Hiking Shoes
Hiking shoes are lower-cut than traditional hiking boots — no ankle cuff, lighter weight, and more freedom of movement. They suit experienced trampers on well-formed tracks, day walkers who don't carry heavy packs, and anyone who finds high boots restrictive. At Dwights, our hiking shoe range covers technical trail shoes, approach shoes, and lightweight day walkers from La Sportiva, Salewa, Merrell, Crispi, and Asolo.
The Hiking Shoe Range at Dwights
- La Sportiva Hyper Gore-Tex: Technical waterproof trail shoe — aggressive outsole, GORE-TEX liner, suited to NZ off-track and technical terrain. The choice for experienced trampers moving fast on rough ground.
- La Sportiva TX4 Evo: Approach shoe — sticky FriXion rubber outsole, precise fit. For scrambling, approach hiking, and any mixed terrain between trail and rock.
- La Sportiva Boulder X / Boulder X Mid: Versatile trail shoe with Vibram outsole — the mid-cut version adds some ankle structure while keeping the weight down.
- La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX: Low-to-mid cut mountain shoe — GORE-TEX, Vibram Evo outsole, suited to demanding NZ trails.
- Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite (low-cut): Italian-made waterproof trail shoe with Vibram outsole — technical, precise fit, suited to experienced trampers on demanding terrain.
- Salewa Alp Trainer 2 (low-cut): Lighter and more agile than the Mountain Trainer — for faster-moving trampers and day walks on well-formed tracks.
- Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof: Reliable waterproof day walking shoe — M Select DRY membrane, Vibram TC5+ outsole. Available in regular and wide fit for mens and womens. A practical, approachable option for walkers upgrading from non-waterproof footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hiking shoes suitable for NZ tramping?
For day walks and Great Walks with light packs on well-formed tracks, yes — a quality hiking shoe provides sufficient support and protection. For multi-day tramping with a loaded pack on rough backcountry terrain, most trampers are better served by a mid-cut hiking boot with more ankle support and structure. The exception is experienced, fit trampers with strong ankles who prefer the lighter feel of a shoe — it's a valid choice on the right terrain. If you're new to tramping or carrying more than 12–15kg, start with a boot.
What's the difference between a hiking shoe and a trail running shoe?
Hiking shoes are built for load-bearing movement at walking pace — more durable uppers, stiffer soles, more substantial cushioning underfoot, and typically waterproof. Trail running shoes prioritise low weight and responsiveness for running — less durable, less waterproofing (which reduces breathability), and designed for unloaded forward movement. La Sportiva's trail running range (Bushido, Ultra Raptor, Prodigio) is in our trail runners collection. The TX4, Hyper, and Trango ranges in this collection are hiking-specific.
Which hiking shoe is best for wide feet?
The Merrell Moab 3 is available in wide fit — the most accessible wide-fit option in the range. Asolo boots are also known for a wider, more accommodating fit than most Italian brands. La Sportiva and Salewa tend to run narrow and precise — if you have wider feet, try them on before buying. If you're consistently finding hiking shoes too narrow, it may be worth considering Crispi or Asolo boots as alternatives — both offer more volume in their lasts.