Women's Footwear
Women's footwear for trails, roads and long summer days, from cushioned running shoes and supportive hiking boots to sandals, slides and everyday sneakers. Our range brings together Teva, Salomon, On, Smartwool and ASICS, with women's-specific fits built on women's lasts for a secure heel and comfortable toe room.
Start with what you do most. Running shoes are tuned for road or trail; hiking boots and shoes add grip and support for New Zealand tracks; sandals and slides cover the beach, the bach and post-run recovery; and casual sneakers handle the everyday. Good socks finish the job, because the right pair prevents more blisters than any shoe.
Women's sizing varies between brands, so drop into our concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, to try shoes on and compare fits side by side, or order online and click and collect from our Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about women's footwear
What is the difference between women's and men's shoes?
Women's shoes are built on a women's last, the foot-shaped form a shoe is made around. That typically means a narrower heel relative to the forefoot, a different instep height and proportions scaled to women's feet rather than a smaller men's shoe. The result is a heel that locks in without slipping and a toe box that still has room. Many women find the women's version of a model fits noticeably better, even in the same nominal length.
How do I convert my shoe size between US, UK and EU women's sizing?
Women's sizes do not convert the same way as men's. As a rough guide, a women's US size is about two larger than the UK size, so a US 8 is roughly a UK 6, and the European equivalent is around a 39. Brands vary, so always use the size chart on the product page, and if you know your foot length in centimetres, that is the most reliable way to compare across brands and countries.
Can I wear a men's or unisex shoe if it fits better?
Absolutely. Fit matters more than the label, and some women with wider feet find a men's or unisex model more comfortable, particularly in hiking and casual shoes. A men's shoe is usually wider through the heel and forefoot for the same length, so try it with the socks you will wear and check your heel does not lift. If a women's model in a wide fit is available, that is often the best of both.
Which women's shoes work best for travel?
For travel, you want versatile shoes that cover a lot of ground: a comfortable, low-profile walking or trail shoe that looks fine in town, plus a packable sandal or slide for warm days and evenings. Choose neutral colours that go with most outfits and shoes that are easy to slip on and off at airports. One good pair of walking shoes and one pair of sandals covers most trips without overloading your bag.
How do I choose footwear for a long day on my feet?
Look for cushioning that does not flatten out by mid-afternoon, a supportive midsole and a heel that holds your foot steady. Shoes from running and outdoor brands are designed for hours of movement, which is why many people choose them for work and travel as well as exercise. Try shoes on later in the day when your feet are at their largest, and pair them with good socks to reduce friction and fatigue.
What should I look for in women's footwear for New Zealand weather?
New Zealand can deliver sun, rain and mud in the same day, so grip and quick drying matter as much as style. For walking and travel, a shoe with a grippy outsole and a water-resistant or quick-drying upper is a safe bet; for wet tracks or winter, a waterproof hiking shoe keeps feet dry. In summer, breathable shoes and sport sandals that cope with water are invaluable for coastal and lake days.
Can pregnancy or age change my shoe size?
Yes, and it is more common than most people expect. Pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments in your feet and extra weight flattens the arch, so many women find their feet lengthen or widen by up to half a size, sometimes permanently. Arches also tend to drop gradually with age. If your usual size suddenly feels tight, re-measure both feet late in the day and go by the larger one rather than the size you have always bought.
What should I look for if I get sore heels or arches?
Choose shoes with a supportive, cushioned midsole, a firm heel counter that holds your heel steady and a shape that supports your arch rather than collapsing under it. Very flat, flexible shoes and worn-out pairs are common culprits. A recovery sandal with a contoured footbed helps around the house after a long day. If pain hangs around or is sharp first thing in the morning, see a podiatrist, who can check your feet properly.