These boots were made for walking. At Paddy Pallin, walking is a way of life. We’re passionate about hiking in the outdoors and know that good quality well fitting outdoor footwear is a must. Our range of men's footwear includes hiking shoes and boots, hiking sandals, rock climbing shoes, approach shoes, mountaineering boots, hut booties and comfortable travel shoes. Everyone's feet are different and our range caters for feet of all shapes sizes and preferences. Our experienced staff can help you find the perfect footwear for all your outdoor adventures.  

FAQ’s

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

At Paddy Pallin, we aim to cater for feet of all shapes and sizes. Our range of Scarpa hiking boots and shoes is extensive, and we also stock footwear from other leading brands. Including, The North Face, Merrell, Altra, Salomon, Teva and Arc’teryx.

Do I really need waterproof boots?

This question is a common one. Waterproof hiking boots for men can be greatly beneficial, but there are both pros and cons. The obvious advantage is that your feet will stay drier when used in wet or muddy conditions. However, adding a waterproof layer, usually, a membrane is sewn into the lining of the boot, will also reduce the breathability of the footwear. We generally recommend waterproof boots in most situations, except if the user is mostly going to be in a very hot and/or humid environment. Hiking boots that feature a waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX or FUTURELIGHT will ensure that your feet will remain dry even when its wet outside. 

How should my hiking boots fit? 

The rule of thumb (or in this case toes!) for fitting hiking footwear is to go up between a half one full size from your measured size. If you’re not sure what your measured size there’s no need to stress. All Paddy Pallin stores will have a Brannock device on hand in the footwear area, and the experienced staff can help to measure your feet. So basically you’ll want a little extra toe room (length) and enough width that your foot isn’t compressed inside the boot. Bear in mind that your feet will also swell a bit in hot weather, at a higher altitude and after you’ve been walking for a while. We recommend trying on boots in-store and if possible later in the day. Of course, the fit is important but so is comfort. If a shoe or boot does not feel comfortable straight away, it’s likely not the correct size or the right model for you. 

Will my new boots need to be worn in before my next trip?

Absolutely! After you buy new hiking footwear, it’s super important to spend some quality time wearing the new treads in before going on any long hikes or trips. Modern hiking boots and shoes don’t usually require a lot of wearing-in before they’re comfortable, however for most people, it still takes a few hours of use for both your feet to get used to the new shoe, and likewise for the shoe to bed-in a bit. For heavier leather hiking boots and mountaineering boots, expect a longer wear-in period to be required. 

What are the pros and cons of leather versus synthetic outdoor footwear?

Traditionally leather was the material of choice for hiking boots, for both the uppers but also in times gone by the sole. Today leather is still extensively used in the construction of hiking footwear. Known for its durability, weather resistance, comfort and style - Leather boots are an excellent choice. In recent years, synthetic options have become both more widely available, but also far better performing. There’s no clear-cut winner, but generally speaking: Leather will be heavier, more expensive and more durable. Whilst synthetic will be more cost-effective, lighter but not as tough in the long run. Synthetics can also be a good option for vegan hikers.  

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 care for my hiking shoes and boots? 

To ensure your outdoor footwear is long-lasting and performs as designed, it is important to look after it. Storing your footwear in a dry place out of direct sunlight is recommended. Likewise cleaning shoes and boots after use is important. We suggest hand-washing in a bucket or tub of cold to warm water (not scalding hot!) with a gentle detergent. For the best results, we suggest using the use of a specialised outdoor gear cleaner like Gear Aid Revivex shoe and boot cleaner. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry. After cleaning footwear you can also re-treat the uppers with various products to increase the water resistance and repel dirt, Paddy Pallin offers a range of products suitable for both leather and synthetic footwear. Check out our boot care guide to see how you can look after your hiking shoes and boots for years to come.

Does Paddy Pallin sell men's hiking sandals? 

As a proud Aussie company, we appreciate the freedom that comes with open-toes shoes. However, your bog-standard double-pluggers are not designed for extended walking. Rest assured, our range of men's sandals are durable, comfortable and supportive!  

Are rock climbing shoes meant to fit really tight?

Well no, but it’s not that simple. The ideal fit of climbing shoes will very much depend on a few factors. Firstly the type of climbing you're doing, your experience level, and preference. For new climbers, who are mostly climbing in the indoor gym or on easier routes outdoor - Look for a snug but not painful tight fit. Your foot should fill the entire shoe, with the toes sitting flat against the sole. Aim for snug rather than tight. For more experienced climbers, who are climbing higher grades routes, and standing on smaller holds - A tighter fit where your toes are curved downwards might be preferred. However, the style of shoe also has to mimic this. As you climb more and gain experience, you’ll come to learn what works best for you and your feet. To start to aim for comfort over performance, your toes will thank you for it! *Hot tip: Super tight rock climbing shoes won't make you a better climber. 

Are hiking boots necessary for easier day hikes?

For most people, a heavy-duty high-cut hiking boot is not going to be necessary for easier hikes and general walking. The extra support, grip and weight that comes with wearing a serious boot will be overkill. Boots are more suited to longer hikes and multi-day treks. Where you’re walking across uneven, rocky, muddy, loose and varied terrain. Likewise, a boot can help give added stability and support whilst wearing a pack. For shorter hikes, a good sturdy hiking shoe is a better choice, or if you’d like a little more support around the angles some mid-cut light hiking boots could be the ticket. 

Can I test out the footwear at Paddy Pallin before purchasing it?

You sure can! In fact, we always recommend trying on footwear before making a purchase. Even if you think you know the correct size, be sure to test out the shoes (on both feet!) and spend a little time walking around the store to make sure the size and fit are right. If you’d like to help with fitting or a second opinion, our experienced staff are always happy to help. 

Can I return footwear after I’ve made a purchase? 

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. They need to be clean, include all original packaging and be in as-new condition. You’ll also need to provide the original purchase receipt. If you’ve made a footwear purchase, we recommend wearing the shoes around at home for a little while, to make sure they’re definitely the right choice for you. Especially before taking the shoes outdoors on a grand adventure!