Best Trekking Shoes for Beginners (India Edition)
Choosing your first pair of trekking shoes can feel overwhelming—especially in India, where terrain ranges from humid forests to rugged Himalayan trails. But here’s the truth: the right shoes can make or break your trekking experience. In this guide, we’ll simplify everything and help beginners pick the perfect pair without confusion.
When you’re starting out, focus on comfort, grip, weight, durability, and budget. Beginners don’t need expensive mountaineering boots—you need reliable, versatile shoes that can handle easy to moderate trails.
What Beginners Should Look For
Before jumping into recommendations, here are the essentials:
- Good Grip: Deep grooves prevent slipping on mud, rocks, and wet terrain
- Lightweight Design: Reduces fatigue on long walks
- Comfort & Cushioning: You’ll walk 6–10 hours a day
- Ankle Support: Prevents injuries on uneven trails
- Water Resistance: Important for monsoon or Himalayan treks
Pro Tip: Avoid running shoes—they lack grip and can be unsafe on trails
Best Trekking Shoes for Beginners in India
1. Quechua MH100 (Decathlon) – Best Overall for Beginners
- Lightweight and budget-friendly
- Excellent grip for dry and mildly wet trails
- Comfortable for first-time trekkers
Ideal for: Kedarkantha, Triund, Beas Kund
This is one of the most recommended beginner shoes due to its balance of comfort and affordability
2. Quechua NH150 – Best Budget Option
- Highly breathable and flexible
- Good for weekend hikes and easy treks
- Water-resistant for light rain
Ideal for: Short treks, Western Ghats
A solid entry-level shoe offering great value under ₹3000
3. Wildcraft Hypagrip – Best Budget Indian Brand
- Durable and rugged build
- Good traction on rocky terrain
- Slightly heavier but long-lasting
Ideal for: Beginners on a tight budget
4. Quechua MH500 – Best Upgrade Option
- Waterproof with excellent grip
- Better ankle support
- Suitable for moderate Himalayan treks
Ideal for: Hampta Pass, Brahmatal
A great step-up shoe if you plan to trek frequently
5. Columbia Redmond / Peakfreak – Best Premium Choice
- Fully waterproof
- Superior grip on snow and wet terrain
- Lightweight yet durable
Ideal for: Himalayan treks & monsoon conditions
There is another league of trekking shoes introduced by few Indian brands which are gaining popularity amongst new trekkers.
Product Comparison Table
| Attribute |
|---|
Quechua MH100
Quechua NH150
Wildcraft Hypagrip
Quechua MH500
Columbia Redmond
Best For
First-time trekkers
Budget beginners
Budget rugged use
Intermediate trekkers
Premium performance
Price Range
₹3,000–₹4,000
₹2,000–₹3,000
₹2,000–₹3,000
₹4,500–₹5,000
₹6,000+
Weight
Lightweight
Very light
Medium-heavy
Medium
Lightweight
Waterproof
Partial
Light resistance
Limited
Yes
Yes
Grip
Good
Moderate
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Ankle Support
Mid
Low – Mid
Mid – High
High
Mid – High
ASIAN EVEREST-24 Trekking Shoes
Available on Amazon
Baca Buci Expedition
Available on their own website – https://baccabucci.com/
ADD GEAR Coasters CTR – HIGH Ankle – Trekking Waterproof Shoes Anti-Skid Hiking
Available on Amazon
How to Choose Based on Your Trek
- Easy treks (Triund, Nag Tibba): NH150 or MH100
- Moderate treks (Kedarkantha, Beas Kund): MH100 or MH500
- Monsoon treks: Waterproof shoes (MH500 / Columbia)
- Budget under ₹3000: NH150 or Wildcraft
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Buying shoes just before the trek → leads to blisters
- Choosing heavy boots unnecessarily
- Ignoring proper fit (too tight = pain, too loose = injuries)
- Prioritizing looks over functionality
For most beginners in India, you don’t need to overspend. Start with something reliable like MH100 or NH150. As you gain experience and start exploring tougher treks, upgrade to MH500 or premium options.
The best trekking shoe is not the most expensive one—it’s the one that keeps you comfortable, stable, and confident on the trail.