A hiking shoe has a comfortable yet highly durable and sturdy design, ideal for outdoor activities on rough terrain.
The right Hiking shoe will also, most importantly, have a trail-specific and highly slip-resistant protective outsole designed specifically for hiking.
The best hiking shoes for flat feet will likewise have comfort and support features ideal for this foot type.
Some Main issues Related to Flat Feet
There are a few issues that you may notice when you have flat feet, or you may be lucky enough not to experience any. However, it is still important to get the proper support from your Hiking footwear if you have flat feet or a lower arch type;
- Uneven Weight Dispersion – One of the main issues with flat feet is that the arch of your foot is no longer functioning properly, and weight is unevenly dispersed in the ball of your foot and heels, which may cause long term pain and damage.
- Overpronation – Overpronation occurs when most of the weight is placed on the outer edge of your heel when you take a step, and the foot rolls inward excessively. This, in turn, can be a risk for injuries as well as causing strain on muscles and tendons in the feet and legs. Overpronation is a common occurrence in flat feet.
- Plantar Fasciitis – Plantar Fasciitis is pain and inflammation in the Plantar Fascia tissue in the heel, which occurs because of excess impact on the heels or overpronation, in turn, is a result of flat feet or fallen arches.
Hiking Shoes for the Flat Foot
With flat feet comes specific issues such as uneven weight dispersion, heel pain, and condition such as Plantar Fasciitis in which you may require specific features in a good hiking shoe;
- Support – Good arch support specific to a low or collapsed arch is ideal for supporting the functionality of the arch, which is no longer functioning properly.
- Stability Stability features such as a heel cup or contoured footbed and other stability features help improve motion and reduce overpronation, an issue with flat feet.
- Motion Control – Proper alignment and control of motion reduce the risk of injuries and prevent overpronation in flat feet.
- Cushioning -Cushioning is a key element that provides comfort and shock absorbency to return energy to the feet and prevent foot fatigue.
The general attributes of a proper Hiking shoe are to protect against dirt and liquids; therefore, you should always look for waterproof materials to ensure slip resistance on various surfaces and trails and to be tough and durable in a demanding environment.
Features of a Good Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet
Buying a pair of specialist hiking shoes for people with low arches is necessary from a comfort and safety point of view; Hiking long hours in a shoe that is not intended for flat footers; not only will be very uncomfortable but could lead to severe foot ankle and knee damage and should be avoided.
Here is our list of features you should pay attention to
- Construction – Lightweight corrective construction, especially at the inner side of the shoe
- Outsole – A durable and aggressive outsole that has a lug tread designed for slip resistance on wet and slippery outdoor surfaces.
- Comfort – A comfortable cushioned insole and moisture-wicking interior linings to keep your feet cool and comfortable.
- Shock Absorbency – Supportive midsole with foam or gel cushioning to absorb shock. Trail running shoes for flat feet can also aid as a shock absorber.
- Uppers – Breathable materials, mesh with synthetic overlays for structure, and a waterproof lining in some models.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merrell Chameleon 8 / Siren (women's) | Trail/hiking | Lace-up | Medium | – |
| 2 | Adidas Terrex Swift / AX3 (women's) | Trail/hiking | – | – | – |
| 3 | Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX | Trail/hiking | – | – | – |
| 4 | Keen Targhee II | Trail/hiking | – | – | – |
| 5 | Columbia Newton Ridge | Trail/hiking | Lace-up | – | – |
| 6 | Columbia Redmond | Trail/hiking | – | – | – |
| 7 | The North Face Hedgehog | Trail/hiking | – | – | – |
| 8 | Merrell Moab Ventilator 2 | Trail/hiking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide | – |
| 9 | Vasque Mantra 2.0 | Trail/hiking | Lace-up | – | EVA |
| 10 | Merrell Moab 2 | Trail/hiking | Lace-up | – | – |
| 11 | Pearl Izumi EM N2 V3 / EM N2 V2 (women's) | Trail/hiking | – | – | – |
| 12 | Propet Ridge Walker / Peak (women's) | Trail/hiking | – | – | – |
| 13 | New Balance Dunham Cloud / 779V1 (women's) | Trail/hiking | – | Medium, X-Wide | Memory foam |
| 14 | Keen Venture / Versatrail (women's) | Trail/hiking | – | – | EVA |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: The Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
These are our top choices in hiking shoes for flat feet;
1
Top Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
Merrell Chameleon 8 - Men
Currently unavailable
Merrell Siren - Women
Currently unavailable
- Special SELECT GRIP outsole provides unparallel stability on various terrains and surfaces.
- Elastic cords, as the laces, provide a quick, easy, and more precise fit on your feet.
- Midsole: Utilizing the specialized M Select FRESH Molded EVA footbed for exceptional cushioning and comfort.
- Heel: The Merrell Air Cushion absorbs shocks and stabilizes flat footers.
- Hikers love these shoes as they find them as light as loafers, making climbing a lot less tiring.
- Note: Merrell does not have a women’s version for these hiking shoes for some weird reasons – Though many women in the reviews say they buy them 1-2 smaller sizes, and they fit very well and look cute.
2
Low Cut Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet
Adidas Terrex Swift - Men
Currently unavailable
Adidas AX3 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Adidas Terrex and AX3 is a waterproof hiking shoe with a comfortable EVA midsole and high-traction tread for all terrains.
- Breathable textile and synthetic uppers with Gore-Tex waterproof protection.
- A lightweight EVA midsole for cushioned comfort.
- The molded sock liner ensures an enhanced fit and all-day dryness.
- A high-traction rubber outsole delivers optimal grip in wet conditions.
3
Mid Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet
Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX - Men
Currently unavailable
Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX - Women
Currently unavailable
- Features breathable and flexible uppers with a waterproof Goore-Tex Lining.
- The outsole is trail-specific with a Contragrip design.
- Inside is comfortable and cushioned insole and EVA midsole for shock absorbency.
- Extremely durable and hard-wearing, with a quick lacing system.
4
Hiking Boots for Low Arches
Keen Targhee II - Men
Currently unavailable
Keen Targhee II - Women
Currently unavailable
A waterproof hiking boot that will offer a four-wheel drive performance in the harshest of hiking terrain.
- Mid-Cut height for better ankle support and protection.
- The Keen dry waterproof breathable membrane ensures your feet are always kept dry.
- An ESS shank for torsional stability and a more secure ride.
- The aggressive outsole features 4mm lugs that will bite into the toughest terrain.
5
Flat Feet Hiking Boots
Columbia Newton Ridge - Men
Currently unavailable
Columbia Newton Ridge - Women
Currently unavailable
- Classic leather and breathable mesh that ventilates your feet.
- Compression-molded EVA foam midsole for superb cushioning.
- The shaft measures approximately 5.25″ from the arch.
- Waterproof full-grain leather and boot construction that is water and stain-resistant treatment.
- Omnigrip lugged outsole for better traction.
6
Cushioned Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
Columbia Redmond - Men
Currently unavailable
Columbia Redmond - Women
Currently unavailable
The Columbia Redmond is a durable, completely waterproof hiking shoe that is durable and provides exceptional grip.
- Breathable leather and textile uppers with lightweight construction.
- A Thick trail-specific rubber outsole with an Omni-Grip, Multi traction system for aggressive terrain.
- Superiors Techlite materials is used for cushioned.
- A lightweight and cushioned midsole and waterproof layer for complete waterproofing.
- Durable, low-top hiking shoes that will keep you dry and comfortable in all environments.
7
Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
The North Face Hedgehog - Men
Currently unavailable
The North Face Hedgehog - Women
Currently unavailable
The Hedgehog is a lightweight, sleek-designed Hiking shoe for swift movement over all terrains.
- Leather and synthetic uppers offer a snug fit and excellent breathability.
- A durable trail-specific lug rubber outsole for all terrains.
- A cushioned footbed offers lightweight comfort and support.
- Features Fastpack GTX technology for underfoot protection and grip.
8
Ventilated Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet
Merrell Moab Ventilator 2 - Men
Currently unavailable
Merrell Moab Ventilator 2 - Women
Currently unavailable
A tough and comfortable Air-cushioned hiking shoe with a strong Vibram outsole.
- Suede leather and mesh uppers for breathability and lightweight support.
- The durable Vibram outsole has 5mm lugs and a protective rubber toe cap.
- A Nylon Arch shank for support and stability and a closed-cell bellow foam tongue keep moisture and debris out.
- Inside is an air-cushioned comfort footbed for all-day support.
9
Low Cut Flat Feet Hiking Boots
Vasque Mantra 2.0 - Men's
Currently unavailable
Vasque Mantra 2.0 - Men's
Currently unavailable
The Vasque Mantra is one of the best options in hiking shoes for a flat foot, with a wide toe box and excellent stability support.
- From the outside in, we have the highly durable and slip-resistant Virbram Rubber Outsole.
- A Dual-density and shock-absorbing Midsole and EVA footbed.
- Smooth moisture-wicking interior linings.
- Durable and water-resistant leather and synthetic uppers with abrasion-resistant mesh.
- A wider toe box for more toe room and less pressure.
10
Hiking Boots for Flat Feet
Merrell Moab 2 - Men
Currently unavailable
Merrell Moab 2 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Merrell Chameleon offers a superb grip on slippery surfaces as well as a flat foot support.
- Excellent SELECT Grip, for best grip on a variety of surface areas.
- Boot design ensures excellent ankle support.
- Breathable and waterproof design.
- Air cushioning system and a FRESH molded EVA footbed for cushioning and shock absorbency.
- Extremely lightweight yet durable design.
11
Flat Feet Shoe for Hiking
Pearl Izumi EM N2 V3 - Men
Currently unavailable
Pearl Izumi EM N2 V2 - Women
Currently unavailable
A trail running and hiking shoe with superb features to accommodate flat feet and help relieve pain associated with this arch type,
- Breathable and lightweight synthetic uppers with seamless and non-irritating construction.
- Anatomical support forefoot and comfortable toe box.
- The rock plate protects your feet against punctures.
- Aggressive, multi-directional carbon rubber outsole that is abrasion-resistant.
- A supportive stability EVA Strobel board.
12
Outdoor Walking and Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet
Propet Ridge Walker - Men
Currently unavailable
Propet Peak - Women
Currently unavailable
The Hiking Shoes from Propet is an Outdoor walking and hiking shoe that offers orthopedic support and comfort for flat feet and other foot conditions.
- Soft Suede leather and mesh uppers that are breathable and lightweight.
- It is lined with a waterproof interior lining for water protection.
- Outdoor, trail-specific, durable rubber, and slip-resistant outsole.
- A 4-inch last as well as molded counter support with a rubber toe bumper.
- EVA molded midsole for shock absorbency and cushioned footbed for comfort.
- Padded heel and collar for a more supportive and secure fit.
13
Mid-Cut Waterproof Flat Feet Hiking Boot
New Balance Dunham Cloud - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 779V1 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Dunham Cloud and 779V1 model from New Balance are two superb models in Hiking shoes for flat feet from a top-rated brand.
- Made from fine quality leather with a moisture-wicking interior lining.
- A flexible and lightweight trail-specific outsole from durable rubber.
- Rollbar technology for stability and motion control in fat feet.
- Durable and heavy-duty outdoor wear design.
- Cushioned for comfort and support.
14
Flate Feet Hiking Shoes
Keen Venture - Men
Currently unavailable
Keen Versatrail - Women
Currently unavailable
The Versatrail from Keen is a durable and protective Hiking shoe model that is ideal for flat feet.
- A molded EVA midsole for excellent shock absorbency.
- Durable rubber outsole with a slip-resistant trail-specific tread.
- There is an abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap and reinforced heel.
- Cushioned footbed for comfort with a moisture-wicking interior lining.
- It offers excellent support and stability for flat feet.
Eliminate Symptoms of Flat Feet use the Right Hiking Shoes
The most efficient, least costly, and easiest way to help ease foot pain, particularly foot pain caused by flat feet, is to wear the appropriate footwear.
The most crucial step for anyone who has a flat foot is to wear proper and well-fitting footwear.
Footwear that has become old and worn out does not provide the right fit or suitable amount of support for a flat foot and should be replaced promptly.
Good hiking shoes that provide cushioning, arch support, and good shock absorbency are an excellent choice for flat feet; you can also look at motion control and stability shoes, depending on your pronation type.
People with flat feet are much more likely to overpronate than supinate but may also be neutral pronators.
Index Table: Top Rated Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merrell® - Top Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet |  |  |
| Merrell |
| 2 | Adidas® - Low Cut Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet |  |  |
| Adidas |
| 3 | Salomon® - Mid Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet |  |  |
| Salomon |
| 4 | Keen® - Hiking Boots for Low Arches |  |  |
| Keen |
| 5 | Columbia® - Flat Feet Hiking Boots |  |  |
| Columbia |
| 6 | Columbia® - Cushioned Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet |  |  |
| Columbia |
| 7 | The North Face® - Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet |  |  |
| The North Face |
| 8 | Merrell® - Ventilated Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet |  |  |
| Merrell |
| 9 | Vasque® - Low Cut Flat Feet Hiking Boots |  |  |
| Vasque |
| 10 | Merrell® - Hiking Boots for Flat Feet |  |  |
| Merrell |
| 11 | Pearl Izumi® - Flat Feet Shoe for Hiking |  |  |
| Pearl Izumi |
| 12 | Propet® - Outdoor Walking and Hiking Shoe for Flat Feet |  |  |
| Propet |
| 13 | New Balance® - Mid-Cut Waterproof Flat Feet Hiking Boot |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 14 | Keen® - Flate Feet Hiking Shoes |  |  |
| Keen |
Sources
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a foot or health condition, talk to a doctor or podiatrist before choosing footwear.
- NHS: Flat feet
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Flat feet
- Cleveland Clinic: Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Keen Targhee II to Targhee II; updated Merrell Moab 2 to Moab 3
- Oct 2026: Removed Merrell Chameleon 8, Adidas Terrex Swift, Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX, Columbia Newton Ridge, Columbia Redmond, The North Face Hedgehog, Merrell Moab Ventilator 2, Vasque Mantra 2.0, Pearl Izumi EM N2 V3, Propet Ridge Walker, New Balance Dunham Cloud and Keen Venture (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Sep 2017: Published
