Black Friday - best deals from 52 stores 7 Best Flat Feet Hiking Boots
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Flat feet can cause discomfort or even pain on longer hikes, especially if the boots are not supportive and stable enough. Worry not because here, you'll find our best of the best picks in different categories.
We've tested these boots on the hikes and in our lab, which is why we also elaborate on why each pair got the spotlight! And, if you're curious about how we filter out the hiking boots for flat feet and which criteria they have to meet, read our guide section. We cover everything, from stiff heel counters and firmer platforms to the grip and insole thickness.
How we test hiking boots
When it comes to footwear testing, we focus on objectivity and transparency. Our process entails:
- Buying all the hiking boots with our own money. We have no brand ambassadors on the team and we're at all times free to publish whatever we discover or experience.
- We go hiking and test the boots on the trails. Our hikes are done in "good" and "bad" weather if that exists, so the boots are subjected to both wet and dry conditions and surfaces.
- We test the hiking boots in the lab, where we use different instruments (durometer, callipers, smoke machine, gels, force gauge, tyre tread gauge, dremel) to quantitatively describe each boot with 20+ data points.
- We publish everything we discover on our website, where you can compare the hiking boots by features you're particularly interested in, or you can look at the averages to better understand how the current boot performed on our lab tests.
- We cherry-pick the best hiking boots that we highlight in the buying guide and we do it based on our a) personal experience with the boots and b) lab results.
Best hiking boots for flat feet overall
What makes it the best?
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX carried us through our hikes with confidence by providing unwavering support without compromising comfort, making it our best flat-feet hiking boot. Our lab tests validate it has stiff elements in the right areas, a grippy base for enhanced control, and a balanced cushion underneath.
This boot has a stiff nylon shank in the midfoot adding structure to the shoe. It bolstered our ankles effectively, putting away any chances of toppling over. The shoe’s torsional rigidity and heel counter had the right amount of stiffness (4/5) to support us without being too intrusive.
The platform also feels nice and stable at 32.8 HA. This kind of firmness helps in preventing foot pain. Meanwhile, we found a softer 24.6 HA foam under the heel to soften landings and boost comfort. For all the things Moab 3 Mid GTX offers, we were surprised to find it weighs 7.5% lighter than the average boot.
Our encounters with water kept us at ease because the waterproof upper and sticky Vibram outsole kept us safe. No matter how slippery the trail was, we remained in control thanks to the deep 5.0 mm lugs. However, they are not sharp enough to handle soft terrain. Those who often encounter mud should find more aggressive boots.
Pros
- Best-in-class waterproofing
- Great stability for moderate hikes
- Supportive for all-day wear
- Plenty of impact protection
- Comfortable step-in feel
- Excellent grip on hard terrain
- Secure lockdown
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Mesh panels are easy to tear
- Not for mud or soft terrain
- Only for cold weather (below 15°C)
Gore-Tex hiking boots for flat feet with the best grip
What makes it the best?
Pros
- The boot of choice for multi-day hikes
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Excellent grip
- Supportive midsole
- Detailed ground feel
- Great ankle support
- Protective
- Perfect lacing system
Cons
- Midsole may be thin for some
- Very stiff in colder climates
Hiking boots for flat feet with the best waterproofing
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Top-notch waterproofing
- Little-to-no break-in period
- Excellent stability and ankle support
- Superb grip on varied terrain
- Wear-resistant and durable build
- Cushioned for all-day hikes
- Barely affected by low temperatures
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Not for wide feet
Best backpacking boots for flat feet
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Top-notch waterproofing
- Excellent impact protection
- Highly secure ankle support
- Fantastic stability
- Comfortable in-boot feel
- Effective grip on various terrain
- Fits as expected
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Gets very stiff in cold
Best lightweight hiking boots for flat feet
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Unbelievably lightweight
- Excellent waterproofing
- Doesn't let debris and falling rain/snow inside
- Exceptionally robust and durable
- Phenomenal grip on technical terrain
- Not so stiff and firm in low temperature
- Great impact protection
- Highly supportive collar
- Ample flexibility
Cons
- Tight fit
- Narrow platform
Best leather hiking boots for flat feet
What makes it the best?
From its airtight upper to its rock-solid support, and braking power, the Scarpa Terra GTX took care of our feet during our trail adventures. Backed up by the lab, we confirmed its stability through its low and firm stack and its high-quality leather that’s both waterproof and durable. It ticks the boxes and claims its position as our best leather flat-feet hiking boot.
The upper looked solid under our microscope and we confirmed its non-permeable nature when smoke remained inside the shoe in our breathability test, scoring 1/5. This means it also blocks off water. It also proved to be highly protective when it looked almost untouched after our Dremel test (5/5 durability).
The leather upper, together with the stiff TPU shank in the midsole, adds stiffness to the boot and holds our ankles firmly. The ride is further stabilized by the boot’s low profile and firm cushion. It measures a below-average 32.1/17.0 mm and emerged 6.1% stiffer than average, carrying our arches well.
Beneath the midsole, we unveiled the world-class Vibram outsole. It displays exceptional traction even on slippery surfaces, with its thick 4.0 mm lugs adding to our control over various terrains.
Unfortunately, its heavy 20.3 oz (575g) can lead to fatigue during long-haul efforts. Those who prioritize a light and agile ride should search for another option.
Pros
- Glue-like underfoot, even on wet surfaces
- Insanely comfortable
- Reliably stable and supportive ride
- Resilient and high-quality build
- Durable Vibram outsole
- Watertight and warm
- Quick break-in time
- Performs consistently in the cold
- Strong ankle support
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Cushioning could be better
- Scuff magnet
Hiking boots for flat feet with the best support
What makes it the best?
Robust from top to bottom, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a tough soldier that armors our feet against ankle twists, foot pain, and external debris. Our lab tests back up our observation of the shoe’s highly stiff construction during our trips to the mountain, making it our flat-feet hiking boot with the best support.
It feels impossible to lose balance in this sturdy boot. Our sliced midsole reveals the MonoWrap frame in the midfoot, embracing our foot in place. This element increases the boot’s torsional rigidity and contains excessive movements. We tried to twist it with our own hands and it resisted fervently, earning the highest 5/5 torsional rigidity rating.
The boot has a hefty 21.1 oz (597g) build that keeps us centered and grounded. The cushion feels balanced, with a 25.6 HA rating, providing comfort to our arches without the foam compressing easily. Underfoot, the deep 5.1 mm lugs provided us with the traction we needed to tackle wet and dry surfaces safely.
The upper includes solid nubuck leather, which is highly resistant to abrasion, evidenced by its 5/5 toebox durability score based on our Dremel test. We had no worries about encountering water or protruding roots.
We warn caution that the shoe feels extremely stiff even to foot-bending, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Those who prefer an effortless feel should find a more flexible boot.
Pros
- Deceptively comfortable
- Extremely supportive and stable ride
- Lightweight build
- Strong ankle support
- Excellent grip in dry and wet conditions
- Great backpacking companion
- Old-school nubuck leather upper
- Keeps our feet warm and dry
- Consistent performance in the cold
- Feels good out of the box
Cons
- Pricey
- Lots of seams in upper construction
- Finnicky lacing
- Too warm for summer hikes
This guide is written for hikers who have flat feet. If you’re not sure about your arches and how flat they are, we recommend reading our guide on arch support and visiting a specialist.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, we also recommend visiting a podiatrist or a PT. This guide has an educational purpose and is in no way here to offer medical diagnosis.
Why do flat-footed hikers need different boots?
Flat feet are also known as low or fallen arches. When the arches are low or fallen, it means they are not strong enough to have full control over foot mobility. This weakness is something to be worked on, which is why we recommend seeing a specialist who would create an exercise plan for your specific needs. Stronger foot muscles and arches usually reduce the pain that is associated with flat feet.
Because of this condition, flat feet enjoy more support.
Using very soft, very flexible, or barefoot/minimalist hiking boots can be very painful and even lead to injury for hikers with flat feet. However, minimalist footwear can be a part of a recovery plan, as using them VERY gradually can help with foot muscle strengthening.
5 features to look for in hiking boots for flat feet
Here, we recommend a stable platform. This stability is reflected in the softness of the midsoles, it can’t be too soft. It is also reflected in torsional rigidity because it prevents wobbling. And, given that it’s the heel that lands first and needs all the support it can get, we recommend stiff heel counters that lock the heel in place and prevent (to a certain degree) premature fatigue or excessive ankle rolling inwards.
- Torsional rigidity: look for boots that scored 3/5, 4/5, or 5/5 on our assessment.
- Heel counter stiffness: look for a 4/5 or 5/5 heel counter stiffness. This is accomplished by using stiff materials, whether in the internal or external heel counters.
- Midsole softness: we recommend at least 20 HA based on our experience and lab tests. Sometimes the midsole is made of 2 different materials that each have different softness levels. In our lab, we measure both.
- Wide platform. Hiking boots with wider platforms are more stable!
- Good grip, as always!
These boots should not be easy to twist!
As mentioned above, it’s best to look for a stiff platform. In our lab, we assess torsional rigidity and measure longitudinal stiffness.
Assessing torsional rigidity of hiking boots in RunRepeat lab: this boot scored 3/5
It’s best to look for torsionally rigid hiking boots if you have flat feet. That means finding those that scored 3, 4, or 5 out of 5 on our assessment. Or, if you’re buying the boots in a specialised store, try twisting them and look for those that push back.
Hiking boot that scored 5/5 on our torsional rigidity assessment
We prioritise torsional stiffness over longitudinal stiffness because hikers with flat feet overpronate, which happens “sideways”: the heel puts more pressure on the inner side of the boot. Hikers don’t land on the middle of the heel and distribute the pressure evenly but, instead, they add more pressure on the inner side of the boot. This is where torsional rigidity can help.
Measuring the longitudinal stiffness of hiking boots using a digital force gauge
If, however, you want a stiffer boot overall, take into account the longitudinal stiffness as well. The higher the number on our digital force gauge, the stiffer the boot.
How to find stiff heel counters in hiking boots
Stiff heel counters are all the craze for hikers with flat feet! They allow for a perfect heel lockdown and, together with a firmer platform, help with overpronation. This stability eliminates unnecessary wobbling and micromovements that could cause pain or discomfort for hikers with flat feet.
This heel counter scored 1/5 on our stiffness assessment
The easiest way to assess the stiffness of the heel counter is to squeeze it and push it. Look for those that resist your pressure the most.
This heel counter scored 5/5 on our stiffness assessment
What makes heel counters stiff? Internal and/or external heel counters. External ones are easy to notice because, well, they are placed on the outside.
Internal ones can be noticed and assessed only after cutting the boot in half.
For flat-footed hikers, we recommend boots with heel counters that scored a minimum of 3 out of 5 on our test.
Too soft? Too bad!
Midsoles in hiking boots can be made of one or more materials with different softness levels and they can also have shanks embedded into them. The main purpose of the shanks is to make the platform stiffer and more protective.
For flat feet, we recommend hiking in boots that scored at least 20 on the shore A durometer. Lower numbers indicate a softer midsole, while higher numbers describe a firmer midsole.
It’s worth noting that we stick the durometer needle into the midsole when we’re measuring the softness. If you really need more softness, you can look for thicker insoles.
Extra stability for flat feet: wide platforms
Sure, there are hiking boots that are rigid and firm and placed on narrower platforms. That’s all still quite OK for flat feet, but in case you want that extra stability that comes from wider platforms, we’ve got you covered.
Best grip in hiking boots for flat feet
Regardless of the foot condition, finding a good grip that’s necessary for the terrain you’re covering, is a priority.
A general rule is: the deeper the lugs, the better the grip. However, deeper lugs are usually needed for mud, snow, slush, soft loose ground, etc. Shallower lugs are great for hard-packed surfaces or large flat rocks.
It’s not just the lug depth that plays a role in the grip, but the shape and number of the lugs and the distance between them.
Rubber softness is another piece of the puzzle: softer rubber is stickier and more flexible, while harder rubber tends to be more durable and protective. Looking at the numbers on the durometer, the higher they are, the harder the rubber.
Testing the durability of the outsole in hiking boots for flat feet
Once the damage is done, we measure the depth of the dent with a tyre tread gauge. The deeper the dent, the less durable the outsole.
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