Your boots matter more than any other piece of kit. A trek in Nepal means six to eight hours a day on stone steps, rocky moraine and sometimes snow, day after day.
Quick answer: Choose mid- or high-cut waterproof trekking boots with a stiff, grippy sole, fitted half to one size larger than your street shoes to allow for thick socks and swelling. Buy them at least six weeks before you fly and walk at least 50–80 km in them before the trek.
What to look for
- Ankle support: mid or high cut, for loose rock and descents.
- Waterproof membrane: useful for snow, streams and monsoon mud.
- Sole: deep lugs and some stiffness. Very soft soles bruise feet on stony trails.
- Weight: a light-to-mid boot suits teahouse treks. Heavy mountaineering boots are only needed on climbing peaks.
Getting the fit right
Try boots in the afternoon, when feet are larger, wearing your trekking socks. Your toes should not touch the front when you walk downhill; test on a shop ramp if there is one. Your heel should not lift more than a few millimetres.
Breaking them in
- Wear them around the house and on short walks for a week.
- Build up to long walks with hills and a loaded daypack.
- Finish with at least two back-to-back long days.
Note any hot spots and fix them with lacing, insoles or tape before the trek. See blister prevention.
Can I trek in trail runners?
Some experienced hikers do lower, shorter treks in trail shoes. For high passes, cold mornings and snow, such as Thorong La or the Three Passes, boots are safer and warmer.
Camp shoes
Bring light sandals or trainers for evenings in the teahouse, and to let your boots and feet dry out.
See the full packing list.