Trekking shoes are one of the essential equipment when it comes to trekking in India, especially in the Himalayas. It can break or make your trek, especially while trekking in the high altitude regions of the Himalayas. Your dream walk boots will synchronize with where and how you walk. But you must also be certain that they're a perfect fit before you tie the knot. 

Trekking shoe is very different from your normal running or sports shoes. There are a lot of features in the shoe that help you get through different kinds of terrain, weather and support your feet and ankle while you walk. 

Key features of trekking shoes are:

• Good grip and traction for all different kinds of terrains without slippage

• Built material which helps protect your feet from getting hurt/ twisted

• Waterproofing for different kinds of weather

• Durability and usage for a long period of time

• Cushioning, comfort and breathability for long hour hiking/trekking

• Factors to keep in mind before buying a trekking shoe?

There are 4 important factors which have to be taken into consideration before you buy trekking shoes

1. The kind of terrain on which you will be trekking ie. paved trail or uneven rocky terrain.

2. Duration or the number of days you would be using the shoes ie weekend treks vs expeditions

3. Weather conditions on the trek ie. monsoon trek vs snow trek

4. The weight you will be carrying on you Ie. backpack weight

So there are 3 types of shoes you can buy from the market. Hiking shoes which are less expensive and good for short hikes, trekking shoes for a high altitude trek for a week to 10 days and expedition boots for multiple days high altitude with shock resistance and extreme weather.

This table illustrates and compares the shoes you can buy depending on the different factors like terrain, weather, duration, the weight of the backpack and your budget. 

HIKING SHOES

Terrain: If you are trekking on a well-paved hiking trail like Kheerganga or Nag Tibba this is the shoes you can get as there is less chance of ankle twisting or your foot getting hurt due to harsh terrain.

Weather: Buy hiking shoes when you are trekking in summers or dry weather as they are made of breathable material but not advisable for rainy or snow trails as they are not waterproof.

Duration: Buy hiking shoes if you are going for a day hike or couple of days trek with small backpacks and less duration of walking through the day

Weight of the backpack: Weight of the backpack should be less as hiking shoes are made of flexible soles and low cut with no ankle support.

Key features and distinction of Hiking Shoes

• Lightweight

• Breathable

• Flexible sole

• Low cut with no ankle support

• Price is around 2000 to 3500 range 

• Some brands available in India: Quechua, Forclaz, Adidas, Soloman, Woodland

TREKKING SHOES

Terrain: If you are trekking on an uneven/rocky trail like Hampta pass or Sar Pass you have to get a trekking shoe which will give you more ankle and feet support as it is made of stiffer construction.

Weather: This is a shoe for all weather as it is waterproof and can be bought when going on a snow trek or monsoon trek.

Duration: If you are going on multiple day hikes/treks you can get these as it helps reduce the burden on feet and ankles

Weight of the backpack: On multiple day hikes/treks, the load of the bag will be much more so the stiffer material gives your leg muscles the support it requires.

Key Features and distinctions of Trekking Shoes

• Heavier/stiffer material for toe and feet support

• Mid-rise ankle support

• Good anti-slip outer sole

• Price is around 4000 to 6500 range

Some brands available in India: Quechua, Woodland, Wildcraft, Solomon

EXPEDITION BOOTS

Terrain: These boots are suitable for high altitude expeditions for multiple days as they provide high rise ankle and leg support 

Weather: These boots are great for any type of weather mostly during extreme cold weather as they have extra insulation for your feet.

Duration: If you are going on a long expedition choose these boots for ankle and leg support as well as comfort

Weight of the backpack: Expeditions will require you to wear heavy clothing and a backpack which in turn puts a lot of pressure on the feet. With good ankle and leg muscle support and slip resistance features will keep your feet intact.

Key features and Distinctions of Expedition boots

• High rise for ankle and leg support

• Shock resistance

• Anti slip resistant

• Good insulation for extreme weather

• The price range will be INR 10000 to 5000

Some brands available in India: Dynafit, La Sportiva

The construction of the Trekking Shoe:

Limiting our discussion to the Trekking Shoes, let’s pay attention to its construction and aesthetic which determine the durability and comfort of the shoes.

The trekking shoe has three main components to its construction: The upper, midsole, and the outsole. 

1. The upper

The upper part affects the shoe's weight, longevity and water resistance. The upper layer is also important to ensure that your feet are ventilated properly. The top section of the shoes consists mainly of two substances: leather and synthetic.

The best way to ensure longevity, safety and comfort are to have leather shoes. Aesthetics and waterproofing are influenced by the form of timber. A few options are available in leather: whole grain, pigskin, and split leather.

But you can use synthetic leather with the same versatility as leather if you want your shoes to be a vegan option.

2. Midsole

"Sole is a shoe's spirit" Hey! It is in the sole that a shoe is comfortable and stable. This keeps the shoes comfortable and coats the feet. Therefore, it is difficult for a sole to shield you on rough, rocky terrain from an abrasive shock. EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) and polyurethane are the most popular materials you can find in your sole.

3. Outer sole

The lug patterns of your shoes at the bottom determine your grip on mountain trekking. It facilitates your journey by gravel, trail, or ground. The deeper and denser the pattern of the lug, the more it tracts your feet.

The elevated area of the heel at the foot of your shoe, also known as the brake, reduces your chance of descending steeply. 

Top 10 Best Trekking Shoes available in India

These are some of the best trekking shoes available in India with an average rating of most than 4 out of 5 by customers. We have crafted this list after much research and testing and comparing more than 60+ shoes by different brands like Solomon, Quechua, Wildcraft, Adidas, Columbia, and Woodland on different websites like Amazon, Decathlon store, Flipkart and Wildcraft stores. The price range of these trekking shoes is from INR 3000 to INR 13500 (prices may vary according to time, this list was updated in June 2020). 

1. Salomon Synthetic Quest Prime GTX Mid Ankle Men's Hiking Shoe

2. Forclaz Trek100 Men's trekking Shoe

3. Quechua Women’s Hiking Shoes  MH100 - Brown

4. Woodland Men's Boots - Grey

5. Quechua Forclaz 100 Mid WTP Shoes for Men

6. Columbia Men's Redmond Mid Waterproof Hiking shoes for men 

7. Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Suede Leather Trekking Shoe

8. Quechua Men’s Snow Hiking Shoes SH520 X-Warm Mid

9. Wildcraft Hypagrip TRKNiQ Argon 2.0 (trekking shoe for men)

10. Wildcraft Hypagrip TRKNiQ X (trekking shoe for women)

11. Furo by Red Chief for Men's Hiking Shoes 

Quechua Forclaz 100 Mid WTP Shoes for Men

With refined design and comfort, this is an excellent shoe from Quechua. Waterproof and all-weather shoes with reasonable comfort.

Features

• Hiking is all-weather for beginners

• Full length cushioning for comfort

• Waterproof upto 8km on water upto middle

• Ankle support for more significant support on rocky terrain

• Good grip on wet and muddy terrain

PROS

• Good quality and fitting 

• Waterproof and all-weather shoe

• Durable and tough for Himalayan treks

• Good grip and ankle support

Salomon Synthetic Quest Prime GTX Mid Ankle Men's Hiking Shoe

These are one of the top-rated trekking shoes in the market. A combination of fitting with cushioning and protection gives you a great experience on your treks. One of the best companies for outdoor gear Solomon quest prime is lightweight and can be used on all terrains.

Features

•  Shock absorbent for use in any terrain

•  Suede leather for durability and longer wearability

•  Mesh and soft lining for comfort

•  Protective rubber on the toe area for extra protection

•  Protective mudguard 

PROS

• Superb quality for long-lasting in all-terrain

• Good grip on road, mud and rocks including wet surfaces

• Breathable material to give legs the cooling from inside

• Very strong and durable 

• Lightweight

CONS

• A bit on the expensive side

Allen Cooper 1008 Hi-Ankle Safety Shoe

With a great review from customers, this shoe is a great value product for someone on a budget. This high ankle shoe from Allen Cooper is a good option for treks in India.

Features

• Anti Skid sole for grip

• Toe cap for extra protection on rough terrain

• Oil acid and heat resistance

PROS

• Lightweight with good grip

• Inexpensive to the pocket

• High ankle for extra support

Woodland Men's Boots - Grey

Woodland has been a brand you can trust for almost two decades. These shoes have a great style and great for Himalayan treks in India. With a great competitive price and Woodland brand you can surely go for these for trekking in India

Features

•  Leather material for comfort and stylish

•  Durable for rocky terrain

•  Leather and textile uppers to give a great look

•  An all-weather shoe with a certain level of waterproofing

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• PROS

• Extremely comfortable wear with excellent cushioning

• Lightweight and easy on the feet

• Looks stylish 

• Durable for all-terrain

• Inexpensive and worth the money

CONS

• Not fully waterproof

Columbia Men's Redmond Mid Waterproof Hiking shoes for men

Columbia is a well-known brand from Canada, which is famous for its outdoor apparel, especially trekking shoes. These hiking boots are a combination of high-grade material with technology for enhanced performance and comfort.

Features

•  Redmond mid-ankle support

•  Waterproof and breathability with microscopic pores 

•  TECHLITE lightweight midsole for enhanced performance

•  Suede leather and mesh for durability and breathability

PROS

• Lightweight yet sturdy for different terrains 

• Waterproof material for all-weather

• Suede leather and mesh for breathability

CONS

• No proper ankle support 

Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Suede Leather Trekking Shoe

These shoes from Columbia are one of the top-rated shoes available for women in India. With a leather outer and Techlite technology for extra cushioning and enhances performance for any outdoor activity.

Features

• Newton Ridge plus Leather outer material for harsh conditions

• Omni grip for traction and stability with extra grip

• TECHLITE lightweight for cushioning and performance

• Shock absorption and waterproof

PROS

• Stylish and comfortable for all-terrain 

• Waterproof for all-weather terrain

• Good grip and stability while walking on rocky terrain

CONS

Only two colour options

 Quechua Men’s Snow Hiking Shoes SH520 X-Warm Mid

 Wildcraft Hypagrip TRKNiQ Argon 2.0 (trekking shoe for men)

Wildcraft Hypagrip TRKNiQ X (trekking shoe for women)

Forclaz Trek100 Men's trekking Shoe

Quechua Women’s Hiking Shoes  MH100 - Brown