Choosing Right Shoes

How to Choose Right Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

An adventure awaits in the mountains, and sturdy trekking shoes are your passport to adventure. The footwear you wear on your trek is essential in ensuring comfort, safety, and enjoyment, whether navigating rugged trails, climbing challenging climbs, or exploring tranquil landscapes. This guide will assist you in selecting the best trekking shoes for yourself, from learning about different types to managing budgets and maintaining your trusted walking partners. Different rugged mountains have various beautiful landscapes to explore when hiking, including the tall peaks of the Himalayas and the green forests of the Western Ghats. No matter what stage one is on, a good pair of boots is a must for an enjoyable and safe walk.

1. Understanding Trekking Shoe Type

Numerous types of trekking shoes have been made for specific terrains and activities. Here are some common ones:

  • Day Hiking Shoes: These lightweight, flexible shoes have good grip and breathability but may lack the necessary support or ankle protection for more difficult hikes.
  • Day Hiking Shoes—These range from mid– to high–cut models meant for short backpacking trips with light loads. They do not possess the durability of sturdy backpacking boots, bend easily, and need shorter break-in times.
  • Backpacking / Trekking Shoes – designed to carry heavier loads on multi-day treks when heading deeper into the backcountry. Most provide excellent support with a high cut that wraps above the ankles. They are suitable for off-trail and on-trail travel since they are heavy-duty, supportive and have stiffer midsoles than lighter-weight shoes.

2. Choosing the Right Trekking Shoe for Your Needs

Your ideal shoes for trekking will depend on several things:

  1. Know Your Terrain: Consider the type of place you plan to hike in. Select shoes with solid soles and ankle support for rocky and uneven terrains. In lighter woods like forest paths, lightweight footwear with sufficient grip might be adequate. Think about the difficulty of your trek, what kind of terrain you will be on, and what the weather conditions will be.
  2. Focus on Fit: Proper fit is essential for trekking shoes. Ensure your toes have enough room to prevent blisters and discomfort while ensuring the heel is snug enough not to slip off. To guarantee a proper-fitting shoe, try them on with your hiking socks.
  3. Consider Ankle Support:  Ankle-supporting footwear provides excellent stability and minimizes the risk of injuries during hikes over challenging topography or when carrying heavy loads. However, trail runners or low-cut shoes may be fine for more accessible trails.
  4. Waterproof and Breathable: Since India’s climate varies from place to place, hiking can mean both heat and rain. Waterproof shoes are ideal during wet weather, even though they may trap heat and moisture in hot conditions. If you intend to go hiking in hot, muggy conditions, think about air-permeable waterproof solutions.

3. Budget Considerations

There is some variety in the pricing of trekking shoes, from high-performance versions to budget ones. The following is a summary for you to manage your expenses:

  1. Entry-Level Options—These are budget-friendly hiking shoes for beginners or occasional hikers. While they may lack advanced features, they give enough grip and support for short hikes between ₹2000 and ₹5000 meters.
  2. Mid-Range Options—Compared to entry-level models, mid-range trekking shoes offer better traction, durability, and waterproofing. They have a good combination of quality and price that suits those who hike often. The price range is ₹5000 – ₹10000.
  3. Premium Options—Premium trekking shoes are designed for dedicated hikers and mountaineers who expect top performance and quality. They are made with state-of-the-art materials, technology, and construction for the best comfort and durability. Costs can exceed ₹10,000.

4. Maintaining Your Trekking Shoes

Taking good care of your trekking shoes will prolong their lifespan and guarantee optimal performance on the trail:

  • Clean Regularly: After each hike, use a soft brush or moist cloth to remove dirt and debris from your shoes. This prevents buildup that could compromise waterproofing and breathability. For stubborn dirt, you may want a specialized shoe cleaner.
  • Air Dry: The materials in your shoes may be harmed if they are exposed to direct heat sources like heaters or sunlight. Instead, let them air dry in a well-ventilated space at room temperature.
  • Check For Damage: Check your shoes often for evidence of deterioration, such as frayed edges or worn-out soles. If required, replace them to prevent safety and functionality from being compromised.
  • Storage: Your dry, clean shoes should be kept out of direct sunlight in a relaxed, dry environment. To help them keep their shape, stuff them with shoe trees or newspaper.

5. Beyond the Basics

Here are some more pointers for selecting and caring for your hiking shoes:

  • Break-in Period: Don’t go on your trek in brand-new shoes. Wear them on shorter walks first to help them adapt to your feet and prevent blisters.
  • Socks Matter – Invest in high-quality hiking socks to avoid chafing and to wick away sweat.
  • Replace When Needed – With time, the tread on your shoes will become less durable. As soon as the support weakens or the tread depth decreases, replace your shoes.

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Want To Trek Like Pro?

Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.

Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.

Important Guidelines

Government employees joining our trekking expeditions can avail of Special Casual Leave (SCL) under the following conditions:

  1. Eligibility Criteria:
    • SCL is available exclusively to Indian government employees.
    • Applicable only for treks conducted within India.
  2. Leave Details:
    • As per Pay Commission rules, government employees are entitled to up to 30 days of SCL in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions.
    • Treks must be organized by a registered organization, such as Trekup India, recognized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
  3. Application Process:
    • You need to apply for leave at least 20 days before the trek departure date.
    • How to Apply: The following details are required to apply for IMF certification through the IMF.
      • Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
        • Your booked trek date.
        • The trek name.
        • Aadhar Card
        • Designation
        • Office Address
        • Additional Fee of Rs. 250/ per person will be applicable.
        • Note: It might take 20-25 days to receive a certificate from the IMF, subject to their approval.
  4. Documentation Support:
    • Trekup India will provide the necessary documents to facilitate your SCL application.
  • A parent or guardian must accompany trekkers below 15 years of age.
  • Trekkers Aged 15 to 18 or above Years: Can trek solo but require a Disclaimer Form signed by a parent or guardian. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking by MBBS Doctor
  • Trekkers Aged above 18 Years: Require a Disclaimer Form self-signed. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking, Signed with an MBBS Doctor stamp.

If you’re planning a trek, you must ensure that your health parameters meet the fitness requirements for physical exertion at high altitudes or rugged terrains. Below are guidelines for each of the parameters mentioned:

1. Pulse Rate (Heart Rate at Rest):

  • Normal: 60 to 100 (bpm) beats per minute.
  • Required Fitness: Physically fit person may have a resting heart rate closer to 50 bpm, which shows that he have good cardiovascular efficiency.

2. Blood Pressure (BP):

  • Required BP: 120/80 mmHg. A Bolood Pressure within this Range ensures adequate oxygen delivery to muscles and organs during physical exertion, especially at high altitudes.
  • Your specified blood pressure (BP) Range—Systolic: 100–140 mmHg and Diastolic: 70–90 mmHg—is appropriate and generally considered safe for trekking activities.
  • Acceptable Range: <140/90 mmHg for trekking. Elevated BP could increase risks during strenuous activity or at high altitudes.

 

Recommendations:

  • Pre-Trek Checkup: Monitor your BP multiple times & ensure that it should be normal.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration affect BP, so maintain proper fluid intake during your trek.
  • Avoid Alcohol & Excess Salt: These can destabilize BP, especially at altitude.
  • BP Monitor: If you have a history of BP issues, regularly check your BP during the trek. Our Trek Leaders are equipped with a BP machine.
 

3. Respiratory Rate at Rest:

  • Required Rate: 12–20 breaths per minute.
 

4. Diabetes Mellitus:

  • Acceptable: Well-controlled blood sugar levels (HbA1c <7% or fasting blood glucose <126 mg/dL).
  • Fitness Requirement: Carry quick glucose sources and monitor regularly during the trek.
 

5. Bronchial Asthma:

  • Acceptable: Only when your doctors allow it & you have to submit an MBBS doctor NOC that you can undergo this trek.
  • Fitness Requirement: Bring prescribed inhalers/medications and consult your doctor about high-altitude risks.
 

6. Heart Problems:

  • Acceptable: Individuals without recent cardiac events (e.g., heart attack within the past 2 years).
  • Fitness Requirement: Clearance from an MBBS Doctor (cardiologist) is required.
 

7. Hypertension:

  • Acceptable: Controlled hypertension (BP <140/90 mmHg) with no recent complications like hypertensive crisis.
 

8. Pacemaker Implant:

  • Generally not recommended for high-altitude treks.
 

9. Body Mass Index (BMI):

  • Required BMI: 18 – 26 kg/m² for a good trekking fitness.
  • Overweight or underweight individuals may face additional strain on joints or fatigue.
 

Additional Recommendations:

  • High Altitude Acclimatization: For treks above 10,000 feet, ensure have some acclimatization Trekup India have designed Itinary of this trek accordingly to it but its not granted that this itinary works fine with acclimatization. For more information, click here.
  • Fitness Level: Regular aerobic and strength training exercises before the trek are essential. For more information, click here.
  • Medical Clearance: Consult a healthcare professional (MBBS Doctor) to assess your suitability before coming on this trek.

Would you like assistance preparing for your trek or calculating specific health metrics? Call Your Trek Co-Ordinator