Why Wide Boots Matter
About 25% of adults have wide feet (E width or wider), yet most hiking boots are designed for D-width (standard). Wearing a boot that's too narrow causes blisters, bunions, black toenails on descents, and foot fatigue that ruins trips. The solution isn't just buying a size up — you need boots designed with a wider last from the ground up.
We tested 8 boots that offer genuine wide-width options, measuring toe box width, midfoot volume, and heel cup fit with a Brannock device and real trail miles. For general boot buying guidance, see our hiking boot buying guide. If you're debating boots vs trail runners, our trail runners vs hiking boots comparison helps.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Model | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Overall | Merrell Moab 3 Wide | $135 | Most wide-footed hikers |
| 💰 Best Value | Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Wide | $100 | Casual hikers on a budget |
| 🏔️ Backpacking | Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide GTX | $175 | Multi-day loaded hikes |
| ☁️ Comfort | KEEN Targhee III Wide | $155 | All-day comfort, bunion-friendly |
| ❄️ Winter | Danner Trail 2650 GTX Wide | $180 | Cold/wet conditions |
| 🪶 Lightweight | HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX Wide | $185 | Fast hiking, light scrambles |
| 🔨 Heavy Duty | Lowa Renegade GTX Wide | $230 | Technical terrain, heavy loads |
| 🌿 Vegan | Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid | $170 | Natural foot shape, zero drop |
Detailed Reviews
#1. Merrell Moab 3 Wide — Best Overall
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof WideEDITOR'S CHOICE
The Moab (Mother Of All Boots) has been the default hiking boot recommendation for a decade, and the wide version is the best option for wide-footed hikers. Genuine wide last (not just stretched), Vibram TC5+ outsole, Bellows tongue to keep debris out. The Moab 3 improves the midsole with more cushion and better arch support than the Moab 2.
- True wide last design — not a stretched D-width
- Vibram outsole with excellent grip
- Break-in time nearly zero
- Waterproof membrane works well
- Excellent value at $135
- Not stiff enough for heavy loads (40+ lbs)
- Durability — outsole delaminates around 500 miles
- Waterproofing degrades after ~2 years
- Not available in extra-wide (2E)
#2. KEEN Targhee III Wide — Most Comfortable
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Wide Hiking Boot
KEEN pioneered the wide toe box in hiking footwear, and the Targhee III remains the gold standard for bunion-friendly boots. The roomy, rounded toe box is 10mm wider than Merrell's wide at the forefoot. KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane. Metatomical footbed with arch support. If your feet swell on the trail, these are your boots.
- Widest toe box on the market
- Bumper toe cap protects against rocks
- KEEN.DRY waterproofing is reliable
- Excellent for bunions and hammertoes
- No break-in period
- Heavier than competitors (1 lb 8 oz each)
- Outsole grip is average on wet rock
- Looks bulky — not the sleekest boot
- Arch support is high — bad for flat feet
#3. Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide GTX — Best for Backpacking
Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide Mid GTX
The X Ultra 4 is Salomon's most popular hiking boot, and the wide version adds 6mm to the forefoot without compromising the Advanced Chassis system that provides torsional stability on technical terrain. GORE-TEX membrane, Contagrip MA outsole, and a descent control system that brakes your foot on steep downhills. This is the boot for serious wide-footed hikers.
- Advanced Chassis for stability on technical terrain
- GORE-TEX waterproofing (best in class)
- Contagrip outsole is exceptional on all surfaces
- Descent control reduces toe jam
- Lighter than most mid boots (14 oz)
- $175 is mid-premium pricing
- Wide version only — no extra-wide
- Runs slightly small — size up 0.5
- Less cushion than Merrell or KEEN
#4. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Wide — Best Budget
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof WideBEST VALUE
At $100, the Newton Ridge is the cheapest waterproof wide boot worth buying. Omni-Grip outsole, full-grain leather/suede upper, and a genuine wide last. It's heavier and less refined than premium options, but for casual day hikers and occasional trail walkers, this delivers 80% of the performance at half the price.
- $100 for waterproof wide hiking boots
- Full-grain leather upper is durable
- Looks great — classic hiking boot style
- Available in wide and extra-wide (2E)
- Omni-Grip outsole is adequate
- Heavy (1 lb 11 oz each)
- Outsole grip mediocre on wet rock
- Stiff — requires 20+ mile break-in
- Less breathable than synthetic options
#5. HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX Wide — Lightest Option
HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX Wide Hiking Boot
HOKA brought their running shoe DNA to hiking, and the Anacapa is the result. Massive cushion, surprisingly light (13 oz), and GORE-TEX waterproofing. The Vibram Megagrip outsole grips well on mixed terrain. For wide-footed hikers who hate heavy boots, this is a revelation.
- HOKA cushioning on the trail is heavenly
- Light — 13 oz feels more like a shoe
- GORE-TEX + Vibram Megagrip
- Great for fast hiking / trail walking
- Late-stage Meta-Rocker for efficiency
- $185 is premium pricing
- Less ankle support than traditional boots
- Not stiff enough for heavy packs
- Cushion compresses faster than firmer boots
#6. Lowa Renegade GTX Wide — Heavy Duty
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Wide
German-engineered and built in Europe, the Renegade is the premium choice for wide-footed hikers tackling technical terrain with heavy packs. Full-grain nubuck leather, GORE-TEX lining, Vibram EVO outsole with climbing-zone grip. These boots are built to last 1,000+ miles. The wide version uses a genuine European wide last (not common in this category).
- Premium build quality — 1,000+ mile lifespan
- Excellent ankle support for heavy loads
- GORE-TEX + Vibram EVO is the gold standard
- Resoleable — extends life indefinitely
- European wide last is generous
- $230 is the most expensive option
- Heavy (1 lb 12 oz each)
- Significant break-in period (30+ miles)
- Full leather requires conditioning
#7. Danner Trail 2650 GTX Wide
Danner Trail 2650 GTX Wide Mid
Named after the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, the Trail 2650 bridges the gap between hiking shoes and boots. Trailguard platform for stability, GORE-TEX invisible fit membrane, and Vibram 460 outsole with Megagrip. Lighter than traditional boots but more supportive than trail runners. Wide version adds 5mm at the forefoot.
- Lightweight yet supportive hybrid design
- GORE-TEX invisible fit is seamless
- Vibram 460 outsole with Megagrip
- Made in Portland — excellent quality
- Wide version is well-proportioned
- $180 is mid-premium
- Less durable than full-leather options
- Wide isn't as roomy as KEEN
- Limited color options in wide
#8. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid — Natural Foot Shape
Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2
Altra's FootShape toe box is the widest in the industry — designed to let your toes spread naturally. Zero-drop platform promotes natural foot mechanics. The ALL-WTHR version adds weather protection without the stiffness of full waterproofing. If you believe in natural foot movement, this is your boot.
- Widest toe box available — period
- Zero-drop promotes natural gait
- Balanced Cushioning platform
- No break-in — comfortable immediately
- Lightweight and flexible
- Zero-drop is an adjustment for most people
- Less stability than traditional boots
- Not truly waterproof (weather-resistant)
- Outsole durability is average (~400 miles)
- Not for heavy loads or technical terrain
Comparison Table
| Boot | Price | Weight | Waterproof | Width | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Moab 3 Wide | $135 | 1 lb 6 oz | Yes | W (2E) | Vibram TC5+ |
| KEEN Targhee III Wide | $155 | 1 lb 8 oz | Yes | Wide | KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide | $175 | 14 oz | GORE-TEX | Wide | Contagrip MA |
| Columbia Newton Ridge Wide | $100 | 1 lb 11 oz | Yes | W/2E | Omni-Grip |
| HOKA Anacapa Mid Wide | $185 | 13 oz | GORE-TEX | Wide | Vibram Megagrip |
| Lowa Renegade GTX Wide | $230 | 1 lb 12 oz | GORE-TEX | Wide | Vibram EVO |
| Danner Trail 2650 Wide | $180 | 1 lb 2 oz | GORE-TEX | Wide | Vibram 460 |
| Altra Lone Peak Mid | $170 | 13 oz | Weather-resistant | FootShape | MaxTrac |
Wide Foot Fitting Guide
How to Know If You Need Wide Boots
Measure your foot on a Brannock device (every running store has one). If your width measurement is E or wider, you need wide boots. But also: if you regularly get blisters on the sides of your feet, black toenails on descents, or numbness during long hikes — you likely need a wider boot even if your measurement is borderline.
Wide vs Extra-Wide
Standard = D (men's) / B (women's). Wide = E or 2E (men's) / D (women's). Extra-Wide = 4E (men's). Most hiking brands offer "Wide" which is roughly 2E. For 4E feet, KEEN and Altra have the roomiest toe boxes. Columbia offers true extra-wide in some models. For boot construction details, see our boot buying guide.
Break-In Tips for Wide Boots
Even wide boots need break-in. Wear them around the house for a week with hiking socks. Then do short walks (1-2 miles). Increase gradually. Full-leather boots (Lowa) need 30+ miles. Synthetic boots (Merrell, HOKA) need almost zero. Never start a multi-day trip in new boots.
Decision Matrix
Sources & Further Reading
- Switchback Travel. "Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet 2025." switchbacktravel.com
- REI Co-op. "How to Choose Hiking Boots." rei.com/learn
- American Podiatric Medical Association. "Foot Width and Proper Shoe Fitting." apma.org
- Section Hiker. "Long-Term Boot Durability Reports." sectionhiker.com
- Outdoor Gear Lab. "Hiking Boot Reviews 2025." outdoorgearlab.com
