Oszea Tasman waterproof sneaker in black

Best Hiking and Trail Shoes in NZ and Australia (2026): From Day Walks to Multi-Day Tracks

Short answer: for most day walks and well-formed Great Walk tracks in New Zealand and Australia, a supportive low hiking shoe such as the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX or Merrell Moab 3 GTX is the easiest place to start. If you carry a heavy pack over rough, muddy ground for several days, step up to a mid boot like the Salomon Quest 5 GTX or Hoka Kaha 3 GTX. If you move fast and light in warm weather, a non-waterproof trail runner like the Hoka Speedgoat 7 or Altra Lone Peak 9+ dries quicker and runs cooler.

How we chose (and what we didn't do)

We have not wear-tested these shoes. This shortlist draws on independent lab-and-field reviews from OutdoorGearLab (hiking shoes guide updated 6 May 2026; hiking boots guide updated 3 June 2026) and GearJunkie (best hiking shoes guide, last updated 15 August 2025). We only included a model if we could also find it listed by a New Zealand or Australian retailer when we checked in October 2026. Stock and colourways change, so check before you buy. We have left out prices on purpose.

Boot vs hiking shoe vs trail runner

  • Hiking boots (mid or high cut) wrap the ankle, usually have stiffer soles and suit heavier packs, rough ground and multi-day tramps. They are heavier and often need breaking in.
  • Hiking shoes (low cut) keep a stable, grippy sole but drop the ankle collar. They suit day walks and lighter multi-day trips on formed tracks.
  • Trail runners are the lightest and most flexible. Many hikers love them on long trails, but they give less support and protection underfoot.

Comparison table

Model Type Best for Waterproof? Review source
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Hiking shoe Technical day walks, rocky tracks Yes (Gore-Tex) OutdoorGearLab
Merrell Moab 3 GTX Hiking shoe (also mid) Value, everyday day walks Yes (Gore-Tex) GearJunkie, OutdoorGearLab
Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX Hiking shoe Light waterproof day walks Yes (Gore-Tex) OutdoorGearLab
Hoka Speedgoat 7 Trail runner Fast, light, warm-weather trails No (standard version) OutdoorGearLab
Altra Lone Peak 9+ Trail runner Wide feet, long distances No (version we found in NZ) GearJunkie (Lone Peak 9)
Salomon Quest 5 GTX Mid boot Multi-day tramps, heavier packs Yes (Gore-Tex) OutdoorGearLab
Hoka Kaha 3 GTX Mid boot (also low) Comfort-first multi-day hiking Yes (Gore-Tex) OutdoorGearLab

The shortlist

Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX

OutdoorGearLab names it the best technical hiking shoe, praising its traction and stability for the weight. The trade-offs it notes: it runs a little narrow and short, and the Quicklace system is slower to adjust. Kathmandu NZ lists it with an All Terrain Contagrip outsole and Gore-Tex membrane. A mid version is also available.

Merrell Moab 3 GTX

GearJunkie rates the Moab 3 its best budget hiking shoe for value, traction and breathability, but notes it is somewhat heavy and needs a break-in. OutdoorGearLab's boots guide gives the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof its Best Buy award while flagging weaker off-trail traction. Macpac NZ sells the low Moab 3 GTX with a Gore-Tex membrane and Vibram TC5+ sole.

Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX

OutdoorGearLab calls this its best lightweight waterproof shoe: waterproof without much extra weight, with laces that snug down easily. It is less steady when side-hilling, and the softer outsole may wear faster. Kathmandu Australia lists it with a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane.

Hoka Speedgoat 7

A trail runner that OutdoorGearLab picks as its best ultralight option, with springy cushioning. Their tip: it fits about a half size small, so most people should size up. NZ running retailer Frontrunner Colombo lists it with a 5 mm drop and gaiter attachment points. It is our pick for fast summer day walks where dry-out time matters more than waterproofing.

Altra Lone Peak 9+

GearJunkie names the Lone Peak 9 its best zero-drop shoe for its wide toe box and durable upper, while warning that zero drop takes time to adjust to and support is modest. Macpac NZ sells the updated Lone Peak 9+ with a Vibram Megagrip outsole and a ripstop mesh upper. Good for wide feet and long distances on formed track; less so for heavy packs.

Salomon Quest 5 GTX

OutdoorGearLab's top pick for ankle support: very stable, with tall waterproofing. They also say it is overkill for casual walks, less agile, and runs warm. Macpac Australia describes it as a multi-day hiking boot with Salomon's 4D Advanced Chassis. This is the most "proper boot" on our list.

Hoka Kaha 3 GTX

OutdoorGearLab's overall winner among hiking boots, praised for comfort, build quality and support. The downsides they list: it is bulky for lots of off-track travel and takes longer to break in. In Australia, The Running Company lists the Kaha 3 Low GTX and advises sizing up half a size.

Waterproof membranes: when they help and when they hurt

A Gore-Tex or similar membrane keeps out rain, wet grass and shallow puddles, which is useful on cool, wet NZ tracks and southern Australian winter walks. The trade-off is heat and drying time. GearJunkie notes that waterproof shoes tend to run warmer and that "once wet, waterproof shoes usually take longer to fully dry". If water comes in over the top at a river crossing, a membrane can hold it in. In hot, humid conditions or on walks with lots of crossings, a breathable non-waterproof trail runner that drains and dries fast is often more comfortable. For more, see what a waterproof membrane actually is and whether waterproof shoes can breathe.

What NZ Great Walks and Australian tracks ask of your feet

The Department of Conservation's gear list for the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk calls for "tramping/hiking boots or firm footwear" that is "comfortable and well broken in", plus a waterproof, windproof jacket and overtrousers. NSW National Parks advises "comfortable, protective shoes" (no high heels or thongs) and warns that "weather conditions can change rapidly". Both point to the same idea: firm, grippy, well-worn-in footwear and proper rain gear, not new shoes on day one.

How to choose

  • Terrain: formed, gravelled tracks suit hiking shoes and trail runners. Roots, mud, scree and river crossings favour grippier soles and, with a pack, a mid boot.
  • Weather: cool and wet suits a membrane. Hot, humid or lots of crossings suits a fast-drying, non-waterproof shoe.
  • Pack weight: the heavier the pack and the longer the trip, the more support and stiffness you will want.
  • Fit: several reviewers say these models run small, so try them on late in the day with your hiking socks. Leave a thumb's width at the toe for downhills.
  • Break-in: wear new footwear on short walks before a multi-day trip, as DOC advises.

Easy coastal walks and rainy town days

Full disclosure: we make Oszea. Our Tasman sneakers use a four-layer ZEA-TEX waterproof construction made for rain, puddles and wet grass. They suit easy, well-formed paths, like a coastal boardwalk or a park loop, and wet everyday wear around town. They are not hiking boots or trail shoes. They are not built for full submersion, ankle support, heavy packs or multi-day tracks. For real tracks, pick one of the shoes above. If your walks are more beach path than backcountry, browse our Beach Strolls & Hikes collection.

FAQ

Do I need hiking boots for a NZ Great Walk?

DOC's gear list for Lake Waikaremoana says tramping or hiking boots or firm footwear, comfortable and well broken in. Many walkers use boots for the support with a multi-day pack, but sturdy hiking shoes can work on well-formed tracks if you are used to them.

Are trail runners OK for hiking in Australia?

For day walks on formed tracks, many hikers use them, and they dry fast in heat. They offer less support and protection than boots, so think twice with heavy packs or on rough, rocky ground.

Should my hiking shoes be waterproof?

In cool, wet conditions a membrane helps keep feet dry. In heat, humidity or deep crossings, a non-waterproof shoe that drains and dries quickly is often more comfortable.

How do I dry hiking shoes on a multi-day walk?

Take out the insoles, loosen the laces and let them air out away from direct high heat. Our guide on how to dry wet shoes covers the details.

Sources

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