Best hiking boots for the Annapurna Circuit: A blister-free guide

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but the trail is demanding. Over 12–20 days, you’ll navigate rocky steps, muddy paths, steep descents, and snow-covered passes like Thorong La at 5,416 m. Without the right footwear, even a dream trek can quickly become uncomfortable and risky.

The best hiking boots for the Annapurna Circuit do more than protect your feet. They prevent blisters, provide balance on uneven ground, and keep your feet dry when the weather turns. The trail involves significant elevation changes; your boots need reliable ankle support and soles that grip well on wet stone, loose gravel, and dusty trails. If you’re wondering what hiking boots to choose for the Annapurna Circuit, look for options that combine comfort, durability, and performance for long days on challenging terrain.

At Follow Alice, a lot of our team members have walked these paths. Schedule a call if you would like to learn more. and break down the top boots for the Annapurna Circuit, comparing features, weight, waterproofing, and support to help you find the perfect pair.

Close-up of hiking boots as the trail stretches into the mountains.

Learn more: Annapurna Circuit route – a detailed day-by-day itinerary

Choosing the right hiking boots for the Annapurna Circuit is important for a safe and comfortable trek. The trail spans over 12–20 days, so not all footwear will suffice. Here’s what to look for when selecting the best trekking boots for Annapurna:

Your boots must fit comfortably without pinching or slipping. Even a small misfit can cause painful blisters during long days on the trail. Look for boots with enough room for your toes while maintaining a secure hold around the heel. Proper fit is the foundation of any successful Annapurna Circuit trek.

The weather in the Annapurna region can be unpredictable, ranging from rain to snow depending on the season. Boots that are waterproof yet breathable keep your feet dry while preventing overheating, a critical factor on muddy paths and snow-covered sections like Thorong La Pass.

Steep ascents and descents put your ankles at risk. Boots with higher collars and strong ankle support reduce the chance of twists or sprains, providing stability on uneven terrain and rocky steps.

A semi-rigid or rigid sole offers stability on rough trails and prevents foot fatigue over long distances. While flexible shoes may feel lighter, they often compromise support on the rocky and uneven terrain typical of the Annapurna Circuit.

The trek covers hundreds of kilometres, so your footwear must endure repeated stress. Lightweight trail runners may not withstand the conditions, while durable trekking boots can last through the full journey and many treks after.

By focusing on these criteria, you can distinguish the best shoes for the Annapurna trek from standard hiking footwear. Choosing boots that balance comfort, protection, and performance ensures your trek is both enjoyable and safe.

Muddy trekking boots drying in a teahouse room along the Annapurna Circuit.

Learn more: 10 tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit

Choosing the right footwear can make or break your Annapurna Circuit trek. These are the best trekking boots for the Annapurna Circuit, which have been tested on long Himalayan trails and offer a balance of comfort, support, and durability.

These boots represent the top hiking footwear for the Annapurna Circuit, combining waterproofing, ankle support, and durable soles. Choosing any of these options will help ensure your trek is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable, whether you’re navigating muddy paths, rocky steps, or high-altitude passes.

Learn more: 10 tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit

The best shoes for the Annapurna Circuit won’t perform if you don’t break them in before your trek. New boots can quickly cause painful blisters, turning what should be an adventure into a struggle. To prepare, wear your boots on shorter hikes at home, ideally using the socks you plan to wear in Nepal. Gradually increase the duration and terrain difficulty to mimic trail conditions.

By the time you arrive in Besisahar to begin the trek, your boots should feel like a natural extension of your feet. Properly broken-in boots not only prevent blisters but also improve stability, comfort, and confidence on uneven paths, rocky steps, and high-altitude passes like Thorong La.

Trail-ready hiking boots standing on rocky ground.

Follow these tips to ensure your boots are trail-ready before you reach Nepal:

Begin breaking in your boots at least four to six weeks before your trek. The earlier you start, the more time your feet and boots have to adjust.

Always break in your boots with the same socks you’ll wear on the Annapurna Circuit. This ensures proper fit and reduces friction that can cause blisters.

Start with one to two-hour walks on flat ground, gradually increasing both distance and difficulty. This helps the leather or synthetic materials mould to your feet.

As your boots start to feel more comfortable, practice on uneven ground, gravel, or inclines to mimic trail conditions in Nepal. This builds support and tests ankle stability.

Wear your boots with a daypack or weighted backpack to simulate trekking conditions. This helps identify pressure points and ensures the boots are comfortable under load.

Pay attention to areas where your boots rub or pinch. Use blister prevention methods like moleskin tape or specialised socks if needed. Adjust lacing techniques to relieve pressure.

If possible, take your boots on longer hikes or weekend treks. This gives you real feedback on comfort, waterproofing, and support before the Annapurna Circuit.

By following this routine, your boots should feel like a natural extension of your feet by the time you start trekking. Properly broken-in boots help prevent blisters, enhance balance, and reduce fatigue on the Annapurna Circuit’s rocky paths, steep descents, and high-altitude passes.

Learn more: Nepal trekking permits and fees (2025)

Some trekkers wonder if trail running shoes are enough for the Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp trek. While lightweight trail runners are tempting due to their low weight and flexibility, they usually lack the ankle support, rigid soles, and durability needed for multi-day treks in rugged Himalayan terrain.

Trail runners may perform properly on shorter hikes, where paths are less demanding and elevation gains are moderate. However, for the full Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp trek, proper hiking boots are strongly recommended. Boots provide better stability on rocky trails, improved grip on muddy or snow-covered paths, and long-term comfort over consecutive days of trekking.

Exploring the forest trails in sturdy hiking boots amidst fallen leaves.

When it comes to hiking boots for the Annapurna Circuit, there isn’t a single “perfect” pair for everyone. The best hiking boots for the Annapurna Circuit are the ones that suit your feet, trekking style, and comfort preferences. What matters most is that they are waterproof, supportive, and durable, providing stability on rocky paths, muddy trails, and snow-covered passes.

A solid pair of boots can make the difference between reaching Thorong La with confidence or struggling on the way down to Muktinath. If you’re still unsure, remember this: investing in the best shoes for the Annapurna trek is investing in your trek’s success. The right boots keep you safe, comfortable, and able to fully enjoy one of the world’s most iconic trekking routes. Have questions or need expert advice for your trip? Contact the Follow Alice team, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.