Hiking shoes in New Zealand

It's up to you. I did just fine with only cheap runners, but I prefer the minimalist/lightweight thing. Some people insist on clunky boots with ankle support, which I personally dislike.

Trails are generally well defined with packed down soil.

The Kepler track is in excellent condition. The track builders seem to have learnt from having built the Milford and Routeburn tracks and as a result the Kepler is really well drained and tends not to get so muddy. Be aware though tha the effect of this is that it's a hard surface throughout. But if you've used sandals before you should have no problem.

Sandals are supportive, where?

Their hiking sandals are much more heavy duty with good ankle support than ordinary street sandals. Apart from a piece at the back, they're almost a full shoe.

Sandals with ankle support?

Any sandal no matter how 'heavy duty' they are, by their very nature do not give any support to the ankle.

Hiya!

My Prada sandals with platinum toe stud inserts have sufficient ankle support. I've trekked up Mt. Victoria and all over the New Territories in them. You get what you pay for.

I am still trying to figure out how a sandal can support your ankle.

And yes, i do know that you get what you pay for thanks.

They're called ankle strap supports.

I hiked Tiger leaping Gorge in China in a good pair of sandals with good thick soles.The hike is very much up and down with most of the terrain either pebbles or dirt. My feet were well supported so didnt have a problem. Only dirty feet.