Hiking

All,

I come to you with a request. Though I enjoy hiking and the outdoors, I am plagued with incredibly flat feet that get painfully sore after only a few miles of walking.

I'd like to enjoy the outdoors more, but the pain builds and builds until it's no longer enjoyable for me to walk and explore. Part of the issue is that I don't own shoes suitable for such activities -- I mostly wear Vans and other similar flat, wide shoes.

Does anyone here have a similar issue? If so, what are your recommendations for good hiking shoes for a person in my situation?

I would call myself a beginner when it comes to hiking, so they don't need to be anything too fancy, but I'm willing to spend a decent amount to mitigate my stupid feet.

Thank you!