Footwear

These high-quality Salomon boots come  in an assortment of colors including green, brown and black. Half sizes are available for a closer fit.

These boots come with an array of features for comfort and support, starting with GoreTex fabric throughout for the ultimate waterproof protection. The ergonomic tongue should feel cozy with wear and further keep moisture out of your shoe.

A proprietary Contragrip sole offers traction below and the 6-inch shaft should support your ankles sufficiently. For those that worry about sprains or strains, these should keep you stable on your feet.

The protective rubber toe cap further enhances the safety features of this boot, in case you bump into a rock or other unforeseen object.

One of the only downsides is that some complain it comes up narrow. You may need to order up, or at the least, give them a good trial indoors, before committing to the purchase.

Newton Ridge Plus II are mid-range, lightweight, inexpensive hiking boots.

They feature a 5-inch shaft with a 0.5-inch lug along the bottom, offering traction throughout and ankle stability, as well. Another supportive feature includes the reinforced heel and toe barrier, keeping you safe on both ends. The midsole offers plenty of cushioning for those long hikes.

A seam-sealed waterproof construction does appear promising, but some have noted that they don’t always hold up when the heavy rain comes.

These could withstand a drizzle and on the plus side, they’re breathable with the included mesh material.

Color options for this boot include brown, navy and black.

If you’re looking for the longest-lasting pair of waterproof boots, these may not be for you. Many state that they’re not waterproof enough and that the sole could separate after a few long hikes. With that said, others seem to have worn them for ages, so this could be a matter of poor care.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The Vibram outsole provides ample traction for rough terrains. If you’re looking for superior comfort, there’s added heel and arch support, which are both areas prone to hot spots.

On the inside, you’ll get an EVA contoured footbed made to form in line with the sole of your foot. You shouldn’t get too sweaty either, thanks to the breathable mesh lining throughout.

A closed-cell foam tongue helps keep moisture and debris out, which should rest softly against your ankle.

Merrell brings us yet another hiking boot, that while offering some standout specifications, could fall short on quality long-term.

Let’s look at the positives first, including the unique antibacterial lining, which is especially useful for those that suffer from sweaty feet. There’s a breathable mesh upper that’s rather essential for hot, summer hikes, too.

The company incorporates another EVA footbed here and it’s removable to boot (pun intended). If you wear orthotics and need them on the trail, this footwear could be a good option for you.

Merrell didn’t leave out its air cushioning either and you’ll find it in the heel for added stability and shock absorption. The sticky outsole should also come in handy where stable footing is concerned, as well.

On the downside, many complain about quality issues such as insoles flattening out quickly and eyelets coming off. These little details may not seem like a big deal, but if you want your boots to last, it’s something to keep in mind.

Timberland is a brand synonymous with outdoor clothing and footwear. These hiking boots aren’t only great for keeping your feet dry, but you’ll look stylish in the process.

The company uses a seam-sealed construction throughout the 100 percent leather boot for protection against water. This footwear also features rust-proof hardware for the lacing system, which should hold up in the face of moisture.

Comfort is covered, as well, from the padded collar to the removable, dual-density and anti-fatigue footbed. The EVA foam midsole is compression-molded, so it should fit just right to the shape of your foot.

A pull loop at the back will come in handy when it’s time to slip the boots on. The shaft measures up to around 4.75-inches high, offering decent ankle protection, but it’s not the highest on our list.

The Moab 2 Mid boot is safe for rainy weather, thanks to the GoreTex membrane and closed-cell tongue that’ll keep both moisture and debris out.

The Vibram sole presents resistance to slippage on rocky terrain and your toes will stay protected, too, with the help of the rubber cap upfront. Added heel and arch support offer comfort for the remainder of your foot. You can also remove this EVA contoured footbed if you’d prefer to wear your orthotics instead.

Mesh along the upper portion should provide a substantial amount of breathability, in case you’re hiking in warmer seasons.

Out of all the options on our list, this boot takes the cake where styles are concerned. You have an array of browns to choose from, along with black and blue.

These Timberland boots meant to be comfortable straight from the box, with a low 1-inch heel and shaft that measures around 5-inches high.

There’s a fully-gusseted tongue that’ll keep anything out that you don’t want in. This includes moisture and various debris such as pebbles. You shouldn’t have a problem with water reaching other parts of the boot, too. A GoreTex membrane lines the inner with 100 percent waterproof leather on the exterior portion.

The rust-proof hardware around the lacing won’t corrode after being exposed to inclement weather conditions, either.

This company includes an EVA midsole and footbed for ultimate comfort during long hikes on the trail. They’re labeled as anti-fatigue, so you won’t feel every bump and bruise along the way.

Waterproofing doesn’t always come with breathability, but it does with Keen. This brand is a well-known name in the outdoor world and the company brings us this boot for rough, wet terrain.

The boot’s upper portion is made from Keen’s waterproof leather and there’s a proprietary, breathable membrane to keep the inner side dry, as well.

An ESS shank offers support throughout, while the mid-cut height protects your ankle against twists and turns. The aggressive 4mm outsole offers serious hikers and climbers plenty of traction here.

When it comes to comfort and durability, however, many claim that the boot won’t hold up. If you’re interested in light hiking from time to time, this footwear could serve you fine. For enthusiastic weekend warriors, you might want to opt for something else.

This lesser-known company brings us a hiking boot that offers up another chance to hit rough terrains. The Vibram outsole is aggressive for uneven areas and thermoplastic plates throughout provide added support and stability.

When it comes to joint protection, this boot’s shaft measures higher than most on our list at 6-inches high. Around the front, you have a gusseted, padded tongue to keep out little bits and bobs that could find their way into your footwear.

You won’t suffer from uncomfortable inners, either, starting with a breathable, yet waterproof GoreTex membrane. The shock absorbing EVA midsole is a major advantage when you don’t want to feel everything under you.

A wicking mesh lining will keep your feet fresh and dry, while the dual-density footbed provides extra comfort. This returns energy to your feet when you’re on them all day.

These could be a perfect choice for those with narrow or regular-width feet. If you’re on the larger side and happen to have wider footsies, make sure you give them a spin before committing.

The Vasque Men’s Mantra 2.0 has earned itself several outstanding reviews for its stability and traction. The XSTrek multi-directional lugs prevent slips and slides in the most technical and difficult terrain.

Despite that, this innovative sole technology doesn’t quite improve traction on ice or snow. Be careful that your stability on dry surfaces doesn’t lead to overconfidence on wet ones.

This hiking shoe does prove itself waterproof, though. It keeps feet dry and warm, yet the leather construction is still breathable.

The shoe comes up short when it comes to comfort. Stiff material and a narrow base could be a dealbreaker if you have wider feet. If you plan on long hikes, make sure you break in these shoes first.

If you’re one of the many hikers who are prone to sprains or rolled ankles, the Mantra 2.0 offers superior ankle stability. This is helpful to counter the extreme traction that it provides. You can take this shoe hiking with confidence that your joints will make it home safely.

For a competitively low price, the Vasque Men’s Mantra 2.0 offers a lot of advantages for serious hikers.

Merrell’s Moab 2 is a great follow-up product to the brand’s initial Moab hiking boot.

Most shoes take a few days to adjust to your feet, but the Moab 2 provides immediate comfort and a snug, padded fit right out of the box. The superior flexibility and cushioned collar and tongue will get you out on the trail in no time. An air-cushioned heel helps with shock absorption.

Although it’s much more stable than a running shoe, the Moab’s committed to comfort. This makes it more prone to rolling than other hiking boots on the market. The best hiking boots for flat feet have stiffer soles and collars to prevent overpronation.

The shoe does have a new innovative feature: two silicon bands along the interior and anterior sides to add structure and support.

Its Vibram rubber sole remains unchanged, which was a smart decision. It already boasted a long lifespan with superior traction in a wide range of terrains, with 5 millimeters of lug depth.

The leather/mesh construction gives the boot more breathability rather than waterproofing. You can count on this shoe to keep your feet cool but not necessarily dry.

The Salomon Quest 4D is another excellent choice in the best hiking boots for flat feet. It’s well-suited for backpacking with heavy loads, with additional sole cushioning to handle the extra weight.

Salomon’s unique ContaGrip soles offer exceptional traction in wet and slippery terrain, making it ideal for winter hiking. Be warned: this breathable boot doesn’t retain heat very well. We recommend thick winter socks if hiking in the snow.

The company boasts about this boot’s durability, but customer reviews disagree with this claim. In particular, the fragile shoelace eyelets appear to be a point of failure for many consumers.

Most buyers generally have great things to say about this boot’s GoreTex waterproofing. Many reviews claim that the Salomon Quest 4D offers one of the driest and safest winter hiking experiences possible.

The KEEN Voyageur is a reasonably-priced option for outdoor hiking. It’s recommended for its immediate fit and surprisingly roomy toe box.

Toe mobility is an often overlooked comfort issue when evaluating hiking boots. Several users found that it’s so spacious that they had to comment on it. The wide toe box makes it nearly impossible to form those pinky toe blisters that are aggravating while hiking.

This shoe model has great heel support, but its arch support is inferior to other shoes on this list. It’s critical for flat-footed hikers and walkers. The footbed tries to make up for this by increasing the heel cushioning.

This particular shoe lacks durability. Several online reviews featured photos of separated soles and tattered interior lining.

If you’re concerned about traction this brand fits your needs. Multi-directional lugs and torsion stability are both great features on this shoe.

The low price is an appreciated feature, as well, making them easily replaceable when they wear out. This shoe comes in the widest variety of colors and styles. If you’re a fashionable hiker, you’re sure to find a model that matches your attire.

The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX is another affordable option with great reviews. Light, cheap, comfortable and durable were the most common accolades.

Although this boot takes some time to break-in, its low cut and flexibility provide great overall comfort. It does have a narrow fit, though. If you purchase these boots, we recommend that you spend several days in them before taking them hiking on the trails.

This shoe was one of the better waterproof options available. They should keep your feet dry with maintaining breathability, thanks to the proprietary GoreTex material.

Note that insoles in this boot were found to provide poor arch support. The design focuses on the comfortable low cut ankles instead. If you have very flat feet, this could be an issue for you.

Still, we can certainly recommend this hiking boot for its light weight and affordability. Weighing in at under 2 pounds, this is a great option for casual hikers with well-formed foot posture.

The Merrell Women’s Moab 2 is a great budget option for casual female hikers. Like the men’s model, customer reviews indicate that this shoe provides a great fit and snug comfort right out of the box.

A disadvantage is that it seems that this shoe isn’t watertight. If you’re planning to go hiking in wet regions, you would be better off with another brand.

A beautiful suede and mesh construction provides excellent breathability, keeping you cool during the hot summer activities. The air cushioning makes the shoe comfortable if you’re planning for long days on your feet.

This cushioning could be insufficient if you’re doing heavy-duty backpacking with large loads. Customers who wore these shoes for that purpose found that the cushioning wore out quickly in those situations.

These shoes weigh in at 2 pounds. This is close to the median weight for men’s hiking boots. Women with smaller feet and less muscle density might consider them uncomfortably heavy.

Despite these drawbacks, the Moab 2 has an attractive price tag and is well-suited for a casual outdoorswoman.

New Balance has a strong reputation for shoes that cater to your unique feet. Whether flat-footed, over-pronating, wide or narrow, this company has a model for you. Unfortunately, this particular footwear is in the upper price range for the best hiking boots for flat feet.

Multiple buyers appreciated the superior comfort of these shoes, especially right out of the box. You should be cozy all-day long, without any need for a break-in period.

Although the manufacturer doesn’t specify the weight, online reviews praise its lightweight construction. Suitable for daily use as well as trail hiking, the shoe won’t drag you down.

The soles don’t offer the traction and stability that you might expect from a hiking boot. You’ll find that the treads are less aggressive than desirable, with shallower lugs.

These shoes are warm enough to handle winter hiking and outdoor activity. With Thinsulate insulated linings, they’re proven to keep your toes warm.

Many buyers reported that the shoes didn’t fit as expected, so you may want to try them on before committing.

Despite having a brand name that could command high prices, Timberland brings us a very affordable hiking boot for women. It’s light and comfortable, and the leather design is great for an all-purpose option.

First of all, this boot sacrifices little in the way of comfort and warmth. The all-leather exterior is waterproof and still offers air ventilation. Furthermore, the padding on the tongue and collar are easy on the footbridge and ankles.

Not only is the boot waterproof, but Timberland went the extra mile by making all of the metal fasteners rust-proof. So, there’s no need to worry that those puddles will damage your footwear in any way.

The ankle support is somewhat weak, making this boot suitable mostly for light hiking or daily use. You’ll be impressed with the superior traction provided by the multi-directional lugs and rubber soles.

A few customer reviews have claimed that the boots don’t live up to their expected lifespan, with frequent sole delamination. But for the price, replacement isn’t a deal-breaker for continued comfort and style.

The Merrell Men’s Chameleon 7 Stretch is an excellent everyday shoe that also performs well on the trail.

There’s a Vibram TC5+ outsole, offering exceptional traction on both trails and smooth surfaces. This gives the wearer confidence while hiking or just daily walking. Keep in mind this outsole squeaks rather obnoxiously on most indoor surfaces, if that bothers you.

This shoe has excellent breathability, while the leather/textile outside offers decent waterproof protection for your flat feet. The toe box is wider than most other models, which your blister-free toes will appreciate.

One thing that diminishes the exceptional comfort of these shoes is the arch support, which is substantially higher than others. However, for very flat-footed hikers, this is exactly the kind of support you want.