Here’s a question: Why do specific trekking shoes matter for women?
Actually, 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. For example, even a top brand like Adidas doesn’t have a dedicated “hiking and outdoor” section for women’s shoes in India. When it comes to buying women’s trekking shoes online in India, 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 out the best brands for female trekkers and going through the details of each product, we have reviewed the 12 best trekking shoes for women in India.
Take a look.
The 12 Best Trekking Shoes for Women in India
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 Columbia women’s hiking boots in India 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 shoe for tackling snow, mud, scree, and even sharp rocks. The classic hiking boot design looks good and offers a good level of comfort during a long day of trekking.
The 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 minimal signs of wear. Unless you are carrying heavy backpacks or pounding them through glacial moraine on 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 MT100

Pros
- Robust but lightweight
- Excellent fit and finish
- Excellent traction from the outsole
- Fully waterproof design
Cons
- A high price tag
- Not designed for multi-day high-altitude treks
Decathlon trekking shoes for women are a go-to option due to their easy availability across India. While buying Decathlon trekking shoes for women, the choice comes between Forclaz and Quechua. Remember that Forclaz offers a more premium range of products than Quechua. If you are looking for a high-quality women’s trekking boot that can handle rough terrain like a champ, the Forclaz MT100 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 100 comes with a rubber sole that ensures good grip on a wide variety of terrain. That said, it is marked for routes with a defined trail. The sole is semi-rigid, allowing you to balance on narrow ledges or rocks. The expanded TPU midsole is a good feature as it combines durability with an elastic memory. That means you get some form of energy return on hard ground and rocks. Plus, unlike EVA midsoles, TPU resists deformation better in extreme temperatures.
I also like the lacing system of the boot. The laces can be adjusted almost across the entire foot for a customized fit. The construction is robust and your feet remain protected from all sides. The cushioning is good and long walks won’t tire your feet out easily.
Note that this is an expensive and heavy-duty boot. Unless you are a frequent high-altitude trekker over mid- to high-altitude terrain, 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. That said, your feet might feel the heat in hot and humid conditions. Make sure to nourish and hydrate the leather by using the right form of waterproof grease to preserve it for longer periods. The combination of leather and the Vibram rubber outsole makes the shoe slightly heavy. But the overall durability and support are good.
Plus, this is among the few rare Vibram sole trekking shoes available in India. However, like many other brands the type of Vibram outsole used is not mentioned by Forclaz.
The grip of the 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 plush option. But the overall comfort is not bad either. The insole takes some time to adapt to the contours of your feet. The leather padding around the ankle and tongue is sufficient and durable. 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.
Admittedly, it is one of the best waterproof trekking shoes for women in India. But even with a discount, the MT500 is an expensive leather hiking boot. If you are looking for a well-designed high altitude trekking boot for women that offers solid protection, it is a good choice. But for 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 day treks on muddy or slushy trails.
The Direct Comfort Technology from Ecco offers excellent comfort and even with the Gore-Tex layer, the textile upper offers 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. The grip offered by the multi-directional grooves is good, but the grooves tend to collect mud. Best to clean them up after a day’s hike.
That said, it is a low-cut shoe, and your feet will not stay dry in deep 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. In terms of comfort, I’d say that it is one of the best women’s hiking shoes in India.
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 standard 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 terrain. 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 that this is not a waterproof trekking shoe for women, and wearing it on a rainy day will get your feet wet. The mesh upper absorbs water almost like a sponge. However, it dries out quickly, and the breathability is good enough. Another aspect is the slightly wider toe box, perfect for those with wider feet. Some 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 female trekking shoe from Adidas 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 good, though not great. Adidas has also used a non-traditional lacing system that works well to distribute the pressure around the foot.
Some users mentioned that the shoe is on the wider side. So, you may need to size it down by one size. 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 maintained trails and works well on rough trails as well.
Skechers 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 Skechers 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 lightweight trekking shoe for women that’s good enough for lighter hikes and jungle trails.
Quechua Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe – 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 among the popular options. 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. Overall, the waterproofing is decent for an affordable hiking boot. 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 is exactly what it 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 up on offer at Decathlon, these trekking shoes for women offer excellent value.
Skechers 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, Skechers 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, this is among the best low-cut trekking shoes for women in India that work well for occasional treks. But if you want a more robust and supportive trekking shoe for women, look elsewhere.
ECCO Multi-Vent Women’s Low Gtx Shoes

Pros
- Good comfort and balance
- Grippy and durable outsole
- A breathable upper
Cons
- Best for light to medium treks
- A pricey option
The multi-vent women’s outdoor shoe from Ecco is loaded with features like GORE-TEX SURROUND technology, full-grain leather, and FLUIDFORM cushioning. The overall package is well-rounded to provide excellent comfort and superior traction.
Aesthetically, the design looks pleasing and is nothing that would attract eyeballs. They are good for everyday walks as well. The comfort is on par with the best cushioned running shoes, and your feet remain well protected. Ecco has not added a ton of foam in the midsole, but the cushioning feels plush. Plus, the roomy design makes the fit comfortable. That makes it a great wide feet trekking shoe for women.
Made from durable full-grain leather, the shoe feels robust, but sharp rocks tend to leave scratches on the surface. The breathability is decent, and the Gore-Tex offers good waterproofing. The good part of the design is that, even though it is made from leather, the weight is on the lower side.
Admittedly, they are not built for rough treks. But if you are looking for a comfortable shoe for 10-15 kilometre long day hikes over a defined trail (think of Kedarnath or Madhyamaheshwar trek), this is a good option.
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.
FAQs
Why do women need dedicated women’s trekking shoes instead of men’s or unisex options?
Purely for anatomical reasons. Female feet have a distinct anatomical structure compared to male feet. They are typically narrower through the midfoot and heel, have a higher arch, and feature a different volume distribution. That’s why wearing ill-fitting unisex or men’s boots can lead to sliding, friction, severe blisters, and lack of proper ankle support on uneven trails.
Are waterproof trekking shoes necessary for trekking in India?
It depends entirely on the season and the terrain of your trek:
Monsoon & Snow Treks: Yes, waterproof membranes (such as Gore-Tex or OutDry) are essential to keep your feet dry from rain, slush, and snow crossings.
Summer & Dry Trails: Non-waterproof or mesh-based trail shoes are often a better choice because they offer significantly higher breathability, preventing your feet from overheating and sweating excessively.
Should I buy a half-size or full-size larger when purchasing trekking shoes?
That’s a question that attracts a lot of debate. It is often related to personal preferences. Yes, buying a half-size or one full size up is generally recommended. here’s an article from Columbia on the topic. Especially if you plan to wear thick socks or your feet tend to swell after long hours of walking.
Also, you don’t want a very tight fit that will give you blisters. When trekking downhill, your feet slide forward due to gravity. Having extra room in the toe box prevents your toes from constantly jamming against the front of the shoe (which causes “black toe” or nail loss).
But too much space will make your feet slide inside the show, which is a bad idea. Try to find a balance between comfort and a secure fit. In my experience, leave at least a half-inch gap between your toes and the top end of the shoe.
Can I use running shoes or sneakers for trekking in India?
For easy, well-graded day walks or short nature trails, standard running shoes can suffice. However, for multi-day Himalayan treks, rocky terrain, or boulder zones, running shoes lack adequate ankle support, underfoot rock protection plates, and durable grip. Specialized trekking or trail-running shoes are strongly advised to prevent slips, ankle twists, and foot fatigue.
How do I break in my new trekking shoes before a trek?
I have found shoes from a few top brands ready to wear fron day one. Even so, wearing brand-new trekking shoes straight onto a major trek is not a good idea. Break them in over 2 to 3 weeks prior by:
-Wearing them around the house for a few hours daily.
-Taking them on short neighborhood walks or light weekend hikes.
-Wearing the exact socks you plan to use on the trek to identify and pre-tape any potential hot spots or friction points.
How to choose trekking shoes for women?
Extremely important question that deserves a seperate discussion. Here’s a short answer:
Gender-Specific Fit: Choose boots built on women-specific lasts. They feature narrower heels, lower volume, and accommodated arches to prevent friction and slipping.
Match the Terrain & Duration:
Day hikes / Easy trails: Lightweight, low-cut trail shoes or flexible hiking sneakers.
Multi-day / High-altitude Himalayan treks: High-top or mid-cut boots with rigid soles, ankle support, and rock protection plates.
Waterproofing vs. Breathability: Pick waterproof membranes (like Gore-Tex or OutDry) for snow or monsoon treks; opt for mesh uppers for hot, dry weather to avoid excessive sweating.
Sizing Up: Buy one-half to one full size larger than your regular shoe size to account for foot swelling during long walks and the extra space needed for thick trekking socks when going downhill.
Outsole Grip & Lug Depth: Look for durable rubber outsoles with deep, aggressive lugs (4mm+) to secure traction on mud, slush, and loose scree.
By Ananya Lahiri
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