Recommendations for hiker or trail runner

[CaliWoodsman]

I’ll be headed to New Zealand for vacation in a few weeks (sadly no hunting this time). I’m expecting we’ll do a fair bit of hiking in some areas that may be wet / muddy. I want to bring a pair of shoes for these situations so that I can keep my everyday sneakers from getting too dirty. Any recommendations for a lightweight, comfortable pair of hiking shoes or trail runners that could handle some light hiking as well as use around town? I’m really unfamiliar with trail runners so I’m not sure of their advantages over hiking shoes.

 

[LCguy]

Altra Lone Peaks

 

[CaliWoodsman]

Altra Lone Peaks

I thought that would be a common reply. For a guy that doesn’t wear zero-drop shoes, should I be concerned about making that switch? We’ll have our 6- and 4-year old daughters with us, so it’s not like we’re going to be doing any crazy intense hikes.

 

[LCguy]

If you don't like Zero drop, I like the Keen Hightrail vent shoes. I wear them as an everyday shoe because they are so dang comfortable.

 

[Paladin]

You might consider the Hoka Speedgoat. They have a goretex version if its going to be wet. I've put a ton of miles on several pairs over the years, both on and off road, and have been happy with them

 

[North of 60]

South Island or North Island? Reason for the question is we spent 3 weeks in a campervan on the South Island when our son graduated form high school...favorite trip of my life so far...I even prefer NZ to Alaska. You've already been there hunting it sounds like.

We did lots of hiking and i wore my Asolo Cactus light hikers (think very light leather hightop basketball shoes with vibram soles).

As far as trail runners, i would go to your nearest store (if possible and try some on to see what fits your feet). I prefer zero drop and for higher drop shoes the Hoka speedgoat or Salomon Speedcross are two i would look at.

If you are going to the South Island consider Roy's Peak and Isthmus Peak by Wanaka. Below is a pic off of Roy's Peak.

 

[LongWayAround]

I thought that would be a common reply. For a guy that doesn’t wear zero-drop shoes, should I be concerned about making that switch? We’ll have our 6- and 4-year old daughters with us, so it’s not like we’re going to be doing any crazy intense hikes.

If you're thinking about making the switch, just start wearing them doing normal daily stuff.

I think you would have a pretty a pretty easy break-in for walking around town and light hikes.

If you go run with zeros and haven't worn them before, you will be sore.

 

[kickemall]

Can’t go wrong with Brooks Cascadia.

 

[CaliWoodsman]

South Island or North Island? Reason for the question is we spent 3 weeks in a campervan on the South Island when our son graduated form high school...favorite trip of my life so far...I even prefer NZ to Alaska. You've already been there hunting it sounds like.

We did lots of hiking and i wore my Asolo Cactus light hikers (think very light leather hightop basketball shoes with vibram soles).

As far as trail runners, i would go to your nearest store (if possible and try some on to see what fits your feet). I prefer zero drop and for higher drop shoes the Hoka speedgoat or Salomon Speedcross are two i would look at.

If you are going to the South Island consider Roy's Peak and Isthmus Peak by Wanaka. Below is a pic off of Roy's Peak.

View attachment 937276

Both islands actually. Will spend about a week and a half on each. Never been, my reference to hunting was more about going there to hunt someday.

 

[North of 60]

Good for you! I can't speak to the North Island other than it being more populated.

Some of the many highlights of the South Island include Abel Tasman, Lake Matheson, Wanaka, Queenstown and Milford Sound.

Just beware, especially if in a campervan, that the roads are incredibly narrow and being of the UK, they drive on the wrong side of the road in kiwiland.

It is so beautiful there that it is quite difficult to take bad photographs (from someone who has sold his own photographs).