Action trekking shoes for just Kailash Parkrima trek of 3 days

I fully agree with Captain Bruce and it made me smile.

I've experienced it many times. When I was hiking during monsoon in Batad rice terraces in Philippines, even very young kids in flip-flops were running on those slippery edges of terraces and overtaking me. And of course laughing at me.

While I've used heavy hiking boots (this one was bought in men's section & I stuffed it to work for me) also, my preference is for lightweight shoes with good grip. These days I go for not so expensive shoes which last for 2-3 good treks instead of going for an expensive one.

Now, the question. Being a female I am not able to find shoes in any Indian brand for my size (EU 38). All shoes available with Action, Bata, Woodland etc start from size 6 in men's section and women's section has none!

Do these companies cater to Indian women hikers as well or do they decide whether Indian women should trek or not?

Can anybody guide me to a shop in Mumbai where I can get shoes of my size ? Budget upto 2k. I have some upcoming trekking plans.
Thank you.

my experience with bata is like a nightmare,it hardly runs beyond 2 months, the pasting is such worst.
i used woodland shoes in jungle & easy trecks, it slips while walking on wet surfaces, smooth rocks, wet grass or dry leaves. i was in big trouble everytime i used these woodland stuffs. while my guide was just using cheap quality chinese slippers or just hawai sandels, in lower himalayas, dantewara jungles and chitrakoot falls areas i faced these problems. hence i do not recommend woodland.
probably soft padded tennis shoes or any normal walking shoes of good make like nike reebok adidus etc would be fine upto medium altitudes without involving snow.
i have one question, in one thread an experiences trekker stated that we should use 2 size bigger shoes if walking up/down through steep slopes. can somebody please explain, isnt it uncomfortable, too loose?
please help.

Yeah, same doubt here. Anyway, I have just bought size 6 Action trekking shoes (mine is size 5). I had to, they don't make smaller than that. I am using it with insoles, let's see how it goes.

Well, per my knowledge ... when descending the big-toe hits the shoe. After some time it becomes painful and on longer downhill treks, especially on trails with rocks and stones, even the toe nail may come out. For that reason one size bigger shoe is recommended.

And on longer hikes even if the shoe has good padding after some time the the sole feels hard and heels start complaining. For comfort of the feet one has to use thicker socks for additional cushion. Also thicker socks are used for high altitude hikes against cold. An inner lining for socks which absorbs sweat, is useful to avoid blisters. To accommodate extra thickness another size bigger is recommended.

You will have to try to check for comfortability. Usually heavy hiking shoes reduce the speed of walking but, on high altitude and long hikes it is better to take it slow. There is no race or competition here, enjoying the walk is important.

politely I think the '2 sizes extra' is crazy thinking. The shoe should fit comfortably, the toes not touching the end and the ankle cuff stopping you sliding down the shoe on the descent. If the foot moves around you get blisters on the friction. I also differ but not so strongly on the 2 socks principle which i know is widely adopted, I have always used one pair of thick cushioned socks even in Ladakh where the temperature is usually in the 30s in summer. Put the socks you are going wear on, try the boot, move up a size if you need but not if you dont and shuffle down a slope/stair and see if the shoe holds you firmly. Then take a roll of sticking plaster in the backpack and wrap it round the first sign of any chafing - usually after the first hour, dammit!

Almost 2 sizes extra right? It is just a recommendation. Bottom line is ... your feet ... your comfort ...

Summi,

Not trying to start an argument - if it fits, wear it! On a personal note I wear the same size in trek boots and business shoes- albeit with somewhat different socks.

Sorry to raise this query yet again, but can anyone guide me where I can find these in Mumbai. Ankle support preferred, but wouldn't mind the regular ones too. I stay at Santacruz, but am ready to commute anywhere to procure these. Last I heard, they were only available near Thane station. I have checked the usual sources like Avi, but nobody seems to be stocking these any more.

I visited Kailash Mansarovar in June 2010 via Nepal route. I bought Action Trekking in April 2010 for this trek. I tested the same by doing Tungnath Chandrashila trek. I had to trek from Ukhimath to Chopta (nearly 27kms) in the absence of any vehicle. Shoes proved to be good one.

Only second day of Kailash Parikrama is tough. First and third days are for pleasant walking. Do not opt for +2/+1. Get the shoes to the fitting.

I have done Kalpeshwar-Dumuk-Rudranath (not recommended), Goumukh, Madhyamaheshwar trekks after that. And I shall leave on 14 August 2012 for VOF with same shoes.

Overall, shoes are good buy.

You may get corns also due to bad soles.
None would work Any of them would do along with our own Indian Action make.
On size bigger is recommended only to adjust thicker/woolen socks.
I agree 100% with Vishal!
You may get it from any shop dealing in shoes.

I just bought Action trekking shoes. Had to buy one size bigger as they don't make my size.

Will let you all know after my 3 weeks' hiking trip how comfortable I was in those shoes.

Hmm.. strange.. I could not get it anywhere in Delhi. Only normal version available in Delhi/NCR.

Can you please let me know where to purchase Action Shoes in Mumbai. I asked a few local shops but neither they have nor they interested....

Thanks
Saptarshi

Please let me know where can i get action shoes in Bangalore. Also, are they fine for treks around Karnataka region (wet, no snow).
How are shoes by 'Terrain' brand?

Action Trekking Shoes (both with and without ankle support) are available in Mumbai at Ghatkopar (West). Shop name is Coronet Footwear. It is located exactly opposite Ghatkopar West Station (Next to Noble Chemist).

I have experience of using Action Shoes for past many years and believe me it was superb. I have been to Amarnath (5 times walking), Kailash Manasarovar including 3 day Parikrama (via Nepal), and am reasonably regular trekker in Sahyadris. My last pair of action trekking shoes lasted me for almost 8-9 years. However, my recent experience with Action shoes is disappointing. After doing just couple of treks in Sahyadris, the sole of new action trekking shoes broke off. So i am not sure if I should recommend these shoes to someone!!