7 Best Hiking Shoes For Wide Feet in 2024

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Hiking Shoes For Wide Feet in 2024

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Give your feet a break from getting squished every time you hit on the trails. Get a glove-like feel with a dependable pair of hiking shoes for wide feet. Ill-fitting shoes can ruin an otherwise great outdoor adventure and put your feet and ankles at risk of injury or bruised toenails.

Having a wide-foot problem can be a real challenge when going for a day hike or a backpacking trip. Thanks to footwear manufacturers like Danner, Oboz, KEEN, and Vasque, to name a few, you no longer have to suffer from unnecessary discomfort while tackling challenging terrains.

To help you find the ideal shoes that’ll suit your feet, we’ve rounded up and tested the best hiking shoes for wide feet. We took them on our on-foot journey on different hiking routes and did all sorts of typical hiking activities in them to properly establish our opinions about them in all possible aspects. We also ripped them to pieces in our lab and perfromed dozens of tests there. Take a quick look at our top picks in different categories.

How we test hiking shoes

Reviewing all the pairs of hiking shoes for wide-footed people requires hours of research and performance tests in the field. Before giving each one its overall rating, we take the shoes on a series of hikes and off-road adventures, covering 30-50 miles across different terrains.

Our selection method includes doing the following:

  • Investing time, energy, and our own resources to buy wide-toe box hiking shoes from trusted brands. This guarantees the 100% objectivity of our comprehensive reviews.
  • Clocking up the miles wear testing the shoes on the trails. We specifically determine their fit, comfort, traction, heel protection, waterproofness, durability, and more. We also subject all the models further to technical terrains, murky routes, and tough weather conditions.
  • Seeking more data inside our shoe testing lab. We utilise our self-invested tools and equipment to measure the parameters of the shoes. Moreover, we divide the shoes in half and into pieces using our saw machine. This is to put all the elements on display for us to criticise. 

Best overall hiking shoes with a wide toebox

What makes it the best?

The KEEN Targhee III Waterproof stands out as a remarkable wide-toebox hiking shoe, offering ample room for toe manoeuvring and unparalleled comfort on our adventurous excursions. Its spacious design ensures no constraints, providing the most phenomenal fit we've experienced on our splash-filled journeys. Furthermore, as seen in our lab, its ability to instil confidence in any terrain is truly phenomenal.

Navigating challenging trails became effortless with the Targhee III, as it showcased exceptional traction with its 4.5 mm grippy and multi-directional lugs. From soft soil to slippery stones, we maintained steady footing, thanks to its reliable grip. The generous width in the toebox (106.6 mm) and big toe area (86.6 mm) allowed our toes to move freely, surpassing our average lab measurements and enhancing overall comfort.

Equally impressive was the shoe's tank-like nature against rugged terrains. Its waterproof upper and toe bumper shielded us from external elements, while the firm yet cushioned midsole provided ample protection underfoot. Our durometer readings confirmed its density to be 13.6% higher than average, ensuring a stable ride.

Despite its exceptional performance, the Targhee III's only drawback is its weight, being 28.2% heavier than average. It would have been fantastic to trek with less load on our feet. 

Pros

  • Grippy outsole
  • Good traction in muddy conditions
  • Excellent for winter hikes
  • Firm but protective cushioning
  • Well-constructed and durable upper
  • Lots of protective overlays
  • Amazing stability
  • Relatively breathable
  • No break-in time

Cons

  • Outsole durability could be better
  • Not ideal for narrow feet
Full review of KEEN Targhee III Waterproof

Most comfortable hiking shoes with a wide toebox

What makes it the best?

Merrell Accentor 3 stands out at just £100, offering exceptional cushioning, protection, and support for hikers. It has a roomy fit that accommodates wide feet and swelling, allowing us to savour our treks with confidence. Among wide-toe-box hiking shoes in our lab, Accentor 3 provides ultimate comfort.

Measuring the heel thickness with our calliper, we found it to be a substantial 30.8 mm, effectively dampening repetitive impact and harsh objects underfoot. Adding to its gentle sensation is the Air Cushion in the heel, measuring a plush 18.0 HA on our durometer. Combined with a modest forefoot for heightened ground sensitivity, the result is a steep 14.1 mm offset that alleviates lower leg pressure.

Moving to the main foam, we discovered it’s 22.7% firmer than average, ensuring surefooted strides even under heavy loads. The cushion remains resilient, even with loaded backpacks and long mileage. Further enhancing our stability is its generous 108.0 mm toe-box that gently tapers to the big toe for our natural toe splaying. 

A nylon shank is cleverly positioned beneath our arches for additional support without sacrificing manoeuvrability—Accentor 3 emerged 38.3% more flexible than the average shoe, boosting a natural and comfortable feel.

However, this Merrell drenched our feet in sweat. Its well-insulated nature only makes it comfortable in cold weather hikes.

Pros

  • Stellar support
  • Amazingly comfortable
  • Performs well in the cold
  • Can gobble up miles
  • Versatile grip
  • Alleviates foot pain
  • Fits like a glove
  • Roomy and durable toebox
  • Very easy to put on
  • Budget-friendly
  • Sustainably made

Cons

  • Lacklustre breathability
  • Could be lighter
  • Unruly laces
Full review of Merrell Accentor 3

Best Gore-Tex hiking shoes with a wide toebox

What makes it the best?

The Teva Grandview GTX Low proves to be a day-long hiking essential, delivering a liberating experience on extended treks. Its protective construction effectively addresses common concerns like wet feet, harsh landing impacts, and cramped toes, earning it the title of the ultimate wide hiking shoe with the best Gore-Tex.

On our encounters with rain and muddy puddles, not a single drop of water entered the shoe. Other than the Gore-Tex membrane, our microscope reveals a very compact woven material that repels water. Our lab confirms its impermeability with a 2/5 breathability score. 

The spacious toebox of the Grandview GTX Low allows our toes to spread out comfortably, measuring 103.8 mm wide. What’s even more generous is its big toe area, measuring a massive 87.0 mm vs. the 81.5 mm average.

Even underfoot, Teva remains supportive. Right from the start, the cushioning made its presence felt. With a stack height of 33.6/23.0 mm, it delivers prolonged comfort and effective impact absorption. Further enhancing the comfort is its impressively soft midsole, measuring at 15.3 HA—44.8% softer than average.

This Teva’s extra layers of comfort and protection come at the expense of heavier weight. At 15.6 oz (441g), it’s 15.4% bulkier than its counterparts. Those who prefer lighter shoes should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Excellent waterproofing
  • Softer than average cushioning
  • Great impact protection
  • Remains soft and flexible in low temps
  • Very stable and supportive
  • Deep lugs with top-notch grip
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Good wear resistance
  • A dream for wide feet

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Not for narrow feet
  • Heel lock is fiddly
Full review of Teva Grandview GTX Low

Best lightweight hiking shoes with a wide toebox

What makes it the best?

Is there such a thing as a breathable hiking shoe that’s uber lightweight and suitable for wide feet? There is indeed, and it’s called the Adidas Terrex Trailmaker! Our feet feel light and airy, thanks to their lightweight, breathable upper and the wide toe box allows ample airflow to keep our feel fresh and comfortable, not to mention wiggle room! The Adidas Terrex Trailmaker is undoubtedly our best lightweight hiking shoe with a wide toe box!

Lightweight and flexible, it’s easy to forget we’re wearing shoes in the Trailmaker! The scales don’t lie; when we weighed them in our lab, we found them to be 9% lighter than the average hiking shoes! They keep our feet fresh while hiking, and our legs still have energy to burn at the end of the day.

Even at a glance, the Trailmaker is noticeably wider than the competition. Back in the lab, our callipers cinched it. Measuring 102.7 mm at the forefoot, they are 3.3 mm wider than average, leaving plenty of space for hikers with wider feet. It carries the advantage through to the toe, as well. Measuring 79.8 mm at the big toe, there is also 3.3 mm extra space at the end of the shoe. We found our toes could spread out more comfortably than in a narrower shoe.

This shoe is a cut above the rest on a hot day! Its durable upper may not look especially breathable, but our feet didn’t overheat on our hikes, and they dried out quickly after a soaking. When we pumped smoke into the shoe, it exited through the tightly woven upper quickly and evenly, taking us by surprise! In fact, we rated it a solid 4/5 for breathability, one of the more breathable shoes that we have tested.

In order to keep the weight down, this shoe lacks cushioning underfoot. The midsole is comfortably soft, but the stack height measures 3.1 mm less than average below the heel. Combined, this makes for slightly less cushioning (and more ground feel), which is why we don’t recommend the Adidas Terrex Trailmaker for long hikes or backpacking.

Pros

  • Extra lightweight
  • Amazing in-shoe comfort
  • Highly breathable
  • Balance of cushion and ground feel
  • Stable for a light shoe
  • More flexible than average
  • Welcomes wide feet
  • Secure lockdown (bootie upper)

Cons

  • Outsole lacks durability
  • Not enough grip on wet terrain
Full review of Adidas Terrex Trailmaker

Best shoes with a wide toebox for water hiking

What makes it the best?

We put wide-toebox hiking shoes to the test and found Nike ACG Watercat+ to be the best for water hiking. It shines the most in and around water with its effective drainage system, easy-to-manoeuvre build, and reliable traction on slippery surfaces.

The wickerwork upper keeps our feet dry from water and sweat because the woven cords have large ventilation holes. Amazingly, the bottom part has drainage holes for faster drying too. 

We felt as nimble as a cat manoeuvring through slippery rocks and tricky underwater surfaces. Watercat+ has a flexible build and low stack providing good ground feel for better balance. In our lab bend test, it needed 30.7% less force than the average hiking shoe to bend to 90 degrees. Its heel and forefoot cushion stand lower than the average, resulting in a more levelled 4.7 mm drop. This makes us more sensitive to the ground.

Enhancing our control further is the generous toebox that offers 7.9 mm extra space than average. Even at the big toe area, it gives 10.8 mm more room than the average — allowing our natural toe splay. We have no doubts about grip because the sticky patterned outsole keeps us steady through all conditions.

Unfortunately, the holes in the upper leave room for small rocks to get in.

Pros

  • Outstanding water drainage
  • Immensely breathable
  • Excellent abrasion resistance
  • Very light on foot
  • Amazingly grippy on wet
  • Very grounded platform
  • Bends along with the foot
  • Adaptable fit with a roomy toebox
  • Easy on-and-off
  • Comfy in-shoe feel
  • Bold aesthetics

Cons

  • No arch or ankle support
  • Catches debris and small pebbles easily
Full review of Nike ACG Watercat+

Best speed hiking shoes with a wide toebox

KEEN NXIS Speed
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Great!

What makes it the best?

For our speed hiking adventures, we look for a shoe that is superbly grippy and lightweight. We found that and much more in the wide-toed KEEN NXIS Speed, leading us to dub it the best speed hiking shoe with a wide toe box.

We felt agile and surefooted while speed hiking in the NXIS Speed. Our lab tests showed that several factors come into play which contribute to the superb grip we experienced on the trail. The varying-sized 4 mm lugs grip well onto wet or dry surfaces. Twisting the shoe manually, we awarded it 2/5 for torsional rigidity, where 1 is the least rigid. This allows the shoe to flex with our foot on uneven ground, increasing the surface area and ultimately enhancing our grip.

Weight is of the essence when looking for a speed hiking shoe. No one wants something heavy and clunky on their feet when trying to be fast and light! We found what we were looking for in the KEEN NXIS Speed. Tipping our scales at a mere 11.8 oz (335g), it’s one of the lightest hiking shoes that we have tested, and 1.4 oz (44g) lighter than average. It gave us wings and we flew along the trail on our test hikes.

KEEN are always generous in the toe box department, and the NXIS Speed doesn’t let the side down. We measured the toe box at the widest part with our callipers, finding it to be 2.6 mm wider than average, and will accommodate most feet. But it’s around the big toe that the NXIS Speed steals the show. Measuring an impressive 89.6 mm, the toe box is 8 mm wider than average and the widest toe box in our hiking shoe database, except for the fully barefoot Vibram Fivefingers V-Trek. The extra space up front further increases our grip and all-day comfort. Cramped toes are a big no in these shoes!

Our main gripe with the KEEN NXIS Speed is that the laces kept coming undone. It was mightily frustrating having to keep stopping to retie them, especially on our speed hikes. We recommend changing the laces for something less slippery.

Pros

  • Top-level comfort
  • Immensely breathable
  • Sticks to various terrain
  • Extremely durable outsole
  • Quite lightweight
  • Incredible support
  • Relaxed forefoot fit
  • Accommodating toebox
  • Greatly flexible
  • Locks the heel in place

Cons

  • Unruly shoestrings
  • Too airy for cold winters
  • Not ideal for backpacking
Full review of KEEN NXIS Speed

Best budget hiking shoes with a wide toebox

What makes it the best?

A superbly versatile shoe, the Adidas Terrex AX4 won us over with a wide variety of features which make it the best budget hiking shoe with a wide toe box. With a starting price of £90, it doesn’t break the bank. £30 cheaper than average, its wide forefoot offers a good amount of wiggle-room for our toes, and it finds the sweet spot between water repellency and breathability. Its firm but protective cushioning keeps our feet safe and comfortable while out hiking.

Out hiking, our toes felt free to move in the wide toe-box of the Terrex AX4. Back in the lab, we measured the width with a calliper, discovering the forefoot is an impressive 102.1 mm wide, compared to the average 98.3 mm! Combined with a stiff heel counter - which we measured as the stiffest 5/5 - our feet felt firmly locked into the shoe whilst not cramping our toes.

This is a seriously adaptable all-rounder which finds a balance between water repellency and breathability. In our lab tests, we pump smoke into the shoe and watch to see how much smoke permeates the upper. The Adidas Terrex AX4 scored a respectable 3/5 for breathability - a good middle ground. We took a close look at the mesh upper through a microscope too - the tight weave is responsible for keep light rain and morning dew out of the shoe, while still allowing air to flow through.

A firm and protective shoe, our feet had no problems hiking or sharp rocks and scree. In the lab, we tested the midsole with a durometer. It measured 39 HA, 19% firmer than average in hiking shoes. It kept our feet protected from sharp objects as well as providing a stable foothold.

On colder days we felt the midsole stiffening up, so we put it in the freezer for 20 minutes to simulate cold weather. When we tested it again with a durometer, we found it had become 26% harder - quite a jump for an already-firm shoe. We don’t recommend it to hikers looking for a high-performing winter hiking shoe.

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Feels like a trail running shoe
  • Breathable
  • Water-repellent
  • Solid grip
  • Durable for the price
  • Stable platform
  • Contains recycled materials

Cons

  • Lacks toe protection
  • Flimsy insole
Full review of Adidas Terrex AX4

Make sure you actually need wide hiking shoes

Because if you don’t, you can get injured in hiking shoes with a loose fit. Make sure you follow these tips when trying on hiking shoes:  

  1. Go shopping for hiking shoes in the afternoon, when your feet are most likely a bit swollen from a day of work and activities. The swelling happens when hiking and this is how we take it into account. 
  2. Try the shoe on, lace it up and check if there are any pressure points. Is the shoe too narrow? Are your toes cramped inside the toebox? Does the shoe feel too tight all over? There should be a thumb’s width space between your toes and the front (or the back) of your shoes. Aim for a snugly comfortable fit that is non-constricting. 
  3. Use the socks you usually use for hiking when trying the hiking shoes on for the first time. 
  4. If you’re using orthotics or special insoles, use them in the store when giving new hiking shoes a try. 
  5. Use the ramp! Walk up and down. If there are different surfaces (grass, huge rocks, concrete), try the shoes on all of them. You should not be sliding forward in the shoes when going downhill, and your feet should not slide to the sides (a sign of the shoes being too wide). 

Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX Heel tab

Don’t forget: many hiking shoes need a break-in period. Before setting out for a long hike, break your shoes in first. 

Industry labels for wide hiking shoes 

In our shoe lab, we precisely measure the width of the shoe with a calliper. Not just in one place! 

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-toebox1.JPG

Because of this, we’re able to recommend different wide hiking shoes. But, to get there, we must cover the basics first: how to notice wide or extra wide shoes? You can recognise wide hiking shoes by examining the label on the shoes or on the shoe box: men should look for 2E for wide or 4E for extra wide, while women should look for D or 2E.

These letters are different because men's feet are different from women's feet. Women’s heels tend to be narrower and forefoot wider than men’s. This is a general rule, and, of course, exceptions exist. 

The shoes for men and women are labelled like this:

 

Men

Women

Narrow

B

2A

Medium/Standard

D

B

Wide

2E

D

Extra wide

4E

2E

Keep in mind that the extra width is mostly reflected in the toebox. 

On our website, you can always filter the hiking shoes by gender and width. But, because the extra width is mostly about the toebox, we will now take a deep dive into that topic. 

Exact width measurements with shoe suggestions

In the lab, we use our calliper to measure the width of the forefoot in 2 places: 

  1. Toebox width at the widest part, around the metatarsal joints 
  2. Toebox width at the big toe. 
Big toe and metatarsal toebox with in hiking shoe
We always publish both measurements: the widest part (up) and the width at the big toe (down)

What this allows us to conclude is not just how wide the toebox is at the widest part, but also how much it tapers moving higher up. The bigger the difference between these 2 measurements, the more the shoe tapers. 

This is extremely important for people who have toebox shapes that ask for more attention. 

Hiking shoes that are narrower at the big toe would obviously work better for the Greek type than any other toebox shape. Just like the Roman and the German type would most likely need extra wide shoes/toeboxes. 

At the moment of writing, the average width of hiking shoes at the widest part is 100.6 mm, while the average width at the big toe is 81.6 mm. This big-toe width is what matters the most for people with wider feet because the smaller the difference between the widest part and the big toe width, the less the shoe tapers. It is less pointy and, therefore, offers more room for toes to splay or, at least, not be cramped. 

What lab numbers are not telling us?

While these upper width measurements are done in the RunRepeat lab and nowhere else, we are aware that these measurements should be taken with a grain of salt because they don’t tell the whole story. This is exactly why we also do wear tests and don’t rely on lab tests only! 

The calliper measurement of the toebox width means we measure how wide the shoe is on the outside, where we press our calliper on both sides of the toebox. What’s not included here is the thickness of the upper and, more importantly, whether it has some give! 

Wide and narrow toebox in hiking shoes

First, the upper can be made of a stretchy material, which would allow the pinky toe to “breathe” a bit more or the toes to splay. Stiff materials would cramp that adventurous pinky toe and glue it to the rest of the toes. 

Second, hiking shoes prioritise protection. The toe bumper can work wonders, but sometimes it extends all around the toebox, or the shoe features overlays that make it more supportive and stable.

Different toe bumpers in hiking shoes
Thick rubber toebumper (up) vs. thin overlay toebumper (down)

These additional overlays prevent the upper from stretching and toes from pushing against it a bit more than the official width allows them. 

Protective overlays in hiking shoes
Different protective overlays that can make give structure to the upper and make it less stretchy

Leather is not stretchy at all, while knit and mesh can allow for some toe splay if there are no harsh overlays present where you'd want them to stretch. Best to examine the shoe or its specifications if you worry about those few millimetres that only stretchy materials can allow. 

Toebox height: who should pay attention to it

People whose big toe naturally points up and not straight forward. When in contact with the upper, there’s rubbing, which can lead to blisters and black toenails. 

Height of the toe box in hiking shoes
Left: toebox with more vertical room, right: toebox with less vertical room

Brands do not provide a measurement for the height, so it’s up to you to try the shoe on and feel whether there’s enough room for your big toes. If you notice your toes pushing against the upper, which is visible just by looking at the shoe, the toebox is too shallow. 

We also recommend examining the upper: some materials are stretchy and, therefore, less likely to hurt the toes and toenails pointing up. Other uppers, like leather, or shoes with stiff toe bumpers and protective overlays, are very hard and have no room for your toes to “breathe”. 

Foot-shaped toebox: what to expect

The name is self-explanatory and here’s what that looks like in the hiking world: See this Altra hiker that has a foot-shaped design (up), vs this shoe that has a regular design (down). 

Regular and footshaped hiking shoe design

There are different brands that make hiking footwear with, what is usually referred to as, natural design (Altra, Topo, Vivobarefoot, etc.). These shoes are great for people who have a wider forefoot and who enjoy the feeling of the toe splay inside the shoes. This is a huge pro. 

However, such shoes tend to come with a few warnings (technically, they are not cons): they tend to be minimalist, which means low to the ground. This equals less cushioning and more ground feel. Also, it means having a lower heel-to-toe drop that could also be 0 mm. 

Making sudden changes in heel drop, especially when going from, say 10 mm, to zero drop, is a dangerous move and should be done cautiously. 

If this is something that peaks your interest, we strongly recommend reading our in-depth guide on Heel drop: Heel to Toe Drop: The Ultimate Guide

Consequences of a tight toebox

We can usually feel whether the toebox is narrow: our feet get cramped and we might fell the pain in an instant. However, the discomfort can happen later on as well, once our feet swell and we cover longer mileage. 

2 toe box width measurements in hiking shoes

Here, we list most common consequences of a tight toebox. This does not mean that the tight toebox is always the only responsible cause, so consider the list as a general guideline, not precise diagnosis.

  1. Ingrown toenails and Morton’s Neuroma can both happen when the toebox is not wide enough. Best to look for a wider forefoot.
  2. Black toenails can happen both when the toebox is too tight or too low. This is when you should pay attention to the height of the toebox as well. 
  3. Painful corns and calluses may not be painful at the beginning but should be “treated” with a wider toebox so that the condition does not worsen. 
  4. Blisters, especially at the big toe or the pinky toe, can happen when the toebox of your hiking shoe is not wide enough. 
  5. Hallux rigidus and Hallux valgus (bunions) should be treated with a wide toebox, to start with. 

Why loose fit is a bad idea

Hiking shoes should fit properly, just right. Not tight, not loose. Here’s what can happen if you decide to get wider shoes than you actually need: 

  1. Feet slide within the shoes, side to side. This is uncomfortable and risky, it means that you don’t have the needed lockdown for hiking and you will feel less stable and secure. 
  2. With such sliding, your toes might instinctively try to stabilise the feet by clawing into the ground. This might lead to hammer toes and more tired feet. 
  3. Lose fit can also lead to more ankle instability because legs will try to compensate but the base is not locked as it should be. Think ankle twists and sprains. 
  4. Constant rubbing can lead to blisters as well. 

Teva Grandview GTX Low Difference in stiffness in cold

How hiking socks can help with the fit?

The most popular choice in hiking is Merino wool. Most socks have it, at least to some degree. But, what matters when we’re discussing the fit and not just performance is the thickness of the socks. 

Salomon Outpulse Heel tab

Very thin ones can definitely help, especially if they also do compression. They feel like the feet have got thinner a bit! And compression helps with (against) blisters as well. Regular socks are, well, regular and the shoe should feel normal in them. Thick socks, on the other hand, which are great for winter and because they offer a lot of cushioning, might make the shoes feel tight. 

Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic
Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.