Hiking Shoes & Boots Research
For casual day hikes on well-maintained NZ DOC tracks — short to moderate walks in wet, sometimes muddy conditions. Priorities: comfort from day one, waterproofing, good grip on wet surfaces.
Trail Runners vs Hiking Boots — Which for NZ?
For well-maintained tracks like the ones on this trip, both work. But for casual hikers who aren't used to either:
- Hiking boots (mid-cut): More stability, better ankle support, more forgiving of missteps on uneven ground — better if you're not used to hiking
- Trail runners: Lighter, dry faster, more comfortable if you're used to running shoes — better if you don't want to break in stiff boots
Recommendation for this trip: A lightweight waterproof hiking boot (mid-cut). The extra stability helps on wet/muddy Fiordland tracks and Arthur's Pass, and the enclosed design keeps mud out better than trail runners.
Note: In Fiordland's saturating rain, everything gets wet eventually. Synthetic uppers dry faster than leather — stick to synthetic.
Top Picks
Best Overall Comfort: Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX — $130–189
The most comfort-focused waterproof hiking boot available. Designed exactly for casual day hikers. Out-of-the-box comfort with a roomy toe box — ideal if you're not used to hiking boots.
Strengths: - Most comfortable waterproof boot at this price - Roomy toe box — not constricting if you're unused to boots - Excellent grip on shale/granite (common on NZ trails) - Gore-Tex waterproofing - Widely available; easy to find your size in NYC
Honest weaknesses: - Heaviest of the options below (1 lb/shoe) - Less nimble than lighter alternatives - Runs warm in mild weather
Best for: Your trip. Comfort over performance.
Best Lightweight Option: Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX — $150
Lighter and more agile than the Moab 3. Very comfortable straight out of the box, but slightly less plush. Popular among NZ trampers.
Strengths: - Lighter and faster-feeling than Moab 3 - Excellent traction (Contagrip mud-specialist rubber) - More nimble on varied terrain - Gore-Tex - Good value at $150
Honest weaknesses: - Less cushioned than Moab 3 — can feel firm underfoot - Runs slightly narrow — check fit carefully
Best for: If you want something lighter and don't mind slightly less cushion.
Premium Comfort: Hoka Kaha 3 GTX — $240
Maximum cushioning — "walking on marshmallows with grip." Double the industry-standard midsole thickness. Worth it if foot comfort is a concern.
Strengths: - Extraordinary comfort (rated highest of any boot tested) - 360-degree cushioning cradles foot - Rugged, durable build - Good grip - Gore-Tex
Honest weaknesses: - $240 — most expensive option - Heavier/bulkier due to cushioning - Overkill for casual day hikes
Best for: If budget isn't a concern and maximum comfort is the priority.
Budget Alternative: Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof — $180
Lighter than the Moab 3, with a roomy Keen toe box. Good all-around casual hiking shoe.
Strengths: - Much lighter than traditional hiking boots - Roomy toe box (Keen is known for wide fit) - Good for travel — versatile enough for walking towns too - KEEN.DRY waterproofing (comparable to Gore-Tex) - Fast break-in time
Honest weaknesses: - Lower ankle height = less stability on rocky terrain - Mesh upper less durable than Moab 3
What to Look For
| Feature | What Matters | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Gore-Tex or KEEN.DRY | Fiordland: 200+ rain days/year |
| Seam/gusset | Gusseted tongue | Keeps mud and water out |
| Traction | Contagrip (Salomon) or Vibram Megagrip | Both grip well on wet NZ rocks and mud |
| Ankle height | Mid-cut (not low) | Better stability on uneven terrain for casual hikers |
| Upper material | Synthetic (not leather) | Dries faster when saturated |
| Break-in time | Synthetic = 1–2 weeks | Buy early — broken-in boots are essential |
| Fit | Roomy toe box; heel doesn't slip | Blisters ruin trips |
Where to Buy in NYC
REI SoHo (Historic Puck Building, SoHo) is the best option: - Huge selection; try multiple models in one visit - Staff will measure your feet and have you walk up/down a small incline in-store - 90-day return policy
Also try: - Paragon Sports (Union Square) — multi-brand outdoor specialist - Dick's Sporting Goods — multiple NYC locations; carries Merrell and Salomon
Best strategy: Try at minimum the Merrell Moab 3, Salomon X Ultra 5, and Keen Targhee Apex side by side. Bring or buy hiking socks to wear during fitting — your sizing may differ from regular shoes.
How to Break In Before the Trip
Buy at least 3–4 weeks before March 20. Broken-in boots are non-negotiable — new stiff boots on day one of Fiordland = blisters.
4-week schedule: - Week 1: Wear around the house 15–30 min/day with hiking socks - Week 2: Short walks (15–30 min) on pavement and gravel - Week 3: Longer walks (30–60 min), mixed terrain - Week 4: A 2–3 mile walk with a light daypack
Blister prevention: - Always wear wool or synthetic hiking socks — not cotton - Apply moleskin at the first sign of a hot spot (apply to your foot, not the boot) - Keep a spare pair of socks in your daypack and change if feet get wet
If a boot feels wrong in the first 15 minutes — pinching, pressure — break-in won't fix it. Get the fit right in store.
On Running Gift Card ($150)
On Running makes waterproof hiking shoes, but they're not their strength. Their "Missiongrip" outsole is designed for smooth/hard-packed trails — reviewers consistently report it struggles on mud, slick rock, and anything technical. Their design philosophy is cushioned running comfort, not technical grip.
If you want to use the gift card:
| Model | Price | After Gift Card |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudwander WP | $180 | ~$30 out of pocket |
| Cloudrock Low WP | $180–200 | ~$30–50 out of pocket |
Cloudrock Low WP is the better of the two for NZ — it's a hiking-specific shoe with slightly more aggressive tread. Reviewers called it adequate on packed dirt and gravel, though not as grippy as Salomon or Merrell in mud.
Honest verdict: For the well-maintained parts of your trip (town walking, Queenstown, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo) On Running is perfectly fine. For Fiordland and the West Coast where it's genuinely muddy and wet, you'd be taking a real grip trade-off vs. the Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 5.
One option: Use the gift card toward the Cloudrock Low WP for daily wear and town walking, and accept it'll be less grippy on the muddiest sections. For two casual hikers doing maintained tracks (not off-trail), the grip difference is unlikely to cause a fall — just less confidence on the slippery bits.
Pack for the Trip
- Your broken-in waterproof boots (worn on the plane to save luggage space)
- Moleskin strips
- 3–4 pairs wool or synthetic hiking socks (Darn Tough or Smartwool are excellent)
- Light camp sandals or flip-flops for hut/accommodation evenings — giving feet a break after hiking is important