Wearing comfortable and appropriate footwear can have a huge impact on your enjoyment of time spent walking outdoors. We spend so much time standing up and walking, and it’s important to ensure through all this that our feet are well looked after. At Paddy Pallin, our range of quality hiking shoes for men are designed for comfort and support. With grippy soles, weather protection and durable construction, they are designed to stand up to all your travel and outdoor adventures. Our range features models from quality footwear brands including Scarpa, Merrell, Teva, The North Face, Salomon and Arc’teryx. 

FAQs

How important are waterproof shoes for men?

Nobody likes having wet feet whilst hiking. In order to keep your feet happy and dry, many hiking shoes are designed to be waterproof. If you plan to be walking in cooler climates - where cold, muddy and snowy conditions are likely - we'd always suggest going for a waterproof shoe option. However, one trade-off between men’s Gore-tex shoes, and those that use another waterproofing membrane, is that the Gore-tex will be less breathable. This increases the likelihood of the wearer getting sweaty feet in hot and humid conditions. For that reason, if you live or plan to walk often in hot, humid conditions, or tropical climates, we’d suggest opting for some non-waterproof outdoor shoes.    

Should I buy hiking shoes or hiking boots? 

This is very much a personal decision, and there is no wrong choice either way. Typically hiking shoes will be preferred by people undertaking day-hikes and over less rough or technical terrain. For those hiking with a heavy pack, for multiple days and over rough terrain, a more sturdy and supportive boot will be the weapon of choice. Most hikers will have both, shoes for some outings and boots for other adventures.   

What sizes of men’s outdoor shoes does Paddy Pallin stock?

To make sure we’ve got options for everyone covered, our range of men’s outdoor shoes is available in a wide size range. Most models are available from about a size EU 41 (US 8) up to a size EU 49. We also stock several unisex models which are available in even smaller sizes. Always bear in mind that shoe sizing is not consistent between the different brands and even models of the same brand. 

Am I able to try on shoes, and test them out in store?

Everyone has different feet, and thus shoes also come in many different sizes and shapes. We always recommend customers take the time to visit one of our Paddy Pallin stores and try on shoes whenever possible. Our experienced staff can take your size using a Brannock device and suggest some suitable models for you to try. Try and allow yourself a little extra time to test out the shoes in store, go for a wander around and make sure they’re just right. 

How should I size hiking shoes compared to everyday street shoes? 

Getting the correct size and fit for hiking footwear is important. Look for a comfortable and snug fit in the heel, with a little extra wriggle room in the toes. Typically people would wear between a half and full-size larger in outdoor shoes than street shoes. However sizing varies between brands, so we advise always choose the shoe that fits correctly, not sticking with what your ‘usual size’ is. 

How should I store my outdoor shoes? 

Outdoor footwear is designed to get dirty, muddy and wet, but it should never be stored that way. After hiking, make sure your shoes are clean and dry before putting them away. We’d suggest storing your outdoor footwear indoors, in a dry and well ventilated area, away from direct exposure to sunlight. 

Can I return shoes if they’re not quite right?

We understand that finding the ideal pair of outdoor shoes can be tricky. If you’ve purchased a new pair of shoes, we always suggest wearing them indoors at home for a little while before heading outdoors on an adventure. This will give you some extra time to decide that they’re definitely the shoes for you. We can accept refunds or exchanges for footwear, in accordance with our standard policy. But please keep in mind the shoes must be in as-new condition, returned with the original box, all packing materials and purchase receipt.

What are the advantages of outdoor shoes over regular trainers or running shoes? 

There are a few key differences between outdoor shoes and everyday trainers or running shoes. Hiking is an activity that generally involves walking outdoors on potentially rough, uneven, muddy, rocky and steep terrain. Outdoor shoes are designed for this; they are constructed to be grippy and have a far more aggressive tread pattern on the soles than non-hiking footwear. Likewise, outdoor shoes will generally offer more protection and support than general trainers, with added ankle support, reinforced soles and protection around the toes. They are typically well padded for prolonged days on your feet, and can also be waterproof.

Should I wear special socks with my hiking shoes? 

Hiking involves spending a long time in your shoes. To ensure your feet remain comfortable, it’s important to wear appropriate socks. This means choosing a sock made from materials that will wick moisture from your feel, such as merino wool and synthetics. Wet feet will lead to rubbing and blisters. Stay away from using your everyday cotton socks, as these will not wick effectively. Hiking socks also often have extra padding around the heel and toes. Paddy Pallin stocks a range of quality hiking socks to match your new shoes.