recommended hiking boots for New zealand

They appear to be waterproof so I should think they will be fine, particularly as you are no doubt planning on doing the normal tourist tracks. IF you were bush-bashing off-track you might want something more robust, but otherwise if you find them comfortable wear them. I'm assuming you aren't planning on tramping above the snow line?

Also NZ has quite a number of camping shops - you could buy something different here if you wanted to.

Hi

I'm not familiar with the terrain you will be walking or the boot but I used Salomon Comet for my last trek and they are a step up in terms of ankle support and sole stiffness compared to the Vega.

The trek was in Nepal, Tumlingtar to EBC so needed to be suitable for a range of conditions, terrain and temperatures and they were well-suited to the job: supportive and stiff enough but still lightweight. A little warm at lower altitudes but that's likely to be the case with any membrane boot.

Fit is primary so if the Vegas fit well then the Comet should do too. If you need more stiffness then have a look at Salomons with 4D in the name.

scoodly

thank you both very much for the reply.

I have no plans on tramping above snow line, but I am planning a few traks considered harder than the great walks.

Hi,

It is fantastic that you are going to be doing so much hiking here in NZ. I am not personally familiar with these hiking boots but I had a quick look online and I would suggest you should invest in some boots with ankle support. We tell all those people doing our safari styled tours - which involve hiking tracks on uneven terrain and river crossings to all have boots with ankle support. It sounds like you have a great holiday planned and the last thing you want is to roll your ankle badly and not be able to complete the hikes you plan. Ankle support is really important when you are carrying a pack that will be 12+kgs, doing river crossings and travelling across scree slopes. You don't need expensive boots with a shank when you are not going above the snowline but do invest in some with ankle support.

Cheers,

Anne from Hiking New Zealand

The Vega is available in a mid-boot version (harder to find though) and I assumed that was what porkana meant...

scoodly

My boots are indeed the mid version, not as high as normal boots but higher than walking shoes.

I would definitely change them to something more robust, thanks again for the advice

Actually I disagree with #4 - for many years I played by that orthodoxy and wore higher boots when in rough country (usually off track - it was my job). But I always found it tiring and uncomfortable. One day I went with lower boots and the difference was magic. My ankles are strong- I've never had a strain - and I just don't need ankle support - I suspect I'm not unique. What you do need is a very solid sole that you know wont bend if you stand on a uneven surface, and thru which you won't feel the track. But ankle support is very much a personal thing.

If you go to Nepal you will see the porters carrying 50kg plus wearing sandshoes. I personally wouldn't because I need a rigid sole - but I do think plenty of people wear far too heavy and restricitng boots

It is a completely personal choice. Having used light and heavy boots I would go for light anytime I am below the snow-line, even carrying significant weight.

Edited by: Tryfan

Hi there, I've done some trekking in NZ - the Queen Charlotte track (fairly easy) and the Milford Track (more testing). I had brasher boots and I would describ them as medium boots - not too high but sturdy enough. I think your solomons sound sturdy enough but as another person suggests go into a good walking shop on arrival in NZ and seek advice there. They are likely to know the terrain.