The Best Wide Toe Box Boots For Hiking and For Your Feet

Hiking is one of the most challenging activities for feet—typically involving walking long distances on uneven terrain with slopes & inclines while carrying a backpack full of supplies. Most conventional hiking boots aim to “support” the feet during hikes by limiting movement of the ankle, foot, and toes. The downside of excessively supportive hiking boots is that they can also lead to weakening and stiffness of the feet and even cause toe deformities. Fortunately, there are many hiking boots that fall into the category of “Natural Footwear,” including wide toe box hiking boots, zero-drop hiking boots, and barefoot hiking boots, that encourage the feet to move freely and support themselves. Hiking boots that allow for a natural wide toe splay and encourage natural foot movement are more comfortable, won’t deform the toes and can help to strengthen the feet & improve circulation. For over 15 years Correct Toes paired with wide toe box shoes has been a recipe for foot health success for so many people, and that’s why we provide shoe reviews. When evaluating footwear Correct Toes considers many factors including toe box width (to fit Correct Toes in!), heel-toe drop, toe spring, sole thickness & composition, flexibility, stability & support features, and more. Correct Toes has your foot health in mind when recommending the best wide toe box boots for hiking and for your feet.

How to Know the Types of Boots that Are Good for Your Feet

As always with footwear, we want our boots to fit the shape of our feet. First, take a look at the toe shape of your boots — if it tapers towards the middle, this boot will squeeze your toes together which makes it a lot harder to use them.

Second, check the heel — an elevated heel decreases ankle stability, shortens and stiffens calf muscles, and shifts bodyweight distribution towards the forefoot.

Third, look for toe spring — this feature lifts the toes up into extension (dorsiflexion), which makes it harder to use the toes for balance and propulsion.

Fourth, consider the sole thickness & composition — thicker soles with soft foam cushioning tend to limit movement and dampen sensory perception, while thinner soles without cushion encourage more movement and feel.

Fifth, test the overall flexibility — a more flexible boot allows for more natural movement.

Last, look for extra support features — arch support for the medial longitudinal arch limits pronation and supination, which are important foot functions!

If you’re new to natural foot health and the barefoot shoe world, you might have been wearing supportive & cushioned shoes for most of your life. While not always a problem, stiff shoes that are overly supportive can lead to foot weakness and dysfunction over time if the foot isn’t used enough. That’s why it’s important to make sure footwear matches the ability of the feet. Asking a weakened foot that’s always been externally supported to now walk without support is challenging and can lead to injury without a careful transition. A typical transition from supportive & motion controlling shoes to more minimal & movement-encouraging shoes requires plenty of foot strengthening. Fortunately, toe alignment tools like Correct Toes can help to support the forefoot while maximizing foot & toe activity, which makes the transition process much smoother and more comfortable. Without further ado, here are some of the best wide toe box boots for hiking.

Correct Toes Approved Hiking Boots—2023

Altra | Lone Peak Hiker

Part hiking boots, part sneakers, with cushioned soles. Breathable suede upper and fashionable look.

• Toe box: WIDE — everyone deserves a wide toe box that allows their toes to splay naturally, especially if they’ve dealing with foot pain or toe deformities. Most feet (i.e. narrow, average, and some wide) should be able to fit Correct Toes comfortably inside this shoe. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: SLIGHT — a minimal, flexible toe spring that is actually more sloped exteriorly than interiorly. The toes lie mostly flat inside the shoe, but there remains a slight rocker effect that can lessen the load on the toe flexors muscles.
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: CUSHION | 25 mm — thick cushioning feels good, especially for painful feet. It also changes how feet experience impact forces and can reduce foot fatigue on longer walks, runs, and hikes. However, the thick foam sole significantly limits the foot’s ability to feel the ground and also limits the flexibility of the shoe. 
• Flexibility: MEDIUM — not stiff or rigid, but also not super flexible. Medium flexibility allows for some natural movement, but not the foot’s full range of motion. A great transition shoe option that provides a little bit of sturdiness with a little bit of flexibility.
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: All kinds of feet! Sensitive feet and feet used to being in cushioned and supportive shoes will love these hiking boots. They also work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. People that are just becoming active for the first time in a while and people who are doing high mileage hikes can also benefit from these hiking boots. A great hiking boot for all kinds of feet.

Altra | Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2

Cushioned hiking boots are designed for all weather and all terrain. Water-resistant upper to take on the rain and snow.

• Toe box: WIDE — everyone deserves a wide toe box that allows their toes to splay naturally, especially if they’ve dealing with foot pain or toe deformities. Most feet (i.e. narrow, average, and some wide) should be able to fit Correct Toes comfortably inside this shoe. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: SLIGHT — a minimal, flexible toe spring that is actually more sloped exteriorly than interiorly. The toes lie mostly flat inside the shoe, but there remains a slight rocker effect that can lessen the load on the toe flexors muscles.
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: CUSHION | 25 mm — thick cushioning feels good, especially for painful feet. It also changes how feet experience impact forces and can reduce foot fatigue on longer walks, runs, and hikes. However, the thick foam sole significantly limits the foot’s ability to feel the ground and also limits the flexibility of the shoe. 
• Flexibility: MEDIUM — not stiff or rigid, but also not super flexible. Medium flexibility allows for some natural movement, but not the foot’s full range of motion. A great transition shoe option that provides a little bit of sturdiness with a little bit of flexibility.
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: All kinds of feet! Sensitive feet and feet used to being in cushioned and supportive shoes will love these hiking boots. They also work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. People that are just becoming active for the first time in a while and people who are doing high mileage hikes can also benefit from these hiking boots. A great hiking boot for all kinds of feet. The waterproof upper makes this hiking boot great for cold and rainy conditions.

Lems | Outlander

All-season boot with 100% waterproof upper and gusseted tongue. 12 mm sole + 4 mm deep lugs and comes with an additional 4.5 mm cushioned insole.

• Toe box: WIDE — everyone deserves a wide toe box that allows their toes to splay naturally, especially if they’ve dealing with foot pain or toe deformities. Most feet (i.e. narrow, average, and some wide) should be able to fit Correct Toes comfortably inside this shoe. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: SLIGHT — a minimal, flexible toe spring that is actually more sloped exteriorly than interiorly. The toes lie mostly flat inside the shoe, but there remains a slight rocker effect that can lessen the load on the toe flexors muscles.
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: FIRM | 16 mm — between cushioned soles and minimal soles are firm soles. Compared to thick cushioned soles. firm soles allow the foot to feel the ground a little clearer. However the moderate sole thickness still proves ample protection & some added stability compared to minimal soles. This boot also comes with a 4.5 mm cushioned insole.  
• Flexibility: MEDIUM — not stiff or rigid, but also not super flexible. Medium flexibility allows for some natural movement, but not the foot’s full range of motion. A great transition shoe option that provides a little bit of sturdiness with a little bit of flexibility.
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: All kinds of feet! Feet used to being in cushioned and supportive shoes will love these hiking boots. They also work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. People that are just becoming active for the first time in a while and people who are doing high mileage hikes can also benefit from these hiking boots. A great hiking boot for all kinds of feet. The waterproof upper makes this hiking boot great for cold and rainy conditions.

Lems | Boulder Summit

Waterproof leather boot with gusseted tongue. Lems classic Boulder Boot but with their new rugged outsole that measures 12 mm + 4 mm lugs. Also comes with 4.5 mm adventure insole.

• Toe box: WIDE — everyone deserves a wide toe box that allows their toes to splay naturally, especially if they’ve dealing with foot pain or toe deformities. Most feet (i.e. narrow, average, and some wide) should be able to fit Correct Toes comfortably inside this shoe. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: SLIGHT — a minimal, flexible toe spring that is actually more sloped exteriorly than interiorly. The toes lie mostly flat inside the shoe, but there remains a slight rocker effect that can lessen the load on the toe flexors muscles.
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: FIRM | 16 mm — between cushioned soles and minimal soles are firm soles. Compared to thick cushioned soles. firm soles allow the foot to feel the ground a little clearer. However the moderate sole thickness still proves ample protection & some added stability compared to minimal soles. This boot also comes with a 4.5 mm cushioned insole. 
• Flexibility: MEDIUM — not stiff or rigid, but also not super flexible. Medium flexibility allows for some natural movement, but not the foot’s full range of motion. A great transition shoe option that provides a little bit of sturdiness with a little bit of flexibility.
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: All kinds of feet! Sensitive feet and feet used to being in cushioned and supportive shoes will love these hiking boots. They also work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. People that are just becoming active for the first time in a while and people who are doing high mileage hikes can also benefit from these hiking boots. A great hiking boot for all kinds of feet. The waterproof upper makes this hiking boot great for cold and rainy conditions.

Lems | Primal Pursuit Mid

Part hiking boots, part sneakers, with a waterproof upper. 9.5 mm sole and 3.5 mm lug depth with 4.5 mm cushioned insole.

• Toe box: WIDE — everyone deserves a wide toe box that allows their toes to splay naturally, especially if they’ve dealing with foot pain or toe deformities. Most feet (i.e. narrow, average, and some wide) should be able to fit Correct Toes comfortably inside this shoe. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: SLIGHT — a minimal, flexible toe spring that is actually more sloped exteriorly than interiorly. The toes lie mostly flat inside the shoe, but there remains a slight rocker effect that can lessen the load on the toe flexors muscles.
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: FIRM | 14 mm — between cushioned soles and minimal soles are firm soles. Compared to thick cushioned soles. firm soles allow the foot to feel the ground a little clearer. However the moderate sole thickness still proves ample protection & some added stability compared to minimal soles. This boot also comes with a 4.5 mm cushioned insole. 
• Flexibility: MEDIUM — not stiff or rigid, but also not super flexible. Medium flexibility allows for some natural movement, but not the foot’s full range of motion. A great transition shoe option that provides a little bit of sturdiness with a little bit of flexibility.
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: All kinds of feet! Sensitive feet and feet used to being in cushioned and supportive shoes will love these hiking boots. They also work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. People that are just becoming active for the first time in a while and people who are doing high mileage hikes can also benefit from these hiking boots. A great hiking boot for all kinds of feet. The waterproof upper makes this hiking boot great for cold and rainy conditions.

Xero | Daylite Hiker Fusion

Super lightweight and breathable hiking boots. 10 mm sole with 3.5 mm lug depth and a 3.5 mm cushioned insole.

• Toe box: WIDE — everyone deserves a wide toe box that allows their toes to splay naturally, especially if they’ve dealing with foot pain or toe deformities. Most feet (i.e. narrow, average, and some wide) should be able to fit Correct Toes comfortably inside this shoe. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: NONE — while a toe spring rocker assists the toe flexors, a flat toe box encourages use of the toes when walking so they can get stronger with every step..
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: FIRM | 13.5 mm — between cushioned soles and minimal soles are firm soles. Compared to thick cushioned soles. firm soles allow the foot to feel the ground a little clearer. However the moderate sole thickness still proves ample protection & some added stability compared to minimal soles. This boot also comes with a 3.5 mm cushioned insole. 
• Flexibility: MEDIUM — not stiff or rigid, but also not super flexible. Medium flexibility allows for some natural movement, but not the foot’s full range of motion. A great transition shoe option that provides a little bit of sturdiness with a little bit of flexibility.
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: Most feet! While weak and painful feet might find this boot a little challenging, they work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. Strengthen feet with every step.

Xero | Xcursion Fusion

Fully waterproof hiking boots. 10 mm sole with 3.5 mm lug depth and a 3.5 mm heat-reflective insole.

• Toe box: WIDE — everyone deserves a wide toe box that allows their toes to splay naturally, especially if they’ve dealing with foot pain or toe deformities. Most feet (i.e. narrow, average, and some wide) should be able to fit Correct Toes comfortably inside this shoe. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: NONE — while a toe spring rocker assists the toe flexors, a flat toe box encourages use of the toes when walking so they can get stronger with every step..
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: FIRM | 13.5 mm — between cushioned soles and minimal soles are firm soles. Compared to thick cushioned soles. firm soles allow the foot to feel the ground a little clearer. However the moderate sole thickness still proves ample protection & some added stability compared to minimal soles. This boot also comes with a 3.5 mm heat-reflective insole. 
• Flexibility: MEDIUM — not stiff or rigid, but also not super flexible. Medium flexibility allows for some natural movement, but not the foot’s full range of motion. A great transition shoe option that provides a little bit of sturdiness with a little bit of flexibility.
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: Most feet! While weak and painful feet might find this boot a little challenging, they work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. Strengthen feet with every step.

Softstar | Switchback (wide)

Incredibly flexible hiking boots with sealed waterproof leather upper and merino wool lining. 6 mm Vibram™ Megagrip outsoles with 3.5 mm midsole. These boots have one of the widest toe boxes and are great for wide feet.

• Toe box: VERY WIDE — most feet, even most wide feet, will be able to feel toe freedom in this toe box. Correct Toes should fit comfortably inside these boots for most people, even those with advanced bunions. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: NONE — while a toe spring rocker assists the toe flexors, a flat toe box encourages use of the toes when walking so they can get stronger with every step..
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: FIRM | 9.5 mm — between cushioned soles and minimal soles are firm soles. Compared to thick cushioned soles. firm soles allow the foot to feel the ground a little clearer. However the moderate sole thickness still proves ample protection & some added stability compared to minimal soles. This boot also comes with a merino wool insole. 
• Flexibility: FLEXIBLE — this shoe will allow your feet to move freely so they can adapt to the grand surface and get stronger with each and every step. 
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: Most feet! While weak and painful feet might find this boot a little challenging, they work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. Strengthen feet with every step.

Vivobarefoot | Magna Forest ESC

Michelin© ESC Sole consisting of 2.5 mm base with 7 mm lugs and comes with 3 mm insole. Very flexible overall but still excellent traction. All-Weather upper made from leather and merino wool.

• Toe box: WIDE — everyone deserves a wide toe box that allows their toes to splay naturally, especially if they’ve dealing with foot pain or toe deformities. Most feet (i.e. narrow, average, and some wide) should be able to fit Correct Toes comfortably inside this shoe. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: NONE — while a toe spring rocker assists the toe flexors, a flat toe box encourages use of the toes when walking so they can get stronger with every step..
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: FIRM | 9.5 mm — between cushioned soles and minimal soles are firm soles. Compared to thick cushioned soles. firm soles allow the foot to feel the ground a little clearer. However the moderate sole thickness still proves ample protection & some added stability compared to minimal soles. This boot also comes with a 3 mm performance insole. 
• Flexibility: FLEXIBLE — this shoe will allow your feet to move freely so they can adapt to the grand surface and get stronger with each and every step. 
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: Most feet! While weak and painful feet might find this boot a little challenging, they work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. Strengthen feet with every step.

Vivobarefoot | Tracker II

Waterproof leather upper with over-ankle support. The extremely flexible outsole is 2.5 mm base with 4 mm lugs and 3 mm thermal insole.

• Toe box: WIDE — everyone deserves a wide toe box that allows their toes to splay naturally, especially if they’ve dealing with foot pain or toe deformities. Most feet (i.e. narrow, average, and some wide) should be able to fit Correct Toes comfortably inside this shoe. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: NONE — while a toe spring rocker assists the toe flexors, a flat toe box encourages use of the toes when walking so they can get stronger with every step..
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: MINIMAL | 6.5 mm — thin soles possess a relative level of transparency to them in the form of increased ability for the foot to feel the ground, which makes them the most barefoot-like. This kind of sole typically requires a relatively strong foot, but also helps to develop even stronger feet. This boot also comes with a 3 mm thermal insole.
• Flexibility: FLEXIBLE — this shoe will allow your feet to move freely so they can adapt to the grand surface and get stronger with each and every step. 
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: Most feet! While weak and painful feet might find this boot a little challenging, they work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. Strengthen feet with every step.

Freet | Bootee (wide)

Wide and thin-soled hiking boot with a water-resistant upper featuring 4 mm outsole with 3 mm insole. Lack of lug depth reduces traction.

• Toe box: VERY WIDE — most feet, even most wide feet, will be able to feel toe freedom in this toe box. Correct Toes should fit comfortably inside these boots for most people, even those with advanced bunions. Removing the shoe’s factory insole and modifying Correct Toes can help them to fit better.
• Toe spring: NONE — while a toe spring rocker assists the toe flexors, a flat toe box encourages use of the toes when walking so they can get stronger with every step..
• Heel-toe drop: ZERO-DROP | 0 mm — flat is what nature intended; it better represents the ground stood upon and inspires better posture, balance & ankle stability. Zero-drop also keeps the Achilles in a more naturally lengthened position compared to a shortened position with a heel lift. 
• Sole thickness & composition: MINIMAL | 4 mm — thin soles possess a relative level of transparency to them in the form of increased ability for the foot to feel the ground, which makes them the most barefoot-like. This kind of sole typically requires a relatively strong foot, but also helps to develop even stronger feet. This boot also comes with a 3 mm thermal insole.
• Flexibility: FLEXIBLE — this shoe will allow your feet to move freely so they can adapt to the grand surface and get stronger with each and every step. 
• Support & stability features: NONE — no arch support or additional stability features. Feet can move naturally without being halted or influenced. All natural motion.
• Best for: Most feet! While weak and painful feet might find this boot a little challenging, they work great for feet that are rehabbing foot pain and learning to strengthen their feet after years of wearing unhealthy footwear. Strengthen feet with every step.