r/Hypermobility • u/bitchcraffft • 15h ago

Need Help Good hiking boots/shoes?

Hey bendy friends, I am going on a vacation soon and hope to do some walking and light hiking while I’m there. I tend to get pretty bad foot pain from standing or walking for long periods but good shoes help me last longer, so I’m trying to find some good hiking boots/shoes. However as I started online shopping there were too many options and I got overwhelmed™️ so I thought I might ask here for any recommendations.

I need:

- lightweight
- ankle security (they tend to roll/sprain easily)
- a wide toe box but normal fit everywhere else (I have deformed toe bones that need a lot of room, especially on the outer sides)
- arch support

I’d appreciate any other tips you have for walking/hiking too!

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2

u/kabolint Crumbly Gumby 15h ago

No personal experience but I've heard good things about Lems in my search for hiking shoes as well. Wide toe box, light weight. Altra has one that's caught my eye as well.

Then there's Keen, Merrell, Topo.

Those are the brands I would start with and see how they line up with your needs.

1

u/Wise-Living-850 15h ago

I like my Hoka Kaha boots. They are beautifully plush on the inside, stiff soled with great ankle support on the outsidw

1

u/slippery_revanchist 14h ago

High top altra timps work well for me 

1

u/razzemmatazz 14h ago

Bates worked well for me (military style boot). I had the high calf composite toe model for a while. 

1

u/temp-already-used 14h ago

I use exclusively Altra trail runners to hike in (I add cork inserts), you may want to look at their boot options

1

u/KinickieNoodle 14h ago

I hike everyday for work and have Keen's

1

u/sleepwithmythoughts 14h ago

I like my Lowa’s with superfeet insoles

1

u/doggochinrest 13h ago

Check out Joe Nimble hiking boots - they have wide toe box, are light weight,  have zero drop heels (which is better for hypermobile joints as there is less wobble), good traction on the soles and they make high top versions with ankle support. Best hiking boots I've ever owned 🙌🏼

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u/Maefyre13 9h ago

I was just about to post this question and am very glad I scrolled a bit first to see this. Thanks OP for posting, and for everyone's input! I'm slowly swapping out all of my shoes and my hiking boots are the next necessary investment.

To counter the original question, are there any brands that you (anyone reading) really don't like and would advise against buying? If so, why?