Best Trekking Shoes In India: Discoveries From a Trekker Survey

Trekkers always ask us to help them buy trekking shoes. They are confused about which brand and which model to go for. Of course, our first suggestion to them is to rent shoes and go the more sustainable and affordable way. But for those looking to buy, we do our best to guide them.

That said, while we’re familiar with some of the most popular trekking shoes in India, our own testing has been limited to a handful of models. This sometimes leaves us without enough references to confidently recommend the best options.

To bridge this gap, we conducted a survey to find out which trekking shoes Indian trekkers prefer—especially those trekking in the Himalayas. Around 200 trekkers from across the country took the survey. The results reveal a clear trend. 

Key Takeaways from the Survey:

Unsurprisingly, Decathlon is still the go-to brand for trekking shoes in India. But a few other brands are also making a mark: 

• Total respondents: 199
• Trekkers using Decathlon shoes: 105 (52.76%)
• Trekkers using other brands: 94 (47.24%)
• Most common price range: ₹6,000 - ₹8,000 (25.63%), followed by ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 (23.62%)

Overall satisfaction with their trekking shoes: 49.2% rated their shoes 5/5, while 39.2% gave them 4/5.

Decathlon Trekking Shoes: The Top Choice Among Indian Trekkers

Decathlon’s trekking shoes dominate the survey results, with the Forclaz MT100, Trek 100, and Quechua SH500 being the most widely used models. Trekkers also praise these shoes for their affordability, water resistance, and durability.

Here are the top choices of trekking shoe models from Decathlon: 

• Forclaz MT100 – Popular for its grip and performance on rocky and snowy Himalayan terrains. Rated highly for durability.
• Trek 100 – Known for being lightweight and offering good ankle support, making it a great choice for moderate treks.
• Quechua SH500 – Preferred for cold-weather treks, offering good insulation and waterproofing.

Price Range

Most Decathlon trekking shoes fall within the ₹2,000 - ₹8,000 price bracket, making them accessible to a wide range of trekkers.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Affordable, good grip, water-resistant, widely available.
Cons: Lack of availability. Some users reported durability issues over long-term use and limited options for women-specific fits.

Other Trekking Shoe Brands Recommended by Trekkers

While Decathlon dominates the market, our survey also revealed trekkers using and recommending other premium brands:

• CTR Coasters – Known for superb grip, long-lasting durability, comfortable fit, and affordability, making them a reliable trekking option.
• Adidas Terrex – Trekkers appreciate their superb grip, durability over multiple treks, comfortable fit, and budget-friendly pricing.
• Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator – Recommended for its breathability and comfort, particularly for Western Ghats treks.
• Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX – Preferred by experienced trekkers for its superior grip and waterproofing.
• Columbia Redmond Waterproof – Known for its versatility and durability across different terrains.
• Hanwag Bunion Shoes – A specialized choice for trekkers with foot structure concerns, offering exceptional comfort.

Price Range

These premium trekking shoes typically cost between ₹8,000 - ₹15,000+, with Salomon and Hanwag being on the higher end.

Pros and Cons

Pros: High durability, excellent grip, suitable for extreme terrains.
Cons: Expensive, limited availability in India, and may require breaking in.

How Much are Trekkers Spending on Trekking Shoes? 

Our survey results show that most trekkers in India prefer trekking shoes within the ₹4,000 - ₹8,000 range, accounting for nearly half of the responses. 

The most common price bracket was ₹6,000 - ₹8,000, chosen by 25.63% of trekkers, followed closely by the ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 range at 23.62%. 

Budget-conscious trekkers often opt for Decathlon shoes, which dominate the ₹2,000 - ₹6,000 segment, while premium brands like Merrell, Columbia, and Salomon are more commonly found in the ₹8,000 - ₹15,000+ category. 

Trekkers investing in higher-priced shoes generally look for better durability, waterproofing, and advanced grip features, making them suitable for rugged terrain and high-altitude expeditions.

In conclusion: 

Our survey revealed a few key points:

• Decathlon remains the go-to brand for budget-friendly and reliable trekking shoes.
• Trekkers looking for premium quality and advanced features often opt for Salomon, Columbia or Merrell.
• Terrain matters – Himalayan trekkers prefer waterproof shoes, while Western Ghats trekkers prioritize breathability.
• Durability is a key concern, with some budget shoes wearing out faster.

If you’re planning your next trek, choosing the right pair of shoes based on your terrain and needs can make all the difference. 

We hope this survey helps you make the right decision about your next shoes.