Buying hiking boots in NZ should be a mindful decision as it not only costs a significant value but also determines your comfort level in the outdoors. While engaging in any outdoor activities like hiking, camping, etc., your gear, clothing, and choice of footwear should be a top priority as wrong choices can make your trip miserable.

Let’s talk about hiking footwear. The available options in this category are plenty, ranging from regular hiking shoes to trail runners, and rigid boots. Generally, footwear is intended to provide comfort and good protection to the feet. Especially in the wilderness, wearing firm shoes is important to protect the feet from harsh terrain conditions.

Regardless of the terrain or climate conditions you plan to hike to, your choice of footwear should be functional and be able to respond to the changing environmental conditions. While trekking in the backcountry or woods, the last thing you’d want would be a stripped shoe or boot in the middle of the trail. Hence, it's important to consider all the basic factors before making a purchase.

Hiking boots are a popular choice that suits almost all kinds of weather and terrain conditions. Out of all other footwear choices, hiking boots assure the maximum protection possible. They are reliable, long-lasting, and stiff, protecting the feet against injuries like cuts, bruises, ankle twists, etc. For instance, hiking boots like the Crispi boots in NZ are durable, supportive, and lightweight, making them one of the perfect picks for single or multi-day backpacking trips.

If you are planning to buy hiking boots, here are some top factors that you should consider for a worthy purchase.

  • Fit

The benefits of buying shoes that fit well are many including protection from foot injuries, shock absorption, product longevity, proper stability & support, etc. Although hiking boots do not fit as tightly as fashion shoes, they should be a good fitting. Fit plays a critical role in the comfort and function of the shoes. So, make sure you know your feet measurements & structure well before buying.

  • Breathability

Boots are often associated with poor breathability and comfort. Fortunately, that’s not the case anymore. Unlike the conventional boots that failed to offer sufficient ventilation to the feet regions, the modern hiking boots in NZ are made of breathable materials that keep your feet ventilated whilst being dry. This also ensures that your feet are warm and comfortable in cold weather conditions and vice versa.

  • Weight

The weight of your hiking boots is another important concern that shouldn’t go neglected. Most backpackers and seasoned hikers prefer to buy lightweight hiking boots as wearing heavy boots involves greater oxygen consumption and energy loss. However, in many cases, slightly heavy-weight boots are preferred as they offer substantial ankle support and comfort while walking along the trail. Hence, the hiker must consider the weight of the boots before making a purchase.

  • Cushioning

As the name suggests, cushioning is the additional layer inside the shoes that enhances the shoe’s ability to absorb shocks. Quite often, brands use the terms ‘cushioning’ and ‘shock absorption’ interchangeably. Boots with good cushioning ratings are best for protection in harsh terrains as your feet are prone to getting sudden and frequent injuries. In the past, rubber was widely used as a cushioning material in shoes; however, now there are multiple other cushioning alternatives available in the market.

  • Durability

The durability of a hiking boot is entirely dependent on factors like material quality, manufacturing technology, duration of use, etc. Typically, boots with an upper layer made of leather are best for hiking on rough and rocky terrains as leather is less prone to abrasion damage. Leather boots in general are more durable and can withstand varied elements. And not to forget, besides having the best abrasion-free properties, the boots must come at an affordable price.

Final Note

Since each of our feet structure are unique and has special requirements, your choice of footwear should be a well-thought decision. Ideally, the perfect pair of hiking boots should offer a balance between breathability, cushioning, weight, and fit. Moreover, the boots should be able to offer adequate protection, support, and comfort. You can check out the best hiking boots collections on Dwights and shop for the best brands including Asolo and Crispi boots in NZ.