Trekking shoes help you complete a trek as much as your willpower. While it's a must to work on mental and physical strength every time you plan a trek, a robust pair of shoes can work wonders on every trek. All you have to do is do a little maintenance after choosing the right pair for all your trekking needs.

A good pair—be it Quechua trekking shoes or shoes from Woodland—can feel like an extension of your feet. Similarly, an ill-fitting pair with a thoughtless design can slow you down and even halt your trek. So, how do you choose the best trekking shoes in India?

Different shoes are suitable for different kinds of treks. Does that mean snow trekking shoes can only be used on snow? Not really. The best trekking shoes are versatile. They work well in all kinds of weather conditions.

This brings us to the next question: which are the best trekking shoes for men and women in India? And how do you make this choice?

Many trekkers write to us asking about what trekking boots to buy. And because this is a crucial choice, we have put together a complete guide that covers all topics, right from how to buy trekking shoes, the best mountain trekking shoes available in India and how to maintain them.

So, if you’re looking for information on trekking shoes, search no more. This guide contains everything you need to know about how to choose the best.

How to choose the best trekking shoes

How To Choose The Best Trekking Shoes in India

There is no dearth of options in the trekking shoes for women or trekking boots for men sections of a Decathlon, Woodland, or any other sports store. If you choose to shop online, the options are infinite. However, a plethora of options can sometimes lead to confusion. 

Don’t worry. We are here to help. Below are five factors that will help you choose the right pair of trekking shoes.

1. Check for good grip in the trekking shoe

The best way to recognise a trekking shoe with good grip is to look at the grooves. They will be deep. A shoe with good grip will have mud, slush and dirt getting stuck in its grooves. That’s a sign of deep grooves that are gripping the mud. Make sure your shoes have deep grooves and good grip.

2. Look for softness and flexibility in the shoe sole

You will be walking on different kinds of terrain, and your shoes need to adapt to it. A soft and flexible sole is great at doing this. But how do you check for that?

Take a hard, metallic object, say a key, and just tap on the sole. Listen to the noise it makes. A soft sole makes a dull sound. If you hear a sharp sound, know that it’s too hard, and such a sole will not work on a trek. 

3. Go for ankle support in the trekking shoe

A lot of walking-hiking shoes come with a lot of flexibility and good grip. But what they lack is ankle support. In the Himalayas, you will be walking on rough terrain. You will be climbing up and down, and your ankle is prone to twisting at unusual angles. And that’s when your trek can end. And you don’t really want that to happen. To prevent this, you need good ankle support and make sure your trekking shoes provide good ankle support.

Always test the shoes for the right fit and prefer the most breathable hiking shoes. Ideally, you should buy trekking shoes one size larger than your normal size. Without the extra space, you’d develop shoe bites due to the constant rubbing of the toe against the shoe wall.

A shoe that is a size larger than your normal size will protect you from shoe bites and give your feet enough space to breathe.

A Himalayan trek or a monsoon trek in the Ghats requires water-resistant shoes. This is because trekkers will be trekking through snow, rain, water bodies, or other regions where their feet can get wet. If your shoe is not water-resistant, chances are that you will develop shoe bites or some form of callus due to wet feet. Additionally, it’s uncomfortable to trek long distances in wet socks and flooded shoes.

Therefore, it’s best to buy shoes that are water-resistant (remember, you want water-resistant shoes and not waterproof trekking shoes).

An added layer of leather or resin will really help. It ensures that when you step into a puddle for 3–4 seconds, your shoe does not get wet or water doesn’t seep in. So, water resistance is important.

Note: Make sure it’s not waterproof because your feet won’t be able to breathe in waterproof trekking shoes. And it will get sweaty and stinky. There’s a chance your trek mates will not let you inside the tent if your feet are stinking 🙂

Also, wear your shoes for about two weeks or so to break them in.

Things to Look at While Choosing your Trekking Shoe

What are the types of trekking shoes available?

There are various types of trekking shoes. Some are meant for short hikes, while others are suitable for treks and expeditions. Similarly, there are trekking shoes for female trekkers and some specifically meant for men, based on size, design and colours.

These are similar to sports shoes but with a stronger grip. They are also more robust.

These are lightweight shoes that have flexible soles. They are ideal for short treks when you don’t have to carry heavy loads on your back. You may use them for the following treks:

Treks on dry terrain (not suitable for rainy season)

Some of the popular and recommended hiking shoe brands are Forclaz Fresh, Woodland and Weinbrenner (associate company in Bata Corporation) low ankle series. You can also find plenty of options in the Decathlon hiking shoes section on their website and in stores.

Trekking boots or shoes are a grade above hiking shoes. They are usually shoes with good ankle support.

These shoes are made for trekking in various seasons and on different gradients. They are ideal for:

Treks that involve carrying 7kg+ backpacks

Water resistance: The upper part of the trek boots is usually made of leather, suede or a synthetic material like Gore-tex (GTX) or Nova Dry.

Deep grooves: This ensures a strong grip.

Ankle support: This saves you from painful ankle twists on uneven trails. But this also makes it heavier. And you need to get used to wearing it—break it in—a couple of weeks before your trek starts.

Some of the popular and recommended brands are Forclaz and Quechua. They are generally priced between Rs. 3000 and Rs. 8000. Decathlon trekking shoes are most popular and preferred by experienced trekking enthusiasts, while some prefer Woodland trekking shoes.

These are also called expedition boots. They aren’t required on usual treks or for any of the treks that Indiahikes is presently running.

Mountaineering boots are needed on ice, rocks, crevasses, and glaciers. They are crafted to grip these lofty surfaces.

These boots are more expensive, with prices starting at upwards of Rs. 10,000. Few of the most popular and recommended expedition boots can be found on Decathlon. Other brands can be considered as well, but they are not easily available in India.

Trekking shoes for women

Trekking shoes for women sections on various websites and sports stores offer shoes that are specifically designed for women’s feet.

The heel-to-ball length, as well as the width of the in-step and heel, is larger in trekking shoes for men. So, shoe companies began designing slimmer shoes that cater specifically to women’s feet.

Special material at the in-sole and mid-sole for Q-angle

Some great shoes in this category are the Trek 100 and MH100 for women by Decathlon. Apart from that, you may opt for brands like Merrell and Salomon. 

Best trekking shoes in India

To narrow down the best trekking shoes from the infinite options available on the market, Indiahikes conducted an Instagram Survey.

Trekker’s Choice: Top 3 Trekking Shoes Recommended By Trekkers

Talking about the top choice, a representative of Decathlon trekking shoes confirmed that the Forclaz Trek 100 is their highest-selling product, and now they are aiming to come out with a new variant.

“We are introducing Trek 100 Textile boots in India. It is a beginner trekker's boots focused mostly on the comfort of the trekker and is eco-friendly, which is made up of 100% natural rubber outsole. It also has 100% recycled outer and black lining is dope dyed, reducing water consumption and CO2 emission during the process.”

And coming to a variety close to the fifth option—Salomon Quest 4 Gore Tex—we think it is great for seasoned trekkers. The model has been upgraded over the years.

Also Read: Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX: All-Terrain Hiking Shoes for Seasoned Trekkers

Best budget trekking shoes under INR 4000

Top 5 Budget-Friendly, Affordable Trekking Shoes In India Under INR 4,000

Here’s a list of trekking shoes that our trekkers swear by! We know because we conducted a survey and listed the top trekking shoes that showed up in the responses. But before we get to the list, here are two things you must keep in mind:

These are the shoes recommended by trekkers after at least one trek experience.

Most of these shoes are perfectly suited for local treks and easy-moderate Himalayan treks like Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal. But for a very long, difficult Himalayan trek, I would choose wisely from these.

Shoes that are affordable and budget-friendly.

Also Read: Forclaz 500 High / Trek 100: Excellent Hiking Shoes For Rough Himalayan Terrain

The Quecha NH100 trekking shoes are perfectly fine for trekking in the Western Ghats, though. They have ankle support and are pretty sturdy. But they don’t have any water resistance. So, you cannot use them for trekking in snow or rain. They are good shoes for light and mostly dry hikes.

Trekking Shoes Review: “Pros: (1) High quality build. (2) Abuse friendly, can take rough usage with a lot of ease. (2) Good traction/grip. (3) Pocket friendly price. (4) Comfortable wear. Cons: (1) Not water resistant. (2) Not suitable slippery ice-trek trails.” – Zulfi

The Quechua NH150 trekking shoes are a grade higher than the NH100 because it is water-resistant. It can last up to 2 hours in water as it has a water-resistant coating and a water-proof membrane. It is one of the best waterproof trekking shoes for men.

It has a good cross-contact sole with mid-ankle support. This one is suitable even for Himalayan treks, but not for very difficult terrain like Pin Bhaba Pass or Kanamo Peak.

Trekking Shoes Review: “The shoes are comfortable, dry off easily and provide great grip even on wet, slippery stones. Great shoes for the given price point.” – Vashisht

The Quechua MH100 trekking shoes, falls within a good budget and ticks all the right boxes—the sole has good grip, it has ankle support, a flexible sole and water resistance.

For most of our easy, moderate and even moderate-difficult Himalayan treks, like Rupin Pass, these shoes will work. They are slightly on the higher end of budget trekking shoes, though, costing around Rs. 3,500.

Trekking Shoes Review: “I have used the shoes on several Sahyadri treks in winter and rainy as well and also used them at Buran Ghati in snow as well. It’s been almost a year since I bought it, and these shoes are in great condition. They are helpful in all kind of terrain, also they are zero maintenance, and easily washable.” – Raj Shah

Surprisingly, you can find plenty of “budget” Wildcraft trekking shoes in its stores and online. They are never known to “budget” anything. And there is a loophole too.

These shoes cost Rs. 2,500 on portals like Flipkart, but they are well over that (~ Rs 4,000) on the official site. You are never going to get a nice pair of trekking shoes under 1000. So, getting this at a budget price depends on your luck.

The shoes, on the other hand, are pretty decent for Himalayan treks. They score high in the traction department. But certain reviews suggest the water resistance is very basic. So, we wouldn’t recommend it for a monsoon trek. If you’re an occasional trekker, these shoes would suit you. On its website, one can find useful options for Wildcraft waterproof shoes and Wildcraft hiking shoes.

Trekking Shoes Review: “It worked pretty well during my Sandakphu trek! But I cant say whether it will last long or not as I used that only for one trek and also haven’t used it in snow.” - Utpal Gogoi

Trekking shoes from Woodland are as sturdy and durable as any trekking shoe, but they have the same issue as most Woodland shoes: they are heavier than other brands’ trekking shoes and also don’t work well in the rain. And at around Rs. 3,500, they aren’t too budget friendly.

But this review brought it under the spotlight.

Trekking Shoes Review: “Contrary to popular opinion about woodland shoes, I found these shoes to be an excellent fit, utility and buy and they are affordable too. These shoes give an excellent grip on snow, gravel and boulders..they are lightweight, have good ankle support and are pretty durable as well..I have been using them for the last three years, though I have done only about 6 treks, I have used them extensively for my workouts including running.” – Abhishek Vaddadi

Also Read: Forclaz 500 Warm: Pocket-friendly Hiking Shoes for all Weather Conditions

| Note: If you have used any of these budget trekking shoes or other than the ones recommended above, share your experience here:

Top 5 Budget Friendly Affordable Trekking Shoes In India Under INR 4,000

How to clean and maintain your trekking shoes

How To Clean And Maintain Your Trekking Shoes

Buying trekking shoes is expensive. So if you buy a pair, make sure to maintain them well. Here are five things you must do to keep your trekking shoes in good shape after a gruelling trek:

The thumb rule is to clean your trekking shoes every time you return from a trek.

Don’t leave them dirty. The accumulation of mud and grime on the upper fabric of the trekking shoes adversely affects the waterproofing. This reduces the breathable nature of your boot. So, always clean your shoes after a trek to remove dirt residues.

Also Read: 8 Hacks to Maintain Your Personal Hygiene on a Trek

You need a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) or sponge and lukewarm water.

Before cleaning the uppers, bang the soles of your shoes against each other in order to get rid of any remaining dust and mud.

Then, lightly soak the brush in water and clean the exteriors to remove all dirt stains.

Use lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush to scrub out the outer dirt from trekking shoes.

It’s evident that you need to dry your shoes after cleaning them. But even if you skip cleaning, you still should not skip drying your shoes.

Trekking shoes get exposed to a lot of moisture, like sweat and rain. So, it’s necessary to dry your shoes before storing them, even if you bought them from the Decathlon trekking shoes waterproof section. Storing damp or wet shoes causes mould growth, which can affect the quality of their breathability. So, let your trekking shoes air dry for at least 24 hours.

Also Read: 10 Tips to Trek Like a Pro During Monsoon

Remove the insole and undo the laces so that the shoes can breathe and dry faster. 

Leave the shoes to dry at room temperature. 

Don’t expose the shoes to a direct source of heat like fire, dryers, blow dryers or direct sun because this could crack them up and damage the waterproofing. It may lead to discolouration and weakening of adhesives as well, or premature ageing in leather shoes. 

Instead, leave your shoes under a fan to dry.

With usage, a lot of shoes lose their waterproofing ability. This feature is restored using sprays that aid water in slipping off easily without entering the shoe. After cleaning and drying, you may treat your shoes with re-waterproofing sprays to maintain their water resistance. You will find re-waterproofing sprays and greases in all major online stores or market sports stores.

Also Read: Why Trekking During Monsoon is Not a Bad Idea

Note: None of the treatments promise fool-proof water-resistance.

How to use re-waterproofing sprays on trekking shoes:

The treatment is required only once or twice a year.

Follow the standard application rules for such sprays. 

Spray the product evenly all over your shoe. Pay more attention to the seam and joint areas, since most of the water enters from here. 

Leave them for a full day to dry and absorb the spray. Caution: Don’t try to increase the speed of drying by using an external heat source (hairdryers, sun, etc.).

How to use re-waterproofing grease on trekking shoes:

This product is specifically applied to leather boots to prevent premature ageing and cracking of the leather by making it water repellent.

Contrary to popular belief, it does not diminish the shoe’s breathability. It can also be used on membrane-type shoes. You may follow the above steps. But instead of spraying, apply the grease using a cloth.

Inspect your trekking shoes after you get back from the trek. Check for any loose stitches or a torn inner sole. And get it repaired before your next trek.

A damaged trekking shoe can lead to blisters and a loss of balance on a trek. So, do not take this risk and keep your trekking shoes in good shape. 

Also Read: How to fix your trekking shoe if the sole comes off

Always make sure that your shoes are perfectly dry before storing them. 

Store them in a dry and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. 

If you do not plan to use them for a long period of time, stuff them with newspaper so that they keep their shape. You can also put dehumidifiers like teabags and silica gels in the shoe odour-free.

Bonus Tip: Here’s a video on the topic that is often overlooked by most trekkers, How to tie your shoelaces so that they don’t come off?

Trekking shoes can indeed make or break your trek. This is why we put together this extensive guide of information collected over the years.

Now, you need not repeat the cliched mistakes while selecting a trekking shoe.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or recommendations on the best trekking boots, snow hiking shoes, budget shoes for trekking, which trekking shoe to purchase, or how to take care of your trekking shoes, please drop them in the comments below, and someone from the Indiahikes team will address them.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between hiking and trekking shoes? 

Hiking shoes are lightweight and meant for short hikes. They are not as durable as trekking sneakers or shoes and work well on less demanding terrain. So, what are trekking shoes? These shoes are meant for trekking and are thus manufactured using sturdy materials. These shoes are designed in such a manner that they provide maximum support on difficult terrain.

2. What are the best trekking shoes for men?

While Wildcraft trekking shoes are as good as brands available in Decathlon’s store and website, one must check factors like shoe grip, flexibility, ankle support, comfortable fit, and water resistance. Our abovementioned guide on how to choose the right trekking shoes will be of great help.

3. What are the best trekking shoes for women?

The best trekking shoes for women must have a slimmer structure in comparison to the ones for men. It should comfortably fit women's feet. Most sports stores have a dedicated trekking boots women section. Try at your convenience and choose the most suitable pair for your trek.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaUF46iI5RT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaUF46iI5RT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaUF46iI5RT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Indiahikes (@indiahikes)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Trekking shoes determine the comfort and success of your trek. Here's a comprehensive guide on the best trekking shoes, how to choose them and their maintainence.

Trekking Shoes Guide: How To Choose, Types, Budget, Maintenance

trekking shoes, trekking shoes for men, trekking shoes women, best trekking shoes, decathlon trekking shoes, trekking boots, decathlon hiking shoes, waterproof trekking shoes, woodland trekking shoes, wildcraft trekking shoes, salomon trekking shoes, action trekking shoes, quechua trekking shoes, snow trekking shoes, snow hiking shoes, campus trekking shoes, trekking boots men, best trekking shoes for men, waterproof trekking shoes for men, ctr trekking shoes, quechua hiking shoes, mountain trekking shoes, trekking boots women, best trekking boots, decathlon trekking shoes waterproof, walking hiking shoes, wildcraft waterproof shoes, wildcraft hiking shoes, best trekking shoes for women, trekking shoes for female, quechua hiking boots, trekking shoes under 1000, trekking sneakers, breathable hiking shoes, mens waterproof boots, best walking boots for men, columbia waterproof shoes, water boots for women, water resistant boots, columbia waterproof boots, goretex boots, winter hiking gear, waterproof snow shoes, men's water resistant shoes, best mens walking boots, mens waterproof boot, outdoor hiking shoes, winter hiking clothes, water resistant boots womens, snow walking boots womens, waterproof men's shoes, winter hiking boots for women, trek boots, shoes waterproof men's, snow trekking shoes, outdoor hiking boots, snow hiking gear, quechua boots waterproof, good walking boots mens, winter trekking shoes, winter hike boots, winter trekking boots, decathlon shoes waterproof, snow waterproof shoes, good walking boots for men, warm and waterproof shoes, shoes mens waterproof, outdoor trekking shoes, winter hiking equipment, jungle trekking shoes, snow hiking shoes women, ladies snow walking boots, winter hiking accessories, best men walking boots, winter hiking wear, snow trek shoes, hiking attire winter, trekking equipment near me, trekking goods, winter trekking gear, waterproof quechua shoes, womens hiking boots for snow, army trekking shoes, best shoes for snow trekking, best shoes for trekking in snow, ctr high ankle trekking shoes, hiking woodland shoes for men, snow hiking shoes for women, snow trekking shoes decathlon, trekking shoes for winter, trekking shoes in snow, walking boots shop, waterproof snow trekking shoes, wildcraft outdoor shoes, indiahikes winter trek, kuari pass trek indiahikes

Are you wondering if you can make do with your sports shoes for your trek? If so, you have found the right article. Here, we will be comparing trekking shoes with sports shoes. And by the end of the article, you’ll know which shoes you need for your trek. 

I will be looking at the Trek 100 series by Quechua (trekking shoes) and running shoes by Kalenji, both from Decathlon. I’m going to be comparing these two shoes to give you an idea of which shoes are fit for which kind of trek. 

If you take a quick glance at these shoes, you can see that the trekking shoes look a lot sturdier. They look heavier and seem able to protect your feet. They’re more durable too. These running shoes look as if they are specifically meant for running and not for very rough usage. But we’ll get into more details about these shoes to understand them better.  

Here’s a quick gist before we dive deeper –

When it comes to grip, the Trek 100 series has deep grooves on the outside of the sole. These are meant to give you a good grip on different surfaces. When you’re on a trek, you’re likely to be walking on loose mud, loose soil, boulders and even snow or ice. So that is when the grooves come in handy. There is a lot of detailing on the sole as well. This, too, is specifically meant for that grip you need in rough terrains.

On the running shoes, on the other hand, the sole exterior does not have very deep grooves – it’s a lot flatter. These are actually meant for flatter terrain where you’re running on tar roads, cement or maybe mud roads. Rough usage is not their cup of tea. So look at the grip of the shoes before buying them – it is very important for your trek.

Trekking Shoes – Avoids Ankle Twists in Rough Terrains

Trek 100 shoes have very good ankle support. It covers almost the entire ankle, which restrains the ankle’s movement. It does not allow your ankle to twist, even when you’re ascending or descending on uneven terrain. This is extremely important, because a twisted ankle can put an end to your trek!

Running Shoes – Flexible, No Ankle Support

Running shoes, on the other hand, do not have any ankle support. The top-most part of the shoe ends just below your ankles. This is because these shoes are meant to give you more flexibility while running or walking. With this, you have the free ankle movement needed to perform that action.

However, this means that the running shoes are not going to protect your ankles from twists or sprains. 

If you look at the Trek 100 shoes, you’ll see that the sole is pretty thick. We require this kind of thickness for a long Himalayan trek as it has padding for insulation.

But, also take into consideration how hard the sole is. For your trek, you don’t want shoes which are so hard that, as a result, they are too rigid to move with your feet. You also don’t want the sole to be so soft that it actually collapses with the body and backpack weight it is carrying everyday. 

To check this, you can just take something like a key, tap the sole and listen for the noise. The sound should not be too shallow. As an estimate, if you tap the sole of football studs, a very shallow sound emerges. That is not what we are looking for in trekking shoes. 

Running Shoes – Flexible and Cushioned 

On the other hand, you’ll see that the sole of the running shoes is not as sturdy or thick. However, it is very flexible and cushioned. 

If you listen to the sound by tapping the running shoe soles, you will see that the sound is a lot more diminished. This is because of the extra cushioning.

Since it’s not that hard, it’s not meant to take your body weight, especially if you’re carrying a backpack among other things, for multiple days in a row. In fact, if you trek with running shoes you’ll find the soles becoming a lot flatter in just a period of  two to three days. 

Water resistance is extremely important on a Himalayan trek because you could be trekking in rain, snow or even crossing boulders over streams. These Trek 100 shoes have a water resistant coating on top and a waterproof membrane inside.

These will last you many hours while you’re trekking in snow, or in rain, and won’t let your feet get wet or cold. 

The running shoes, on the other hand, do not have water resistant coating or any kind of water resistant membrane at all. So in case you step in a puddle or a pothole, they are going to get wet – and that’s not helpful on a trek.

So look out for these four points. They are very important for your trek, especially a long Himalayan trek. 

However, there are certain issues with the trekking shoes we can’t forget. 

➤ Few Things to Keep in Mind about Trekking Shoes.

The trekking shoes are a lot heavier than the running shoes. A shoe from the Trek 100 series, for example, weighs around 500 grams – and that is just one of the pair. Together, they weigh around 1 kg.. Nonetheless, you get used to them after a couple of days’ usage. This weight is needed on a long Himalayan trek, to carry body weight and the weight of the backpack. 

Trekking shoes have a longer break-in period. It’s not as easy to just slip them on and use them, like it is for running shoes. You can start using running shoes immediately after their purchase. But it is not possible to do a trek with trekking shoes the same day you buy them. You need at least two weeks to break into these shoes. 

Since trekking shoes are a lot sturdier, they take time to conform to the shape of your feet and their movements. So make sure you buy your trekking shoes at least about 2 week before your trek begins.  

➤ When Are Running Shoes a Good Choice?

Other than the above mentioned points, think about what your trek consists of. Is it a one or two day hike with neatly laid out trails without difficult terrain? In that case, your running shoes are good enough. This is especially true for non-Himalayan treks, such as in the Sahyadris or the Eastern ghats.

However, on a long Himalayan trek, you’re likely to be trekking for six, seven days on different kinds of terrains and in different gradients. There, you definitely need a pair of trekking shoes to take care of your feet.

So, make sure you invest accordingly and make the right decision. 

If you need help with anything, just drop in a comment and we will help you out.

Finding suitable shoes for a trek can be tricky. Read about what's best for a Himalayan trek and why.

Trekking Shoes vs Sports Shoes -- Which To Choose For Your Trek

A lot of trekkers find themselves in two minds about the NH150 trekking shoes by Decathlon. Firstly, these are budget-friendly shoes and only cost Rs 2,500. As compared to any other shoes, which are around Rs 5,000-6,000, these seem extremely affordable. So naturally, everybody’s eye goes towards them. 

On the other hand, they are not considered trekking shoes. Decathlon marks them as off-road, hiking shoes. So, a lot of trekkers are unsure if it will work and are hesitant to buy them for a Himalayan Trek. 

I, too, wanted to know if it is good for trekkers. So I thought, why not pick them up myself, use them on a Himalayan trek and see what it’s like. I’m going to share with you what I found out.

Performance of the Quechua NH150 Trekking / Hiking Shoes by Decathlon 

The NH150 trekking shoes have a cross-contact sole. What most people don’t know is that this is very similar to the high-end models of the Decathlon shoes, many of which cost Rs 5,000 – 6,000. When I used them on my Gidara Bugyal trek recently, these worked perfectly well. 

I can say this with confidence, since I trekked in snow, on ice, in a little bit of water and on a lot of uneven terrain as well. The sole performed very well on all of these. I did not slip even once! I was really impressed with the grip of the shoes. It is almost as good as high-end shoes. I did not find any negative points in this area. 

When it comes to ankle support, many people doubt these shoes — and I don’t blame them. This is because they have a fairly soft ankle support. People think that it needs to be firm and more padded to actually support your ankles. But that is not true. 

It is the length of the ankle support that matters. And this one, at mid-ankle length, works perfectly well. One particular day on the trek, we descended from nearly 13,000 feet to 10,000 feet. Throughout the 3,000 feet descent on extremely shrubbery, leafy, and uneven trails, the shoes worked perfectly well. 

Only in one section did my ankle twist a little bit. However, the ankle support was good enough to hold it back and avoid an injury. 

Unlike many hard and clunky shoes, the NH150 has good cushioning and flexibility. On the trek, we climbed up on several boulders where my feet had to be in very different, awkward positions. However, the shoes did a very good job. 

A plus point was that they seemed like an extension of my feet. It did not feel as if I was wearing something very heavy and clunky. 

➤ Testing Water Resistance in Snow and Streams

Decathlon labels these shoes as water-repellent. In reality too, they kept my feet dry when I was walking in water. 

Even though the trek was not a winter expedition with daily snow, there were substantial sections with ankle-deep or shin-deep snow. In spite of the fact that the entire shoe was buried in snow, it came out without getting wet. Although the outer part did get a little wet, it dried up very quickly. 

We even crossed many small streams. During that, we were in water for about 30 seconds to a minute. I had my shoes on the entire time as I waded through water and hopped and skipped on boulders. Water kept splashing on my shoes and yet they did not get wet. The little wetness on the exterior dried up overnight, even in those negative temperatures. 

Neither the insole, nor my socks got wet. Not even for a second did I feel my feet getting wet. In this area, too, the shoes had a good performance. 

Finally, one added (and rare) benefit of these shoes is that they look very good. They have women’s and men’s versions, which are both available in three colours. In my opinion, they go well with any kind of trekking pants you wear. In fact, they can even be put to everyday use in the city!

Taking all this into consideration, I would definitely recommend these shoes to you. Many people think that the more you spend, the higher the quality of the shoes. But if you ask me, that’s an endless journey. You could spend anywhere from Rs. 6000 to 35,000 on a pair of shoes. Is it worth it though? I don’t think so. Infact, if you are a first time trekker, we highly recommend you rent your gear for 1/20 of the cost.  

At Indiahikes, we’ve always believed that you spend less and trek more. Which is why I bought this pair of shoes for myself. 

Whichever trek you’re going on, might it be Kedarkantha, Deoriatal or the tougher ones such as Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Goechella, you can definitely use this pair of shoes. Moreover, it will easily last you around six, seven Himalayan treks of this caliber. 

It will also last you innumerable local treks. So don’t think twice and go for it! It’s a very good model. If you have used it yourself, I’d love to know your experience of it. Drop in a comment below with your experience of the shoes.

On another note, we are making more such reviews of trekking gear. So if you have any gear that you’d like us to review, just tell us in the comments below. 

Take a look at the performance of the Quechua NH150 Trekking / Hiking Shoes by Decathlon and read our expert opinion on it.

Quechua NH150 Trekking Shoe Review: Excellent Budget Shoes For Himalayan Treks

When you buy a pair of trekking shoes, burning a hole in your pocket, you expect it to last for years.

You break into your new trekking shoes, wear them on a much-awaited trek. You enjoy yourself to the fullest and come back home, hardly recognizing your shoes from the previous week. There is mud on the midsole and dust on the tongue. Unsure how to clean, you leave them unattended.

The last sentence in my previous paragraph is what leads to the quick wear and tear of many pairs of shoes.

It is important to take care of your trekking shoes immediately after your trek, irrespective of what they are made of. Here is a 5-step ritual for increasing the shelf life of your shoes:

The first and foremost rule is to clean your shoes every time you return from a trek. Even if you know your shoes will be dirty again in the near future, clean them. The accumulation of mud and grime on the upper fabric of the shoes adversely affects the waterproofing.

This may also reduce the breathable nature of your boot. You should always clean your shoes post a trek to remove dirt residues.

You don’t need any special equipment. A soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) or sponge and lukewarm water are good enough. Before cleaning the uppers, bang the soles of your shoes against each other in order to get rid of any remaining dust and mud. Now, lightly soak the brush in water and clean the exteriors to remove all dirt stains.

Whether you have cleaned your boots or not, this step is very important. Even in shoes that breathe, you can end up with sweaty feet. Furthermore, there’s a high chance of water seeping inside from the top when trekking in the rain. In this case, it is essential to dry the shoes so that they maintain their level of performance.

Remove the insole and undo the laces so that the shoes can breathe and dry faster. Leave the shoes to dry at room temperature. Storing damp or wet boots promotes mould growth, so let your trekking shoes air dry for at least 24 hours.

Never expose the shoes to a direct source of heat like fire, dryers, blow dryers or direct sun because this could crack them up and damage the waterproofing. In certain cases, it leads to discolouration and weakening of adhesives as well.

In leather boots, this can lead to premature ageing. This is a surefire way to damage your shoes and incur the cost of a new pair due to a silly mistake. Use a fan for faster drying.

Always thoroughly clean and dry your shoes before applying any products, so that the treatment is as efficient as possible.These days you get re-waterproofing sprays and greases in all major online stores or market sports store.

Remember: Any kind of treatment helps in prevention, but doesn’t guarantee a 100% success rate. Keep in mind that it’s always better to be prepared, than not.

With usage, a lot of shoes lose their waterproofing ability. This feature is restored using sprays that aid water in slipping off easily without entering the shoe. The treatment is required only once or twice a year.

Follow the standard application rules written on such sprays. Spray the product evenly all over your shoe. Pay more attention to the seam and joints areas, since most of the water enters from here. Leave them for a full day to dry and absorb the spray. Caution: Don’t try to increase the speed of drying by using an external heat source (hairdryers, sun, etc).

This product is specifically applied to leather boots. This prevents premature ageing, cracking of the leather by making it water repellant. Contrary to popular belief it does not diminish the shoe’s breathability. It can also be used on membrane-type shoes. The grease is applied using a cloth.

It doesn't matter how good your trekking or hiking shoes are if you don't maintain them well. So here are 5 simple steps to take care of them

Shoes

Treks by Categories

Treks by Season

Treks by Month

Treks by Duration

Treks by Difficulty

Treks by Region

Treks by Experience

Follow Us

Contact Us

Bengaluru Office

Dehradun Office