Hiking Boots

About

The right hiking boot makes NZ's trails manageable — the wrong one will end your trip early. NZ terrain is technical: wet, rooted, rocky, and often unpredictable. Boots that perform well on dry European trails frequently fall short here. What matters is ankle support appropriate to the terrain, a waterproof membrane that holds up in sustained NZ rainfall, and a sole with enough grip for slippery roots and wet rock. Our boot range is led by La Sportiva — Italian-made footwear with a strong reputation in technical terrain — alongside Crispi , Asolo , and Salewa . These are the brands our staff actually wear on multi-day NZ trips. Boot Cut: Low, Mid, or High? Cut is the first decision. It determines ankle support, weight, and how the boot behaves on terrain: Low-cut: Lighter, faster, more natural foot movement. Best for well-formed tracks, trail running, and experienced trampers comfortable with less ankle support. Note: the Crispi Attiva Mid GTX is actually a low-cut boot despite its name — worth knowing before you buy. Mid-cut: The most versatile option for NZ tramping. Enough ankle support for uneven terrain and loaded packs without the weight or stiffness of a full high boot. The Crispi Futura CX, Valdres EVO, and Nevada Legend all sit here — these cover the majority of NZ tramping from the Great Walks to backcountry routes. High-cut: Maximum ankle support and stability for technical terrain, alpine routes, and heavy loads. The Crispi Titan GTX is a serious high-leg boot for demanding conditions — heavier, stiffer, and built for more than just well-formed tracks. Waterproofing: GTX and What It Means For NZ tramping, waterproofing isn't optional. A GORE-TEX (GTX) membrane provides genuine waterproofing with breathability — important when you're generating heat in wet conditions. Most boots in our range feature a GTX liner. Pair your boots with Nikwax footwear proof to maintain the DWR coating on the outer, and the GTX membrane will look after the rest. Hiking Boot B