Places to Buy or Rent hiking Gear in Madeira
Where to Buy Hiking Shoes in Madeira & Outdoor Accessories
Looking for hiking shoes? These are your best options to buy hiking shoes and other hiking equipment in Madeira.
Shoe Store at Rua Fernão Ornelas, 20
As odd as it might sound, I don’t think this shop as a name. For years I thought it was Merrell, but they sell other brands as well. On Google Maps, it appears simply as ‘Shoe Store’. So, let’s run with it. Although they sell mostly Merrell (hence my confusion), they have other brands as well, but mostly focus on hiking shoes.
Bordão at Rua da Carreira, towards the entrance of the Arcadas de São Francisco
O Bordão is one of the best shops in Madeira for those who like to hike, trek or go on an adventure. I’m filling this under ‘shoes’ because they have a nice selection of sandals, sneakers and hiking boots from brands like Merrell and Salomon, but they have other equipment as well, like poles. The owners are very nice and hikers themselves, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
The store is not on Rua da Carreira; you need to go down a little road that leads to a small shopping gallery, Arcadas de São Francisco, more or less in front of ‘Restaurante Londres’. If you’re coming from the Municipal Garden, enter the Arcadas, cross the shopping gallery, and then turn left. By the way, this is also where Fala Fala, the best vegetarian restaurant on the island, is located.
Decathlon Connect, at Rua dos Ferreiros 70
Decathlon Connect is a small Decathlon store in the city centre, near the great Fábrica de Santo António (yes, you can smell the cookies from afar!), my favourite bakery Sésamo, and the historical Bazar do Povo. Despite being a small store, they always have hiking shoes, hats, cheap trekking poles, fleece jackets, rain jackets, and other equipment you may need.
If you have a car or are planning on staying long on the island, you can always go to the larger Decathlon near São Martinho (Azinhaga do Poço Barral 14). However, for a small, leisure visit, this one has got you covered. By the way, you can also find water shoes, swimming suits and other ocean gear at the store, which can come in handy if you only brought hiking equipment!
Geox, at the Plaza Shopping Centre
To be perfectly honest, I don’t think Geox shoes are as comfortable as Merrell’s, Salomon’s, or other brands we’ve mentioned. However, they usually have some waterproof shoes and we’re on an island, so I’ll try to give you as many options as I can. It’s on the ground floor of the Plaza Shopping Mall (which means the highest floor), next to Meo.
Sport Zone, several locations
Sport Zone is a Portuguese chain store (it belongs to the same group as the Continente supermarket) with some outdoor equipment. There are four shops in Madeira: one at the Plaza Shopping Centre, another one at Fórum Shopping Centre, another one at Madeira Shopping, and a fourth one in Cancela (in Caniço, outside of Funchal).
Where to Rent Camping and Hiking Equipment in Madeira
Casa Vento in Ribeira Brava rents all sorts of hiking equipment, including headlamps, backpacks, rain covers, child carriers. In terms of camping equipment, they have tents, trekking tents, sleeping bags, stoves, and everything else you might need to have a comfortable stay (as long as you’re authorised to camp!).
Madeira Camping also rents tents and other equipment that is then available for pick-up at Decathlon Connect. You can check their equipment here.