If you love trekking as much as I do, you are likely on the lookout for the best trekking shoes in India for your next trek. The shoes you pick directly and significantly impact your trekking experience, in terms of comfort, safety and enjoyment.
As a passionate trekker myself, I’m quite picky about the shoes I choose before heading to the mountains. These trekking shoes are highly comfortable, lightweight, either waterproof or water-resistant, have good grip, traction and ankle support.
To help out others who share the same passion for hiking and trekking but can’t find the best shoes for the purpose, I decided to check out several of these shoes personally. I have ranked and listed the top 10 trekking shoes below – which you’ll find useful.
10 Best Trekking Shoes In India (2022)
1. Quechua Snow Hiking Shoes SH520 – Best For Men
Product Highlights
Besides being popular among thousands of trekkers, this trekking shoe from Quechua is also one of my personal favourites, and you’ll soon see why. The depth and the strategic placement of the 5 mm-long studs offer ample traction on snow, which is very much desirable by every trekker.
Moving on to the comfort factor, this shoe once again shines in this aspect too. In regards to snow trekking, this trekking shoe can also help keep your feet warm. It offers comfortable temperatures at up to -5°C when you are resting and -14°C when on the move.
In addition to the studs underneath and comfort inside, the soles offer excellent grip too. Made using ‘Snowcontact technology’ with special materials and tread patterns, the soles can effectively bite into the snow. So, this one should be one of your top options if you usually go trekking on snowy terrains.
Apart from high comfortability in cold weather, the mid-height upper part of the shoe ensures a great fit as long as you choose the right size for your feet. The high-top upper also comes with two hooks for enhanced support.
The material of this shoe makes it waterproof, thereby keeping your feet dry. This is a very important factor to consider when purchasing a trekking shoe. Trekking for long hours in wet shoes is not only uncomfortable, but you might also catch a cold. Don’t worry, the waterproof membrane won’t leave your feet sweating with trapped humidity – it’s quite breathable.
I left it for the last since it’s quite obvious, but this shoe also looks quite nice with an attractive colour combination. The red, grey, and black colours contrast very well against each other. This, together with the shoe’s design, gives it a stylish appearance.
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What Is Best About Quechua SH520 Trekking Shoe?
Quechua SH520 is hands-down the best trekking shoe in India suitable for men. Especially if you’re more adventurous and love trekking on steep slopes and snowy terrains, the studs, sole and materials will prove to be of great help. This, along with the comfort level offered by this shoe, makes it a perfect choice for your trekking adventures. I wore this Quechua trekking shoe on my recent trek to Kashmir Great Lakes and found it value for money. If you are planning for a similar trek on rough terrains and snow, there is no better option.
2. Quechua SH100 Waterproof Trekking Shoe – Best For Women
Product Highlights
In case you’re looking for the best trekking shoes for women, you might love a pair of these shoes. It is designed with 3 mm studs for trekking on packed snow. While these studs enhance the grip on slippery trails, the material and the tread pattern of the sole ensure good traction.
Besides, the faux fur on the interior (around the ankles) is not only for aesthetic purposes but also offers a comfortable grip and helps keep the feet warm. This shoe offers decent warmth, with comfortable temperatures at 0°C when stationary and -11°C in when moving. However, the degree of comfort can vary for different trekkers.
Like the previous Quechua shoe for men, this women’s shoe also comes with a breathable and waterproof membrane, which helps to keep your feet dry both from sweat and water. The mid-height upper further adds to the comfort by ensuring a comfortable fit. Thanks to the eyelet on the instep, you’ll also find the shoe easy to tighten as needed.
Style, appearance and colour combination are important factors for female trekkers. The Quechua SH100 shoes meet such requirements and look great due to their stylish yet simple design. While most of it is black or grey, the pink stripe on the tongue of the shoe is a nice touch. Overall, this shoe offers a nice blend of style and functionality- making it a great option for women trekkers.
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What Is Best About Quechua SH100 Trekking Shoe?
Among all the shoes I checked out, I found this pair of shoes to be the best for women trekkers. It’s good in every aspect- TRACTION, GRIP, COMFORT, or DESIGN. It is highly recommended to ladies who are planning for a trek to cold weather regions with the possibility of snowfall.
3. Woodland Excursion Men’s Trekking Shoe
Product Highlights
If you are searching for the best trekking shoes for men but don’t quite like the first one from Quechua for some reason, you may consider this one. This pair of leather shoes come from Woodland, a brand well-known for quality and stylish shoes.
Unlike most shoes from Woodland, this one isn’t very heavy. You’d want to carry the least load possible when going on a trek, and even small weight differences can add up to a big one.
The anti-skid sole under this trekking shoe enhances grip on mud and water. It works well on every terrain type, be it gravel, boulders, or snow. This is a good option if you need a versatile pair of shoes suitable for all your treks. These shoes also do quite well in the rain, though you should take necessary measures to prevent water damage to the leather.
Not only are these shoes stylish, but their rugged looks also complement their purpose very well. For those who love showing off their adventurous mindset through their fashion choices, this is a nice perk. I also found the shoes to be fairly comfortable to wear, with metal fittings on top to protect your feet from the pressure of the lace.
However, it is mild water-resistant and is not recommended for monsoon treks. It is the best choice for trekking in dry cold weather. Overall, this is a good choice for treks like Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh or similar ones.
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What Is Best About Woodland Excursion Trekking Shoe?
Evidently, there are plenty of reasons to choose this product. This shoe is a good option for every man in terms of quality, comfort, affordability, design and ease of use. Especially if you don’t have a big budget and want to buy trekking shoes for around ₹3000, go for it.
4. Columbia Women’s Trekking and Hiking Shoes
Product Highlights
This is the second most preferable trekking shoe for women I evaluated among all options. The other women’s trekking shoe I listed earlier is great, but some might find its looks to be a little too mundane. If you’d prefer more stylish and robust-looking trekking shoes, consider getting this one.
A quick look at the picture above shows you what I am talking about. Undoubtedly, the manufacturer has put a lot of work into coming up with the design, for even the laces are stylized with dots.
It also offers amazing performance on difficult terrains. If you often end up trekking to the Himalayas, you are going to love this one. The design of the sole ensures an amazing grip on mud, reducing the risks of an accident due to slipping.
The level of comfort offered by this pair of shoes left me quite impressed too. With well-cushioned interiors and the right size, the boots will enable you to keep trekking for long distances without any pain or discomfort. The only downside of these shoes is that although they are waterproof, the waterproofing performance isn’t that great for trekking in rain.
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What Is Best About Columbia Women’s Trekking Shoes?
If you are having a hard time finding trekking shoes for women that offer a bold look, this pair is your best choice. Of course, only as long as you don’t mind the expensive price tag. However, it is worth the money for its eye-catching design, durable material, and comfort.
5. Quechua Men’s Hiking Shoe MH500
Product Highlights
In case you’re a professional hiker or go on treks on a regular basis, this is one of your best picks. It comes with several great features to ensure maximum comfort and an amazing trekking experience. If you are to take on challenging terrains, this is the kind of shoe you need.
Quecha has incorporated an anatomic design following the EVOFIT concept. This ensures a flawless fit, with the shoe adapting to the width of the front part of the shoe. Additionally, the straps and the hooks in the lacing ensure uniform tightening.
While you can wear it for shorter treks, this shoe is also ideal for long treks like Gaumukh Tapovan Trek and Roopkund Trek, thanks to its ample cushioning. The EVA cushion at the bottom of the shoe is sufficiently thick, offering protection from the ground.
The manufacturer has adjusted the cushion density under the heel, making it more comfortable to wear. Weighing only 475 grams at size 9, this shoe also turned out to be extremely lightweight. Besides, the shoe also has strong rubber guards at the front and the back for impact protection too.
Another thing I love about this shoe is that it has been designed to handle harsh mountainous terrains with ease. The non-slip rubber outsole already offers excellent grip, which the 5 mm studs enhance even further. If you love trekking on thick snow, this is one of the best waterproof trekking shoes you could get.
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What Is Best About Quechua MH500 Trekking Shoe?
Quechua MH500 is indeed a great choice for those seeking trekking shoes in India. Although a little pricey, it’s absolutely value for money. After all, it’s always worth investing in a good pair of shoes that will enable you to trek comfortably for long periods of time. If you love the perks this shoe offers, feel free to get a pair.
6. Columbia Redmond V2 Mid WP Men’s Hiking Shoes
Product Highlights
As you might notice, the construction and design of this shoe look somewhat similar to the other one from the same brand listed previously. However, unlike the previous shoe for women, it is made for men. The colour combination is perfect for people who love dark shades. Besides, for the same reason, dirt on your shoes will be less noticeable.
This shoe features a lightweight midsole that offers responsive cushioning, enhancing the trekker’s comfort and reducing trekking fatigue. Besides, the non-marking rubber outsole of the shoe adapts to the terrain, which means you can trek over rocky surfaces with relative ease.
Coming to the upper of the shoe, it includes a triple-layered and seam-sealed membrane that’s both waterproof and breathable. So, neither will you have to worry about water seeping in when it rains, nor would the shoe make your feet sweat throughout the trek. Overall, this shoe is quite good for trekking to places like Sandakphu in West Bengal and Kheerganga in Himachal Pradesh.
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What Is Best About Columbia Men’s Trekking Shoe?
This shoe is a good choice for trekking in general, with the comfortable interiors helping you trek and hike for long periods of time. The waterproofing makes it particularly well-suited for trekking on mud and other wet surfaces. As long as you are not trekking on snow, it is a good option to check out.
7. Wildcraft Volga Trekking Shoes
Product Highlights
For those who love to trek in style, this might be the best pair of trekking shoes at a budget-friendly price. The stylish and modern design makes it quite fashionable. Despite the detailed designs in grey, white, and red on black, the shoe doesn’t look unnecessarily funky in any way.
I personally loved this design a lot, not only because it looks good but also because it would go well with almost any outfit. Besides, it comes from a reputed brand like Wildcraft – which means you need not worry about quality issues either.
The textured and patterned outsole underneath this shoe offers a good grip on most terrains. If you go trekking on muddy slopes often, this shoe will prove to be a good purchase. Made of synthetic leather, it’s quite tough, durable, and comfortable to wear.
The footbed is heavily cushioned to reduce fatigue and prevent pain from trekking on rough terrains, while the round-toe design ensures your toes won’t hurt. It is particularly suitable for short treks like double decker living root bridge trek in Meghalaya and Triund trek in Himachal Pradesh.
This trendy shoe is a particularly good option if you need a shoe that’s good both for trekking and regular use. You may have noticed that its shape and design style is very different from the other trekking shoes I reviewed. This is because Wildcraft has struck a nice balance between sneakers and hiking boots with it, coming up with a shoe that can serve both purposes.
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What Is Best About Wildcraft Volga Trekking Shoe?
Go for this one if you seek a stylish and versatile trekking shoe for a price under ₹2000. Its unique looks and comfortable interiors make it a great choice, especially if you consider the pricing. However, if you go trekking on snowy peaks often, there are better options for you.
8. Quechua SH100 ULTRA Snow Hiking Warm & Waterproof Shoes
Product Highlights
If you’re not a hardcore trekker but loves go hiking or trekking on snowy trails occasionally, you will like this shoe. This pair is quite good at keeping the feet warm in sub-zero temperatures. In fact, it can maintain comfortable temperatures even at -11°C when stationary. When on the move, this extends further to -20°C. This solves one of the biggest challenges of trekking in the snow.
The shoe comes with 3 mm crampons underneath to provide grip and traction on snow trekking like on Gaumukh-Tapovan or Kedarkantha trek. Together with the ‘Snowcontact’ technology used in the sole, these studs would help you trek over slippery surfaces with ease. As with the other snow hiking boots I checked out from this brand, the tread pattern is perfect for optimum traction too.
Nobody loves trekking in wet shoes, especially in cold temperatures. But the waterproof material used in this shoe does a great job of keeping out moisture. Besides, the material is also quite breathable and will keep your feet from sweating. I found it to be a good waterproof trekking shoe, which is quite comfortable to wear, with the eyelet on the instep making the laces easy to tighten.
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What Is Best About This Trekking Shoe?
This shoe is indeed a good choice for those who love trekking on snowy terrains. The warmth, the excellent grip, the comfortability– they all add up to make this pair of trekking boots perfect for the purpose. The pricing is relatively affordable too, which makes this shoe a good option if you liked other shoes above but found them to be too expensive. Get it on Myntra or Decathlon.
9. Woodland Men’s Leather Ankle Trekking Shoe
Product Highlights
Do you prefer a pair of elegant leather boots instead? This one might be exactly what you are looking for. I came across it during my research on the best trekking shoes in India and decided to test it out. Well, it surely didn’t disappoint.
The quality was top-notch, as one would expect from Woodland. This brand has quite a good reputation for its leather shoes, and this shoe shows exactly why. The colour combination looks quite good, with the light brown and the black contrasting well and offering a neat look.
The durability of the leather makes this shoe a good choice for individuals who go trekking often. I’m pretty sure it can withstand frequent usage without much trouble. The manufacturer also offers a 90-day warranty period against manufacturing defects. If you’re usually sceptical about purchasing expensive shoes online, this should reassure you.
This shoe is fairly comfortable to wear, with plenty of cushioning all over. One thing that I particularly loved about this boot is that it comes with specially designed metal buckles for the laces. These buckles would allow you to tighten the laces as much as needed without hurting your feet.
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What Is Best About Woodland’s Leather Trekking Shoe?
You should consider getting this shoe if you prefer leather shoes and don’t mind the weight. Considering the design, quality and comfort, it’s surely worth the price. If you are looking for the best budget trekking shoe in India, it would be a good choice.
10. Wildcraft Men’s Leather Trekking & Hiking Shoes
Product Highlights
Like the Wildcraft Volga Trekking Shoes I reviewed earlier, this one stands out due to its stylish design too. Although it’s not ideal for trekking on snow, it can handle tropical terrains very well. If you go summer trekking for less than a week, you may consider getting this one. Besides trekking, this shoe is also perfect for casual or occasional use.
The dustproof mesh upper comes with TPU protection and PU coverage that ensure high durability. The moulded insocks and the well-cushioned midsole add to the comfort level. As for grip and traction, the shoe has a slip-resistant rubber outsole with 2.5 mm lugs to bite into the ground.
Furthermore, ankle support isn’t a problem either, thanks to the high ankle length and the plush collar. Needless to say, comfort isn’t an issue with this shoe. It’s particularly good at shock absorption, which reduces the chances of accidentally hurting your feet while trekking.
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What Is Best About Wildcraft’s Trekking & Hiking Shoe?
The high level of comfort is one of the biggest reasons to buy this shoe. As long as snow trekking isn’t a priority for you or you are not going to trek in the monsoon, this one is a good choice. You may choose it if you have been on the lookout for a pair of fashionable and stylish trekking shoes.
Types of Trekking Shoes Available in India
There are mainly the following four types of shoes for trekking and hiking.
1. Shoes for Trekking only
These types of shoes are solely for trekking purposes. If you are going on a trek for weeks on the rough, uneven terrains of the mountain, you need proper trekking shoes. They can accommodate crampons and are best for ankle support. Trekking shoes are ideal for snowy terrains and are weatherproof. This kind of shoe is needed in most trekking destinations in India.
2. Shoes for Hiking only
Hikes are short one-day or night walk on roads that are not so rough. For this purpose, you do not need trekking shoes. Hiking shoes will do well. These are better when you are not carrying much weight. They do not give as much ankle support as trekking shoes.
3. Shoes for both Trekking & Hiking
These types of shoes can be used for both trekking and hiking simultaneously. The features of these types of shoes are a combination of hiking shoes and trekking shoes. Though the price of these shoes is a bit high, by using one of such shoes, you can go both trekking and hiking.
4. Expedition Boots
These are the most upgraded version of trekking shoes and are meant for high-altitude treks. Suppose you are going to mount Everest; in that case, you need expedition boots. They come with proper safety guards and hardiness to protect your feet. Your legs will feel less fatigued in these boots. You don’t need expedition boots for regular treks.
Here is a comparative study of shoes for trekking, hiking and mountaineering:
| Trekking Shoes | Hiking Shoes | Expedition Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Trekking boots are a must when you are carrying a backpack for a long time. | Hiking shoes are used when you need support but not carrying heavy weight. | Expedition boots are needed when you are trekking on a mountain of great height. |
| Trekking shoes are the upgraded version of hiking shoes. | Hiking shoes are not as upgraded as trekking shoes. | Expedition boots are more upgraded than trekking shoes and hiking shoes. |
| Trekking shoes are for multi-day walks. | Hiking shoes are for a one-day walk. | Expedition boots are for high-altitude walks for multiple days. |
Trekking Shoes Suitable for Men, Women & Children
Trekking shoes come in various styles, patterns, sizes, and designs suitable for men and women. Here you will know about the selection factors of shoes and recommendations for men and women.
Trekking Shoes for Men
Most of the trekking shoe brands are specialized in making shoes for men. The basic requirements for men’s trekking shoes are:
- Large in-step and heel.
- Proper ankle support is required to prevent injury.
- Hardy sole to trek on the terrains of the mountain.
- Waterproof or water-resistant material.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Comfortable to wear.
Best Brands for Men’s Trekking Shoes
Some preferred brands for men’s trekking shoes are Quechua, Woodland, Colombia, Wildcraft, Adidas, Woodland, and Puma. Most men’s trekking shoes are lightly cushioned to reduce the pain in the feet. Another speciality is that they are in colours like khaki, brown, olive, or black mostly.
Trekking Shoes for Women
The basic requirements of women’s trekking shoes are the same as male trekking shoes.
- Trekking shoes for women must be snug-fit with a great comfort level.
- Slimmer design and lighter weight are other important properties of women’s trekking shoes.
- Great traction and grip on rough terrains are another requirements.
- Like men’s trekking shoes, they must be weatherproof or water-resistant.
- Other basic needs are hardiness, long-lasting, and lightweight.
Best Brands for Women’s Trekking Shoes
The preferred brands for women’s trekking shoes are Quechua, Columbia and Salewa. Women trekkers seek trekking shoes that are highly comfortable and fit well. Their ankles are more likely to get injured. So women’s trekking shoes come with better safety measurements.
Trekking Shoes For Children
Apart from adults, even today’s kids and teenagers love hiking and trekking a lot. I see lots of parents encourage their kids to trek. It is very important to provide them with proper trekking shoes.
Kids are most tender. Their trekking shoes must be very comfortable, waterproof and breathable. They should be easy to put on and put off. They must be lightweight and blister-free.
The top trekking shoe brands for kids and teenagers are Adidas, Quechua, Merrell, etc. Keeping the comfort level of the kids in mind, these shoes are blister-free and lightweight.
How To Choose The Best Trekking Shoe For Your Next Trip?
Choosing the best trekking shoes in India can indeed be a daunting task. Even picking the ten, I reviewed above proved to be quite a challenge due to the sheer number of good options out there. If you’re new to buying trekking shoes and need help with what to look for, the following section should be of help. Here are the key criteria that your trekking shoe must meet:
Snug Fitting
This is obviously one of the first things to check when buying any shoe – IT MUST FIT YOU WELL. However, finding the right fit is especially crucial when it comes to trekking shoes. Trekking in an oversized pair of shoes is dangerous and can cause you problems walking. On the other hand, wearing tight shoes during a trek can prove to be a painful ordeal.
A snug fit is what you should ideally go for. Also, keep in mind that your trekking shoe needs to be a size larger than your regular shoes. This is to avoid suffering shoe bites as a result of the feet rubbing against the shoe wall constantly. Besides, it also leaves enough space for thicker socks when you go trekking on snowy slopes.
Here is a size chart for trekking shoes according to Indian, US and UK standards.
| IND | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 |
| 7 | 7 | 8 |
| 8 | 8 | 9 |
| 9 | 9 | 10 |
| 10 | 10 | 11 |
| 11 | 11 | 12 |
| 12 | 12 | 13 |
Sole Hardness And Flexibility
Shoes with harder soles are more durable and, therefore, better for trekking. However, it’s important to note that traction and comfort are far more important factors to consider. A hard sole cannot adapt to rugged terrains, but soft and flexible soles can. This not only ensures better footing but also allows you to trek more comfortably. This is why it’s crucial to make sure your trekking shoes have flexible soles.
Simply tapping the sole of a shoe with a key or any other metallic object can give you an idea of its hardness. Soft soles make a dull noise by cushioning the impact, whereas hard soles create a sharp noise.
Ankle Support
This is an aspect that buyers unaware of the necessary features often ignore. Here’s the thing – no matter how comfortable and well-cushioned a shoe is, your ankle is prone to get hurt from twisting. A twisted ankle can cause ruin your trekking plans and force you to return home early. What’s worse, is that your ankle is much more vulnerable to twisting when trekking on rough terrains.
Shoes with good ankle support can prevent this from happening. When trekking over long distances, it’s only normal for your feet to get bruised or ache from the fatigue. To prevent this, most trekking shoes come with plenty of cushioning with shock-absorbing ability on the inside. The cushions provide the feet with the necessary support, thus delivering a more comfortable trekking experience.
This is why the best trekking shoes for the Himalayas are the ones with high ankle length and adequate cushioning around them. In addition to significantly reducing the risk of getting a twisted ankle, this feature also facilitates a more comfortable trek.
Grip And Traction
A shoe isn’t suitable for trekking unless it offers adequate grip and traction. When trekking on slippery terrains like snow and mud, the grip offered by regular under soles is far from enough. Besides the fact that losing your footing during a trek can be disastrous, it can also slow you down by forcing you to step more carefully. This is why you need to pick a pair of shoes that offers ample grip.
Generally, trekking shoes have much deeper grooves and tread patterns than regular shoes. A shoe with a higher groove depth can bite into the terrain much more effectively. As you noticed in the above list of top 10 trekking shoes, several of them have 2.5 mm to 5 mm spurs underneath. These spurs further enhance traction and are especially helpful when trekking on snow.
The Sole Material
The midsole and the outsole materials are important for the durability and hardiness of your trekking shoes. EVA foam midsoles are much more durable than the others. Some of the trekking shoes may have midsoles and outsoles made of low-quality rubber. These types of midsole and outsoles may not last long.
Heel Height
The heel height of trekking shoes is a matter of personal choice. If the heel height is more than 0.05 inches, it would be difficult to walk. Some may even slip off. Moderate heel height is required for trekking comfortably in the mountains.
Water-resistance
Just like camping tents, another important aspect of evaluating a trekking shoe’s performance is its ability to keep out water and moisture. You’d want to avoid getting water in your trekking shoes at all costs.
In addition to the discomfort of trekking in wet shoes, your feet may also develop shoe bites or calluses if they remain wet for too long. Unfortunately, there are high chances of getting your shoes wet from rain, snow, or when crossing streams and puddles.
Get a pair of water-resistant or waterproof shoes to keep your feet dry. The best quality trekking shoes can even allow you to walk through shallow water bodies without wetting your feet. In this regard, keep in mind that you shouldn’t compromise on breathability for the sake of water resistance. Unless the waterproofing layer allows air to pass, it won’t take you long for your feet to get sweaty and smelly.
Water resistance is not only vital for trekking shoes, but it also applies to your rucksack. I highly recommend carrying a water-resistant rucksack with adequate rain cover during trekking.
Warmth And Comfort
Planning to go on winter treks? This is a criterion that your trekking shoes must meet without fail.
When trekking on snowy terrains at sub-zero temperatures, your thick socks aren’t enough. You need something more, and this is where your trekking boots can help. Several of the trekking shoes listed above can keep your feet warm even at temperatures lower than -10°C. Besides shoes, warm trekking jackets and cold-weather sleeping bags are also essential for cold-weather trekking.
Value For Money
The price of a shoe is likely one of the first things you’d check out. However, what you actually need to consider is its value for money. Pricier doesn’t always mean better, and low cost doesn’t always ensure good value for money. When comparing two shoes of different prices, check if the more expensive one comes with additional perks that make it worth the extra cost.
Check more tips by Trek the Himalayas in the following video:
Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking Shoes
If you’re wearing hiking shoes for the first time, tying them might seem a little tricky. Here’s a quick guide on how to go about it:
1. Place your heel at the back of the shoe by tapping the back of the heel on the ground after putting it on.
2. You need to begin tightening the laces from the bottom, rather than just pulling the ends of the laces. You need to proceed ring by ring and work your way to the upper ones. Be careful not to tighten it too much, as that might cut off blood circulation.
3. Now, separate the lacing on the lower and upper parts by tying a simple knot on the instep. This helps adapt the shoe to the shape of your foot. Some shoes also have a special lock designed for this purpose.
4. Finish by tying the final knot. It should be similar to a classic shoe knot, but before pulling the two loops, pass one of them through the knot. This prevents the knot from untightening by itself.
Once you have practised this a couple of times, it won’t seem hard at all.
Although you can trek wearing running shoes, I’d highly advise against it. Running shoes aren’t suitable for trekking, and can cause a number of problems:
1. Designed for flat terrains like roads, cement, or mud roads at most, these shoes have very shallow grooves and don’t offer adequate grip. This is quite the opposite of what a trekking shoe should have.
2. You might twist or sprain your ankles more often if you trek wearing running shoes. This is because these shoes end just below the ankles to offer more flexibility, and as a result, don’t provide ankle support.
3. Trekking shoes are specifically designed to withstand rugged terrains while carrying the weight of your body and your heavy rucksack. However, running shoes lack such strong soles and may get damaged easily. If you’re going on a trek soon, it’s best to invest in a pair of good trekking shoes.
Although trekking is obviously the key purpose of trekking shoes, you may also use them for walking on plain terrain or city streets. In fact, the ankle support and comfort offered by trekking shoes make them perfect for long walks.
Your shoes can get quite dirty after a trek, with mud and dirt clogging the grooves underneath the sole. Just follow these steps to clean them:
1. First, bang the soles against each other to shake off the loose dirt.
2. Soak a sponge or an old toothbrush in lukewarm water and use it to clean the exterior of the shoe. It should take care of the dirt and mud stains.
3. Once done, remove the insole, undo the laces, and leave the shoe to air dry. Remember not to leave it under direct sunlight, as it might damage the leather or the waterproofing.
4. Even if you don’t use water while cleaning, it’s a good idea to air dry the shoes to get rid of sweat or any water that may have trickled in during the trek.
In case your trekking shoes aren’t waterproofed or the waterproofing layer has worn off, you can waterproof them manually using a waterproofing spray. Remove the laces and clean the shoes thoroughly – any dirt can compromise the waterproofing. Now, drench the shoes in water and make sure to soak them well. Now apply the waterproofing treatment on the damp shoes and leave them to dry.
Packing a trekking shoe is no different than packing other travel essentials. The best way to pack trekking shoes is to stack them on top of each other, heel to toe. It forms a compact rectangle and allows you to use the space efficiently. You may also place them on their soles at the bottom of the backpack, next to each other. Trekking backpacks often have a dedicated shoe compartment to keep your dirty shoe away from other items.
If you are planning a short hike or a long trek, you must have hiking shoes. You cannot tread on the rocky path with casual shoes. There is no substitute for hiking shoes when you go on a trek. Hiking shoes are flexible and waterproof. While trekking, you will face different weather and different landscapes. In such situations, only the right trekking or hiking shoe will be perfect.
There are many trekking shoes in the market which are either waterproof or water-resistant. It is advisable to buy waterproof trekking shoes for your treks. Water-resistant trekking shoes have a lining of a waterproof membrane that resists water vapour and water. This process makes the trekking shoes withstand the water. Waterproof trekking shoes are more durable and comfortable.
In Conclusion
This article is an overall guide to every aspect of trekking shoes. All the shoes I listed above are good ones and I have used some of them during my treks. As you may have noticed, some of these shoes can handle snowy and muddy terrains effectively, while the rest are good
If you find it a little hard to choose the best trekking shoe in India for your specific requirements, a little research can help you make a good purchase. As long as you buy a pair of trekking shoes that suits your needs and offers good value for money, it will be worth it. Go over your options and shortlist them carefully before you make the purchase.
