The anatomical difference between a male and a female foot necessitates the use of a different set of moulds for making women’s hiking boots. A female foot is narrower and the arch is slightly taller.

The point is, when it comes to women’s trekking shoes in India, there are not many options to pick from. The focus of the market is still on men’s trekking shoes.

The market for women’s trekking shoes in India is still growing and products from most brands are skewed towards the best trekking shoes for men. When it comes to buying trekking shoes for women online, many sellers don’t stock women’s trekking shoes from international brands like Salomon and Merrell

That doesn’t mean you will not find any options. After checking the market and going through the details of each product, we have selected and reviewed the 12 best trekking shoes for women in India that you can pick.

Take a look.

Columbia Women Peakfreak II Mid

Pros

• A reliable trekking boot
• Doesn’t weigh you down
• The outsole offers a solid grip
• Solid durability

• Expensive option
• The tongue could have been longer

Columbia has a range of dependable hiking shoes and boots for women with great features. The Peakfreak II is a smart-looking hiking shoe with solid build quality. The shoe isn’t too heavy, but the all-around protection it offers is great. 

Firstly, the shoe requires zero break-in. The fit is snug and there is enough room for wider feet. Next, the comfort is very well balanced and the midsole is good at absorbing impacts from rough surfaces or sharp rocks. This is a shoe that works well when you have to walk 8 hours a day.

Columbia uses their own breathable waterproof membrane called OutDry. In my experience, the waterproofing performance has always been good unless the water level reaches above the ankles. The Adapt Trax outsole is a great performer, even for occasional walks above the snowline. 

I wish the hexagonal lugs were a bit longer but they hold on well even after 100 kilometers. One thing is, mud tends to stick to the outsole lugs. So, make sure to clear them after crossing muddy stretches.

All in all, the Peakfreak II offers a fantastic combination of support and comfort. It is not cheap, but definitely one of the best women’s shoes for trekking over technical terrain as well as casual walks.

Columbia Women Blue Newton Ridge Plus

Pros

• Good for buyers with wide feet
• Well-made and durable
• Supportive Techlite insole
• Energy return adds a spring to your step

Cons

• Not the best cushioning
• Not so enduring on heavy-duty trails

The Newton Ridge Plus from Columbia is a reliable show for tackling snow, mud, scree, and even for tackling sharp rocks. The classic hiking boot design looks good and offers a good level of comfort during a long day of trekking.

Teh first thing you will notice after wearing these boots is the great combination of comfort and support. The insole isn’t super soft and feels decently comfortable. However, the responsive feel prevents your feet from getting tired. The sole is semi-rigid and the suede upper takes some time to fully break in. I’d suggest wearing them around for a few days before hitting the trail.

The grip of the Omni-Grip rubber is good but not great. However, unless the trail is extremely muddy and slippery, you won’t face any issues. Waterproofing performance is good unless you fully submerge them. Then the water will start leaking in from the area around the tongue. They work well to keep your feet dry during rain showers.

The suede upper makes the shoe relatively lightweight. However, it isn’t the most breathable option. The durability is good and even after 100 kilometres, these boots show minimum signs of wearing. Unless you are carrying heavy backpacks or pounding them through glacial moraine in every trek, they should last.

If you are hitting the trails once or twice a year, the Newton Ridge Plus is a good choice. Plus, they look good with jeans too. Overall, a dependable boot for hiking through any terrain.

Forclaz Women Trekking Waterproof Boots MT700

Pros

• Robust but lightweight
• Excellent fit and finish
• Excellent traction from the outsole
• Fully waterproof design

Cons

• A high price tag
• Best for multi-day high-altitude treks

Decathlon trekking shoes for women are a go-to option due to their easy availability across India. If you are looking for a high-quality trekking boot for women that can handle rough terrains like a champ, the Forclaz MT70 is worth a closer look.

Forclaz has used a special textile material that ensures the foot chamber remains waterproof even if the water level rises to the mid-upper area. However, the company recommends using a re-waterproofing spray at least once a year to preserve the waterproofing. The EVA midsole is soft enough to provide good cushioning.

The MT 700 comes with a Vibram rubber sole that ensures good grip on a wide variety of terrain. At present, this is probably the only trekking boot that you can buy in India with an authentic Vibram sole. The sole is semi-rigid and allows you to balance yourself on narrow ledges or rocks.

I also like the lacing system of the boot. The laces can be adjusted almost across the entire foot for a customized fit. You can also use strap-on crampons with the MT 700 if needed. The construction is robust and your feet remain protected from all sides.

Note, this is an expensive and heavy-duty boot that can also work as a snow trekking shoe for women. Unless you are a frequent high-altitude trekker in boulder and rock zones, you may not need this boot. But if you want a sturdy performer for rough terrains, this is one of the best waterproof trekking shoes for women you can buy in India.

Forclaz Women Leather Boots Waterproof MT500

Pros

• Durable leather construction
• Reliable waterproofing
• Suited for mid and high-altitude treks
• The outsole offers a good grip

Cons

• Limited breathability
• The weight is on the higher side

If you want the durability and the feel of leather, the Forclaz MT500 is a good option. This trekking boot is designed mainly for tackling moderate-altitude terrains but it can handle occasional walks over scree zones and snowfields.

The leather upper is breathable and waterproof. Make sure to nourish and hydrate the leather by using the right form of waterproof grease to preserve it for longer periods. That said, your feet might feel the heat in hot and humid conditions. The combination of leather and the rubber outsole makes the shoe slightly heavy. But the overall durability and support are good.

The grip of the rubber outsole is good over muddy or wet terrain. One thing is, the outsole is on the harder side and not the best choice when you want to move fast. On the plus side, the overall stability you get on loose ground or rocks is good.

When it comes to comfort, the MT500 is not a plushy option. Padding around the ankle and tongue is sufficient. The midsole is made from PU material that is not as plush as EVA. However, it provides long-term support without losing its compressive properties like EVA. The lacing system designed by Forclaz is well-designed and allows you to customize the fit.

Even with a discount, the MT500 is an expensive leather hiking boot. If you are looking for a well-designed and durable boot that offers solid protection, it is a good choice. But if you prefer something lighter and more affordable, there are other options.

Ecco Women’s Mx Outdoor Shoes

Pros

• Good cushioning
• Lightweight, flexible design
• Waterproof and breathable
• Rugged outsole

Cons

• A pricey option
• The support level is limited

If you want a comfortable women’s walking boot for everyday walks as well as multi-day hikes, the Ecco MX is a solid option. Even though the design makes it look like streetwear, the overall quality is top-notch and great for mountain hikes. Admittedly, the Gore-tex layer can be overkill for city wear but makes the MX great for treks on a wet day.

The Direct Comfort Technology from Ecco offers excellent comfort and even with the Gore-tex layer the textile upper offer good reliability. Your feet won’t get tired even after hours of walking over rough and rocky trails. The fact that the shoe is extremely lightweight is a big plus, allowing you to move fast if needed.

Besides, the rugged PU outsole offers a solid grip even on slippery terrains along with a decent amount of support. Even though it is a low-cut shoe, your feet will stay dry in large puddles. Since PU tends to last longer than rubber, you can expect the sole to offer good durability. There is plenty of padding around the heel and tongue to ensure comfort.

Some users mentioned that the toe box is on the narrower side, so make sure to check the fit if you have wide feet. Then again, this isn’t a cheap option. But Ecco has a reputation for making durable shoes and you can expect them to last for a few hundred kilometers.

Asics Gel-Trabuco 10 

Pros

• A versatile trail shoe
• Excellent traction
• A comfy fit
• Secure lacing system

Cons

• Retains water
• The durability of the mesh upper isn’t the best

While the GEL-Trabuco 10 is mostly designed for trail running, it offers just the right amount of stiffness and support for mountain hikes. In fact, the outsole has 4mm deep lugs and high-quality Asics Grip rubber that offers a solid grip on a variety of terrain.

The GEL cushioning technology is at the back for impact absorption. Combined with the  Flytefoam midsole, this makes the shoe feel soft and responsive. While it’s not a fast shoe like typical trail runners, it offers a balanced ride on rocky and uneven terrains. The lighter weight allows you to stay fast and nimble on your feet just as a trail running shoe will allow.

In addition, Asics has added a rock protection plate that works well in rugged terrain. And even with the plate, the shoe is flexible enough to tackle boulder zones. The overall durability is good and if you can manage to get it at a discount, the Gel-Trabuco 10 offers excellent value and great versatility.

Note, this is not a waterproof trekking shoe, and wearing it on a rainy day will get your feet wet. However, the mesh upper dries out quickly and the breathability is good enough. Another con is the slightly wider toe box. Female trekkers with narrow feet might find it uncomfortable during sharp downhill walks. 

Unless you prefer more protection for your feet the Gel-Trabuco 10 is a good choice for day treks and multi-day hikes over non-technical terrain.

Adidas Hyperturf Adventure

Pros

• Good support and comfort
• Outsole offers great grip
• A versatile design
• Advanced Formotion technology

Cons

• Not waterproof
• An expensive option.

The Hyperturf Adventure is a cool-looking Adidas trekking shoe for women that’s good for walks in a park, as well as in the mountains. I wouldn’t classify it as a hardcore trekking shoe for women, but it will work well for day treks below 4,000 meters.

The Hyperturf is made from a combination of ripstop mesh, suede, and nubuck leather. The rubber outsole is grippy and overall, the shoe feels robust. However, it may feel stiff right out of the box and loosen up after a few kilometres. While the shoe has a lightweight design, the footbed offers good support.

For cushioning, there is adiPRENE that absorbs impacts and lasts longer without deformation. The overall comfort levels are great. Adidas has also used a non-traditional lacing system that works well to distribute the pressure around the foot.

Note, some users mentioned that the shoe is on the wider side. So, you may need to size it down by one step. Considering the high price, check out for any discount that makes the Hyperturf Adventure a more favourable deal for female trekkers.

Columbia Women Crestwood Water Resistant Shoes

Pros

• Multi-terrain traction
• Outsole offers great grip
• Good for wet conditions
• Good for long hikes

Cons

• Limited toe protection
• The toe box is narrow

If you prefer low-ankle shoes that are waterproof, the Crestwood is a dependable option. It combines superior craftsmanship with a rugged design that is great for treks of all levels. And the Omni-Tech waterproof technology keeps your feet dry as well as warm when the temperatures drop.

Like most other trekking shoes from Columbia, the outsole grip is excellent, even on snow and mud. The Techlite cushioning in this shoe isn’t the best from Columbia, but it’s not too bad either. You get a soft feel as well as a bounce with every step. The traditional lace-up design provides a secure fit and you get a good balance on uneven terrain.

The top of this women’s trekking boot is a combination of suede leather and mesh that is built to last. Since it is not bulky, your feet won’t feel tired after long walks. That said, the toe protection is on the lower side. However, the shoe feels robust and underfoot protection is great.

Overall, the Crestwood is a solid choice for trekkers of all levels. It is an affordable waterproof trekking shoe that is great for rough trails. 

Sketchers Uno Trail – Cool Trek

Pros

• Good comfort and balance
• Grippy and durable outsole
• A breathable upper 
• Good durability

Cons

• Best for light treks only
• A pricey option

The Uno rail comes under a new brand of trekking shoes from Sketchers with Goodyear-branded rubber on the outsole. The lug design provides a wider contact area and ensures a great grip.

Another plus of this trekking shoe is the great balance of comfort and stability. You get the cushioning of air-cooled memory foam and a visible air-cushioned midsole. Along with the plush feel the midsole also offers great shock absorption. The arch support offered is good too.

The upper is mostly a combination of synthetic durabuck and suede, with some amount of mesh. The finish is top-notch and durability should not be an issue. Even so, I wish the rubber ran along the toe area to provide better protection. 

However, at this price, I would expect waterproofing. The Uno-trail comes with a water-resistant coating which is a drawback. That should be good enough for treks on a rainy day, but not good enough for walking through deep puddles. 

All in all, I wouldn’t recommend it for female trekkers going for multi-day high-altitude treks. But it is a trekking boot that’s good enough for lighter hikes and jungle trails.

Quechua Women’s Waterproof Mountain Hiking Shoes – MH100

Pros

• Offers good value
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Decent traction with 4mm lugs

Cons

• Limited breathability
• The outsole isn’t long-lasting

If you want a waterproof trekking boot for women at a reasonable price, the MH100 from Quechua is worth a closer look. This is a high-top trekking boot with good cushioning and an EVA midsole for comfort. Wearing them for long periods won’t tire your feet.

The combination of waterproofing and breathability is good as long as you don’t spend more than 3 hours in heavy rain. However, I wouldn’t recommend wearing the MH100 in hot and humid conditions. The rubber sole offers a decent grip on wet surfaces and even though it’s not long-lasting, I wouldn’t complain at this price point.

Keep in mind that Quechua classifies these boots for occasional mountain hiking. This means “occasional: about 10 hikes per year of about 3 to 4 hours in length, covering less than 10km and less than 700m in elevation gain”.

Sure, they will hold on if you push them a bit further. But don’t expect them to last long if you use these for moving through scree zones and across boulder lines for extended periods. The most common breaking point is the connection between the outsole and midsole. Still, if you can pick them on offer at Decathlon, these trekking shoes for women offer excellent value. 

Sketcher’s Go Run Trail Altitude-New-ADV

Pros

• Offers good value
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Decent traction with 4mm lugs

Cons

• Best suited for light treks
• The outsole isn’t long-lasting

The Skechers GoRun Razor Trail is a reliable trail running shoe. The Trail Altitude is built on the same platform and uses a more rugged sole and better support that trekkers need. It is also a lightweight and breathable trekking shoe that won’t burden your feet.

The design is simple, and with adequate midsole cushioning and a Goga Mat insole, the comfort levels are good. The midsole offers the right amount of rebound that is needed for trekking. To keep the price low, Sketchers has not used Goodyear rubber on the soles in this shoe. While the grip is good, don’t expect the sole to last as long as the Uno Trail.

As expected, the shoe is water-resistant and not waterproof. Prolonged use in the rain and a dip in streams can get your feet wet. The good news is, the breathable mesh uppers ventilate well. Overall, a comfortable shoe that you can wear on and off the trail.

All in all, these are relatively low-priced hiking shoes from Sketchers that work well for occasional treks. If you want a more robust and supportive trekking shoe for women, look elsewhere.

Adidas TERREX EASTRAIL 2

Pros

• Good comfort and balance
• Grippy and durable outsole
• A breathable upper 
• Good durability

Cons

• Best for light treks only
• A pricey option

The Eastrail from the Adidas’ Terrex line-up is a good choice for occasional female trekkers looking for a reliable trekking shoe. And if you manage to get it at a discount, it offers fantastic value for money.

Since this is a mesh and fabric-based shoe, the break-in period is minimal. The out-of-the-box comfort levels are good enough. The upper material is stiff enough to Also, the lightweight design allows you to stay agile on the trail. The cushioning is good too and your feet will remain comfortable throughout the day.

The Traxion outsoles with mm lugs do a great job of keeping you stable even on snow and slush. Unfortunately, the mid-GTX version of this trekking boot is not available in India. However, like many other shoes, the treads tend to clog up with mud.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the best trekking shoes for women you can buy in India. We have included trekking shoes suitable for a wide range of users from newbie trekkers to more experienced trekkers. 

Picking the right trekking shoes for ladies depends on a number of factors, including your preferences, budget, trekking frequency, and the type of terrain. But the bottom line is this- you need a reliable shoe to complete your trek successfully.

By Ananya Lahiri

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