Trekking shoes / Alpine trekking shoes in India

I dislike Hi-Tec models (at least those I found in Croatia).

They are not for wide feet, and their toe space is really narrow (the big toe is pushed inside).

Also too padded - I like it when my feet can breathe and move a bit inside the shoe, particularly the toes.

But that seems to be the problem with many sport/outdoors shoes these days - they pad them senseless, probably to avoid making the effort to do some really anatomic design - "just put a lot of padding, it will fit"...

I bought a good Garmont pair recently. Wide, lots of toe space, and so well designed that it actually looks narrow (the trick is that they deport asymmetrically and anatomically correctly the toe space towards the big toe).
On the minus side, the tongue is maybe a few percents too padded for my taste (but can't be avoided these days...), and the sole is a bit slippery on wet flat surfaces (particularly on metal).

Correction: not slippery on "flat", but on "polished" wet surfaces, particularly metallic (on polished stone it is not really "slippery" but the grip is not as good as on some other shoes I owned).

I don't think it's a good idea to buy boots online before having tried them on. You need to actually see if it fits. Especially if you do it from abroad - and also beware of customs and that sort of thing - then it's risky business.

Some people I know in Denmark go to the showrooms and try boots and see what size they need, then wave the shopkeeper goodbye and buy it for 20% less on the internet. Very bad deal for the showroom, of course.

Yersterday went to local Bata outlet in Bhopal. They said they are out of stock on wienbrenner since last 6 months. Company has stopped making them.....is it true..
Are they available in Metros..??

I would have to disagree on the hitec's lack of width. I have wide feet and I feel very comfortable in hitec's cape trail. I bought them from campmor retail store.

it cant be... i have recently purchased from hyderabad... 3 weeks before.....U will get in metros..

Ashutosh69,
I would be interested in hearning yoru comments about the koflach and laportiva after your use in an expeidition. Looking forward to your trip reports !

I bought weinbrenner today from BATA, High ankle for 1250 INR and they look really good waiting to test them in forthcoming treks.

Has anybody got these shoes ? whats the experience like ?

cheers

I must admit that I only tried a few lighter low ankle Hi-Tec models.

On another note, here are my impressions about the Teva Terra-Fi 2 sandals.

I went with them on a five hours test hike last sunday, and while they were fairly comfortable (more so on uneven trail than on flat tarmac), my pair had a big flaw.

Paradoxically, the anti-blister softening pad stitched on the heel strap, or more exactly the vertical component of the stitching fixing that pad on the strap, was the cause of blisters after three hours of trail.
It seems double stitched on that part, making the stitches to protrude a bit, so I got two blisters on each foot, at the position of the vertical stitchings.

In fact the stitching did cut into my skin so much that I started to bleed, at which point I had to stick folded sheets of paper from my faithful notebook between my skin and the strap, or I would had to continue barefooted.

I don't know if all Terra-Fi 2 pairs have this problem, but if they do, it's a big problem.
I will have to figure what to glue on that problematic part.

Other than that, they were fine, but as I said more comfy on uneven ground than on flat roads - has to do with the high elasticity of the sole, which is really great on rocks, but introduces a very slight muscle strain during rythmed walk on flat ground.
For this reason, once I solve the sharp stitches issue, I will use my pair only for hiking, not for casual everyday use.

PS: I forgot to say that after my feet became very moderately moist, any friction between the foot and the surface of the sandal produced a squeeky sound... Particularly annoying on flat ground, during regular rythmic walk. I really squeeked my way through that last hour of my hike.

Hi friends,
I went to Bata (Grand Hotel basement) yesterday and purchased this one:
http://www.bataindia.com/catdetail.p...ge=6&tipslist=

- got 20% discount (paid Rs.1119/-) looks really good – light weight, unlike my previous Action (Trekking Shoe). Since these are hot items and travel enthusiasts from Kolkata are getting ready for their Puja trip, I just thought I should inform that fresh stock has arrived and couple of good pairs is still available in the said shop. If anyone is searching for “Weinbrenner “ shoes in Kolkata…… Bata, Grand Hotel Basement.

- Cheers.

hi, I have roamed in mountains extensively and mostly cross country. My personal experience is that the best shoes for trekking is Jungle Boots ( except for glaciers) costing less than Rs.300 and if you want higher version of these then buy Liberty jungle boots which should not cost you more than Rs.600. Not only are these shoes very light and flexible but they dry very fast and ruggidly built for all terrains.

Bought a second air of Teva Terra Fi2 (It was a good deal).
Same number, different colors - They don't squeek, the stitchings don't cut... The fixation straps are a little shorter but OK...

So much for production consistency, even with famous brands.

Yeah it is available.

Save money on everything but not on trekking shoes!

Apart of it you need to "walk in" your shoes for 1-2 weeks before you go on the trek, so it is better to buy it long in advance.

I have bought Weinbrenner shoes from a Bata Shop in Mumbai about two months backfor Rs.1700. I used the same shoes in my recent trek to Roopkund. It has got a good grip - both in rainy and snow situations. Moreover, shoes did not get wet from inside despite rains and walking in ankle/knee deep snow.

Sadanand