Women's Hiking Footwear
Women's hiking boots and shoes built for New Zealand tracks, from light trail shoes for day walks to supportive boots for multi-day tramps. Our range features Salomon, On, Arc'teryx and ASICS, with women's fits that hold the heel securely and leave room at the toes.
Choose boots for heavier packs and rough, steep ground, or hiking shoes for lighter, faster days on formed tracks. Waterproof membranes keep feet dry in the wet but run warmer in summer, so think about when you walk. Add good hiking socks and a waterproof rain jacket and you are ready for most of what a New Zealand track throws at you.
A hiking boot needs to fit well before a big trip, so try a pair on with your own socks at our Grey Lynn concept store, or click and collect an online order from our Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about women's hiking footwear
Why do women's hiking boots fit differently?
Women's hiking boots are built on a women's last, typically with a narrower heel, a lower-volume fit through the midfoot and proportions designed around women's feet. That matters more in a hiking boot than almost any other shoe, because a heel that slips on a long descent is what causes blisters and sore toes. Most brands also scale the cuff height and stiffness to suit. Try the women's version first, and only move to a men's model if your feet are notably wide.
How do I choose a hiking boot for a multi-day tramp?
For multi-day trips with a loaded pack, choose a boot with solid ankle support, a supportive midsole that does not fold under weight, and an aggressive, durable outsole for mud and rock. A waterproof membrane is usually worth it for New Zealand's wet backcountry. Above all, buy them early and wear them on shorter walks first, so you discover any pressure points long before day three of a tramp.
Are mid-cut hiking shoes a good middle ground?
Often, yes. A mid-cut boot covers the ankle bone for some extra support and keeps grit and water out better than a low shoe, while staying lighter and more flexible than a full tramping boot. They suit day walks, overnight trips and mixed terrain well. If you regularly carry heavy loads or walk very rough ground, a full boot gives more protection; for faster, lighter days, a low hiking shoe is enough.
What should I pack to look after my feet on a long walk?
A small foot kit saves a lot of pain: blister plasters or tape, a spare pair of merino socks to change into when yours get wet, and a small tube of lubricant or balm for hot spots. Stop and deal with any rubbing as soon as you feel it rather than pushing on. At camp, airing your feet and changing into dry socks helps them recover for the next day.
How heavy should women's hiking footwear be?
Lighter is easier on the legs over a long day, so choose the lightest footwear that still gives the support and protection your trip needs. A low hiking shoe might weigh well under a kilo a pair, while a supportive tramping boot will be heavier but carries a big pack more comfortably. Weight on your feet is felt more than weight in your pack, so do not over-buy boot for easy tracks.
Can I wear my hiking boots for river crossings?
You can, and on many New Zealand tracks you will have to. Waterproof boots keep you dry through shallow water but fill up once water goes over the cuff, and then take a long time to dry. On routes with lots of crossings, many trampers prefer non-waterproof boots or trail shoes that drain and dry quickly, worn with merino socks that stay warm when wet. Always cross with your boots on for grip and protection.
How do I lace hiking boots to stop my heel lifting?
A heel-lock or surgeon's knot is the simplest fix. Lace normally to the top of the instep, then wrap the laces around the lower hooks before the ankle so they lock tight, and finish lacing the cuff a little looser. This holds your heel down in the back of the boot without squeezing the top of your foot. It is especially useful on long descents, where a slipping heel causes blisters and bruised toes.
Why are some hiking boots stiffer than others?
Stiffness comes from the midsole and any shank built into it. A stiffer boot supports your foot on rough, rocky ground and under a heavy pack, and stops your feet tiring on uneven terrain. A flexible boot or shoe feels more natural and comfortable on formed tracks and day walks. Match stiffness to your trips: flexible for easy tracks, stiffer for multi-day tramps, scree and off-track routes.