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As fun and refreshing as hiking is, the entire adventure can quickly become a nightmare unless you equip yourself with the proper hiking boots. With high arches, you’ll likely experience more ankle instability and foot pain on the trail.
And since the anatomical structure of your foot exerts more pressure on your forefoot, ankle, and heel, you’ll be more prone to stress fractures and ankle sprains. That’s why, when choosing hiking boots, you must look for pairs that provide extra stability and cushioning.
With expert input, our team tested and compiled the 7 best hiking boots for high arches. We considered the boots’ materials, support, comfort, traction, breathability, and effectiveness in supporting high arches.
We further researched the specific issues people with high arches experience. So, in our guide, we’ll also cover the key features to look out for in hiking boots to support your high arches effectively.
Top 7 Best Men’s and Women’s Hiking Boots for High Arches: A Comparison Table
| Product | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Vasque Breeze Gore-Tex |
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 | Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX |
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 | Timberland White Ledge |
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 | Merrell Moab 2 Arch Support |
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 | KEEN Targhee 3 Mid-Height |
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 | Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry |
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 | Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX |
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Buying Guide: Factors to Consider When Finding the Best Hiking Boots for High Arches
When hiking, having the proper footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable experience. And especially if you have a unique foot condition like high arches, it’s crucial that you invest in hiking boots specifically designed to provide additional arch support.
With that in mind, this comprehensive buying guide will discuss the key factors to consider when buying hiking boots for high arches.
1. Prioritize a Solid Arch Support
It goes without saying arch support is the most crucial feature in hiking boots for people with high arches. You should look for a boot that brings the footbed into the foot arch for additional support and stability.
That will give your foot more contact with the ground, alleviating pressure from your forefoot, heel, and ankle. But remember that hiking boots vary in how efficient their arch support is. So, we recommend investing in high-quality external insoles if you still need extra support.
2. Look for Boots with Ample Cushioning
When shopping for hiking boots for high arches, ensure the shoes have enough cushioning, particularly on the midsole and heel. More cushioning makes the boot base absorb impact shock better and provides the feet with additional protection.
Also, it reduces the pressure your feet experience every time you take a step. To enjoy all-day comfort, select hiking boots with a thick layer of foam cushioning, gel cushioning, or both in their construction.
3. Choose Hiking Boots with Elevated Heel Cups
Because of how your feet are shaped, you will likely experience excess pressure on the heels when hiking. That means, without good heel support, you might feel uncomfortable, wobbly, or your feet might hurt even more.
So, when choosing the right boots for hiking, ensure the shoes have proper heel cushioning and are slightly elevated to absorb shock and spread out the pressure evenly to the rest of your foot.
The elevated heel will, more specifically, reduce tension in the Achilles tendon, which can sometimes feel very tense in people with high arches.
4. Ensure You Get the Fit and Comfortability Right
Getting the right fit is not only crucial for your comfort but also determines how well you perform on your hikes. Ensure your hiking boots are the right size and have enough space for your high arches.
You want a hiking boot that minimizes excess space but, at the same time, doesn’t squish your feet or toes. After all, if your feet move too much in the shoe, it won’t be long before you start dealing with blisters.
If you’re buying the boots from a physical store, we recommend trying our different sizes to see which ones feel best on your feet. You can even try them out with your designated hiking socks. But if you’re shopping online, keenly observe the manufacturer’s size chart.
5. Consider the Boot’s Durability and Materials
Although we are mainly looking at features that make hiking easier for people with high arches, we must recognize the importance of having a durable hiking boot. You should choose shoes that will give you ample support and, at the same time, withstand different terrains and weather conditions.
Therefore, opt for high-quality, durable, and breathable boots. Breathability helps prevent moisture buildup, reducing discomfort and chances of getting blisters. On the other hand, durable materials ensure longevity, making the boots a worthwhile investment for outdoor adventures.
7 Best Hiking Boots for High Arches – Compared!
Here are our top 7 hiking boots for people with high arches. These boots are also designed to provide optimal support and comfort during outdoor adventures:
1. Best Men’s Hiking Boots for High Arches: Vasque Breeze Gore-Tex Boot
Key Features
- Weight: 31.99 Oz / 907 g (per boot)
- Upper Material: Nubuck leather
- Midsole: EVA Cushioning
- Outsole: Vibram Contact Grip with Megagrip Compound.
- Lining: Breathable mesh
- Closure: Lace-up
- Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)
If you’re looking for hiking boots that feel sturdy, hold your feet nicely, and have ample padding for your underfoot on rough trails, you’ll love these Vasque Breeze Gore-Tex Boots. They are relatively stiff out of the box, but after we completed the initial 5 miles, the boots felt very nice and snug.
But the highlight of this boot has to be the midsole. It has a great combination of EVA foam and the perfect firmness for technical terrains. While the padding around the ankles can’t match that of Salomon Quest, it’s not that far off. With a high arch, you often need to prioritize a sturdy but comfortable build, and Vasque Breeze accomplishes that at a reasonable price point.
We tested these boots on different terrains and are happy to report that they performed pretty well on rocky stretches. They offered excellent stability when ascending and descending. However, we noticed that its lug design could be better. It could have done better on softer surfaces, especially along the muddy and icy patches.
Pros
- The boots are very sturdy and solid
- Premium features at a great price point, e.g., The Gore-Tex Waterproofing
- Great for all-day comfortÂ
- Ample cushioning for cutting down pressure
Cons
- Too bulkyÂ
- Limited airflowÂ
- Lacing hooks feel flimsy and are not correctly sized to fit the laces
2. Best Women’s Hiking Boots for High Arches: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Key Features:
- Weight: 13.05 Oz / 370 g (per boot)
- Upper Material: Textile/Synthetic
- Midsole: SensiFit
- Outsole: Rubber Contragip Outsole
- Lining: Breathable mesh
- Closure: Lace-up
- Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX are impressively lightweight hiking boots. They are the best choice for anyone who likes a speedy pace when hiking. Besides that, one of the most outstanding benefits of these boots is their ability to accommodate different foot shapes.
They have a roomy toe box, which gives you ample room to wiggle your toes but still feels pretty snug. So whether you have wide feet or a high arch, these shoes will fit comfortably. In fact, one of our testers with a high arch could comfortably wear these boots without using orthotic shoe inserts.
And unlike other boots we tested, these felt far less sore even after hiking for over 12 hours. The midsole was supportive and aligned the feet well, offering excellent stability. We also loved the fact that these boots strike the right balance between breathable and waterproof, a combination that can be tough to find in hiking boots.
Pros
- Lightweight buildÂ
- Premium Gore-Tex waterproofingÂ
- Flexible sole for optimum comfort
- Great stabilityÂ
- Well-padded and ergonomic collar design
Cons
- They take a while to break in
- Bulky, rigid, and unsightly shoe laces
3. Most Stylish Hiking Boot for High Arches: Timberland White Ledge Ankle Boot
Key Features:
- Weight: 17.2 Oz / 498.9 g (per boot)
- Upper Material: 100% Nubuck leather
- Midsole: Compression-molded EVA foam
- Waterproof: Yes
- Lining: ReBOTL fabric
The Timberland Ledge Ankle boot is by far the most versatile pair we’ve tested. It has a robust feel that makes it the ideal choice for hiking. While at the same time, it maintains a lightweight, stylish look, making it the perfect pair for casual urban walks.
Aside from its impeccable design, another quality that stood out for us was the slip-resistant and agile rubber sole. On top of that, this pair comes with full-grain Nubuck leather and the iconic brown Timberland color. However, we used the black option instead of brown for testing purposes.
With a height of only 4.75″ from the arch, the Timberland White Ledge is ankle-length, offering extra thick padding on the collar and tongue. However, we noticed that this pair isn’t perfect for walking on wet surfaces. It didn’t hold so well on damp grass.
The White Ledges were quite comfortable on the first wear, but some people online have complained that it took months to break them in. While that was not our experience when we tested this pair, we couldn’t wear it for hours. After a while, our feet were in agony, so we’d recommend the White Ledges for light hiking, even if you have high arches.
Pros
- It doesn’t have a break-in period.
- Comfortable with an excellent grip
- Impeccable material finish
Cons
- Limited waterproofing
4. Most Comfortable Hiking Boot for High Arches: Merrell Moab 2 Arch Support Boot
Key Features:
- Upper Material: Pigskin leather with mesh upper
- Outsole: Vibram rubber sole
- Waterproofing: Limited
The Merrel Moab stands out against its competitors because of its outstanding comfort without the regular painful break-in period standard in most leather hiking boots. As a plus, this pair provides much-needed support for people with high arches.
The thick yet soft tongue and upper material are equipped with high levels of padding, putting a springy layer between you and the rocky surfaces. However, we would be lying if we said the design was fresh and cool.
The appearance shows that the designers prioritized functionality over attractiveness. But that’s not to say that this pair is not aesthetically pleasing. The overall design is much more subdued compared to the modern hiking boots.
More importantly, Moab’s target audience is day hikers. After aggressive testing, we found that this pair offers modest stability and support. It’s less prone to ankle rolls, especially on rocky terrains, compared to your regular running shoes.
But this pair is not ideal for steep rocky slopes or long walks carrying heavy loads. At some point, we even ended up with a sock-soaking hiking experience. The mesh on the upper material could have done a better job of keeping the moisture out. But thankfully, it also dried very quickly.
Pros
- Breathable with straight-out-of-the-box comfort
- Affordable pricing
- Durable Sole
- An excellent choice for warm-weather
Cons
- Limited waterproofing
- The heel is a little high
5. Best Budget Hiking Boots for High Arches: KEEN Targhee 3 Mid-Height Waterproof
Key Features:
- Weight: 38 Oz / 1079 g (per boot)
- Outsole: Keen All-Terrain Rubber
- Upper Material: Oiled Nubuck Leather
- Midsole: EVA
- Waterproof: Keen, Dry Waterproof, Breathable Membrane
Keen did it again by giving financially focused hikers an irresistible option with the Keen Targhee 3 Mid-Height Waterproof. True to that, the Targhee is reasonably priced. But don’t let the fair price tag fool you! After several tries, the Targhee 3 is grossly undervalued.
The waterproofing was sufficient, especially on muddy slopes. But this pair needs a bit more breathability. Regardless, the Targhee 3 is an excellent choice for high arches.
This pair offers cloud-level comfort straight out of the box. Simply put, the Targhee 3 is different from your regular hardcore pair. Instead, it’s a cushy option perfect for easy to moderate day hiking activities with the occasional overnighters.
We experienced no fatigue or that extreme chunkiness feeling typical for heavier hiking boots. At only $150, we consider the Targhee 3 the best value-for-money choice if you are on a budget. But unfortunately, we had a rough time separating traction from the stability aspect.
The Targhee 3 doesn’t offer enough support for rugged hiking on rocky terrain. Most of our slips occurred on the ankle and not from the soles. But if you keep walking on the trail, this pair should offer sufficient traction over standard rocky areas.
Pros
- Highly comfortable for anyone with high arches
- Well-built and has that high-quality feel
- Budget-friendly for casual hikers
Cons
- Stability is limited on rough terrain
- Keen.Dry is sufficient but doesn’t match up to Gore-Tex waterproofing
6. Best Day Hiking Boots for High Arches: Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boots
Key Features:
- Weight: 37.9 Oz / 1075 g (per boot)
- Insole: High-density EVA
- Midsole: TPU Chassis with single-density EVA
- Outsole: Granite Peak
- Waterproof: B-Dry Breathable Waterproofing
Oboz is our go-to option for moderate to strenuous hiking. We took them out for a test run (close to 3,000 miles), and they’ve held their own against all odds. Of course, that’s not the case for everyone, but this pair is a decent option for high-arched individuals.
The Oboz Bridger is a versatile pair that’s comfortable and great for day hiking yet burly enough for backpacking. That’s because the Oboz Bridger perfectly blends ruggedness and lightweight construction.
Moreover, this hiking boot has excellent traction and stability when we tried it against loose surfaces. It doesn’t rely on weight-saving material but relatively high-quality craftsmanship. The Oboz Bridger’s Granite peak compound rubber is reasonably soft and tacky, making it our top companion against rocky surfaces.
However, we quickly realized this pair doesn’t work exceptionally well when fast hiking or boulder hopping. A better alternative if you are planning to move fast on those rocky surfaces, then you better go for the Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX.
To be fair, the traction isn’t badly off against most trails. Above all, this pair doesn’t have any glare downsides. Although, it’s good to note that the tread pattern worsens these hiking boots’ already chunky personality.
Pros
- Excellent choice for hiking and backpacking
- Smart fit for high-arched individuals
- Exceptional durability
- High-quality Leather
Cons
- Slightly heavy for long hikingÂ
- Not so great traction on slick rocks
7. Most Sturdy Hiking Boots for High Arches: Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX
Key Features:
- Weight: 26 Oz / 739.3 g (per boot)
- Upper Material: Water-resistant split grain 100% Leather
- Midsole: DuoAsoflex Polyurethane
- Outsole: Rubber heels
- Lining: Cordura nylon uppers
- Waterproof: Yes
The first impression we got from the Asolo Fugitive GTX is how great they feel once you put them on. This shoe fits perfectly for anyone with high arches, and as a plus, it has enough room for a big-toe fellow. Heck, it can also be an excellent choice for someone with bunions!
Above all, this pair is the perfect companion for both cold and hot hiking conditions. The Asolo Fugitive hiking boots work perfectly well straight out of the box, unlike other leather hiking boots that require some breaking into before use.
However, just a little heads up, the footbed is relatively flat. So, if you want something molded into your foot, you should consider adding an insole. There’s plenty of room for an insole inside this boot. These boots were a little slippery on the first few test runs, but that eventually wore off.
Pros
- They are supportive enough for short trips and work perfectly for someone with high arches.
- Flexible and lightweight
- Provide excellent traction on loose terrain
Cons
- Asolo Fugitive hiking boots feel tight for wide feet.Â
- It’s not ideal for extended bushwalks with heavy packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions about hiking boots for high arches.
What are high arches, and how do they affect my hiking experience?
As the name implies, high arches refer to a foot type with a more pronounced arch than usual. This arch creates a gap between the sole of the foot and the shoe’s insole.
Since the midsole area is significantly raised, that reduces the surface area of the foot that comes into contact with the ground. That means when people with high arches hike, they experience less shock absorption and stability.Â
How can I identify if I have high arches?
You can perform a simple ‘wet test’ to determine if you have high arches. Start by wetting the sole of your foot. Then, step onto a piece of paper or a dark surface.
If you see a distinct, narrow curve along the inside of your foot with only a thin band connecting the front and back parts of your foot, you likely have high arches.
Why is choosing the right hiking boots for high arches important?Â
Choosing the right hiking boots for high arches is crucial since people with high arches have unique needs. Hiking boots designed for high arches must accommodate the shape of the high arch to provide extra support and cushioning in the arch area.
The right boots should also distribute weight more evenly and provide better shock absorption even on rough terrains. That significantly reduces the overall risk of injury or discomfort during hikes. Â
What’s the most essential feature to look for in hiking boots for high arches?
When choosing hiking boots for high arches, there are a couple of main features you should always pay attention to. First, make sure the shoes offer ample cushioning in the midsole and heel area.
On top of that, the shoe must have proper arch support to help maintain a more natural foot alignment. As a plus, the hiking boot should at least allow you to replace the insoles with custom orthotics for personalized arch support.
Can I use aftermarket insoles with hiking boots?Â
Yes, you can. Aftermarket insoles, especially those designed for high arches, can provide added support and comfort. Just ensure the insoles you choose are designed for hiking and fit well within your hiking boots.
Are rigid or flexible hiking boots better for high arches?Â
Generally, flexible boots are more accommodating for high arches as they allow the foot to bend naturally. However, the ideal level of flexibility varies from person to person.
Therefore, it’s best to try both options and see which one feels more comfortable and supportive for your specific foot shape.
Which hiking boots brands cater to people with high arches?
Several hiking boot brands are known for producing models that cater to high arches. Brands like Salomon, Merrell, Keen, and Vasque often integrate specialized technologies to provide proper arch support, cushioning, and comfort for individuals with elevated arches.
However, it’s important to try on various models within these brands to find the specific pair that best suits your needs and provides the right level of support.
Final Words
Although there are many ways to deal with high arches, like the use of orthopedic inserts, to have the best hiking experience, you need boots made specifically for people with high arches. The proper boots can make all the difference!
The best hiking boots for high arches provide adequate arch support, reduce discomfort, and prevent trail injuries. Whether you’re looking for durability, cushioning, ankle support, or traction, there’s a wide range of options in the market that cater to your specific needs.
But as you pick out your hiking boots, remember to factor in your personal preferences. Also, if you have specific concerns, seek guidance from a professional in the field.
