By Rehan Iqbal
Before you go on your next hiking trail, realize that Our feet are probably one of the most under-appreciated part of our body. And when you have flat feet you need to be look for hiking boots that have have arch support and good cushioning.
When hiking, we spend most of our day either standing (where the entire weight of our body is supported by the feet) or walking (where our feet expend energy to move the entire weight of our body from one place to another. Most of us do not realize that our feet are the most exercised part of our body. Once we realize the extent to which the feet work, we realize just how important it is to ensure that the feet are comfortable.
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Top Rated Hiking Boots and Shoes for Flat Feet
Footwear is the best way to ensure that our feet are protected. In fact, today’s world has a different kind of footwear for hiking, cross training, walking , running, you name it! Some of the hiking shoes here also accommodate people with wide feet and come in wide and extra wide widths. Let’s take a look at some of the best styles that men and women around the world advocate.
1. Merrell Moab II Waterproof Hiking Boot
Men's
Women's
Made of full grain leather and equipped with mesh uppers, the Merrell Moab Mid Waterproof shoes get a five star rating every time. The Bellows tongue works to keep the debris out of this Merrell hiking shoe. As far as waterproofing goes, this shoe has an interesting new approach. It uses the M-Select DRY technology. This helps to ensure that the water is sealed out. It also helps to ensure that the water escapes so that your shoe remains nice and dry on the inside.
The shoe also comes with a breathable lining. This combined with the M-Select FRESH technology helps to ensure that the shoe remains odor free. This prevents the start of smelly feet. Even the foot bed is treated with an antimicrobial solution. We all known that sweat coupled with microorganisms are the real cause of odor. This is how the antimicrobial solution helps ensure that the foot odor doesn’t even start!
Stability is provided by the Merrell air cushion which is placed at the heel. This air cushion also helps to absorb shocks. The M-Select GRIP is designed to provide maximum traction.
All these features make this shoe an extremely tempting choice!
2. KEEN Voyageur Hiking Shoe
Men's
Women's
The name of this shoe says it all. The Keen Voyageur is a shoe that is meant for the ambitious traveller. It is meant for a person who loves to trek and hike. More importantly it is meant for rugged terrain. The body of this shoe is constructed by using leather. The shoe also uses a mesh webbing underlay. This helps in both comfort and support. In addition to the web underlay, the shoe also comes equipped with a woven textile lining. The ESS shank in the shoe helps provide torsion stability. This means that the wearer has a reduced risk of twisting their ankles while wearing the shoe.
The terrain which we come across on treks can be rugged and not all shoes can withstand the forces of nature. This is why the Keen Voyageur is equipped with a patented toe protection technology. This helps to reduce the wear and tear on the shoe. It also helps to protect your toes every time you stumble into something hard.
The good news for people with flat feet is that this shoe comes with a metatomical foot bed. This foot bed can be removed. This means that the comfort offered by the shoe can be dictated by whether you choose to use the foot bed or not!
3. Dunham by New Balance Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot
This shoe is meant to help you conquer any kind of terrain. It is made of full grain leather and even comes with a toe guard. This gives the shoe a rugged look which is definitely not deceiving. The seam sealed design helps ensure that the Dunham Cloud is a waterproof construction. What does this mean for the owner? It means that come rain or hot summer, the owner doesn’t need to worry whether his shoes are going to get wet!
The comfortable fit is largely attributed to the padded tongue and the collar. In addition to this, the breathable man made lining also helps to add to the overall comfort of the shoe. For those people who have flat foot and find getting a good hiking shoe a problem, you will find that the memory foam cushion is perfect for your cause. In fact, the cushion is so good that it can even be removed. This means that the shoe can be adjusted to your comfort.These hiking boots are also available in extra wide widths of 2E and 4E.
The durable rubber soles also ensure that you get a firm grip when you walk. It maximizes the traction and surface contact with every step that you take. This makes the shoe extremely slip resistant.
4. Merrell Women’s Siren Hiking Shoe
Merrell’s shoes have always had a certain quality about them that draws customers to them. Many say that it is because of their quality. Others say that it because of the style. Still others say it is because of the comfort. Whatever is the reason, Merrell has continuously provided the public with good sturdy shoes.
The Merrell Siren shoe is designed to explore the great outdoors. It is made up of full grain leather and mesh uppers.
This gives the shoe a durable and yet stylish appearance. The removable contoured foot bed is fashioned in such a way that it fits the anatomy of the foot perfectly. This provides enormous relief to those people who suffer from flat feet. The Q-form EVA foot frame is specially designed to help align the wearer’s stride. It also helps reduce the shock that the foot feels with every contact it makes with the ground. This also reduces the stress on the foot. It also reduces the pain that people with flat feet feel.
Choosing a pair of good hiking shoes is so much more than looks. Today the right shoe also incorporates the right technology. You need to assess your needs and the needs of your foot. Do you need extra cushioning or is arch support more important for your flat feet. The next step is searching for a technology that suits you best. The easiest way to do that is to know your foot and to try on a number of shoes before finalizing on the one you like.
5. Salomon Authentic LTR CS Men’s Waterproof Boots
This pair of boots is designed to give you confidence on the trails that you trek. The Salomon Authentic LTR CS WP boots are designed for men. It has a 3D air mesh. It even comes with a waterproof split suede or leather uppers.
That isn’t all that is waterproof. The boots incorporate the Climashield technology. This technology ensures that the waterproofing of the shoe also allows extra breathability. This makes the boot more comfortable and flexible.
The foot is wrapped by a wrapping called the Sensifit. This ensures that the foot is snugly nestled inside the shoe. It also ensures that the shoe is a perfect fit for the foot. The tongue of the boot is designed to keep the pesky debris out. This is extremely useful when you are on the trail.
The toe and the heel are protected by a synthetic cap and mudguard. Additional cushioning ensures that heel has all the comfort it needs. The mid-cut height design of the shoe helps ensure that the ankle is supported at all times.
The advanced chassis system helps ensure that there is enhanced stability of the shoe. It also helps in forefoot propulsion. Even the sole of the shoe is designed to ensure that they provide traction which does not depend on the kind of terrain that you walk on.
6. Lowa Men’s Camino GTX Hiking Boots
Men will be men and all men love the great outdoors. You will find that every summer and spring men begin to talk about hiking trips. Who can blame them? The fresh green grass and the scent of the wilderness is not something you want to miss. The Lowa Men’s Camino GTX Hiking boots are meant for these kinds of expeditions.
The key ingredient in making the shoe can either be synthetic or leather. You can make your choice based on your comfort and personal preferences. The synthetic sole is made to support the foot while the shaft measures around six and a half inches from the ankle. This gives the heel some much needed support.
The GORE-TEX is a waterproof construction. This means that you don’t have to worry every time you pass a puddle. Water isn’t going to affect your shoes in any way. The X lacing style helps to ensure that there is no undue pressure on the tongue. In fact, you will find that the pressure is evenly distributed.
One of the most interesting features of this pair of boots is that it has a Supination Pronation system. This system has been developed to reduce/prevent over pronation and supination. This makes this pair of boots extremely useful for those hikers who have flat feet.
