At Paddy Pallin, walking is a way of life. We’re passionate about hiking in the outdoors, and this is an activity that requires top quality shoes! The extensive range of footwear at Paddy Pallin includes hiking shoes and boots, hiking sandals, rock climbing shoes, approach shoes, mountaineering boots, hut booties and practical travel shoes. We appreciate that no two pairs of feet are the same, and our range caters to all sizes, shapes and preferences. All of our passionate in-store staff love walking too and can help find the perfect footwear for your next outdoor adventure. Be it trekking through the Himalayas, or walking along your local forest trails.  

FAQ’s

What brands of boots and outdoor shoes and does Paddy Pallin sell?

To provide a varied and comprehensive range of footwear Paddy Pallin carries options from a selection of the leading brands including Scarpa, The North Face, Merrell, Altra, Salomon, Teva, and Arc’teryx. Across these brands, we can cater for almost any shoe size, foot shape to find a solution that works for your needs.

Do Paddy Pallin stock sandals and non-enclosed outdoor shoes? 

You bet we do! At Paddy Pallin, we know that feeling the fresh breeze on your toes is magical, and our range of comfortable supportive hiking and travel sandals are here to help. We stock quality options from Teva and Merrell, for all your Summer outdoor adventures. 

Do I need waterproof trekking shoes?

Waterproof shoes have pros and cons. The first question we’d ask is where will they mostly be used? If it’s a really hot, humid climate - We’d likely recommend footwear that prioritises ventilation over waterproofing. On the other foot - If you're planning to visit a lot of cold, wet and muddy locations or the snow - A waterproof option would likely be preferable. To keep your feet dry but also those toes toasty warm. 

Do I need to break in my new outdoor shoes?

Yes, and trust us, you'll be glad you did! When you’ve just purchased some new boots, make sure to allow time to wear them in. Most good quality modern outdoor footwear will not require a long break-in period. Ideally, they’re comfortable out of the box and will only get better with some use. However, we still recommend taking your new hiking shoes for a few shorter walks before a bigger trip or a long hike. Keep in mind, if you’re prone to blisters this break-in period might take longer. Likewise, if your new boots are heavier leather model mountaineering boots, a longer wear-in period should be expected. 

Which is Better: Leather or synthetic trekking shoes?

In recent years, synthetic footwear options have become both more widely available, but also far better performing. Traditionally leather was always the material of choice for hiking footwear, for both the uppers but also in times gone by the soles. Today leather is still extensively used in the construction of hiking footwear. Leather is celebrated for durability, weather resistance, comfort and style. There’s no clear-cut winner, but generally speaking: Leather footwear will be heavier, pricier and tougher. On the other hand, synthetic footwear will be a little cheaper, weigh less and not as durable. Shoes constructed with Synthetic materials are also a good option for vegan outdoor enthusiasts.  

Will I need to buy special hiking socks to wear with my new boots?

In order to get the best performance from your new hiking shoes or boots, we always suggest investing in some quality socks to match. The most comfortable boots in the world can be let down by cheap socks. Socks designed for hiking and outdoor activities will be made from a blend of natural and/or synthetic fibres, and are designed to wick moisture away from the skin of your feet. In turn, keeping your feet dry and (hopefully!) blister-free. Likewise, outdoor socks should be snug but not too tight and offer to cushion in key areas. Paddy Pallin stocks a range of premium synthetic and wool socks from brands including Icebreaker, Smartwool, Lightfeet and Injinji. A great method is to try on your new boots with the socks you’ll be wearing them with! 

Why is caring for my outdoor shoes so important?

Footwear is one of the most essential and important categories of outdoor gear you’ll buy. It’s often said that if your feet are hurting, it’s nearly impossible to enjoy a hike! Our feet are where we connect with the earth. Taking care of your men's hiking footwear is essential. Not only will your investment last longer, but your boot will perform better and be more comfortable.

How do I look after hiking shoes and boots?

The best way to ensure your new hiking boots last a long time is to look after them. Make sure to store your footwear away from direct sunlight and in a dry place. Getting mud and dirt on hiking shoes is totally fine, but make sure you give them a good clean afterwards. Our preferred method is hand-washing in a tub or a bucket of warm water (not super hot) with a little gentle detergent and a soft-bristled brush. For the best results, we suggest the use of a specialised cleaning product such as Gear Aid Revivex shoe and boot cleaner. Once you’ve got all the dirt off, rinse with some freshwater and air-dry the footwear. You can also re-apply a DWR treatment to the uppers, which will further increase water resistance and repel dirt, Paddy Pallin offers a range of products suitable for both leather and synthetic footwear. 

Should I try on outdoor shoes before making a purchase?

Always! Whenever possible we recommend taking the time to try on and test out hiking footwear before making a purchase. Our friendly store staff can help find your size, suggest some options and check the shoes fit. Even if you’ve had that brand’s footwear before, not all models and styles will fit the same either. 

Will hiking boots be required for shorter hikes and easier walking? 

It’s often said that a pound on your feet is like two pounds on your back. Boots are almost always heavier than shoes - whilst The additional grip and support that hiking boots will provide is really going to be overkill for most people undertaking shorter hikes. For most walkers, a bigger sturdy boot will only have added benefits on longer treks, multi-day adventures and when you’re likely to be lugging a heavier backpack. Boots will be more secure and supportive if you walking across uneven, rocky, muddy, loose and varied terrain. But for most of us, quality and still sturdy hiking shoe is a better choice on less strenuous outings. A popular in-between option is a mid-cut boot, which will add support around the ankle without too much of a weight penalty. 

My new boots don’t fit - Can I return them? 

The standard Paddy Pallin Returns and Refund Policy extends to footwear. However, we can only accept a return if the shoes have not been worn outside. We also require the footwear to be clean, in as-new condition and include all of the original packaging. You’ll also need to provide the original purchase receipt. If you’ve made a footwear purchase, we recommend wearing the shoes around indoors at home for a little while to make sure they’re right for you. Then when you’re certain the new boots are right, of course, take them on some epic hikes!