Wide toe box hiking shoes

Wearing wide toe box hiking shoes will give your foot enough room for comfortable toe splaying. This factor is crucial especially when you will be on your foot all-day long over uneven, unpredictable terrain. It is important that your feet will not be cramped as it can ruin your outdoor experience, giving you extreme fatigue. Avoiding this mishap is just one of the many reasons why shoe manufacturers offer hiking shoes with a wide toe box.

The list above represents hiking shoes that have a wide toe box and may have a narrow heel zone. For wearers looking for shoes with an overall wide width, look at our list of best wide hiking shoes. 

Benefits of wearing the best hiking shoes with a wide toe box

Comfortable

A lot of buyers prefer wide toe box hiking shoes for their outdoor adventures mainly because of comfort. This type of gear is also the go-to option for those who have foot problems (like bunions and hammertoes). With a roomy forefoot, the toes are not squished and are allowed to move freely. Therefore, it reduces the fatigue you usually get from a tapered toe box. 

Balance 

If your toes are properly aligned, meaning not cramped at the forefoot, it results in an improved sense of balance. This configuration will also help you gain stability over rugged terrain; thus, improving your trail performance. 

Injury prevention

If you have steady and secure footwork on the trail, you are less likely to incur any injuries. With wide toe box hiking shoes, you will be able to overcome challenging trails while securing your optimal safety. 

Some brands that offer wide toe box hiking shoes for men and women

Oboz

American footwear brand Oboz is a prominent name when it comes to hiking shoes with a wide toe box. The standard (medium) width of some Oboz offerings come in C in the forefoot and B in the rearfoot (based on the Brannock device). This means that the toe zone has a more spacious fit than the heel, allowing the toes to spread naturally while securing the heel in place. This design also enables the brand to cater to hikers with foot problems.

Keen

Hiking shoes from Keen are known for their wide toe boxes. Most of their offerings come in a leather upper equipped with various technologies for enhanced performance. The fit and volume of their products can be customized through the lace-up closure and removable stock insole. These two features plus the accommodating forefoot of Keen shoes make them appealing to people who would not let their foot problems stop them from going on a hike. 

Hanwag

Providing high-quality, European-made products since 1921, Hanwag has almost perfected their craft in the outdoor industry. The brand values tradition and passion which led them to develop shoes that will cater to every individual. Aside from their robust men’s offerings, they also have women’s hiking shoes with a wide toe box that will enable lady hikers (especially those with bunions or other foot condition) to tackle trails comfortably by offering extra room in the forefoot.

Lowa

Lowa is a German brand founded in 1923 by Lorenz Wagner. It is known for its vast selection of footgear made to overcome both the subdued and extreme outdoors. A common trait found in some of their select styles is an accommodating forefoot. Generally, their shoes are made with more room in the toe box, and users can fine-tune the fit through their proprietary lacing system. Their products, more often than not, come with a removable insole so future owners can adjust the overall internal volume based on their liking.

Merrell

Merrell might be the very first American brand that comes to your mind when talking about outdoor products. The Moab line is one of their popular offerings. This collection includes insulated, waterproof and breathable (no waterproof liners) shoes and boots. A common feature among their products is a wide toe box. You will surely be able to enjoy your adventures, thanks to the brand-owned and third-party features.

Vasque

Vasque men’s and women’s hiking shoes are known for their out-of-the-box comfort and customizable lace system. The designers behind each product use a last (a mold that has a shape similar to a human’s foot used in the manufacturing process) that provide different performance benefits. Some of their lasts feature a broad toe box with a narrow heel. This design lets the toes to spread naturally and locks the heel securely in place—great for endurance activities.