The best hiking boots for trekking in Nepal
You need sturdy, insulated and water-resistant boots that have been properly worn in to have a good Nepal trek. We discuss in detail what to look for in hiking boots so that you can choose a pair that's just right for you!
Well done for properly researching your hiking boots! Please read on as you need to find a pair early so that you can wear them in properly before your Nepal trek.
Looking for boots that can handle the conditions you’ll likely experience when trekking in Nepal. Knowing what to look for in a boot to suit your feet.
You need warm, comfortable, durable and water-resistant hiking boots to successfully and safely trek in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Why you need hiking boots, not shoes
Hiking boots offer greater warmth than hiking shoes, which is important when trekking in the Himalayas where conditions are harsh.
Hiking boot anatomy
Characteristics of good hiking boots
The upper boot Fit The soles
You forget about your feet when you're wearing good hiking boots, and can just focus on the trek and the scenery. This is exactly how it should be!
The upper boot
Fabric Weight Toe caps Insulation Ankle support
1. Fabric
The two main hiking boot fabrics are leather and synthetics. And the two main concerns when it comes to boot fabric are breathability and absorbency.
Leather
Leather is a natural fibre (often cowhide) that makes very tough and long-lived hiking boots.
They’re tough, resilient and durable. They can withstand abrasive action much better than synthetic fibres. A good pair of leather hiking boots can last years, even decades (though you may need to replace the soles). They can be made waterproof by waxing them regularly. They’re warm in cold weather. With time they mould to your feet and become very comfortable.
They tend to be more expensive than synthetic boots. They take a while to break in. The more waterproof you make them, the less breathable they become. They require more care and maintenance than synthetic boots. They’re heavier than synthetic boots.
Synthetics
They tend to be cheaper than leather boots (we all have a budget). They’re quicker to break in. They also require less maintenance. They’re very breathable, which helps in the prevention of blisters. They’re lightweight.
They aren't waterproof. They’re not as tough and durable as leather boots. They’re not as warm as leather boots.
Water-resistant vs water-repellent vs waterproof
Please note that ‘water-resistant’ doesn't mean the same thing as ‘water-repellent’, and ‘waterproof’ has yet a third meaning.
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2. Weight
3. Toe caps
The toe cap is an important feature that helps to protect your precious toes (and the boot fabric) from things like falling rocks, thorns and bashings.
4. Insulation
5. Ankle support
The very best ankle support
Fit
Ideally you should only try on hiking boots after having walked around for a few hours as your feet will have swollen a bit by then.
Boot size
Wear your socks when choosing your boots
If you want to forget all your other troubles, wear too tight shoes.
The toe box
The soles
Sole thickness
The outsole
The insole
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Crampons
The best bootlaces
Break in your hiking boots
We recommend that you and your boots cover at least 100 km together before embarking on a multiday Nepal trek.