Spoiler Alert: Conquerwild named the Merrell Moab 2’s as the best hiking boots for flat feet!!
Anybody who has flat feet knows how much of a struggle it can be to buy comfortable shoes. When you have little-to-no arch in your foot, you need lots of support. This is especially true when it comes to hiking boots.
If you’ve been on the prowl for the best hiking boots for flat feet, look no further. I’ve found what I consider to be the 7 best pairs out there and reviewed each of them in detail. During my analyses, I took every factor into account- from arch support to water resistance to appearance and everything in between.
Each boot on this list except for one (I’m looking at you Keen) is available in men’s and women’s sizes, so there should be something for everyone here. Let’s get right into it, shall we?
The Products I’ll Be Reviewing:
- Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Oboz Bridger Mid Hiking Boots
- Keen Venture Mid Hiking Boots
- REI Co-Op Flash Hiking Boots
- Salomon OUTline Mid GTX Hiking Boots
- Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Boots
- Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots – Best Boots For Flat Feet
Available for men and women.
Merrell is one of the top names out there when it comes to hiking shoes. Their Moab 2 Boots are a great example of why they’re so popular. These shoes are both comfortable and durable, thanks to their performance suede leather exterior and mesh vents. The inclusion of M Select Dry membranes will also wick moisture away from your feet and keep them feeling fresh.
More importantly, these boots have great arch support. They have contoured footbeds with fantastic zonal support for both your arches and your heels. Each boot also features a unique “Merrell Air Cushion,” which is essentially a pocket of air that sits in the heel. This will help to absorb shock- which is especially helpful when you’re carrying a heavy backpack.
Each step you take in these boots is sure to be stable thanks to molded nylon arch shanks. Also, the outsoles are made from Vibram with 5mm deep lugs. This means that they perform really well on all types of terrain.
To Sum It Up:
All around, these boots are comfortable, well-cushioned, durable and super supportive in the most important areas. This is why they’ve earned my choice for “best hiking boots for flat feet.” They’re sure to make trekking a lot easier for flat-footed hikers.
Pros
- Contoured insoles and zonal arch support.
- Comfortable EVA midsoles.
- Suede leather, mesh uppers and rubber toe caps.
- Breathable and water resistant.
- Lightweight.
- Molded nylon arch shanks.
- Durable Vibram outsole with deep lugs
- Comes in Beluga, Earth and Boulder colors.
Cons
- Not completely waterproof (especially the uppers). Not recommended for heavy rain or wading.
Oboz Bridger Mid Hiking Boots – Best Winter Boots For Flat Feet
Available for men and women.
For a pair that’s a bit better at keeping water out, consider the Oboz Bridger Mid Hiking Boots. They have a B-DRY waterproof membrane and nylon mesh linings that wick away moisture. With well-defined arches in their deluxe insoles, they maintain a great amount of support- even during long hikes. Also, they require little-to-no “breaking in,” so they’re great to wear right out of the box.
The outsoles are made from a high-friction, non-marking rubber. This means you’ll have extra grip on the ground and you won’t leave a trace on the rocks you step on. A thermoplastic urethane (TPU) forefoot allows for great torsional stability, which will make it easier to walk on uneven surfaces. When it comes to durability, these boots have thick rubber guards over both the heel and toe for protection.
One of my favorite aspects of these boots: Oboz is partnered with Trees for the Future. This means that they plant a tree for every pair sold!
To Sum It Up:
These boots are sure to keep your feet well-protected in most aspects. They have strong arches and a lot of durability. The only real downfall is the lack of ventilation- your feet may get hot when hiking or camping in warm weather.
Pros
- Well-defined arches and great ankle support.
- Lightweight and agile.
- Eco-friendly brand.
- Side and underfoot lugs (4mm) for stability.
- Moisture wicking and fast drying.
- Comes in sudan and midnight black.
Cons
- They tend to run small (especially in terms of width). Not the best hiking boots for wide flat feet.
- Not much ventilation.
Keen Venture Mid Hiking Boots – Best Flat Foot Boots For Warm Weather
If you plan on hiking in warmer weather, maybe the Keen Venture Hiking Boots are a better choice for you. Not only are they lightweight, but they’re super breathable and easy to walk in. The Keen Ventures also fit like a miracle, thanks to the KonnectFit system that encapsulates your heel. They perform like a boot, but feel like a comfortable sneaker.
One of the more unique features of the Keen Venture boots is their Eco Anti-Odor, probiotic insole treatment. This helps to break down the bacteria caused by sweat in your shoes without using dangerous chemicals.
The polyurethane footbeds maintain great arch support- and they’re removable. The boots also utilize shanks for stability and signature KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsoles. The lugs beneath are 4mm deep and multi-directional, making for great traction. On top of everything, I find them to be one of the most attractive boots on this list.
To Sum It Up:
These boots are great for fast-paced hikers looking for maximum flexibility and breathability. However, these work best for those with only moderately flat feet. They don’t offer enough support for hikers with overpronation.
Pros
- Speed hooks for quick lacing.
- Fights against foot odor.
- EVA midsoles.
- Super attractive.
- Great for warm weather hiking.
- Removable polyurethane insoles.
- KonnectFit system makes for secure heel capture.
Cons
- Could use more arch and ankle support. Not the best hiking shoes for overpronation.
- They don’t offer much in terms of durability or protection.
- Only available in one color (blue nights).
- Only available for men.
REI Co-Op Flash Hiking Boots – Most Eco-Friendly Flat Foot Hiking Boots
Available for men and women.
The REI Co-Op Flash Hiking Boots are great for flat-footed trekkers who are concerned about sustainability. Much of the materials used in these shoes are recycled or re-used. At the same time, they maintain a great amount of arch and ankle support.
The supportive midsoles are 10% algae based and made from BLOOM foam. They’re firm enough to be stable, but soft enough for comfort. TrailBed insoles use Insite Contoura technology to give you the arch support that you need. When it comes to the outsoles, they’re built to give you maximum control over your terrain. There are 4mm lugs on both the forefoot and heel for extra friction. Plus, there are molded nylon midfoot shanks to give you some added stability.
Sort of similar to the Keen Hiking Boots, these shoes also resemble hightop sneakers. In addition, they use a HydroWall breathable/water resistant system, which does a great job of keeping your feet dry and ventilated.
To Sum It Up:
If sustainability is important to you, these will probably be the best boots on this list. Though the real question is: do they have enough support for those with flat feet? I’d say they definitely do. The biggest issue with these boots is their rigidity. They can be a bit uncomfortable on the ankles.
Pros
- 99% recycled polyester uppers.
- 20% recycled TerraGrip tread.
- 30% recycled TPU in double-layered uppers.
- TrailBed insoles made from 25% USDA-certified bio-based Susterra compound.
- Roomy toe box.
- Come in 3 colors: deep blue/gray, bark/moss and granite black.
Cons
- May irritate your ankles (too much pressure).
- They’re inflexible.
Salomon OUTline Mid GTX Hiking Boots – Most Lightweight Hiking Shoes For Overpronation
Available for men and women.
Salomon is one of my favorite brands when it comes to hiking footwear. Here we have their ultra supportive and durable Outline Mid GTX Hiking Boots. With protective toe pads and midfoot shanks, you’ll be able to traverse difficult trails without worrying about losing stability or injuring yourself.
The OrthoLite insoles on these boots are made with extra shock absorption to relieve the stress of hiking. Great support is maintained for both your arches and your ankles. They also have anti-microbial properties to reduce odor and they’re removable- an important factor for all flat footed hikers.
The tongues are gusseted, meaning they’re attached to the uppers and will stop debris from entering the shoe. The boots fit snugly and firmly from the heel, all the way up past the ankles. Salomon also uses GORE-TEX “waterproof” liners in these boots, and they’re actually pretty effective at keeping water out.
To Sum It Up:
These boots are agile, attractive to look at (whether you choose the black, blue or gray) and practically weightless. The insoles pair great support with odor-fighting abilities. Unfortunately, it seems that the outsoles aren’t the most long lasting and the tread may wear out relatively quickly.
Pros
- Most lightweight hiking boots for flat feet.
- Nonmarking Contagrip outsoles with 5mm lugs.
- OrthoLite shock absorbing footbeds.
- Supportive, removable insoles.
- Lots of ankle support.
- GORE-TEX water resistant liners.
- Fights odor.
Cons
- Not the best for long distance hikes.
Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots – Best Women’s Boots For Flat Feet
Available for men and women.
Circling back to Oboz, we have another great pair of unisex hiking boots for flat feet. The Oboz Sawtooth II’s have just about all you can ask for in a protective hiking shoe. With nonmarking, high friction rubber outsoles and nylon shanks underfoot, you can be assured that each step will land firmly- even on uneven terrain.
They’re well-cushioned in the heel with firm O FIT Insoles, which makes them great hiking shoes for overpronation. The midsoles are dual-density EVA and the collars are asymmetrical. This means that they pivot slightly with your ankle’s movement while walking, adding an extra sense of flexibility.
These lightweight boots use water resistant Nubuck leather uppers and B-DRY membranes to keep your feet dry. They’re super breathable too, thanks to the moisture wicking nylon mesh liners. It’s easy to appreciate this after a long, strenuous hike when the sweat is able to evaporate from your feet.
To Sum It Up:
Ultimately, these boots are really well crafted. For me, it’s the ample mesh and the pivoting ankles that really make them stand out. Plus, if you read my review for the Bridger Mid Hiking Boots above, you’d know that a tree is planted for every Oboz purchase!
Pros
- Breathable mesh liners.
- B-DRY waterproof membranes.
- Protective toe layers.
- Lugs on sides and outsole.
- Women’s version comes in brindle/tradewinds blue, pale moss and pewter/violet.
- Tree planted for every purchase!
Cons
- They tend to run small, especially in terms of width.
- They’re kind of ugly (in my opinion, at least).
- Men’s version only comes in one color (dark shadow/woodbine green).
Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots – Best Hiking Boots For Ankle Support
Available for men and women.
Last but not least, we have the Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking boots. Just take one look at these shoes and you know that they mean business. Their leather/textile uppers and high laced ankles give them a signature look that you could spot from a mile away.
Inspired by running shoes, the Quest 4’s are designed to move naturally with your feet while hiking. This is part of what makes them so comfortable during longs hikes. Each step feels smooth and fatigue-free, even if your foot is flat as a prairie. The Contragrip rubber outsoles are equipped with deep lugs, built for maximum traction. They’re fairly water resistant as well, thanks to integrated GORE-TEX breathable membranes.
The Quest 4’s have tons of ankle support to keep you from accidental twisting/contorting while hiking. That same level of support continues down to the insoles of these boots as well, offering a good amount of arch support. Also, their ADV-C 4D chassis keeps your heels stabelized.
To Sum It Up:
These boots really thrive when it comes to ankle support and outsole grip. They’re also surprisingly agile. They may look rugged and aggressive, but these boots are actually very comfortable. Overall, they’re a great choice if you don’t mind splurging a bit.
Pros
- Fantastic ankle support.
- Require little-to-no breaking in.
- EVA foam midsole.
- GORE-TEX breathable, water resistant membranes.
- Comes in olive night, bleached sand and black.
Cons
- Most expensive hiking boots on this list.
- Somewhat heavy.
What Are Flat Feet?
If you’ve made it this far and are still confused about what flat feet are- let me break it down for you.
Everybody has some degree of arch to their feet. This is to help maintain balance and evenly distribute your body weight throughout the foot. However, everyone’s feet are slightly different. Some people have arches that are higher than normal (that would be me) and some people have little to no arch. The latter is what we call “flat feet.”
When your feet have low arches, it can cause issues. One of those issues is overpronation. This is when your feet roll inward when you walk. This can be painful and it can lead to heel spurs, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains or other problems.
To put it simply: walking on flat feet is less than pleasant. This is especially true when hiking. For this reason, it’s important that you find hiking boots with the arch support you need. That’s the best way to combat flat feet or overpronation while hiking.
A Quick Lesson On Boot Anatomy
When shopping for a pair of hiking boots for flat feet, tons of shoe terminology will be thrown your way. Some of it can be a bit confusing. Here are most of the major terms that you should become acquainted with:
- Insoles (AKA Footbed) – The interior part of a shoe that your foot makes direct contact with. They can sometimes be removable. This is the main part of the shoe that supports your feet.
- Outsoles – The underside of the boot that makes contact with the ground.
- Midsoles – A layer of cusion in between the insole and outsole of your boot- another important factor for arch support.
- Upper – The main section of fabric on your boot that’s above the outsole and midsole. This makes up most of the shoe’s exterior.
- Lugs – Divots or valleys on the bottom of your boot (outsole) to give you better grip on the ground.
- Collar – The very top section of the boot that surrounds the ankle.
- Shanks – A strip of hard material located between the midsole and outsole to help add stability.
- Toe Caps – A reinforced protective layer over the toe of your boot.
How To Choose The Best Hiking Boots For Flat Feet
There are thousands of different hiking boots on the market. Each and every one of them will claim to be comfortable and supportive- even if they’re not.
If you want to find the best boots for flat feet, here’s what you should look for:
A Ton of Support
There are 2 main areas of support in hiking boots: arch and ankle. When you have flat feet, arch support should be your main concern.
The insoles/footbed of your boots will be the main source of arch support. It’s usually best to look for a pair of insoles that have a firm and defined arch.
Molded insoles are great because they conform to your feet. You can also look for the term “zonal arch support.”
If you have an extremely flat foot, consider buying hiking boots with removable insoles. This will allow you to buy your own orthotics separately.
Ankle support is important as well because it helps to prevent injury. Look for boots that keep your ankles upright and stop them from twisting while hiking.
You need something that’s sturdy, yet willing to contort slightly with the natural movement of your ankles. The Salomon Quest 4 Hiking Boots do this best in my opinion.
Good Cushioning
Proper cushioning is an important part of any type of hiking shoe, especially when it comes to comfort. A little bit of padding can go a long way when you have flat feet. Typically, cushioning is most important in the heel area of the insole/midsole.
Cushion acts as shock absorption. This becomes even more important when you’re carrying something heavy, such as a stocked backpack.
Some hiking boots with arch support, such as the Merrell Moab 2’s, have a pocket of air or gel within the heel. This really helps to cushion the pressure of each step you take, making for the most comfortable hiking boots.
Boots that have EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, which is found in most sneakers) in the midsole generally do a great job of cushioning.
Rubber or Vibram outsoles good for absorbing shock as well.
The Best Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet Have Quality Materials
The best hiking boots for flat feet are made from quality materials. This goes for both the interior and exterior of the shoe.
The interior of your hiking boots should be made from comfortable, moisture wicking fabric. Nylon and polyester are great materials to look for. If you start to sweat, it’s important that moisture doesn’t stick around and cause bad odor.
Some boots even have anti-moicrobial treatments on their interior to prevent bad smell.
When it comes to the exterior, you need material that’s strong enough to keep the elements out. Leather is durable and well insulated. Textile is also great, especially if you want breathability.
Grip and Traction
When hiking on difficult terrain, you need to make sure that your boots keep you grounded.
Think of your boots like a pair of car tires. If they don’t have proper grip on the ground, you’re likely to wipe out and have an accident.
Look for outsoles that have deep, multi-directional lugs. Anything 4mm or deeper is great. The more lugs your boots have distributed throughout the outsole, the more traction you’ll have with the ground.
It’s also important to look for nonmarking outsoles. This way, you’ll be able to walk across flat surfaces without violating the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.
Durability Is Important
The materials of your flat sole hiking boots aren’t just about comfortability. It’s about protection. On the hiking trail, there are lots of potential hazards for your feet.
Toe caps are vital. These are usually rubber, and they’ll protect your feet from rocks and other hard objects you may bump into.
Gusseted tongues are great as well. This is when the tongue of your boot is sewn into the upper so that rocks, pebbles and other small items can’t get inside.
However, the most important aspect of durability is water resistance. When water gets into your boots, you’re more likely to develop blisters.
Lots of shoes claim to be “waterproof,” though this is rarely the case. Leather is naturally water resistant. However, it’s always a good idea to treat your boots with some eco-friendly waterproofing spray just in case.
Find The Right Fit
Whether your feet are flat, high-arched or anything in between, you need to find a pair of hiking boots that fit you just right.
If you choose shoes that are too tight, you’ll be putting extra stress on your feet. If you choose boots that are too loose, you may develop blisters.
Find hiking boots that are snug at the heel and ankle with a little bit of room in the toe box. Though ultimately, the way you want your shoes to fit is up to you.
Some shoes are extra tight at first and need some time to be broken into. Take this into account, especially if you’re buying boots for a last minute hiking trip.
ALSO, before making your final purchase, double check whether you’re ordering your boots in men’s or women’s. This should go without saying, but the sizes are different!
Conquerwild’s Conclusion
When you have flat feet, choosing the perfect pair of shoes can be tricky- especially when it comes to hiking boots.
Let it be known: no two people have the exact same feet. What’s comfortable to you may not be suitable for the next person. Everyone has different needs and you should take that into consideration before buying any pair of boots.
However, there are certain factors that all flat-footed hikers should look for in boots. Keep an eye out for molded arches, EVA midsoles, ankle support and good traction on the outsoles.
Our Top Pick Is…
The Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Boots!!
These boots have just about everything that most flat-footed hikers are looking for. They’re breathable and lightweight. They have a versatile Vibram outsole. They have molded nylon arch shanks for stability… And most importantly- they have fantastic contoured insoles with zonal arch support. If you need a pair of comfortable flat foot hiking boots- it doesn’t get much better than this.
