A good pair of trekking shoes can make or break your Himalayan adventure. I have learned this the hard way over years of trekking across Ladakh, Spiti, Zanskar, and various trails in Himachal Pradesh. Your feet take the most beating on any trek, and investing in the right shoes is the single most important gear decision you will make.
The good news is that you do not need to spend a fortune. There are excellent trekking shoes available under Rs 5,000 in India that work perfectly for most Himalayan treks. I have tested several of these personally and here is my honest guide to help you pick the right one for your budget and trekking style in 2026.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Quick Comparison (2026 Prices)
| Shoe | Price | Best For | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quechua MH500 | Rs 4,999 | All Himalayan treks | Yes |
| Quechua MH100 | Rs 3,500-4,000 | Easy to moderate treks | Yes |
| Quechua NH150 | Rs 2,499 | Beginners, day hikes | Splash-proof |
| Wildcraft Hypagrip | Rs 2,500-4,000 | Budget all-rounder | No |
| Woodland Mid Ankle | Rs 3,500 | Casual hikes | No |
What to Look for in Budget Trekking Shoes?
Before jumping into the recommendations, here are the key things to check when buying trekking shoes under Rs 5,000. Getting these right matters more than the brand name.
- Ankle Support: Shoes come in low, mid, and high cut. For Himalayan treks, always go for mid or high cut. Your ankles take a lot of stress on uneven terrain, and good ankle support can prevent sprains.
- Waterproofing: In the Himalayas, you will encounter water crossings, wet trails, morning dew, and sometimes snow. Waterproof shoes are worth the extra cost.
- Sole Grip: The outsole grip is critical on wet rocks and loose gravel. Look for deep lugs and rubber soles that provide traction on slippery surfaces.
- Weight: Lighter shoes reduce fatigue on long treks. Under 600 gm per shoe is ideal for budget options.
- Breathability: Your feet sweat during treks. Mesh panels or breathable membranes keep your feet dry from inside.
Keep in mind that you should always buy trekking shoes at least 2 to 3 weeks before your trek and wear them around the house to break them in. New shoes on a trek is a recipe for blisters.
Top 5 Trekking Shoes Under Rs 5,000 in 2026
1. Quechua MH500 (Best Overall)
The Quechua MH500 from Decathlon is the shoe I recommend most for anyone planning Himalayan treks on a budget. Priced at around Rs 4,999, it offers waterproofing, excellent grip, and proper ankle support. The sole is designed specifically for mountain terrain with deep lugs that grip well on both wet and dry surfaces.
This shoe works well for everything from easy trails like Tungnath-Chandrashila to moderate treks. It is durable enough for frequent use and handles monsoon and snow conditions reliably. If you can stretch your budget to Rs 5,000, this is the one to get.
2. Quechua MH100 (Best Mid-Range Value)
Priced between Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,000, the MH100 is the sweet spot for trekkers who want waterproofing without spending the full Rs 5,000. The sole is flexible and provides good grip, and the mid-ankle design protects your feet on uneven terrain.
I have seen many trekkers use this on trails like Prashar Lake and Kheerganga with no complaints. It handles rain and light snow well. The shoe is also relatively lightweight, which helps on longer treks where every gram counts.
3. Quechua NH150 (Best Budget Option)
If you are a beginner or planning just one or two easy treks, the NH150 at Rs 2,499 is excellent value. It has the Cross Contact sole for decent grip and mid-ankle support. The water resistance is good for about 2 hours, which means it handles morning dew and light drizzle but not heavy rain or water crossings.
For day hikes around Kasol, Manali, or Shimla, this shoe does the job well. However, for serious multi-day Himalayan treks, I would suggest upgrading to the MH100 or MH500.
4. Wildcraft Hypagrip (Budget Alternative)
The Wildcraft Hypagrip is available between Rs 2,500 and Rs 4,000 depending on discounts on Flipkart and Amazon. It offers a sturdy build with decent grip on mountain terrain. The shoe is not waterproof, so you will need to waterproof spray it if you are trekking in wet conditions.
Wildcraft is an Indian brand that has gained good reputation among budget trekkers. The shoe works well for easy trails and casual hiking. If Decathlon is not accessible in your area, this is a solid alternative available online.
5. Woodland Mid Ankle (Casual Hiking)
At around Rs 3,500, the Woodland mid-ankle hiking shoe is a familiar option for many Indian travelers. It is heavier than the Quechua options and not waterproof, but it is durable and works well for casual hikes, sightseeing in hill stations, and short walks in the mountains.
I would not recommend this for serious treks with steep ascents or water crossings. But if you want a shoe that doubles up for daily use and occasional hikes, Woodland delivers on durability.
Planning a trek? Do not forget to check my complete list of things to carry on a trekking trip.
My Personal Experience: Quechua Forclaz 500 Review
I have to share my experience with the Quechua Forclaz 500 Ventiv shoes because they were genuinely one of the best purchases of my life considering the money spent and performance delivered. I bought this pair years ago, and since then, I have battered them across snow treks to Tungnath, Prashar Lake, multiple tours in Spiti, Ladakh, and Zanskar, and even at the office on cold winter days in Delhi. They just did not die performing.
Comfort and Usage
The shoes were quite lightweight with good ankle support. Considering the price paid, the value for money was incredible. They are breathable, helping remove bad odour and keeping the feet warm in cold conditions. The sole eventually smoothened off after years of use, making them slightly slippery, but the grip remained good enough for well over three years.
One important tip: if you tie the laces in the second last latch, the balance works out much better, even while driving. When I tied them in the first latch, they felt a bit cramped.
Waterproofing Test
Being waterproof, these shoes were amazing for dodging water crossings, going over snow treks, and even standing in shallow lakes for photographs. With just one warm pair of socks, I used them comfortably in temperatures ranging down to minus 8 degrees Celsius in Ladakh and Zanskar.
Please keep in mind that waterproofing degrades over time. A waterproofing wax or spray can bring back the water resistance. Also, these are not meant for deep water crossings. You will need gaiters for that.
Photos of My Trekking Shoes After Years of Use
Here are some pictures of my battered Forclaz 500 shoes that still held up after years of abuse across the Himalayas.
Where to Buy Trekking Shoes in India?
Here are the best places to buy budget trekking shoes in 2026.
- Decathlon stores: The best option for Quechua shoes. You can try them on in-store, which is important for getting the right fit. Decathlon has stores in most major Indian cities and also sells online.
- Amazon India: Good for comparing prices and finding discounts. Check reviews carefully before buying. Wildcraft and other brands are easily available here.
- Flipkart: Another option for Wildcraft and Woodland shoes. Watch for sales during Big Billion Days and other events.
- Rental option: If you are trekking with organizations like Indiahikes, you can rent trekking shoes for Rs 100 to 150 per day. This is a great option if you trek only once or twice a year.
In case you find a good deal on premium brands like Columbia or Salomon during sale seasons, those are worth picking up even if they slightly exceed the Rs 5,000 budget. The durability and comfort of premium shoes is noticeably better for frequent trekkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Quechua trekking shoes good for Himalayan treks?
Yes, Quechua shoes from Decathlon are among the best budget options for Himalayan treks. The MH500 and MH100 models handle both dry and wet terrain well. They are the most popular choice among budget trekkers in India.
Can I use running shoes for trekking?
No, running shoes are not suitable for trekking. They lack ankle support, have flat soles without deep lugs, and are not waterproof. On mountain trails with loose rocks, wet surfaces, and uneven terrain, running shoes can lead to sprains and falls.
How do I break in new trekking shoes?
Wear your new trekking shoes around the house and for short walks for at least 2 to 3 weeks before your trek. This softens the material and moulds the shoe to your foot shape. Never take brand new shoes directly on a multi-day trek.
Waterproof vs water-resistant shoes: what is the difference?
Waterproof shoes keep water out during prolonged exposure (rain, water crossings, snow). Water-resistant or splash-proof shoes handle light moisture for a short period. For Himalayan treks where rain and water crossings are common, waterproof shoes are worth the investment.
Should I buy trekking shoes online or from a store?
I recommend buying from a physical store (Decathlon is best) so you can try the exact size. Trekking shoe sizing can differ from regular shoes. If buying online, order your regular size and one half-size up, and return the one that does not fit.
Wrapping Up
It is especially important to take care of your feet while in the hills. A good pair of trekking shoes and a reliable jacket make up the majority of your trekking gear. Invest wisely and choose based on comfort and support, not looks. For most budget trekkers in India, the Quechua range from Decathlon remains the best value for money in 2026.
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Do let me know if you have used any of these shoes and what your experience has been. In case I have missed any budget trekking shoe that deserves a mention, drop a comment below!
