What To Look For
Look for hiking boots that are specifically made for wide feet. Wide boots are usually designated by a letter rating. Look for shoes that have an E or a W next to the shoe size number. The more Es or Ws, the wider the shoe. Additionally, look for boots made of real leather. Leather stretches over time, conforming to the size and shape of your wide foot.
Common Pitfalls
Know the difference between wide boots and boots that have a wide toe box. The toe box is the area from the ball of your foot forward, including the toe area. A boot with a wide toe box only has an increase in width for the front part of the boot, as opposed to a wide shoe that increases the width in all parts of the boot.
Where To Buy
The best place to buy hiking boots for wide feet is at your local camping or backpacking store. Take advantage of the expertise of the sales staff to find the best boots for your wide feet. You can also shop online at camping sites like REI and Campmor. Both sites have several hiking boots designed for wide feet.
Cost
Hiking boots for wide feet can cost from $50 to $500. The most expensive boots are usually more technical boots, used for mountaineering and capable of working with crampons in snow and ice. The more affordable boots are lightweight hiking boots, good for simple day hikes or short weekend jaunts. Consider the cost of aftermarket insoles, which can range from $10 to $50, as well as shipping and handling costs, if you shop online.
Insider Tips
As you exercise, your feet expand, so try on hiking boots at the end of the day or after a long walk. Trying on boots after walking or being on your feet for several hours mimics the condition your feet will be in on the trail. You should also wear the socks you plan on using while hiking, as the difference between a thin and thick sock can have significant impact on the fit of your hiking boot.
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