There are various opinions about which season is the best for hiking. Some insist the lush green that the monsoons bring with it are the best time to climb that mountain; while others think the cold winters are the nicest time of the year. Whatever be the season – summer, winter, monsoon, spring – any time of the year is a good time to trek!
Most of India experiences a blistering summer but the high altitudes of the mountains makes it suitable for those summer treks. However the heat and humidity that the summers bring with it tend to make your feet sweaty which may also result in odour of your feet and shoes. Hence when it comes to footwear, you should wear light-weight, breathable shoes and definitely not the overly-insulated variety.
Snow-capped mountains, frozen rivers, wintry grasses are just some of the images that come to mind when you think about trekking in the winters. A season not for the faint-hearted, trekking in the winter comes with many challenges such as blizzards, fogs to name a few. Trekking in such extreme weathers can cause your feet to turn super cold, even freeze up causing stiffness, frigid toes or chilblains. Hence equipping yourself with the right set of shoes before you head off to the snow-capped mountains will ease your winter trek. Your shoes for the winter trek should provide great ankle support, have the right cushioning, sufficient insulation to keep your feet warm, appropriate lugs for that terrain, waterproofing and breathability.
India has a healthy monsoon season which changes the face of the earth into a luxurious green carpet. But the key to a good trek in the monsoons is to be well prepared for the trip. One cannot state enough that good shoes are very important in the monsoons. The wet and slippery terrains can cause you to slip and injure yourself or you may develop allergy or fungal infection on your feet due to exposure to the wet and damp weather. Your feet should be safe and dry inside a pair of good shoes.
While trekking can be enjoyed through the year, it still remains imperative that you have the appropriate gear for each season. The same goes for hiking shoes as well. Let us look at some hiking shoes that are suitable for particular seasons.
Also check out Swami’s take on the Hiking Shoes For Flat, Narrow and Wide Feet
Best Hiking Shoes for Rainy Weather India
Add Gear CTR Slip Resistant Boots
This pair of Add Gear CTR High Ankle boots are best suited for the monsoon season. It comes with Italian anti-skid gum soles with aggressive traction which protect you from slipping on the wet, muddy or mossy grounds thus making you feel safe.
The outer and inner materials are made of synthetic while the high quality midsole is wear resistant and pressure-proof. The cleated outsole discards the debris as you walk. These light-weight shoes are ideal for the monsoons.
Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Snow – Himalayan Treks
Keen Summit County Boots
The Keen Summit County helps you enjoy your winter trek by keeping the winters out of your shoes.
This tall ankle support footwear offers comfort with flexibility. The upper is made of leather and nylon mesh while the Keen.Dry waterproof membrane and polyester linings keeps the water out and wicks the sweat away. The lace-up system high up into the ankle provides great support to the ankle and feet.
You need all the warmth you can when trekking the snow-capped ranges. The Summit County uses bamboo fiber and polyester insulation that can keep your feet warm even in -35 degrees F conditions. The thermal footbeds keep the feet warmth.
The EVA midsoles give great light cushioning and excellent shock absorption required for this kind of terrain. The rubber toe guards protect your feet from abrasions and bumps to the toes that are a common cause of concern in these geographical conditions. The dual-climate rubber outsoles provide the most favorable traction on wet, dry or snow covered surfaces.
This footwear will definitely not disappoint you – so head off confidently to the Himalayas this winter!
Summer Hiking Shoes Women
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator
The brand is a name to reckon with in the world of hiking gear. This extremely breathable pair of shoes is highly recommended for summer hiking.
The upper suede leather and mesh with breathable mesh lining makes the shoes well ventilated. The shoe has rubber toe caps that protect the front section of the footwear. The foam tongue keeps the moisture and debris at bay.
The Merrell M-Select Fit.Eco and the EVA footbed and midsole gives the required stability and comfort while the air cushions in the heel helps in shock absorption. The molded nylon arch shank also adds to the stability for the wearer.
The traction is solid and is a good buy for light to moderate level hikers.
Hiking Shoes For Different Surfaces
Best Hiking Shoes for Wet Rocks
Salomon Ultra GTX
The waterproof outer material in combination with the polyester mesh makes the shoes water resistant and comfortable for the user. The Gore-tex waterproof bootie liner keeps the feet dry and makes it breathable while the polyester lining wicks away the moisture from the feet.
The advanced chassis with the EVA midsoles provides stability and bolstering on the rocky terrains. The light-weight materials used in the design of the shoe, keeps the weight down of this pair making it easier to navigate difficult topography.
The mud guards and rubber toe caps protect the front section of the feet from damage and potential injury. The EVA heel cups enhance heel support and provide the required cushioning. And the rubber outsoles work towards offering the much needed traction for these terrains.
Best Hiking Shoes for Loose Gravel
Lowa’s Elite Desert
This light weight, breathable yet tough pair of shoes from Lowa will help you get through harsh weather conditions and gravelly, sandy terrain.
The Lowa Elite Desert boot upper is made of suede and fabric while the lining is of quick-drying fabric which makes the shoes breathable. The midsole is crafted out of polyurethane which gives great support and cushioning. The insole comprises of a climate controlled footbed whereas the Vibram MVS outsole ensures the stability and sturdiness of the shoes.
The special stud configuration lends itself to versatility across different kinds of terrains and treks.
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