Best Trekking Shoes You Must Buy For Your Next Adventure

Outsole: Ensure that the outsole of your shoe is flexible and soft. This allows the shoe to better adapt to a variety of terrains. One way to check this is by tapping a sharp object, like a key, against the sole and listening to the sound it makes. A sharp sound indicates that the sole is hard, while a dull sound means the sole is soft.

Water Resistance: Since your shoes will accompany you on many adventures, they need to be versatile and durable in all weather conditions. Water resistance is especially important for snow treks.

Ankle Support: Your trek will likely involve walking on rough terrain for long periods, so you’ll need a shoe that provides ankle support to prevent twists and turns, which could potentially end your trek.

Traction: Ensuring your shoe has good traction is crucial. Look for shoes with deeper grooves on the outsole for a solid grip, especially on uneven surfaces.

Fitting: An ill-fitting shoe isn’t comfortable for everyday wear, so you can imagine how uncomfortable and even dangerous it can be to wear ill-fitting trekking shoes. Make sure your feet are comfortable, ideally with a thick pair of socks. It’s even recommended to size up by 0.5 to avoid blisters. To check if the shoe fits well, move your foot as far forward as possible and try to slip your little finger behind the heel. If it fits comfortably, it’s a good fit.

The Salewa Rapace Gore-Tex is perfect for high-intensity mountain training. It's got a sure grip Vibram WTC outsole, which is what creates great traction, even on slippery surfaces. The shoe has a comfort lining, is breathable and waterproof. The Bilight TPU midsole gives long-lasting shock absorbency and rebound. It also guarantees a 100% blister-free fit. 

User Review: True to size, takes time to soften, very comfortable, excellent grip.

Rating: 4.91/5 on 73 reviews

Specifications- 

Fabric Technology: Gore-Tex

Colours: Black and Red

Features: Waterproof

Reasons to buy: Lightweight, comfortable, maximum stability and traction

Jatin, our in-house trek enthusiast, tells us that these are one of the most used pairs of trekking shoes in India. I can see why; it's got a good grip that is able to provide great traction on wet and dry hikes, is waterproof, and offers ankle support, all within a price range of INR 7,000.

User Review: Comfortable, value for money, held great in most weather conditions.

Rating: 4.2/5 on 6791 reviews

Specifications-

Outsole Technology: Cross contact

Colours: Black

Features: Waterproof, breathable 

Reasons to buy: Durable, optimal grip and traction, good ankle support

For shoes that will accompany you in all your adventurous expeditions, you've got La Sportiva's Aequilibrium St Goretex Mountaineering Boots. These are great for trekking, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, crossing glaciers and much more in a mixed terrain. These trekking shoes have an ergonomic design and padded lining for ankle support. The upper part of the shoe is made of HoneyComb Guard™ fabric, which makes it water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. The Double Heel™ heel increases the braking effect when going downhill, reducing muscle fatigue. It's durable, has internal foam cushioning for comfort and is also compatible with crampons. 

User reviews: Without a doubt the best trekking shoes, comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, gives good ankle support. 

Rating: 4.94/5 on 15 reviews 

Specifications-

Fabric Technology: Gore-Tex

Colours: Black, Yellow, Red

Features: Waterproof

Reasons to buy: Ergonomic design that protects joints

Crafted from Nubuck leather and microfiber, these trekking boots boast a sturdy yet streamlined build that's ready to take on the toughest of terrains. The GORETEX inner lining keeps your feet cosy and dry no matter what mother nature throws your way. The 4mm thick insole ensures maximum comfort, while a shock-absorbent polyurethane midsole keeps you going strong. 3D Flex braided support system optimises mobility and stability, while the Vibram Cube technology in the sole offers unbeatable grip without weighing you down.

User review: More like socks than boots — easy to pull on, comfortable to walk in and feel protected and confident to tackle anything outdoors!

Rating: 5/5 on 18 reviews

Specifications-

Fabric Technology: Gore-Tex

Colours: Yellow, Grey

Features: Waterproof

Reasons to buy: Maximum comfort, shock-absorbent midsole that helps the prolonged use of the boot

When it comes to snow hiking you want something that will not only give you traction but also keep your feet relatively warm and for that we've heard great things about the Quechua Snow Hiking Shoes. Featuring a comfort temperature range of -3°C when stationary and -11°C while on the move, your feet will stay toasty warm even in the coldest conditions. The breathable, waterproof membrane keeps moisture at bay, ensuring dryness throughout your hike. The SnowContact technology along with 3mm studs helps with grip and proper traction when on the move. Additionally, the fur-lined adjustable high collar with lacing effectively prevents snow from entering these trekking shoes. 

User reviews: Comfortable, colour differs slightly than shown in the ad, provides good warmth and grip in snowfall

Rating: 4.6/5 on 2,660 reviews

Specifications-

Outsole technology: Snow contact

Colours: Purple, Blue

Features: Waterproof, Synthetic

Reasons to buy: Warm and waterproof trainers for everyday winter hikes

Many say that the Salewa Crow GTX mountaineering and trekking boots excel in tackling challenging terrains and offer a blend of comfort and stability. Engineered with the innovative 3F system and anatomically designed shaft construction, they adeptly cradle the foot, ensuring both security and flexibility. A slender steel cable intricately connects the heel, lacing system, and sole, forging a resilient and pliable unit that supports each step you take. These shoes will stay dry no matter snow or rain, thanks to the waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane, and the Vibram outsole delivers unrivaled traction. 

User review: Quality hiking shoes, great traction, good fit, and comfortable to be in 10+ hours a day.

User rating: 4.6/5 on 670 ratings

Specifications-

Outsole technology: VIBRAM New Mulaz

Colours: Green Cactus/Sulphur Spring, Brown Walnut/Fluo Orange

Features: Waterproof, Flexible

Reasons to buy: Supportive and flexible unit with a robust material mix, designed to withstand rough conditions

If you’re planning to tackle trails, slippery slopes, and rugged terrains, this trekking boot by Forclaz is your best bet. Made from waterproof and breathable materials, the leather boot ensures maximum comfort as you hike. It features a flexible sole that enhances walking, and the best part is the cushioned heel, which provides extra comfort to keep you going.

User review: High performance grip and traction, abrasion-resistant, better durability

User rating: 4.5/5 on 188 reviews

Specifications-

Outsole technology: Cross contact

Colours: Brown

Features: Waterproof, Breathable

Reasons to buy: Ideal for easy trail routes with great foot support

Looking for a lightweight and fast-performing pair of trekking shoes? Look no further. The Pedroc Air shoe by Salewa is designed for fast-paced mountain use, even in hot summer conditions. It features a highly breathable knitted upper that keeps your feet dry and comfortable. The Salewa 3F system and Kevlar cables provide maximum flexibility and support. The best part? It includes a lightweight TPU rand for added protection against rocky surfaces.

User review: Lightweight, agile speeding hiking shoe designed for fast-paced mountain use

Specifications-

Outsole technology: POMOCA Speed Hiker

Colours: Green Dark Olive/Black, Black/Camo, Blue Java/Black

Features: Not waterproof, synthetic, all-weather conditions

Reasons to buy: Best suited for speed hiking or fast-paced mountain use  

These hiking shoes are specifically designed to make mountain adventures more comfortable for your feet. They feature a non-slip rubber outsole, providing excellent traction and durability at the front of the foot. Not only are they waterproof, keeping your feet dry in all weather conditions, but they’re also lightweight, making each step feel like a feather on your soles. The full-length cushioning offers added support, ensuring your feet stay comfortable throughout your hike.

User review: Durable, lightweight and comfortable for the feet

User rating: 4.4/5 on 7,117 reviews

Specifications-

Outsole technology: Outdoor contact

Colours: Black

Features: Waterproof, synthetic leather

Reasons to buy: Ideal for occasional hikes with great foot support and full-length cushioning

On a budget for hiking shoes? Don’t worry! These Quechua shoes are affordably priced and come in multiple colour variations. Even on slightly uneven trails, they perform well, thanks to a lightweight EVA foam midsole that helps absorb the impact of stones. The synthetic detailing on the forefoot is abrasion-resistant, making them a great choice for those seeking footwear that can handle rough terrain.

User review: Great for regular use and cool weather 

User rating: 4.4/5 on 5,906 reviews

Specifications-

Outsole technology: Outdoor contact

Colours: Beige, Brown, Black

Features: Waterproof, Removable sole 

Reasons to buy: Comfortable shoes with good grip, affordably priced and tested to work in mild rain