Hiking boots and walking shoes that fit properly for people with wider feet are essential for comfortable and enjoyable walking. Badly fitting ones can lead to sore feet and blisters. Especially painful are ones that are too tight, cramping your toes and rubbing on the sides of your feet. If you have wide feet, as I do, this can rule out most boots on the market.
Main image: Yorkshire bootmakers Altberg craft hiking boots for wide feet | Credit: Altberg
Some brands do offer different widths in some models and there are a few boots that only come in a wide fit. Note though that because one model fits you that doesn’t mean a different one from the same brand will. Also, if you decide to replace worn-out boots with the same model you can’t assume the fit will have stayed the same. I’ve been caught out by this.
The key is to always try boots on, preferably in a store with trained boot fitters. The fitter should measure your feet for width and length and then suggest ones that should fit. When trying boots on don’t assume they will be fine if they feel ok sitting down or standing still. Walk round the shop and go up and down any stairs (the shop may have a ramp for this). Only if the boots still feel good should you go ahead and buy them.
Fit comes first when choosing boots. The most splendid-looking boots you’ve ever seen won’t feel splendid if they give you blisters. The same applies to boots raved about by reviewers like me. They need to fit your feet not mine.
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The best hiking boots for wide feet we’ve tested
Chris and Gemma have tested the boots below with a wide fit in mind. If you don’t have this requirement of your hiking boots, why not browse our buyer’s guides to the best budget boots? Our experts have also tested hiking shoes, trail runners and winter mountaineering boots.
| Quick List |
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| Best in Test: AKU Ultralight Original GTX (available from Outdoor Action) |
| Best value: Keen Targhee IV Low (available from Keen) |
| Greener choice: Altberg Fremington (available from Altberg) |
| Lightest in test: Meindl Journey GTX (available from Cotswold Outdoor) |
Best Value
Keen Targhee IV Low
Chris Townsend’s Best in Test & Greener Choice
My toes can spread even more and there’s no downward pressure on the top of my toes and forefoot, which I sometimes feel with the standard fit. Overall my feet feel freer.- extra foot volume
- non-delaminating construction,
- recycled material
- lightweight
- low cost
- a bit warm for summer use
| Quick Specs | |
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| Price: $170 (available from Keen US) / £145 (available from Ellis Brigham) Weight: 1,126g per pair (UK 9) Materials: nubuck leather upper, Keen.Dry waterproof/breathable membrane Features: air-injected midsole, air-injected insole, Keen.Rugged outsole Waterproof: yes Sizes: men 6-14, women 2.5 – 9.5 www.keenfootwear.co.uk |
Keen Targhee footwear has always been quite wide, fitting me well, so I was surprised that a wide version of the Keen Targhee IV Low is available. A wide boot in a wider fit! However wide here does not just mean wider across the forefoot but extra foot volume overall. Keen were unable to supply the Targhee Mid in the wide fit in time for the review so I tested the Targhee Low, which is more of a shoe than a boot. However the sole unit and uppers are the same on both models.
Targhees always look quite wide, due to the stubby shape at the toe and the large toebox. The wide version doesn’t look noticeably different but it does feel different. My toes can spread even more and there’s no downward pressure on the top of my toes and forefoot, which I sometimes feel with the standard fit. Overall my feet feel freer, which I like.
Read more: Chris’ full review of the Keen Targhee IV Low
Best Styling
AKU Ultralight Original GTX
Gemma Palmer’s Best in Test
The Ultralight Original GTX has contemporary styling, comfortable design, and adaptable fit for wider feet when sized up.- stylish range of colours
- great value
- fit
- comfort
- traction
- regular suede maintenance needed
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| Price: US shipping available / £164 (available from Outdoor Action) Weight: 840g per pair (size UK5) Materials: 4-2 mm texon + tpu, 1.4mm suede leather with Air8000 fabric panels, gore-tex® performance comfort, vibram® erica everest, double density eva Features: Ultra Light, Shock absorbing micro midlayer Waterproof: yes Sizes: UK 3 – 9 (inc half sizes) Men’s version? no www.aku.co.uk |
Pulling on the AKU Ultralight Original GTX, the first thing I noticed was the generous toebox. My toes splayed naturally, which was such a welcome change from the usual cramped feeling! Consistent width, even with thick socks, and a tailored fit from the supple upper and seven-point lacing, made these boots ideal for wider feet. Sizing up worked great, though they’re not marketed as a wide boot.
Out on the trails, the boot’s padding and cushioned sole provided great support across varied terrain. The lightweight design and solid ankle support were key on rutted paths, and the dual-density EVA midsole soaked up the impact of uneven ground, keeping arch fatigue at bay. The Vibram Erica Everest outsole handled dirt, mud, gravel, and stone with ease, though I did find some small debris getting stuck between the sole and upper. If you’ve got wider feet, the AKU Trekker Lite III Wide could be your pick, but they stop at a UK 8.5, which is a limitation for those of us with bigger feet – a real shame, especially since AKU makes such stylish boots.
Read more: Gemma’s full review of the AKU Ultralight Original GTX
Lightest in test
Meindl Journey GTX
Chris Townsend highly recommends
They have a similar feel to trail shoes, with the added protection of a higher ankle.- lightweight
- supportive footbed
- good grip
- quite expensive
- a bit warm for summer use
| Quick Specs |
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| Price: $240 (Comfort Fit® Journey Pro Trail Shoe) / £214.99 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 910g per pair (UK 9) Materials: nubuck leather and mesh uppers, Gore-Tex lining Features: Meindl Comfort Sport sole, Air-Active Wellness Sport footbed Waterproof: yes Sizes: men 6-12, women 3.5 – 9 www.meindl.co.uk |
The Meindl Journey GTX boot is part of Meindl’s Comfort-Fit range, which is designed for those with wide feet. The fit is fine for me, with enough room for my toes to spread out and snug enough at the heel to hold it in place. The boots are light and flexible at the forefoot, making for easy walking. They do have some longitudinal stiffness, which is useful when traversing steep, rough ground. The tread is quite deep though it can clog up with mud, especially at the heel. Overall the grip is good.
Lacing is by four cord loops, one D ring and one hook. I found it easy get the boots on – not always the case when you have wide feet – as they open wide due to the tongue not being sewn in all the way to the top.
Read more: Chris’ full review of the Meindl Journey GTX boots
Greener Choice
Altberg Fremington Walking Boot
Gemma Palmer recommends
Overall, I’d recommend the Fremington, especially for those seeking a traditional leather boot with a wider fit.- traditional design
- durable construction
- foot support
- width options
- firm sole takes some getting used to
| Quick Specs |
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| Price: no US shipping / £229.99 (available from Altberg) Weight: 1050g per pair (size UK5) Materials: Nida Hydro full grain supple leather, Sympatex®, Tri-Flex® 2L, Rubber sole Features: Padded leather ankle cuff Waterproof: yes Sizes: UK 5 – 8.5 (inc half sizes) Men’s version? yes www.altberg.co.uk |
Admittedly, the initial rigidity took some getting used to! At first, I was a little concerned about the toebox length – width was perfect, but they felt snug. A quick adjustment to the laces, loosening them slightly, and a short break in period later, and my toes were much happier, particularly when braking on descents. The midfoot and heel fit was excellent, offering ample volume and securing my foot without any rubbing or hotspots, meaning I didn’t need to over-tighten the laces.
The boot, combined with the Trek Airgrid insole, provided superb cushioning and breathability, ideal for longer hikes. However, I found that extra-thick socks were a tight squeeze at the toes, which highlights Altberg’s sizing advice – go up a size. Out on the flooded nature reserve trails, these boots handled terrain changes with ease. The Defender Hi-Traction soles firm design gripped everything – mud, wet surfaces, you name it.
Overall, I’d recommend the Fremington, especially for those seeking a traditional leather boot with a wider fit. The robust construction, durable leather, and well-attached sole (hidden beneath the protective trim) are very impressive. Being resoleable makes them a smart investment, and I plan to keep the uppers in good condition to use that feature in the future.
Read more: Gemma’s full Altberg Fremington boot review
Keen Zionic WP
Lara Dunn’s verdict
For those looking for a lightweight and flexible shoe for a couple of years of fast and light non-technical hikes these deliver decent performance at a reasonable price.- lightweight
- cushioned
- good for wide feet
- wear quite quickly
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| Price: $102 / £150 (available from Keen) Weight: 626g pair, UK6 Material: Ripstop mesh upper Features: High rebound foam cushioning, PFC free water repellency, 4mm lugged outsole Waterproof?: KEEN.DRY membrane Sizes: UK2.5-9.5 Men’s Version? Yes www.keenfootwear.co.uk |
Looking distinctly more sports trainer-like than many hiking shoes, these textile-based shoes – the Keen Zionic WP – are very lightweight, yet have numerous features that make them well-suited to hill walks and hikes. The mesh fabric uppers are reinforced with an overlay vinyl print while Keen’s own waterproof membrane makes sure that despite their breathable and ventilating appearance, they do offer decent levels of water-resistance in the face of unexpected (or expected!) puddle-jumping.
The highly cushioned outsoles have a deep multi-directional lug pattern, meaning they shed mud very effectively and offer decent levels of traction on trails and soft ground. With a super flexible and cushioned fit, they are best suited to established trails rather than more off-piste walking, but they are an great choice if you are after lightweight shoes for moving fast. The flexibility of the shoe means they are best suited for those looking to go lightly-laden or with no bio-mechanical or injury issues, but thanks to their cushioning and shape, they are a treat to wear on those days when a good energetic stride out is what the walk is all about.
Read more: Lara’s full Keen Zionic review
How we test
Chris Townsend tested the boots in the Cairngorms in autumn and winter 2024/25 on a wide variety of terrain. He takes a size 9 and has wedge-shaped feet – wide at the forefoot and narrow at the heel.
Gemma Palmer, who is 5’10” and wears UK size 8.5 shoes is hiking the diverse terrains of the East Midlands, including its rolling landscapes, nature reserves, and reservoir trails. This often leaves Gemma with tired feet, especially true on hard terrain. Her wide forefoot, high arch, and narrow heel are likely factors. She wore the boots with lightweight and midweight walking socks in temperatures between 4 and 17 degrees Celsius.
Features of the best hiking boots for wide feet
Fit
Fit always comes first. If boots don’t fit properly it doesn’t matter how well-designed they are they will hurt your feet. Take time fitting boots, preferably in a shop with a trained fitter.
Weight
Lightweight boots are less tiring to wear. Heavier boots are better in snow and ice.
Materials
Leather lasts longest, especially if there are few seams, and is more water-resistant. Boots made from fabric or leather/fabric often weigh less though.
Waterproof Membranes
Whilst waterproof/breathable membranes do make boots waterproof they also increase the warmth and reduce breathability, which can make boots hot and sweaty in warm weather. So membranes are best suited to cooler conditions or those who suffer from cold feet. When wet boots with membranes are also slower drying than ones without membranes. And membranes often start to leak long before the rest of the boots wears out.
Cushioning
All boots have cushioning material in the sole. This makes walking more comfortable, especially on rocky terrain and hard surfaces. The thicker the cushioning is the more protection for your feet but also the less ‘feel’ you’ll have for the terrain.
Toe Protection
Hard toe caps or bumpers protect your toes against rocks. All boots should have these.
Heel Counter
To hold your feet in place boots need firm heel counters, usually rigid material hidden inside but sometimes external.
Sole
The deeper the tread on the sole the longer it will last. Very shallow treads may not grip well on all surfaces even when new.
Sole Stiffness
Sole flexibility is a compromise between comfort and support. Very flexible soles, especially at the forefoot, are the most comfortable and less tiring to walk in but may feel unsupportive on steep rough terrain and in snow.
The best hiking boot brands for wide feet
As mentioned, fit comes first when choosing boots. The most splendid-looking boots you’ve ever seen won’t feel splendid if they give you blisters. The same applies to boots raved about by reviewers like me. They need to fit your feet not mine. With that said, here is a selection of brands that offer hiking boots for wide feet in various styles. Every model won’t fit everyone with wide feet, but most people should find something here that fits.
Altberg
Based in Yorkshire, bootmakers Altberg specialise in different hiking boots for wide feet. Six of their models come in 5 widths, including wide and extra wide. Two more models only come in a high volume and wide fit and another two have a slightly wide forefoot and a narrow heel. Altberg’s boots are traditional in style and made from leather or suede. Most have Sympatex waterproof/breathable inners. Models range from the 2-3 season Fremington Walking Boot, which weighs 1308 grams for a pair of size 9s and costs £209.99, to the Mallerstang Mountain Boot, a 3-4 season boot made from 2.8mm thick leather that weighs 1768 grams for a pair of size 9s and costs £264.99.
Inov8
Best known for their trail running shoes (some of which are excellent for walking) Inov8 also makes some lightweight boots. Inov8 has a shoe width scale that runs from 1 to 5. 4 and 5 are the figures for wide feet. One that comes in the 5 width and fits me well is the Rocfly G 390. These have reinforced mesh uppers, excellent cushioning and tough graphene rubber soles. A pair of size 9s weighs just 780 grams. The Rocfly 6 390 is available with a Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable inner at £170 and without Gore-Tex at £160.
Hanwag
As well as eleven models with a wide fit Hanwag offers nine Bunion Boots. A bunion is a misalignment of the big toe that leads to a bony lump on the side of the foot. Hanwag says that research shows that some 23% of adults suffer from bunions and they are more common in women and older people. Because even a wide fitting boot might still put painful pressure on a bunion Hanwag developed a special last with a bulge at just the point where bunions form at the side of the base of the big toe. Many Hanwag boots come in both wide and bunion fits such as the Tatra II GTX, a leather boot weighing 1520 grams (size 8) that costs £275
Keen Footwear
Keen doesn’t offer footwear in different widths but several of the models (not all!) have a wide forefoot. A good example is the Targhee III, a boot made from leather and mesh with Keen’s proprietary Keen.Dry waterproof/breathable membrane inside. A pair of size 9s weighs 980 grams and the boots cost £145. I’ve worn Targhees extensively over the years and have found them excellent.
Meindl
Meindl has sixteen walking boots and shoes with a wide fit, which Meindl calls Comfort Fit. The boots range from the lightweight £224.99 Orlando Mid GTX, which is designed for low level trail and urban walking, to the £314.99 Adamello GTX designed for year-round mountain walking. Both boots are made from nubuck leather and have Gore-Tex inside.
