Best Women’s Hiking Boots (Reviews) for Arthritic Feet
Sixty-six joints, 52 bones, and more than 200 muscles, ligaments, and tendons make our feet, which are excellent tools helping us connect to the earth, ensure mobility and balance while supporting our skeleton.
Even if they’re essential for regular life, we often forget to take good care of them and abuse our feet. We wear the wrong pair of boots; we value aesthetics more than comfort, which only harms our feet more.
As we age, our feet’ stress is the same, but the years of not wearing the proper shoes cause various foot conditions, and arthritis is just one to name. Hikers with arthritis need adequate arch support, rigid soles with sufficient flexibility, and comfortable boots. But these are some of the many features to look for in your hiking boots.
Top Women’s Hiking Boot Reviews for Arthritic Feet
1. Oboz Sawtooth Ii Low B-Dry Hiking Shoe – Women’s Violet
If you don’t have the time and patience to search high and low for a reliable pair of hiking boots for your arthritic feet, you may very well take the plunge with the Oboz Sawtooth Ii Low B-Dry Hiking Shoe – Women’s Violet.
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The boots are loaded with unique features for hiking, no matter if your feet are aching or not. The proprietary O-Fit insole is made for providing superior fit, comfort, and performance, whereas the durable nubuck leather with textile (abrasion-resistant) recommend the boots for long-time wear. The asymmetrical collar supports the ankle and works with the deep heel cup (molded rubber) for excellent hiking stability. The arch support is impressive, and the Sawtooth midsole is made with dual-density EVA for padding and strength. A nylon shank increases the support under the foot, adding to the long list of features benefitting arthritic feet.
The Sawtooth outsole is both rigid and flexible, and the molded map in the bottom of the outsole is both functional (adds grip) and aesthetically pleasing. On top of everything else, the boots are made with a B-Dry membrane for dry feet all the time (it’s both waterproof and breathable).
Few may need more padding, but the majority will see the whole picture, which has a beautiful package.
2. Asolo Drifter Gv Evo Boot Women
Despite the rugged build, Asolo Drifter Gv Evo Boot Women‘s are comfortable boots with many hikers’ features. The boots address the experienced hikers, who are determined to take the more challenging trails despite their feet conditions.
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The boots come with Gore-Tex lining so that water won’t get inside, and moisture won’t collect inside for dry wear all day long. The suede and Cordura upper are water-resistant for durability and intense wear. The mid-cut design provides comfortable ankle support, whereas the Lite2 insole offers lightweight support.
The list of great features continues with duo radiant EVA midsole with two layers; one is rigid for stability. The other one is softer for superior comfort and shock absorbency. Either way, the hiker with arthritic feet will be satisfied.
The Asolo Vibram duo radiant rubber outsole with MegaGrip compound gives the hikers the traction and stability they need, without affecting the flexibility that one with arthritic feet needs. The sole features self-cleaning lugs for aggressive grip even on slippery or muddy trails.
Price may throw some hikers off, but the boots are worth every single penny.
3. Merrell Women’s Salida Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Merrell Women’s Salida Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is comfortable and pleasant looking boots that hikers with arthritis should try. The shoes are made with leather and mesh to fit like a glove right out of the box.
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The collar and tongue are padded, for improved comfort, no matter if you have arthritic feet or not. The EVA footbed will absorb shock and ease out the efforts when hiking. The boots provide good arch support and support for the ankle. The heel cup is well contoured but padded for soft, secure of the heel. The toe area is roomy, and it’s reinforced for better toe protection when descending.
Grip and traction don’t pose any issues as the boots come with m-select grip outsole. It’s a rigid sole, yet flexible, for effortless movement. The grip is aggressive, and the shoes bite various trails.
Even if the boots feel narrow for some, they’re lightweight, comfortable, and look very nice.
What’s the right way of selecting boots if you have arthritic feet?
The hiking boots market is very generous, and people may get easily confused when facing so many options. The situation gets even more complicated when you have arthritic feet, and you don’t know for sure which boots will work best for you.
Here are some features and tips to remember when shopping for hiking boots.
Sole
Hikers with arthritic feet should look for boots with rubber-soled wedged heels, as they need stability and superior arch support.
Vibram sole is the most common choice for hiking boots, but the sole has to be rigid without losing flexibility. When the sole is too stiff, you will lose the flexibility you need for your arthritic feet.
Overall build
The design and overall build will make the boots more or less comfortable for arthritic feet. The shoes should be challenging, but with good flexibility for effortless hiking.
The boots shouldn’t go very high (mid-cut boots are the better choice), and the comfort around the ankle should be outstanding. The heel cup should be contoured and reinforced for the secure fit of the heel and increased stability.
Look for boots with enough padding in the tongue, collar, and insole. When you have arthritic feet, the proper amount of padding will count very much for the overall comfort.
An effective lace-up system (two-zone styles are ideal) that allows you to tie the boots as loose or snug you fit will also matter for the comfort.
Arch support is essential for arthritic feet, and it’s the overall build and design that give arch support. Molded EVA, padded insole (removable, if possible), roomy toe area with narrow heel zone will count for arch support and comfort wear.
Materials
Typically, you want the boots’ upper body to be soft, yet resistant to wear and tear. Look for boots made with nubuck or suede leather and mesh inserts. They’re more delicate than other models, don’t need break-in, and provide support too.
FAQs
Q: Should the hiking boots be waterproof?
A: Unless you know for sure that your hikes will be in wet areas with inclement weather and plenty of wet trails, you shouldn’t necessarily aim for waterproof boots.
Waterproof boots are more expensive than non-waterproof boots, as they require advanced technologies and superior materials for water resistance. Plus, waterproof fabrics are more rigid than non-waterproof materials, and you will need a softer upper body.
You may waterproof the boots before hiking (spray or other methods) or choose water-resistant boots for extra safety. They won’t protect you as much as the waterproof boots, but they will keep your feet dry through some light showers.
Q: Is full-grain leather a good material for hiking boots when you have arthritic feet?
A: Just like with anything else in life, there’s good and poor full-grain leather. Full-grain leather is impressive as it’s naturally waterproof and conforms to your foot’s shape with each wear.
Even if you can find superior full-grain leather that is soft and comfortable from the first wear, most boots will require break-in. As full-grain leather is wear and tear-resistant, it’s also stiff, which isn’t very comfy for one with arthritic feet.
Also, full-grain leather boots are more expensive than other models, so check your wallet before buying.
Q: Are custom inserts enough for making hiking boots comfortable?
A: Even if your hiking boots are roomy enough to take custom inserts, it may still not be enough for comfortable hiking. Roomy toe area, narrow heel cup, rigid and flexible soles, or arch support are fundamental features for comfort when hiking with arthritic feet. Your custom made inserts can help, but they won’t replace the essential elements you need in your hiking boots.
