Your shoes play a huge role during your trek. A good pair of shoes can feel like an extension of your feet and a bad pair can feel like thorns on your feet. So, how do you choose the perfect shoes? Vaibhav Chauhan gives you a few tips. Different shoes are suitable for different kinds of treks, depending on the weather, trail condition as well as duration of the trek. The ever-increasing number of choices of trekking shoes makes choosing very difficult for a trekker. Before making a choice, be aware of the different types of trekking shoes and  boots. 1. Hiking Shoes: Hiking shoes are a lot like trail running shoes. They are lightweight and have flexible soles. They are meant for short treks (one day or weekend). These shoes are good when you don’t have to carry heavy loads.  They are superb for warm weather and dry terrain. Some of the popular and recommended hiking shoe brands are Forclaz Fresh, Arpenaz Flex series, Salomon, Woodland and Weinbrenner low ankle series.

2.  Trek Boots: These are high-end versions of hiking boots. They have added support for your feet and ankles. The constructions are stiffer too. Their uppers are usually leather, suede or synthetic, like Gore-tex (GTX) or Nova Dry. Trek boots are ideal for those looking to do longer treks, usually week long, which involve carrying have loads. Trek boots provide excellent support for leg muscles on rough terrain, especially when you are prone to occasional slips and twisted ankles. These boots are good on snow, rain and are moderately water resistant. The trade off is that they are heavier and more constricting, again because of the ankle support. For first timers, these shoes can take a while to get used to. Trek boots differ with their build, design and choice of patented materials. The prices range between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 7,000. Some of the popular and recommended brands are Forclaz 500, Forclaz 600, Kingcamp and so on. 3.  Expedition Boots : These boots are designed for trekkers heading for challenging treks that involve tricky pass crossings, glacial traverses and so on.

These treks last longer, sometimes more than ten days. adidas 1 running shoe priceThe boots have thicker and more aggressive out-soles. cheap nike free run ausThe fabric used in these boots are more robust too. running shoes 2nd hand for saleThey have an insole padding which helps in cushioning the feet. footjoy golf shoes thailandThey also have better ankle support and come with crampon-ready features. where to find cheap puma shoesIn that sense they are “bridge trek boots” – they offer more than “trek boots” but are not designed to be “mountaineering boots.”nike tennis shoes online uk

These boots are more expensive, with prices starting upwards of Rs. 8,000. Some of the popular and recommended expedition boots are Forclaz 900 and Salomon Quest 4D-GTX. Other brands such as Merrell, Scarpa, Keen and La Sportiva can be considered, but they are rarely available in India. 1.Select the right type of shoes. Factor in the duration of the trek, trail conditions (well-defined trail, rugged trail, rain, snow, glacial-pass traverse, etc.), and the load to carry. For warm, dry terrain use low-ankle hiking shoes. For cold, rugged conditions go for trek boots. Trekking on glacier and extensive snow, on the other hand, will require trek boots with crampon-ready features. 2.Trekking boots should ideally have industry-accredited material used in their build. For example, look for waterproof and breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex or Nova dry. Also, the use of patented anti-slip soles by Vibram adds to the reliability of the boots. 3.Always test the shoes for the right fit.

Ideally you should buy trek boots one size larger. Factor in this space keeping in mind the multiple woollen socks you wear on colder treks. Also a larger size helps in avoiding blisters. Wear your shoes for about a week or so to break them in. As the saying goes: There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. When you're properly dressed for the conditions, nothing can stop you from crushing an outdoor workout. And since it’s  all winter long, you can keep logging those miles even when the mercury drops. Learn to love a cold-weather run by layering up with these 13 cold-weather running essentials Under Armour ColdGear Long Sleeve Shirt You can't go wrong with a base layer from the company that pretty much invented them. This basic long sleeve is actually not so basic—it features Under Armour's exclusive ColdGear technology, a double-layer fabric that wicks moisture away from your skin while also maintaining body heat. The special lightweight construction keeps you warm and comfortable without extra bulk that can slow you down.

for men and women, $49.99 each. The North Face Glacier 1/4 Zip Here's a pro tip: When looking for gear for inclement weather, turn to outdoor brands like The North Face. Products get tested in the toughest conditions and have a lifetime guarantee (yes, for the duration of your entire life!). This fleece is like hygge for your run. It's as soft as it is warm and makes for the perfect top or mid layer. , for men and women, $55 each. Sugoi Alpha Hybrid Jacket You only need one really good outer layer for cold runs, and this one is it. The wind-resistant panel along the front keeps your torso protected, while the stretchy knit fabric on the sleeves and sides won't limit your range of motion. We've been running in freezing, snowy, and bitter cold temps in this for two winters and counting! , for men ($12 6.61) and women ($121.99). Craft Cover Thermal Tights No need to mess around with trendy patterns or crazy colors here. This pair of classic black tights comes from a brand known for Nordic ski gear (so you know they'll keep you warm!)

—the brushed fleece interior feels like butter when you slip them on. Available at shop.craftsports.us, for men and women, $89.99 each. FITS Performance Trail Quarter Socks On a warm day, you might just grab any old pair of socks, but when you exercise in the cold, your body sends blood straight to your major muscle groups, leaving things like your fingers, toes, ears, and nose to get extra cold. So grab a medium-weight wool sock like this one. It has a special construction that hugs the curves of your foot and stays put, so there's no loose material to rub you the wrong way (a.ka. no blisters!). Designed specifically for winter running, the Peregrine Ice+ has more grip than your traditional road running shoe, so you'll feel traction on icy surfaces. The water-resistant upper keeps your feet warm and dry through the deep winter and straight into spring. , for men and women, $150 each. Smartwool Merino 150 Pattern Neck Gaiter The quickest way to make every shirt in your arsenal more versatile: Add a gaiter.

Top a tank, tee, or long sleeve with one of these to transform it into a turtleneck style top. Scrunch it down for scarf-level warmth or pull it up over your nose for bitter cold, windy conditions. ASICS Thermal 2-N-1 Headwarmer Your winter kit is not complete without an ear warmer. This soft, multi-weather style is reversible, so you get two for the price of one—can't beat that. Nike Dry Running Knit Hat On days when a headband just won't cut it, reach for a full-coverage hat. This one features Nike's Dri-FIT technology, which helps keep your head dry and comfortable, as well as reflective elements so you stay visible in low-light conditions. Brooks Running Greenlight Running Gloves Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Snow Do you really need a winter-specific pair of sunglasses? Any pair will do. But trust us when we tell you: This pair is worth consideration. You know that blinding feeling you get when you walk outside on a bright winter day, and the sun reflects off the snow?