There are a large number of people in the world that have wider than-average feet, and there are many manufacturers that make specific ranges for these people. Wearing an ill-fitting shoe, whether in your day-to-day life or while out hiking can cause severe pain and discomfort and might even result in foot deformities.
This is even more important when you are hiking on a trail as the demand on your feet will be much greater. However, it can be challenging to know where to start when looking for hiking shoes that will fit well for wider feet.
But we have done a lot of the hard work for you and sourced some of the best women’s hiking shoes for wide feet. So, sit back, put those feet up, and take a look at some of these excellent shoes.
What Causes Wide Feet?
If you have wide feet, you are not alone – it is thought that more than half of the population have wider feet, according to one study performed by Sargasso and Grey. If this is the case, then it would make sense for most shoes to be wide fitting, but this isn’t necessarily the way it works – but more on that later.
Wide feet can be caused by a number of factors. Some people are simply born with wider than average feet because it is part of their genetic makeup, and for the most part, it won’t cause any severe problems unless you don’t find shoes that fit correctly.
However, a lot of people find that their feet widen as they get older. This is one sign of aging that isn’t talked about all too often. But as your ligaments and bones become softer in your later years, this can lead to a widening of the foot. If you have noticed that your go-to hiking boots have started to feel tight or restricting, this could be related to normal changes in the body.
Some medical conditions can also cause the feet to swell temporarily. In this instance, finding supportive footwear is a wise idea for your comfort, but it is also essential to seek medical advice to ease the problem. Pregnant women might also experience wider feet due to swelling. However, since hiking is considered to be something of a high-energy exercise, you should consult your doctor before getting outdoors.
Why Are The Right Hiking Shoes Important For Wide Feet?
You will likely have read in a number of places that finding the right footwear is imperative if you have wide feet. This matters hugely, even when you are just walking around the office or doing your daily errands. However, when you are putting your feet under the pressure of a long hike, it is even more critical.
Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause a wealth of problems, and this is even more prevalent in those with wider feet. One of the most common problems that people with wide feet experience is pain and blisters. These blisters can be worsened if your hiking shoes are not breathable, so it is important to find shoes that are. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for certain foot deformities to develop when you choose a pair of hiking shoes that don’t fit or support your feet correctly. These could be:
- Hammer toes, which is where one toe begins to curl instead of lying flat as it should.
- Bunions form when the bones in the big toe enlarge, causing the toe to point inwards. This can be incredibly painful.
- Calluses are areas of hard skin, on the feet, you might develop a specific type of callus known as a corn which can also be very painful.
- If the toes are forced into a shoe that is too tight, they could end up crossing over one another.
6 Best Women’s Hiking Shoes For Wide Feet
1. Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 MID GTX W Hiking Boots -TOP PICK
Our top pick for women’s hiking shoes for wide feet comes in the form of these incredibly durable, stylish, and comfortable shoes which come in a choice of four colors. It is essential to be able to express your style on the trail, and this is a great way to do it.
Of course, looking good is one thing, but your comfort and how the shoes fit are far more important. These shoes have an EVA midsole for a truly comfortable experience; the inner sole is coated with a soft fabric for an even more luxurious feel.
This EVA midsole is designed to support and cushion the foot from impacts and will absorb shock effortlessly. They also feature a rubber toe cap to offer greater protection, because, let’s face it, those trails can sometimes get quite rugged.
This is a lightweight shoe that is ideal for all seasons thanks to the Hydro-Guard seal that locks out water keeping your feet dry. What’s more, they have a Thinsulate material which gives you protection from the cold down to -30ºc.
2. Mishansha Men’s/Women’s Winter Ankle Hiking Boots
These shoes have a high top design which allows greater support for the ankles. When hiking, it is especially important that your ankles are supported, particularly if there are any problems with the feet.
Comfort is essential, and thanks to the artificial leather design of these shoes, you are getting exactly that. But even better, they are fully fur-lined to keep your feet nice and toasty on those winter walks. These shoes also feature an EVA midsole for excellent shock absorption and cushioning for the feet.
They come with a pair of elasticated laces which is essential for wider feet as you won’t feel as restricted and can adjust the shoes to your liking.
In terms of durability, this is a shoe that will stand the test of time. It has a thick rubber sole that offers incredible drip on all terrains and is extremely well put together. The shoes are water-resistant and come in a choice of eight colors.
3. Foxelli Women’s Hiking Boots
One of the first things that you notice about these shoes is their striking design. If you want a hiking shoe that will get you noticed and have you looking the part on the trail, then these are a great choice. But more than looking great, they are also efficient and durable.
The shoes boast a waterproof membrane making them ideal for use at all times of the year, and you needn’t worry about your feet starting dry. However, despite this, they are also exceptionally breathable, so moisture will be able to escape.
Much like our last pair, these shoes come with elasticated laces as well as two replacement pairs, because as we all know, our laces can wear out well before the boot.
They are made from suede leather which is lightweight and comfortable. Inside, you will find a removable foam insole. Whilst this will provide you with additional comfort, it is great to take it out if your feet need a little more room. But this won’t take away from their shock-absorbing ability since the midsole will deal with this easily.
4. Vasque Women’s Breeze LT Low GTX Hiking Shoe
Made with a Gore-Tex membrane which is one of the most water-proof and effective materials out there, you can feel confident that these shoes will work well in all types of weather. In addition to this, they are breathable. This fabric allows moisture to escape without letting in rainwater, puddle splashes, or anything else, keeping your feet healthy and comfortable.
One of our favorite things about these shoes is the improved traction which is far superior to some of the competing shoes. They feature a Vibram sole that is well-known for its superb grip. Not only this, but this is a lightweight sole that is up to 25% lighter than other soles.
There is an EVA midsole that will absorb shock and provide you with the ultimate comfort. This is crucial, especially if you have suffered discomfort from shoes in the past due to having wider feet.
5. Salomon Women’s Quest 4D 3 GTX W
Salomon has been in business since 1947 and this gives you the assurance that all of their products are going to exceed your expectations. But you will be even more pleasantly surprised when you learn about the features of these boots.
They have been created with versatility in mind and can be used on all terrains and in all types of weather. This is mostly thanks to the durable rubber sole that offers incredible traction. But more than this, the shoes boast a 4D chassis for some of the most unrivaled support out there.
The feet and ankles are treated to being encased in luxury, and the interior cushioning adds to the support as well as making these shoes superbly comfortable. Furthermore, this unique design means that foot fatigue will be hugely reduced because of the shoe’s ability to guide the foot with each step.
They feature those all-important elasticated laces giving you the freedom of movement.
6. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots
No matter what your personality, there will be a pair of these boots to suit you; thanks to the choice of nine colors. These hiking boots have been made with the modern, trendy hiker in mind; someone who wants to show off their sense of style while keeping their feet comfortable and protected.
They sit on a one-inch platform that is just the right height and feature a robust rubber sole that won’t wear quickly.
These soles also allow for advanced traction owing to the dual-zone design. This means that whether you are taking a gentle trek through rolling hillsides or making your way up a steep, rocky ascent, you won’t slip or struggle.
They feature a lightweight midsole that offers support and an excellent degree of comfort and cushioning that feels as though you are walking on air.
What To Look For In Hiking Shoes For Wide Feet
When you are shopping for a pair of hiking shoes to fit wide feet, you might not be able to pick out the first pair that you see. This is because not all hiking shoes have been designed with the wider foot in mind. However, by looking at some specific features, you will easily be able to determine whether a shoe is going to offer the comfort and support you would expect.
Materials And Construction
Many boots that are made for wider feet are made from more durable materials, particularly leather and this is excellent in many ways. These hiking boots will stand the test of time and will be excellent for keeping your feet in place and preventing any injuries. However, since leather is such a robust material, you will need to break the shoes in before wearing them out on the trail. It is recommended that you break in your boots for between two and four weeks before really unleashing their potential so if you’re in a hurry, you might want to think about this.
That being said, it is vital to make sure that the shoes you buy are going to give the proper support and if this means having to break them in, it is likely worth it.
Support
Your hiking shoes should offer a good level of support because, on those longer hikes, you are going to find that your feet will undergo an enormous amount of pressure. The body of the shoe should be solid and made from a durable material, as we have discussed, but you should also think about the insole and the midsole.
The midsole is the portion of the shoe that lies between the sole and the insole. There are two main types, a PU midsole is much more durable but not as shock-resistant. Conversely, there is an EVA midsole that is lightweight and won’t last as long but will offer amazing support and comfort. It is important to look at these factors and determine which one is right for you.
Breathability
Having a breathable pair of hiking boots is essential no matter what but when your feet are more prone to blisters and other conditions, this is even more important. Since wider feet tend to rub on the inside of the shoe, especially if they do not fit correctly, blisters will form much more quickly. This can be exacerbated if there is a lot of moisture in the shoe, so it is vital to ensure that they are made with a breathable mesh or other material.
How To Ensure A Good Fit
One of the very best ways to make sure that your hiking shoes fit well is to get measured. This way, you can be confident that you won’t be squeezing your tootsies into a shoe that will be constricting.
You should also note how the shoe feels once you have it on your foot. Even if a shoe is advertised as being made for wide feet, it may not be right for your unique shape. Give the shoe a go and pay attention to whether any part of your foot feels forced into the shoe, cramped or uncomfortable. It can be tempting to ignore mild discomfort or put it down to the shoes being new, but it is best to address this from the get-go to avoid bigger problems down the line.
For women who have particularly wide feet, wearing a man’s shoe can sometimes help. This is because these shoes are typically made slightly larger to accommodate the larger physique of a male.
Conclusion
Having wide feet is not uncommon; there are a lot of women who have this problem and who have spent their lives trying to shove their feet into shoes that don’t fit. But when you are hiking or spending time outdoors, it has never been more important to find a good-fitting shoe. This will help to prevent blisters, corns, bunions, and other foot conditions that can be painful.
We believe that these are some of the best hiking shoes for wide feet for women and when you take a look at what these shoes should feature, you will easily be able to find your next favorite pair!
You May Also Like
