Hey guys I'm headed on a hike in New Zealand and wanted to know the best place to get some good hiking boots.
Thanks.
Best Hiking Boots under $200
Comments
our son has had Salomon ones, that last 100's of km of hiking including PNG.
never gets blisters either - make sure you buy really good socks, not just kmart brand.
http://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/salomon-x-ultra-2-gtx-autoba… a touch over $200. thats what he gets every few years.This place is decent for prices too. also check Mountain Design, they might have specials (never my sons size though)
I've got the same Salomon shoes as PVA's son, but for women :) They're flexible but sturdy, and it's gore-tex which is a plus.
I think I got it for under $200 at Kathmandu during their sales.@juicedpixels: second vote for Merell Moabs. I have two pairs for around 4 years now - the most comfortable shoes I ever owned. Excellent soles with aggressive pattern. The only disadvantage: in very hot climate (like Aus summer) they are hot (but so are all other similar shoes) - for that I would recommend hiking sandals. This however is not relevant for NZ trip.
Not sure where opp is located specifically but I got an email for the grand opening of Wollongong Anaconda and they have the Merrell Maobs for 1/2 Price ($75).
in sydney
Wouldn't i need boots though in case of insects and sh*t?
just take lots of super strength DEET :) the sand flies are a bastard in NZ
BTW my partner and I both use Salomon X Ultra 2 shoes, I have wide and high feet and I find them super comfy straight out of the box. they have good grip on slippery rocks and in mud and are well ventilated. take some gaiters if youre planing to do walks outside of the great walks. I use oiled drizabone lawn mowing gaitors (from work gear shop) are great for keeping crap out of your shoes
Also non-goretex shoes will dry quicker, and both will get wet if you end up in a puddle over the shoes height.
Ive heard good things about waterproof socks if its wet, personally i find a coles bags over plain socks works just as well :)
To answer question As to where to get your shoes, go to a spot w a few outdoor shops so you can try them on for fit and find cheapest price.
Good luck and enjoy NZ
A mid-cut boot will probably serve you fine for most of what you'll get up to in NZ. Heck, a lot of trampers wear just trail shoes nowadays.
Something like the Merrell Moab Mid GTX or Hi Tec Altitude VI WP will serve you well.
Whereabouts will you be hiking?
~ Paul
Although these days I hike in trail runners which may not be suitable for NZ (snow) I will put another +1 for the Merrell Moab as I put 1300km hiking (plus normal use) on a pair of Moab GTX before I had any issues.
I prefer hiking shoes to hiking boots as they're lighter. I'd recommend Merrells since they're so tough and comfortable. You can get (non-gortex) Moabs for $199: http://www.merrellaustralia.com.au/moab-fst-burgundy-black-0…
Might be worth checking out Anaconda in store as sometimes they're on sale.