Last updated on October 24th, 2021 at 01:43 pm
Hiking with collapsed or fallen arches can be quite uncomfortable. And, without proper footwear, further injury and strain can be caused to delicate tendons and ligaments inside the mid foot. Especially over long distances and while on difficult trails. However, with the best hiking boots for flat feet, hikers can go the distance in comfort.
What Makes a Great Hiking Boot for Those with Flat Feet?
Hiking can do a number on the feet, ankles, and knees with the wrong footwear. And, for people with flat feet, these considerations are even more important. Good cushioning and great support become more important to seat the foot correctly and prevent discomfort. Before you choose a pair of hiking boots, be sure to look for the following:
- Ample Cushioning: If you have fallen arches you understand that a nice, cushioned sole can make the difference. For a comfortable ride on the trails, look for hiking boots that have a fair amount of cushion in the midsole.
- Ankle and Arch Support: Flat feet, or collapsed arches, tend to leave hikers with an overpronating stride. In this situation, the ankle rolls too far inward and leaves all the work to the first two toes for push off. Thus, this pressure can cause further injury to your arches and strain to tendons and ligaments. Those with low arches, motion-control shoes are ideal. Hiking boots especially should have ample support to keep the ankle supported and the foot pointed in a neutral stride.
- Quality Materials: As always, it is important to find a good quality gear. However, it is just as important that they are of quality materials to retain shape and maintain their supportive structure.
Our Favorite Hiking Boots for Flat feet Are...
With your [and our] aching arches in mind, we delved into the never ending world of hiking boots to find appropriate footwear for the trails. And, keeping our above list of must-haves in mind, we were able to find the absolute best for keeping flat feet safe on hikes. But first, we must intgroduce our top favorites.
The best overall: Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry
Our favorite for backpacking: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Best budget option: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus
For the ins and outs of our favorites for flat feet, look no further. Our in-depth reviews below will tell you everything you need to know!
Comparison Table of Our Favorite Hiking Boots for Flat Feet
Here, we’ve brought all of our finalists together in the below table for quick reference. If you’re prefer to head straight over to check current styles, pricing and available sizes, follow the product links below.
| Picture | Name / Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 
|
Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry | $$$ |
 
|
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX | $$$$ |
 
|
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | $$$$ |
 
|
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX | $$$ |
 
|
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus | $ |
 
|
Merrel Moab 2 Vent Mid | $ |
As you can see, there are many options for those of us with flat feet. However, read further to see why these landed on our list.
1. Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry
First up is our overall favorite for the trails, the Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry is a real winner. There aren’t many features of this shoe that aren’t the utmost in excellence.
From the tough upper to the super supportive cushioning, this is a hiking boot to be reckoned with!
This boot is tough yet insanely comfortable and supportive. Quite simply, hikers are getting the best of everything with the Oboz Bridger Mid.
Comfortable Insole
Comfort is one of the top priorities when it comes to flat feet. And, this is delivered with every step in the Oboz Bridger.
Here, we found the O-fit insole perfectly molds to the foot, cradling the foot and offering the best support possible.
If you are looking for something with a great fit, this special insole design will not disappoint. Hikers find this hiking boots provides a snug and secure fit.
Supportive Midsole
Most hiking boots set a hikers stride into a neutral position, which is super important for those with flat feet. However, not all give support where needed.
And, with the Oboz Bridger, comfort and support have been addressed with great balance at every opportunity.
In fact, the TPU midsole has been specifically designed for use on rugged trails that demand additional stability and support. Which is why this is a favorite of many a backpacker. However, they aren’t bulky, so these are a fantastic choice for hikers on any length of hike.
Additionally, the midsole is great for uneven ground and protect the feet from stone bruising, which is especially important for those with low arches.
However, this doesn’t come with the sacrifice of flexibility. Despite their robust and protective support, the midsoles deliver great flexibility, moving with the foot on each step.
Durable Upper
Finally, hiking boots that lack durability are just plain frustrating. But with the Oboz Bridger, you needn’t worry. This is an outstanding hiker in terms of being robust and hard-wearing.
These hiking boots boast a Nubuck leather upper that is ready for every challenge you will throw at it. We’ve found the structure of this upper continues to remain supportive after many many miles.
We found the Bridger’s heel counter to fit snug and comfortable. But more importantly, this is a key element that keeps the foot stable. Hikers as a whole find this to be a long lasting and durable addition that doesn’t break down and cause blistering.
Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Pros and Cons
Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry PROS
- Incredibly durable
- Supportive soles
- Waterproof
- Very stable ankle
- Comfortable fit without pressure points
- Lightweight at 2lb 6oz per pair
Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry CONS
- Runs a size small
- Waterproofing leaves this a bit less breathable than others
Who is The Bridger B-Dry Perfect For?
This is a serious hiking boot for serious hikers. If you love the outdoor life and want to make the most of it but have had trouble hitting challenging trails because of flat feet, your problems could be over. Check out more information, including current pricing and styles, here: Women’s Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry or the Men’s Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry
2. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Next is our runner up, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX for its incredible support and easy stride. Also, it’s difficult not to notice the hearty, on-trend design of this boot, which hides all of its ergonomic features.
Excellent Traction
Hiking boots need to be supportive and this starts right from the point at which the shoes meet the ground. No flimsy sole here!
The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX has an incredibly tough outsole that offers amazing traction. With a unique lug pattern, you can be confident that these hiking boots will work excellently on demanding trails and all types of terrain.
We found them to be particularly great on wet or slippery ground. This is not only thanks to the brilliant traction, but also the fully waterproof design. If you aren’t sure what a trail might throw at you or what the weather might do, this feature is essential.
But even more than this, the rugged rubber outsole provides a great base on which to build support. Here, hikers will find these shoes to be comfortable and solid from the ground up.
Very Supportive for Flat Feet
Most notably, this boot is very stable at the ankle and throughout the midfoot.
sensifit
Comfortable Wear
Finally, and most importantly, these boots are comfortable! Comfort needs to be at the forefront for those of us with falling arches.
And, for the Quest 4d 3 GTX there seems to be another feature that makes this a priority at every turn. Take, for example, the super-soft cushioning that we found to give the perfect lightweight feel that conforms to the instep.
Regardless of where your foot lands, this boot is ready to absorb the shock and transfer that into energy feedback.
Furthermore, we found the upper to be fantastically flexible while giving a great amount of lateral structure. This perfect balance will be very well received for those with fallen arches.
And, if you don’t like a stiff, unforgiving hiking boot then this feature will definitely benefit you.
Pros and Cons of the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX PROS
- Flexible stride
- Very stable ankle
- Highly cushioned
- Breathable
- Comfortable out of the box
- Durable for long treks
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX CONS
- Slightly heavy at 2 lb 13.2 oz per pair
- Fits a bit narrow
Who Will Love This Hiking Boot?
For the hiker who needs additional support and extreme comfort but doesn’t like a restrictive boot, these will be perfect. With all the features of a traditional hiker but in a soft, flexible, and stylish design, these are lightweight boots that feel incredible! View more information, including current pricing, here: Women’s Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX or the Men’s Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
3. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Another great option for hiking with collapsing arches are the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid. One of the first things to jump out at you when trying this hiking boot is how rugged it feels. This isn’t just an illusion, with top-quality, hard-wearing materials, these are an incredibly robust pair of hikers.
Breathable and Fresh
Anyone who regularly hikes in hot weather or for long periods will know that the feet can quickly become sweaty and moisture can build up. For this reason, breathability is one of the most important hiking boot features. And, the Lowa Renegade offers one of the most breathable options that we’ve found.
Here, the sole has a climate control design that wicks away excess moisture, leaving feet feeling fresh. What’s more, the airflow through the boots is wonderful.
Both of these things coupled together mean that the risk of chafing and blisters is massively reduced, giving you a much more comfortable ride.
Great Stability
Additionally, the Renegade grants an excellent degree of stability over rough and challenging trails. You won’t be let down by these boots if you have a low arch. We found the full-length nylon shaft to fit comfortably with a sturdy hold.
The Renegade also has a derby-style lacing system which allows you to get the best and most supportive fit.
And, if you have low arches, you may have struggled in the past to get boots to fit snug and secure along your midfoot. Don’t fret, the Renegade easily tackles that issue by allowing you to customize the fit to your unique foot shape.
Great Sole Support
Finally, the Renegade loads of stability throughout. This begins with a tough, rugged rubber outsole that has great traction and makes the perfect base for building support from the ground up.
The midsole is lightweight, which gives the boots an overall more lightweight feel. Furthermore, it is flexible yet doesn’t compromise on support, keeping the feet secure and stable.
The midsole also gives a great degree of lateral stability and is excellent for uneven paths. And, this also helps reduce strain on foot tendons that make up the arch.
Pros and Cons of the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid PROS
- Waterproof
- Durable and supportive upper
- Breathable
- Comfortable over long treks
- Lightweight at 2 lb 7 oz per pair
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid CONS
- Size runs small
- Too many seams in the upper
- Insoles could be more cushioned
Who Will Love This Boot?
For those that spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly on rugged trails then these would be ideal for you. The Renegade are also great for hikers who want flexible and comfortable shoes, but not at the expense of excellent support. Check out more information, including current pricing, here: Men’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid or the Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
4. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
Another great option for collapsing arches is the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX for its lightweight flexible wear. This boot offers one of the most impressive and secure fits out there. If you are looking for something that will mold to your foot, then this is a shoe worth considering.
These hiking boots make an excellent pair of go-to boots thanks to the combination of features that make them suitable for a variety of uses.
Waterproof Materials
Along with many features that offer support and comfort for flat feet, the X Ultra are also great for wet trails.
We found this boot’s GoreTex lining keeps water out but remains breathable and allows for excellent airflow. This makes them ideal for use in various conditions, keeping the feet feeling fresh.
Comfortable Ride
In addition to being very functional in wet environments, these boots deliver comfort in so many ways.
Let’s start at the bottom and work up; the midsole is impressively comfortable and feels as though you are walking on a cloud.
This is thanks to the EVA footbed, hikers will find this boot perfectly shapes to fit the foot. While being beautifully soft and flexible, this also gives your feet the utmost in support.
What’s more, these hiking boots feature a flexible and comfortable upper that is also brilliantly supportive. The upper is soft and feels amazing.
But we also found it to be secure enough to hold the foot in place no matter how you move. Thus, this boot feels snug and comfortable for flat feet.
The downside is that many with low arches find the insoles to be lacking. However, we’ve found that they have plenty of room for better insoles.
Excellent Grip
Finally, if you are tackling challenging terrain and hitting the most extreme trails, good traction isn’t a need, it’s a must.
With the Salomon X Ultra 3, you will be extremely stable and remain on your feet! This is thanks to the durable and grippy rubber outsole that is lightweight and yet, extremely effective.
Here, the outsole is made with two different types of rubber which gives the best grip possible.
These two types of rubber are placed in such a way that the traction is intense and accurate. Furthermore, the lug pattern has been designed to complement this resulting in ultimate grip no matter what is underfoot.
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Pros and Cons
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX PROS
- Very grippy
- Waterproof
- Flexible feel of a trail shoe
- Very comfortable
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX CONS
- Ankle support could be better
- Runs narrow
- Runs a size small
- Inadequate insoles
Who Would This Boot be Perfect For?
From hiking demanding trails to light daily walks, the X Ultra are packed with features that make them perfect. However, they are especially good for hikers that want a lightweight running shoe feel. Check out more information, including current pricing and styles, here: Men’s Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX or Women’s Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
5. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus
Next up is our best budget-friendly boot. We love the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus for its sturdy midsole and contoured comfort. And, if you are looking for a waterproof shoe that simply won’t leak then these may be the right choice for you.
With a seamless design and the utmost in waterproofing, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus is a great hiking boot for all conditions.
Durable Design
For a budget-friendly option, the hard-wearing nature of these boots stands out from the moment that you lay eyes on them.
And this is proven time and time again with the Newton Ridge Plus. As a result, this makes them ideal for more strenuous hikes and multi-day adventures.
For instance, this durability begins with a thick, and rugged upper that is also amazingly supportive. Furthermore, the hard rubber outsole is ready to tackle demanding trails without waning in its abilities.
The boots were inspired by traditional mountaineering designs, which is reflected in the quality and construction.
Lightweight
If you are spending long days on the trails, the last thing you want is a heavy boot that feels like a chore. This is even more important if your flat feet often cause you pain or discomfort.
While we would expect a boot to remain supportive and durable, a lightweight design is a must. And, at just 2 lbs a pair, these shoes are great for the long haul.
The Newton Ridge Plus is an easy lightweight hiking boot that leaves you feeling free to pack on the miles. What’s more, this lightweight nature doesn’t come at the expense of any other important features.
Very Grippy
Finally, one of the most outstanding features is the amazingly tough and rugged rubber outsole. This, as we have mentioned earlier, is very durable but it also offers excellent grip. As a result, we find the Newton Ridge Plus is excellent for tackling all types of terrain.
These boots boast a non-marking Omni-grip outsole that won’t let you down. And, they can be just as easily worn inside without causing any damage to the floor.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Pros and Cons
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus PROS
- Durable construction
- Great for wider feet
- Waterproof
- Sturdy heel counter
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus CONS
- Not very breathable
- Mid-cut doesn’t offer the best ankle support
Who Would This Hiker be Perfect For?
This boots are ideal for people who want to get out and enjoy an adventure without feeling as though their boots are a burden. Check out more information, including current styles and pricing, here: Women’s Columbia Newton Ridge Plus or the Men’s Columbia Newton Ridge Plus
6. Merrel Moab 2 Vent Mid
Another fantastic option for fallen arches is the Merrel Moab 2 Vent Mid. With an air-cushioned heel and a good amount of cushioning in the midsole, these shoes offer great comfort without sacrificing support and durability.
Superior Cushioning
Merrell brings us a pair of hiking boots that are comfortable on every level. The cushioning in this boot feels more like walking on a soft sponge than a structured walking shoe.
For this reason, they are excellent for longer hikes and people who demand comfort over all else.
We found the heel of the Moab 2 to have a beautiful air cushion. Which not only makes each step feel light and easy, but also acts as an effective shock absorber.
What’s more, the EVA foam footbed gives you beautiful, soft support from underneath. And, for collapsing arches this design molds to the shape of your foot for personalized comfort to relieve pressure.
Breathable
In addition to underfoot comfort, the Moab 2 offers impeccable airflow with its beautifully vented upper mesh lining. If you are hiking in hot weather or you find that moisture often builds up inside your boots, then having good ventilation is imperative.
The upper is not only breathable but also very durable and lightweight. This means that it feels soft and secure on the foot, further adding to the overall comfort of the shoe.
Hikers find that this boot keeps them on the trails longer, especially in hot weather.
Very Supportive
Finally, we love the Moab 2 for its supportive features that keep the ankle and midfoot secure.
First, we found the collar is high enough to offer great ankle support without causing irritation. As an added bonus, it is cushioned and feels beautifully soft against the ankle, reducing the chance of chafing.
In addition to this, the EVA footbed may be soft but gives a very generous degree of flexible support. And, the tough outsole gives excellent grip and makes the shoes fantastically stable as well!
Merrel Moab 2 Vent Mid Pros and Cons
Merrel Moab 2 Vent Mid PROS
- Breathable
- Durable upper
- Lightweight
- Great for setting your stride to neutral
- Comfortable and flexible
Merrel Moab 2 Vent Mid CONS
- Not waterproof
- May be too flexible for some people
Who Would This Boots be Perfect For?
The Moab 2 from Merrell is a great boot for people who do less demanding hiking. This is a lightweight and supportive boot that offers great breathability. Check out more information, including current pricing and styles, here: Men’s Merrel Moab 2 Vent Mid or the Women’s Merrel Moab 2 Vent Mid
Before Picking Your Hiking Boots
Hiking with fallen arches is a recipe for aching feet and ankles. However, with a few things in mind, your journey to finding the best boot is almost at an end. Remember to choose boots with:
- Good cushioning. To absorb shock and cushion your arches and heels, look for boots that have a fair amount of cushion in the midsole.
- Great ankle and arch support. Collapsed arches tend to leave hikers with an overpronating stride. Thus, those with low arches will appreciate boots with ample ankle support and the foot in a neutral stride.
- Quality materials. It is just as important that boots retain shape and maintain their supportive structure.
As you can see, there are just a few things to keep in mind for a wonderous hike. But above all, be sure that you find a pair that wears comfortably around the home before setting out.
Better Boots for More Miles
To get the most enjoyable hiking experience it is vital that adventurers have supportive and comfortable footwear. And, for hikers with flat feet, this is even more crucial. In fact, for those with low arches, hiking with the wrong shoes can compromise ankle stability as the foot turns too far inward over the trails. So, for the absolute best hiking trip, choose a pair of boots that suit your needs to avoid injury and discomfort. And get out there and continue conquering the trails!
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Image Credit: Chris Greevebiester | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size