Men's Hiking Footwear
Men's hiking boots and shoes built for New Zealand tracks, from lightweight trail shoes for fast day walks to supportive boots for multi-day tramps with a full pack. Our range features Salomon, On, Dolomite, Arc'teryx and more, with the grip, support and durability to match the terrain.
The main decision is boots versus shoes and how much support you need. Hiking boots have higher ankle support and stiffer soles for heavy loads and rough, steep ground; hiking and approach shoes are lighter and more agile for day walks and well-formed tracks. Waterproof membranes keep feet dry in the wet but breathe less in summer, so match that to your conditions. Prioritise a secure fit and reliable grip, and pair them with proper hiking socks to prevent blisters on the long days.
A hiking boot has to fit right or it will let you know on the descent, so come and get properly fitted at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about men's hiking footwear
Hiking boots or hiking shoes, which should I choose?
Choose boots for heavy packs, rough or steep terrain and multi-day tramps, where the higher cut and stiffer sole protect your ankles and feet under load. Choose hiking shoes or trail shoes for day walks, lighter loads and well-formed tracks, where the lower weight and greater agility are an advantage. Many experienced walkers own both and pick based on the trip rather than using one for everything.
Do I need waterproof hiking footwear in New Zealand?
It depends on when and where you walk. A waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry crossing damp ground and in the rain, which is welcome in cooler, wetter conditions. The trade-off is less breathability, so in hot summer tramping some people prefer non-waterproof shoes that drain and dry quickly, especially where river crossings mean your feet get soaked anyway. Match the footwear to your typical conditions.
How should hiking boots fit?
Snug through the heel and midfoot with no lift at the heel, and enough room at the toes that they do not jam on downhills, roughly a thumbnail of space. Try them on with hiking socks, later in the day, and walk a slope if you can. Your heel should stay locked in place while your toes have wiggle room. A boot that fits well is the single best defence against blisters and bruised toenails.
Do I need to break in hiking boots?
Modern lighter boots and hiking shoes need little breaking in, but stiffer leather boots still benefit from being worn on shorter walks before a big trip so the materials mould to your feet and you find any hot spots early. Never take brand-new stiff boots on a long tramp without wearing them first. Break them in gradually with the socks you will actually hike in.
What does the sole and lug pattern do on hiking footwear?
The outsole provides grip, and the lugs, the raised rubber knobs, bite into soft, loose and muddy ground. Deeper, more spaced lugs shed mud and grip rough terrain; shallower patterns suit hard-packed trails and give a smoother feel. A quality rubber compound also grips wet rock better. Match the aggressiveness of the tread to how rough and muddy your usual tracks are.
Can I use trail running shoes for tramping?
For day walks and fast, light missions on formed tracks, many people happily tramp in trail running shoes for the low weight and comfort. The limits show up under a heavy multi-day pack or on very rough, steep ground, where they offer less support and protection than a boot and wear out faster. Know the trip: light and fast, trail shoes shine; heavy and rugged, choose boots.
How do I stop my toes hurting on steep downhills?
Sore or bruised toes on descents almost always mean your foot is sliding forward. Make sure there is a thumbnail of room at the front, then lock your heel in with a heel-lock lacing technique so your foot cannot slide. Trimmed toenails, the right socks and boots that actually fit all help. If it keeps happening, the boots are likely too big or laced too loosely.
How do I care for and re-waterproof hiking boots?
Brush off mud after each trip, rinse if needed and let them dry naturally away from direct heat, which cracks materials and weakens glue. Leather boots benefit from occasional conditioning, and any waterproof boot can have its water-repellent finish topped up with a proofing product when water stops beading on the surface. Store them dry and loosely laced, and they will last many seasons.