diff --git a/viper.go b/viper.go
index f17790e..bad121e 100644
--- a/viper.go
+++ b/viper.go
@@ -802,8 +802,10 @@
 		if source != nil {
 			if reflect.TypeOf(source).Kind() == reflect.Map {
 				val := v.searchMap(cast.ToStringMap(source), path[1:])
-				jww.TRACE.Println(key, "found in nested config:", val)
-				return val
+				if val != nil {
+					jww.TRACE.Println(key, "found in nested config:", val)
+					return val
+				}
 			}
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/viper_test.go b/viper_test.go
index 0c0c7e5..fdbe4d9 100644
--- a/viper_test.go
+++ b/viper_test.go
@@ -907,3 +907,12 @@
 	SetConfigName("default")
 	assert.Empty(t, v.getConfigFile())
 }
+
+func TestShadowedNestedValue(t *testing.T) {
+	polyester := "polyester"
+	initYAML()
+	SetDefault("clothing.shirt", polyester)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, GetString("clothing.jacket"), "leather")
+	assert.Equal(t, GetString("clothing.shirt"), polyester)
+}