Life is better in hiking boots. Fact. Well, we believe so anyway! At Paddy Pallin, we’re passionate about seeing people get out hiking in comfort. One of the most important factors in enjoying the great outdoors is wearing comfortable, practical footwear. We stock a large range of durable hiking boots from top brands including Scarpa, Salomon, Arc’teryx, Merrel, Hoka One One and The North Face. We have plenty of sizes, shapes and styles available to try-on instore.   

FAQs

What sizes of men's hiking boots does Paddy Pallin keep?

Feet come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Our range of hiking boots for men typically start at size EU 41 or 42 ( US 8 - 8.5) and go up to EU 50 in several models. We also have a couple of unisex boot models from Scarpa, the Terra GTX and the Stratos GTX,  which are available in size EU 38 right up to EU 50. 

How should my hiking boots fit?

Generally speaking a hiking boot should fit comfortably, be snug and supportive in the heel but with a bit of wriggle room in the toes. A good rule of thumb is to measure your feet and go one full size up from your measured size. If you’re not sure what your size is, all Paddy Pallin stores will have a Brannock device in the footwear area, and our knowledgeable staff can measure your feet. Keep in mind the various brands and models will vary a bit, so you may still need to go up or down a size from what’s been measured. Always go for a good walk around when trying on boots, and if possible find a downhill slope (like the ramps in our stores) so you can make sure your toes will have enough room in the front of the boots. 

Does Paddy Pallin sell men’s mountaineering boots?

Mountaineering and alpine climbing require specialised technical footwear. These boots will be warm, waterproof and very stiff. They will also be compatible with crampons. We stock several models of the Scarpa alpine boot range, including the technical Mont Blanc and Phantom Tech, along with the lighter Ribelle OD. Our heaviest leather trekking boot, the SL Active, is also a great option for winter trips that might involve occasion non-technical crampon use and glacial travel. 

Will I need to break in my new hiking boots?

All new boots will have some kind of break-in period. The boots need to be worn for at least a few hours so they can soften up a little and get used to the shape of your feet. Likewise, your feet need a bit of time to get acquainted with those new boots. Generally speaking, bigger, heavier boots will take longer to break in, with chunky full-leather boots taking the longest. We always suggest going on a few shorter walks before committing to new boots on an extended hike or trip. 

Are leather hiking boots better than synthetic boots?

Both traditional leather and modern synthetic alternatives are excellent choices for boot construction. Typically leather has been favoured for its durability, weather resistance and comfort, while synthetics generally offer a lighter and more cost-effective option. 

Can I re-waterproof my hiking boots?

A good way to increase the likelihood of your feet staying dry whilst hiking is to re-treat the uppers of your boots, especially if you’ve had them for a while. For Gore-tex boots or other waterproof membrane lined boots, treating the outer is still useful as the boots will take on less water and remain lighter. For leather boots without a waterproof liner, re-treating the uppers with a specialised product is vital to keep the boots waterproof. 

Which brands of men’s hiking boots does Paddy Pallin sell?

In order to offer a wide variety of different styles, shapes and sizes we stock several different brands of hiking boots. All our boots are from top quality manufacturers including Salomon, Hoka One One, Arc’teryx, Merrel and The North Face and Scarpa hiking boots.

What are the pros and cons of waterproof hiking boots?

Nobody likes to have wet feet whilst hiking. Waterproof boots are generally the best way to avoid soggy socks, but there are a couple of drawbacks to be aware of. If you’re mostly going to be hiking in super hot and humid conditions, such as the tropics, your feet might actually be happier in non-waterproof boots. This is because the lining that makes boots waterproof will also reduce how well the boots can breathe. That said, for most of us, a waterproof boot will be the better choice. They’ll keep your feet dry but also by extension warmer in cold, wet and snowy conditions. The only other drawback is that waterproof boots will generally cost a bit more than a non-waterproof equivalent. 

Do I need mid-cut or high-cut hiking boots? 

Mid-cut or high-cut refers to how high the boot extends around your ankle. High-cut boots will typically be stiffer and more supportive overall, which is great for those looking to do tough treks and carry heavy loads. By contrast, a mid-cut boot will typically be lighter and more flexible, offering more support than a hiking shoe but less than a high-cut boot. These are great for hikes on more formed trails, and when you’ll be carrying a lighter pack. 

How should I store hiking boots? 

After a hike, it’s normal for your boots to get muddy, but be careful to never put them away like that! Boots like to be stored clean and dry, away from harsh sunlight and in a well-ventilated area. It’s also not good to leave boots unused in storage for too long. If you’re not going to use them for a while, even just a quick walk around the house every couple of months will help. 

Do Paddy Pallin stock footwear care products and spare boot laces? 

Caring for your boots will ensure they give you many years of faithful service. We keep a selection of cleaning and waterproofing products for hiking boots, along with replacement boot laces.