Shoes for Trekking, Your Essential Trekking Shoes Guide
All that's required is a bit of upkeep after selecting the appropriate pair to meet all your trekking requirements.
A quality pair—whether Quechua trekking shoes or footwear from Woodland—can seem like a natural extension of your feet. Conversely, an improperly fitting pair with a poorly considered design may impede your progress and potentially bring your trek to a standstill. Hence, how does one go about selecting the finest trekking shoes in India?
Selecting the Finest Trekking Footwear in India for Men and Women
When navigating the extensive array of trekking shoes, whether in the women's or men's section at stores like Decathlon, Woodland, or online platforms, the abundance of choices may be overwhelming. Fear not– we're here to guide you. Here are five essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect pair of trekking shoes.
1. Check for excellent grip:
To identify a trekking shoe with a superior grip, examine the grooves. Deep grooves indicate good grip, as they trap mud, slush, and dirt. Ensure your shoes boast deep grooves for a reliable grip on various terrains.
2. Look for softness and flexibility in the sole:
The soles of your trekking shoes must be soft and flexible to adapt to diverse terrains. Conduct a simple test by tapping the sole with a hard, metallic object like a key. A dull sound signifies a soft sole, while a sharp sound indicates excessive hardness unsuitable for trekking.
3. Prioritise ankle support:
While many walking-hiking shoes offer flexibility and grip, they often lack crucial ankle support. In challenging terrains like the Himalayas, where twisting ankles is a risk, choose trekking shoes with robust ankle support to safeguard against potential injuries.
4. Choose the right fit:
Always test for the right fit and choose breathable hiking shoes. Consider buying trekking shoes one size larger than your regular size to prevent shoe bites and provide ample space for your feet, especially during winter treks.
5. Ensure water resistance:
For Himalayan or monsoon treks, water-resistant shoes are indispensable. Trekking through snow, rain, or water bodies can lead to wet feet and discomfort. Choose water-resistant shoes, not waterproof, as the latter can cause sweating and unpleasant odours. Look for added layers of leather or resin for effective water resistance.
Types of Trekking Shoes
Trekking shoes come in various types, catering to different needs and preferences. Here's a concise overview of the main categories of trekking footwear:
Hiking Shoes:
Suitable for short treks and weekend hikes.
Lightweight with flexible soles.
Ideal for warm weather and dry terrain.
Recommended brands: Forclaz Fresh, Arpenaz Flex series, Salomon, Woodland, Weinbrenner low ankle series.
2. Trekking Shoes:
Intended for longer treks with backpacks weighing 7kg or more.
Provide ankle support for uneven trails.
Moderately water-resistant.
Recommended brands: Forclaz, Quechua, Salomon.
3. Mountaineering Boots:
Designed for challenging terrains like ice, rocks, crevasses, and glaciers.
Features thick, aggressive out-soles, robust exterior, in-sole padding, and ankle support.
Necessary for specialised expeditions; prices start at Rs. 10,000.
Recommended brands: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX.
4. Trekking Shoes for Women:
Specifically designed for women's feet, considering differences in heel-to-ball length and width.
Features a slimmer shape and special in-sole and midsole materials.
Recommended brands: Trek 100 and MH100 by Decathlon, Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Ventilator, Salomon X ULTRA 3 GTX W.
Each type addresses specific trekking requirements, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your adventures, whether on short hikes or challenging mountaineering expeditions.
Conclusion
Trekking footwear can truly enhance or hinder your trekking experience. Hence, we compiled this detailed post based on years of accumulated information. Now, you don't need to replicate common errors when choosing your trekking footwear.
Contact Wild Voyages for inquiries, suggestions on the best trekking footwear, snow hiking shoes, budget options, selecting trekking footwear, or tips for maintaining your trekking shoes; kindly post them in the comments below.