Trekking Shoes: The Complete Guide

What is Trekking ?

The word Trek originated in South Africa and the dictionary meaning of word a long arduous journey, especially one made on foot. So Trekking in Himalayan context means you will walking through boulders, uneven paths, rocks, glaciers etc for that you required best trekking shoes.

What is the difference between Trekking, Hiking & Mountaineering?

Hiking is mainly a leisure activity which is done by walking on well-made trails or man made hiking paths for example Vaishno Devi Mandir hiking pass it’s Hiking while Trekking is more demanding, challenging and rigorous activity which includes all kind terrains like glacier, streams, moraine, uneven path, snow or boulders. Trekking test one’s physical ability, endurance and mental ability so you require proper gear or best trekking shoes for such demanding activity.

Mountaineering is all about techniques you have to get special training to take part in any mountaineering expedition and you required technical gear.

So now you have an idea that during any trek you will be walking through loose rocks, uneven trails, woods, jungle, water, snow etc. The best shoes are the ones which while providing comfort protect your feet from the elements and have good grip on all terrains.

What are the qualities to look for when you are buying your Best Trekking Shoes?

1. Weight of Trekking Shoes

Weight of the trekking shoes is the most important factor to look for when you are buying your best trekking shoes for trekking in the Himalayas. First the shoes should be light weight due to the fact that every gram counts when trekking at high altitude and second the they should be strong enough to withstand the rough terrain of Himalayas.

2. Grooves for Grip

When trekking in Himalayas you will be Trekking on uneven terrain which consists of rocks, snow, water and to walk comfortably we need a grip which deep grooves in the best trekking shoes will provide. Check the grooves your shoes have, they should be hard and deep enough to give you the required grip during treks in the Himalayas, but not too hard that the sole become inflexible. Vibram an Italian manufacturer makes some of the best soles.

3. Ankle Support

All trekking shoes have good ankle support because on uneven terrain and loose rocks one can slip and twist an ankle. Ankle support also helps stop snow and pebbles from getting inside.

4. Water Proofing Trekking Shoes



This is the quality one must look in good or hiking boots. When you trek in the Himalayas almost all the treks in require you to cross water streams. GoreTex is the best material for this without increasing the weight of the trekking shoe dramatically.

5. Comfort:

Inside padding should be good enough to give you the required comfort during the trek as we know that a trek is an arduous journey through mountainous region.

Renok Expert Recommendation for Best Trekking Shoes

We recommend first time trekker to invest in a good quality Trekking Shoes because Trekking Shoes is the most important equipment for any trekker. Following are the reason for this

Good quality trekking shoes have long life, our trek leaders shoes last long even for years when are doing trek back to back

Best Trekking shoes gives you comfort, Safety and injury free trekking

and lastly Trekking Shoes can worn daily when you are not trekking even you can wear them to office on Fridays

Our Recommendation

Trekking Shoes around Rs 5000

Forclaz 100 is the best and is quite famous among the trekkers and they are easily available across the Decathlon stores in India.

Budget 5K and Above

Salomon Men’s Quest Prime GTX Hiking Shoes

Also we recommend our trekkers to not buy Woodland Trekking Shoes because they are good fashion shoe when you want to show off that you go to outdoors very often but Woodland trekking shoes doesn’t posses all the above mentioned qualities. We hope they come up with better products in future with inputs from actual Trekkers.

Happy Trekking …Please share this with your friends who are going for a trek in himalayas