shoe on, be sure to move about while wearing it; does it slip around as you move? If the answer to this question is yes, there is a good chance that the boot is too loose. Conversely, you want to make sure that the boots are not too tight as this can result in foot deformities and other problems. Although being too tight is not typically a problem for those with smaller feet.
Tightness usually happens around the toes, so even though you have more slender feet, you will need to make sure that the boots fit well across the toes.
The Top 3 Best Hiking Boots For Narrow Feet 2021
It is clear that finding a pair of hiking boots that perfectly fit your feet is essential for both comfort and support. But with so many products on the market, it can quickly become challenging. These are what we consider to be the top three best-hiking boots for narrow feet; so walk into 2021 in style and comfort, knowing that your boots are a cut above the rest!
1. KEEN Targhee III
When you are looking for a well-fitting hiking boot, there are several factors that you must keep in mind. This is what can make it so difficult to find the right pair; combining durability, comfort, and support along with a nice fit is imperative, yet this combination is made effortless with this outstanding pair of hiking boots.
Primarily, you notice that you are getting a choice of four colors which is great news for anyone who wants to retain their style while out hiking. Secondly, it is hard to miss the quality and craftsmanship that has gone into the creation of these boots.
They are made from a blend of synthetic materials and leather. Any leather components that have been used have been treated with a PFC-free water repellent so you can feel confident that the waterproofing starts from the upper and penetrates deep down into the boot.
In terms of fit and comfort, there are a lot of things to get excited about. The Targhee lll boots boast an external support shank which is ideal for those times when you are traversing uneven terrain and offers incredible support. This support is reinforced by the TPU heel capture system that gives you unrivalled stability.
The boots also feature a tough rubber outsole with a non-marking design so when you come indoors, your shoes will not damage the flooring. These soles also serve as a way of making the boots ideal for use on all terrains.
You will notice how comfortable the boots are from the moment you slip your feet inside. The tongue and the collar are both padded to prevent irritation around the opening and inside, there is a removable EVA footbed. This footbed contours to your feet offering you the highest level of comfort that you could expect from a hiking boot.
2. Zamberlan Men’s 996 Vioz Hiking Boots
In our opinion, these are some of the most stylish and sophisticated pairs of hiking boots out there. They come in a highly flattering design that could be just as fitting for a more formal activity as they are suited to the mountainside. But of course, style is just one important aspect of a hiking boot and you certainly won’t be disappointed with the practicalities of these boots.
If you intend on hiking in all weather, then you must have a pair of boots that will keep your feet dry and comfortable. This is done in a layered way, beginning at the upper which features HydroBloc technology on the full-grain leather for water-resistance from the outside. Inside the boots, there is a super-reliable GoreTex lining which is one of the best where keeping dry is concerned.
This material will prevent water from getting in but is breathable enough to let out perspiration. This is backed up with the Zamberlan air system, designed for maximum breathability.
Furthermore, the boots are extremely supportive and comfortable. This begins with the Zamberlan Flex-STM which is designed to give the feet lateral support. This is particularly useful when you are navigating steep or sloped terrain. What’s more, this design allows for freedom of movement in the ankle area.
The flexible upper has also been designed with your natural movements in mind. The material will move with the foot all the while supporting it and giving you excellent stability. This stability is also encouraged with the outsole which has been created with a lug pattern that will give you the best tread even on rough ground.
3. Merrell Men’s Thermo Chill 6”
When the winter sets in, you are going to need a pair of hiking boots that will not only provide support and comfort but that will keep your feet warm. Just because there is snow on the ground, it doesn’t mean that your adventures should stop. That is where a good pair of insulated hiking boots can be a lifesaver.
But the boots must also fit correctly and with the Thermo Chill boots, you really are getting the best of everything.
They come in a chic black design that instantly catches the eye; dress these up with some high-quality, bright-colored laces and you’re good to go.
Of course, in the winter months, your feet are even more susceptible to becoming wet but this will not be a problem thanks to the M Select DRY membrane that protects the feet from any water that tries to get through.
The boots boast a bellows tongue which will prevent any debris from making its way inside the boots, keeping your feet comfortable and protected. Furthermore, this pair features the M Select FRESH system that will stop the boots from falling victim to odors, keeping them fresher for longer. This is great if you have previously struggled with foot odor and don’t want to have to use additional products.
The M Select WARM insulation guarantees to keep the feet warm and cozy throughout the duration of your adventure, so no matter what the weather, you can still explore.
Your feet will feel as though they are walking on air thanks to the many layers of comfort inside the shoe. There is a Kinetic Fit Base insole that contours to the feet and are extremely flexible. What’s more, there is an EVA midsole that delivers on comfort and stability. This type of material is very soft and preferable for those who need something lighter underfoot.
If all of that wasn’t enough, the outsole will perform to levels that you could never have imagined. This is thanks to the M Select GRIP with 5mm lugs that give you outstanding traction regardless of the terrain.
Things To Consider When Buying Hiking Boots For Narrow Feet
Earlier, we discussed the importance of making sure that your hiking boots fit snugly on your feet; this will prevent them from causing irritation, especially around the heels. However, there are some other things that you can do to ensure that your boots fit, regardless of how narrow your feet are.
What To Look For In Boot Laces
The laces we have looked at in this article are all extremely strong; that is what we love about them. Durability and strength are two of the most crucial factors to consider when you are buying a new set of laces. But of course, these are not the only things that you will need to think about.
Insoles
Many hiking boots will come with a removable insole, but if they don’t, then there are plenty of other options on the market. But whether you buy them separately or use those that come with the boots, insoles will fill up some of the internal space, ensuring that your feet do not move around.
Lacing The Boots
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when trying to fit hiking boots for narrow feet is that they do not consider how they are going to lace the boots. It is vital to keep in mind that how you lace the boots will have a tremendous effect on how they feel.
There are some excellent techniques for lacing boots that are specially designed for people with narrow feet.
One of the best is the loop technique which is favored by those with narrow feet and can help to keep the boots snug and supportive.
- You will need boots that feature a double eyelet at the top; through this on either side, make a loop.
- Take one end of the lace and thread it through the opposite loop, do the same on the other side.
- Now you can tie the laces as you usually would.
This method allows you to pull the laces so that your heel fits snugly and securely into the heel pocket, therefore preventing it from rubbing. It is also a good idea to go for some strong laces.
Conclusion
All of us are made differently and the size and shape of our feet will have an impact on the type of hiking boots we choose. Those with narrow feet must be mindful that wider-fitting boots could cause problems with the feet moving around.
If you want to remain comfortable when out on the trails, it is essential that you source hiking boots that fit correctly. You should always test the fit before committing to purchase but you might also consider a different lacing technique or using insoles to improve the fit of the boots.
Our choice of the best narrow-feet hiking boots gives you a great place to start. All of these shoes are ideal for narrow fit and offer style, comfort, and unparalleled support.
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