Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

Trainers: walking/hiking/trail running

36 replies

67eleven · 25/03/2026 18:16

50 year old, wide footed female looking for recommendations for trainers (definately not boots) to wear for brisk walks in woods, fairly flat countryside and roads. Current trainers have a sort of mesh and let in dirt, debris and water.

Not boots as previous ankle and achillies injuries mean that these areas are very sensitive/tender and wearing boots makes it worse.

OP posts:
Whyherewego · 25/03/2026 19:49

I like Hoka. I wear men's which are often a bit wider but they also have certain ranges with a wide fit. I wore these hiking over a week, approx 6 hrs a day and no blisters or issues. They were brand new ! As my previous pair had been left in a hotel by mistake

Ritaskitchen · 25/03/2026 19:46

I like Dolomite and Salomon hiking shoes. Go to a hiking specialist shop. They will have some good options. Gore Tex will mean they are pretty waterproof.

SabrinaThwaite · 25/03/2026 19:12

MrsLizzieDarcy · 25/03/2026 18:18

I can't be much help OP but I'm interested to see your replies. I've just started doing some walking during my lunch break and have been in boots the last few times - it's not good for my feet at all, especially as the pavements are so uneven/damaged. I need more cushioning. My son in law recommended Merrell to me but I'm struggling to find some wider fitting ones.

Merrell do the Moab 3 in a wide fit, but I find the standard fit is generous.

VividDeer · 25/03/2026 19:08

Merrell can be wide, I have a pair and was surprised.

SabrinaThwaite · 25/03/2026 19:06

I have wide feet and find Merrell, Keen and Meindl all fit well (I have a mix of hiking boots and shoes). Meindl do a wide fit range but they are expensive - their boots are an investment though as you can get them resoled..

If you go somewhere like Cotswold Outdoor they should be able to scan your feet and suggest shoes to try.

NormasArse · 25/03/2026 19:06

ASICS are my trail shoe of choice. Supportive footbed, grippy soles, wide toe box. I always get the waterproof ones (gel something or other); buy a pair every couple of years, but wear them constantly.

Theyreeatingthedogs · 25/03/2026 18:53

Keen walking shoes are good for wider feet. I love them.

Monolithique · 25/03/2026 18:33

No advice sorry. My trainers are the same , amazingly comfy on paths but let in water and last weekend sand.

I have merrell walking shoes that are v waterproof but feel less than comfy at the ankle region.

TheLemonOtter · 25/03/2026 18:29

I find merrell and salomon narrow, asics are good and do a walking trainer, and a goretex trail shoe.

Pricklyhedgehogg · 25/03/2026 18:28

These are trail running shoes as oppose to hiking but I love Salomon ultra glide as an all rounder, they have a nice wide toe box & decent grip as long as it’s not super muddy.

MrsLizzieDarcy · 25/03/2026 18:18

I can't be much help OP but I'm interested to see your replies. I've just started doing some walking during my lunch break and have been in boots the last few times - it's not good for my feet at all, especially as the pavements are so uneven/damaged. I need more cushioning. My son in law recommended Merrell to me but I'm struggling to find some wider fitting ones.

Swipe left for the next trending thread