Hiking boots

Mikki

I've done a search here but didn't come up with an answer to my problem. What do Indiamikers do with their hiking boots? I'm afraid I'll look and feel like an idiot with them on when I arrive in Delhi in 40 degrees C heat (even assuming I can get them back on after a long flight). They take up too much space in my little suitcase. I wonder if I really need them if I only plan to hike and not trek in Sikkim? On the other hand, if it's foggy, stones will be wet and slippery, so the more traction the better. But how to get them to India is the question. Please help!

Jamie11

Hi,

I made it from Goa to Kathmandu and managed to do the lot my flip flops, but thats just me. My advice to you would be to leave the boots at home (as with most things) because you probably wont need them much and if you do you can buy very cheap boots there that will do the job. Ive been many times and each time I go back I leave more and more stuff at home and buy anything i need when there, this applies from toiletries through to clothes, hope it helps...it works for me.

machadinha

Hmm. Like Jamie said, leaving them at home is an option. Conversely having a decent pair of walking shoes can be handy on many occasions (walking through underbrush anywhwere, or having to present yourself on a more formal occasion for instance). You can wear them moving about then settle in to something more comfortable once you're on that train or whatever, or tie them onto your pack so they don't take up any extra space. Your call.

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traceyam

Try trail runners instead of hiking boots.

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Mikki

Thanks, everybody! I'm going to check out trail runners (saw some on the Internet with soles like tractor tires!). This is a great forum!

mountainleaders

Hey Mikki,

depends on 2 things :
1. what are you planning to do ? 5 day hike in Sikkim ? A bit of climbing ? Difficult terrain ?
2. Tell us more about your shoes please ? Are they B rated ? C rated ?

I made it across asia with a pair of teva's, ideal for rafting, travelling around and even small hikes into remote areas. The ones I have are quite sturdy and have the same grip as good boots. But you don't have the ankle support, so carefully think before you decide to switch to something lighter then your own boots.

After my Everest adventure, I stayed over in Bangkok for 2 weeks to get some rest. Thing was : I had my heavy D-boots with me and walked around with them for a whole day because I was used to them. hahaha. I changed quickly into comfortable teva's.

My advice : decide on the basis of terrain toughness.

Have a nice trip !

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AK74

Sorry for not knowing but what are Tevas