Jen and Sim Benson have been testing walking gear on behalf of the Ramblers since 2019.  With a wealth of outdoor and walking experience they have tested all kinds of walking related kit, from boots and poles to jackets and wellies. 

However, several brands offer a wide fit option with more room in the forefoot. Whether you have naturally wider feet, need to accommodate a bunion, Moreton’s neuroma or other foot condition, or simply enjoy having some extra room to spread your toes, there’s a wide fitting walking shoe for you. 

 

Women’s Choices 

 

Vivobarefoot Magna FG RRP £170

www.vivobarefoot.com 

Vivobarefoot shoes are designed with a wide, roomy toe box to allow your feet to move and spread out as naturally as possible, while still offering grip and protection. The Magnas are a lightweight, mid-height model lined with comfortable, breathable, naturally thermoregulating and antimicrobial Merino wool.  They are Woolmark-certified to guarantee responsible production. The upper is made from responsibly sourced leather. Like all minimalist shoes, it may take a little while to get used to the lack of cushioning or heel-to-forefoot drop and they don’t work for everyone. But for those who do make the transition, the result is wonderfully lightweight, free-feeling footwear that’s a long way from traditional clumpy hiking boots. 

 

Hanwag Banks Low Bunion LL RRP £185

www.hanwag.com 

Made in Europe, these low-cut wide fitting walking shoes combine a chromium-free nubuck and suede leather upper with a comfortable leather lining. The footbed and midsole offer plenty of support and cushioning, complemented by a grippy, hard-wearing outsole that provides a smooth ride during walking. The specially designed Futura tongue allows for easy on/off and straightforward adjustment. An ideal choice for lower-level hiking on trails and grass.  They are available in a standard width or a bunion fit which provides more space at the big toe joint. 

 

Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide GTX RRP £140

www.salomon.com 

With a design inspired by Salomon’s long history of trail running footwear, these shoes combine the support and stability of a traditional walking shoe with the lightweight agility of a trainer. The upper has a reinforced chassis for support and durability, along with Gore-Tex waterproofing to keep your feet dry. The outsole is Salomon’s Contragrip, which offers great traction on dry surfaces but struggles to grip on wet rock. They’re not as comfortably cushioned as some on test, and while the fit is wider than standard, it’s not as roomy as other wide fit walking shoes on test. 

 

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Wide RRP £195

www.lowa.co.uk 

Lowa’s ever-popular Renegade is still one of the most reliably comfortable options straight from the box.  They have a nicely padded Gore-Tex waterproofed flexible nubuck leather upper; cushioned, supportive and grippy sole unit; and flexible feel throughout. The mid-height falls between a boot and a shoe, offering more freedom of movement than a standard boot but a little more ankle protection and wading height than a shoe. The wide fit version offers plenty of room through the midfoot and forefoot without compromising on foot hugging stability. 

Men’s Choices 

 

Keen Targhee III Waterproof Wide Hiking Shoe RRP £129.99

www.keenfootwear.com   

 

The iconic Targhee has been in the range since 2005.As standard they are wider than most walking shoes and Keen also make a wide fit Targhee so there should be a model to fit most people. The shoes are chunky and tough with a big rubber toe bumper and plenty of padding to provide a comfortable fit. The non-marking soles are grippy on most surfaces but do struggle a bit in slippery mud. They are waterproof thanks to Keen’s own membrane. Keen footwear is one of the more environmentally friendly options. All Keen shoes are PFC-free, and the leather used is from a LWG-certified tannery. 

 

Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof Wide Shoe RRP £150

www.obozfootwear.com    

 

This sturdy walking shoe is built to provide all day comfort on a day hike and to cope with the demands of a multi-day back packing trip. This means they feel solid and supportive, holding the foot securely and protecting you from rocky or rough ground. They are well cushioned and grippy with a pronounced heel that helps grip on muddy surfaces. The suede upper is durable and the shoes use Oboz’s own BDry waterproofing. Available in a standard or wide fit and up to size UK15. 

 

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather Wide GTX RRP £165

www.lasportiva.com 

Based on a trail running shoe, these mid-height boots feel light, soft and comfortable, with a well-cushioned footbed. The tough nubuck leather upper is reinforced with a rubber toe bumper. A synthetic upper version is available for RRP £155. The padded ankle cuff adds weather and grit protection without feeling restrictive or adding much weight. Available in standard or a wide fit there should be a model to suit most feet. They do size a little small though so it would be good to try before you buy if possible. These are one of our favourite everyday walking boots. They are proving to be durable, but the shallow tread can be slippery in mud. 

 

Altberg Jorvik Trail Shoe Wide RRP £194.99

www.altberg.co.uk 

With classic walking boot looks and a one-piece leather construction the Jorvik will last for years of use. The tough leather and minimal stitching make the construction very durable and easy to look after. They are lined with a waterproof Sympatex membrane in case the water gets through the leather. A Vibram sole with deep lugs and a pronounced heel offers good grip and underfoot protection on all surfaces. They are available in sizes UK4 to UK14 in various width fittings.  

*  Recommended retail prices correct at the time of writing.  Please refer to manufacturer or retailer websites for the very latest pricing information.     

 

Explore more  

Our gear testers, Sim & Jen Benson have a wealth of outdoor and walking experience. They provide regular gear reviews and kit advice in Walk magazine, the Ramblers quarterly magazine that forms part of your Ramblers membership benefits. Join today from only £3.21 per month.    

Ramblers Members also receive a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor, home to many of the outdoor brands featured in this article and a great place to get expert advice on walking gear. When this discount is used a percentage of the purchase price is returned to the Ramblers to help us look after the places you love to explore.