At Paddy Pallin, our range of quality Womens outdoor shoes and boots will have you going places in comfort and style. Our selection of women's footwear includes hiking shoes and boots, outdoor sandals, mountaineering boots, hut booties, rock climbing shoes, approach shoes, and comfortable travel shoes. Everyone's feet are different and our range caters for feet of all shapes, sizes and preferences. Whilst our experienced staff can help you find the perfect footwear for all of your outdoor adventures.

FAQ’s

Which brands of Women's outdoor shoes and boots does Paddy Pallin sell?

To provide a varied and comprehensive range of footwear Paddy Pallin carries options from a selection of the leading brands including Scarpa, The North Face, Merrel, Hoka One One, Salomon, Teva, Rab and Arc’teryx

Do I need waterproof hiking footwear?

Whilst, Paddy Pallin carries a large selection of waterproof shoes for women, not all of our hiking footwear is waterproof. For many customers, wearing waterproof hiking footwear will be the recommended choice. When it comes to picking women's hiking boots, Australia alone has a huge variety of weather and conditions to cater for. Waterproof will likely be the choice for those in southern states, who will often encounter wet and/or muddy conditions. But it's worth noting that there are pros and cons to choosing waterproof footwear. The waterproof membrane, which often sewn into the lining of the boot, will limit the breathability than a boot. We usually suggest waterproof boots for most customers, unless the person will mostly be hiking in really hot and humid conditions. In that case, a non-waterproof boot will be a better option, allowing increased venting. Which in-turn keeps feet cooler, and less likely to sweat.

What type of boots will I need in the snow? 

Most sturdy hiking boots will be suitable for walking in the snow. Ideally choose boots that a high-cut, waterproof and have good chunky tread pattern for grip. Warmer boots with thicker padding will also help to keep your toes toasty, along with room to wear some thicker socks. If you’re headed to REALLY extreme (-20 celsius and below) temps for a prolonged visit, 

How should my hiking boots fit? 

Generally speaking, The rule of thumb (or in this case toes!) for fitting hiking footwear is to go up between a half one full size from your measured size. If you’re not sure what your measured size there’s no need to stress. All Paddy Pallin stores keep a Brannock device  in the footwear area, and the experienced staff can help to measure your feet. So basically you’ll want a little extra toe room (length) and enough width that your foot isn’t compressed inside the boot. Bear in mind that your feet will also swell a bit in hot weather, at a higher altitude and after you’ve been walking for a while. We recommend trying on boots in-store and if possible later in the day. Of course, the fit is important but so is comfort. If a shoes or boot does not feel comfortable straight away, it’s likely not the correct size or the right model for you. 

Does hiking footwear need to be worn in?

Always allow a little time to break-in new outdoor shoes and likely a little longer for boots. Broadly speaking, lightweight shoes will require the least time to wear in, whilst heavier leather boot and mountaineering boots will take the longest. Before you charge off for a week-long epic, we recommend taking all new hiking footwear on at least a few shorter walks. This is also the perfect time to experiment with different socks and lacing techniques. So when it’s time to head off on that next big hike, your boots will be totally dialled!  

What are the pros and cons of leather versus synthetic outdoor footwear?

Traditionally leather was the material of choice for hiking boots, for both the uppers but also in times gone by the sole. Today leather is still extensively used in the construction of hiking footwear. Known for its durability, weather resistance, comfort and style - Leather boots are an excellent choice. In recent years, synthetic options have become both more widely available, but also far better performing. There’s no clear-cut winner, but generally speaking: Leather will be heavier, more expensive and more durable. Whilst Synthetic will be more cost-effective, lighter and not as tough. Synthetics are also a good option for vegan hikers.  

Why is caring for my outdoor shoes so important?
Footwear is one of the most essential and important categories of outdoor gear you’ll buy. It’s often said that if your feet are hurting, it’s nearly impossible to enjoy a hike! Our feet are where we connect with the earth. Taking care of your men's hiking footwear is essential. Not only will your investment last longer, but your boot will perform better and be more comfortable.

How do I look after my outdoor footwear? 

The more TLC you give your hiking shoes, the longer they will keep performing as designed. Correct storage and care is a big part of this. Always try to keep your footwear in a dry place and away from direct sunlight. When they get grubby, it’s important to clean footwear. The safest option is some good ol’ fashioned hand-washing. Fill a bucket or tub with warm water (not scalding hot!) and scrub with a soft brush and gentle detergent. For the best results, we suggest using a specialised outdoor gear cleaner like Gear Aid Revivex shoe and boot cleaner. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry. After cleaning footwear you can also re-treat the uppers with various products to increase the water-resistance and repel dirt, Paddy Pallin offers a range of products suitable for both leather and synthetic footwear. 

Does Paddy Pallin sell women's outdoor sandals? 

Let your feet be free! Wearing sandals and open-toed footwear can be very freeing and comfortable, especially in warmer climates. We carry a range of comfortable, supportive and grippy sandals from Teva and Merrel.

Will I need boots for easy hiking and day walks?

For most people, a heavy-duty high-cut hiking boot is not going to be required for easier hikes and general walking. The extra support, grip and weight that comes with wearing a serious boot will be overkill. Boots are more suited to longer hikes and multi-day treks. Where you’re walking across uneven, rocky, muddy, loose and varied terrain. Likewise, a boot can help give added stability and support whilst wearing a pack. For shorter hikes, a good sturdy hiking shoe is a better choice, or if you’d like a little more support around the angles a mid-cut light hiking boot could be the ticket. 

Can try-on and test the footwear at Paddy Pallin?

Choosing the right style and size of outdoor footwear isn’t always an easy task. All Paddy Pallin stores have a dedicated footwear area, where we can measure your shoe size and suggest suitable models. Once you’ve narrowed down the options to a few likely candidates, wear them around the store for a while.

You sure can! In fact, we always recommend trying on footwear before making a purchase. Even if you think you know the correct size, be sure to test out the shoes (on both feet!) and spend a little time walking around the store to make sure the size and fit is right. If you’d like help with fitting or a second opinion, our experienced staff are always happy to help. 

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

After buying some new shoes or boots we recommend wearing then around indoors a home to make sure they’re the right choice. If something isn’t quite right, don’t stress, Paddy Pallin’s standard Returns and Refund Policy applies to footwear. So long as the shoes are in brand new condition - So that means they are clean and have not been worn outside, plus you still have the box and all original packaging. Keep your purchase receipt too, as we’ll need that to process a return.