Ready for Rains: Ep 02: Best Footwear to wear while trekking in Western Ghats

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Ready for rains Ep 02: Best footwear for a monsoon trek in the Western Ghats.
Hi guys, Manav here and I welcome you all to Creedaz. In this second episode of 'Ready for Rains' we are going to talk about the best combination of footwear for monsoon treks in the western ghats.
The terrain of the western Ghats is mostly rocky and comprises hills touching a maximum height of 8500 feet or 2600 meters. Therefore, it is not the altitude here that you need to worry about, but it is the slippery slopes, huge waterfalls and dense forests with leeches, snakes and insects which you must be concerned about.
In order to negotiate the slippery wet rocks, you need a footwear with a soft rubber sole. When the relatively soft sole experiences pressure due to our bodyweight, the rubber is pressed against the surface of the stone increasing friction and reducing the chances of slip and fall. A footwear with medium sized lugs/grooves gives a better grip while walking. If the lugs/grooves are too big, they will reduce the surface of contact between the wet rock and the sole thus reducing friction and if they are too small, they will become flat and ineffective once mud enters the groove linings.
A trekker in the western ghats may also experience ankle twists (though they are rare). The feet are more probable to twists during descends or in sections where there are relatively bigger stones and rocks (for example; last section of Devkund waterfall trek). A high ankle shoe will definitely help in this regard. Further, high ankle also protects your feet from snake bites to some extent.
The treks in the Sahyadris are short and therefore water resistance is not a very important factor to look for while buying a shoe. Keeping 3-4 extra pairs of towel socks would suffice.
So, keeping in mind the slippery slopes, the subjective hazard of ankle twists and water resistance capability, a sport shoe with a medium sized neck, a soft sole and a medium sized grove would be the best shoe for trekking in the western ghats during monsoons.
Now let us come on the topic of sandal as a preferred footwear for trekking in the western Ghats. I have done couple of treks in sandals to be honest. The biggest benefit with sandals is that they NEED NOT to be water resistant. The more you dip them into water, the brighter they shine. However, like every other footwear, sandal too have their downside, and it is a big one in this case. They expose your feet to insects, leeches and snake bites which can be fatal. In addition to this, your feet become more susceptible to injuries from rockfalls on steep slopes and stones falling out of a waterfall. Shoes will definitely provide a good level of protection from such accidents. So, sandals are a big NO for monsoon treks and especially a bigger NO for beginners.
Last but not the least, ALWAYS break your footwear if it is new before going on a trek so as to avoid shoe bites and blisters.
To wind this episode all I want to say is that there is NO PERFECT footwear. Trekking is all about your mental and physical fitness levels. Footwear is just a TOOL. What really matters is how you utilize them. Having them will NOT make you a trekker. Keep on enriching your experience in the outdoors and keep experimenting with different footwear. I can promise you that after 4-5 treks you will know which footwear suits you best.
I hope that you loved the content on this one. Do like, share and subscribe to the channel and in the very next video we are going to talk about “What you should wear during your monsoon trek.”
Feel free to drop in your queries in the comments section and you can reach out to me at;
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#hikingtips #footwear #monsoontrek #readyforrains

[@vishalpawar9224]

I have been trekking in Western Ghats atleast for the last 10 years, I have used multiple shoes over the years. In terms of Grip, the Hunter shoes are the best and cheapest, however, they are not so much for comfort. The shoe that gives both a good grip and comfort is the Action trekking shoe. At present it costs about Rs. 800/- and they are better and more rugged than any other shoes available in the market for monsoon trekking in the western ghats. They last years, and hold well with the constant water and mud they are subjected to. Kalenji/Quechua ( only higher range, avoid the cheaper versions) are better suited for light trekking or Himalayan trekking where you are trekking for multiple days and wet shoes leads to cold feet, the grip and comfort are good. For monsoon trekkers and not so frequent trekkers they may be expensive. Kindly avoid Nike/Woodland/Adidas kind. They are not made for monsoon treks, I have had friends ruin their shoes half and hour into the trek. Important point to remember as @Creedaz says is that rubber is must, avoid Plastic/Mixed Soles. Hunter shoes = Grip ***** Comfort ** Price ***** Action trekking = Grip ***** Comfort ***1/2 Price **** Kalenji/Quechua = Grip ***1/2 Comfort ****1/2 Price **1/2 Just my personal opinion. Special mention: Sparx Sandals : I have done a lot of treks in these ones. However, if you are not used to walking in them on rough terrain kindly avoid. No ankle support.

[@Creedaz]

Thank you for the beautiful insights Vishal. 🙂🙏

[@tematrixmayhem]

What are these 'hunter' shoes. Is it a brand? I can't find them on Amazon. Also, where can I buy the action shoes, they are not in stock anywhere.

[@Creedaz]

www.amazon.in/dp/B01LZQ9ZO1/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_glt_fabc_RW81R60BAMCTH26JGBW6

[@vshalp04]

@@tematrixmayhem www.amazon.in/dp/B07DTX6MF7/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_B3CQPJWNWW2MHE1AFCD8 hunter is a type of boot. Usually seen on army personnel.

[@tanmaymohod]

@@Creedaz Are this durable? How long have you used them?

[@imtiyazsamnani3836]

Wow...the best advice I've ever heard on trekking tips...

[@Creedaz]

Thank you Imtiyaz bhai 🙂

[@pranjalsharma1617]

Could you please make a video or provide a list of shoes that you recommend?

[@Creedaz]

Yes, I will

[@abbyyenagi]

Highly informative video.... my friend you are really doing good. Please keep making more such informative videos . It will be helpful for all the Hiking enthusiasts

[@Creedaz]

Thank you Abhinay bro for the constant support to the channel. It really means a lot 🙂

[@kranthikranthi7865]

i though deckethlon shoes are best for all weathers. You made my assumption wrong with technical reason which i fall for .. you are the GURU

[@Creedaz]

I just shared what I knew bro. I hope the video will help you make an informed purchase. 🙂

[@minnienaveen]

Thank you! Honestly I have done treks in sandals...it's light weight has good grip. Yes point taken about insects but till now I haven't been bitten yet. I still prefer sandal but got try shoes as lot of people do recommend shoes

[@Creedaz]

Thanks for sharing the experience Naveen 👍

[@dnyaneshwarkhade3617]

whatever you said about sahyadri terrain is true. Honest & detail & well explained imformation about trekking shoes without naming any comany name.last few lines shows are really indicative & testimony of genuiness of your opinion.

[@Creedaz]

Thank you very much. I am glad that I could put content which people could relate to 🙂🙂

[@chinmayamalik5849]

Bro, what brand. I am really worried now. My decathlon shoes are complete disaster in monsoon trekking. Please bro, I just saved before shipping into the fall. Please suggest asap

[@Creedaz]

Power Lionel Shoes

[@priyankabhadauria8745]

I must say the quality of your videos has been increased tremendously

[@Creedaz]

Thank you 🙈🙈 Was waiting for a comment from you since so many days. 🙂 Finally .. got one 🙈🙈🙂🙂

[@avnishah4113]

Footwear is an equipment.. Amazing video

[@Creedaz]

Yes, they are 🙂🙂

[@SushantEkParyatak]

Thanks for this video..!! I have been using the Adidas Jawpaw 2 with Stealth Rubber technology, amazing shoes, mind blowing grip it provided on wet rocks of western ghats, even on steep descends..!! Now, everywhere it is out of stock, seems like Adidas has stopped manufacturing..!! So wanted to know the shoes that you have shown are from Bata Power, right? I somehow found those out on net, planning to buy, so do they provide optimum grip on wet rocks with moss, algae?? For example I have done Jivdhan with Jawpaw 2 in rainy season with steep descend on both ends of the fort without any rope or anything, so will these shoes be that good enough? are they water resistant as well? any help will be really appreciated thanks :)..!!

[@Creedaz]

They are not water resistant but they will provide good grip for sure

[@jaswanthreddy8088]

Hello Sushant, even I have been looking for stealth soul shoes but nowhere found....if you find it or any alternative which gives that good grip in all weather please let me know

[@phanivutukuri7285]

Describe the onw that you are wearing

[@Creedaz]

Bata Power Lionel

[@rohitadhana1598]

Plz suggest some cheap shoes for monsoon trek in Western ghats. Link plz.

[@Creedaz]

Look for Power shoes sold by BATA in India.

[@tridibgiri6595]

Hi...please suggest me some shoes which are good for meghalaya treks during may last week.(MODERATE RAINFALL during this time)

[@Creedaz]

Any shoe with a soft rubber sole would be fine. Don't look for waterproofing as the shoe anyhow would get wet due to rain. Even wet feet will not bother you much as the Temperature will be moderate and not very cool.

[@tridibgiri6595]

@@Creedaz Thanks 😊

[@hemantpawar1030]

Very informative. Bad footwear may ruin your trek. What's the name of those rubber sole shows that you were showing in the video?

[@Creedaz]

I will soon come up with a video suggesting few brands and models. Thank you for the question Bhai. 🙂

[@toopteeps6653]

Which footage did you use for this video? I can't find it in your previous videos. Very informative video by the way!

[@Creedaz]

There were shots from my recent hike to Rajgad to Torna. I am glad you liked the content on this one 🙂

[@geekypeoplevlogs]

You always talk about geography..In guest lecture as well In vlogs... In these days you are in Manali right... After the exam get ready to trip with us

[@Creedaz]

Yes, I am in Manali. And yes, we will go on a trek for sure. You can text me on WhatsApp [phone].

[@geekypeoplevlogs]

@@Creedaz I've already your number thankyou..

[@suchikathakur4506]

Superbb manav.. Every video is soo informative and better.. Will be waiting for next. 👍

[@Creedaz]

Thank you very much for the constant support Suchika 🙂

[@mohammedaaqib7892]

Ladka sahi wala xperience ho gya hai... 👌 👌 👌 👌Adventure guide ban gaye aap toh

[@Creedaz]

😄😄😄 Thanks bhai

[@ProductsHub365]

how about trekking shoes rather than using sports one ??

[@Creedaz]

I have shared the logic behind soft sole. You can decide which one to choose.

[@pankhurijain2]

Late in watching this one but extremely informative! Thumbs up :)

[@Creedaz]

Thank you. And late in replying to this comment 😄😄🙈

[@chanakyarachakonda7017]

Can you suggest good trekking shoes at reasonable price?

[@Creedaz]

For which trek you are looking for a shoe?

[@shanthikiran9995]

Nice video bro....it is very informative Keep rocking as always

[@Creedaz]

Thank you bro. I hope the video will help you make an informed purchase when it comes to footwear 🙂

[@niklobo4771]

You’re doing really well buddy!!..just let us know few brands that are good for trekking!!..all the best for ur future and keep going higher!!🏔

[@Creedaz]

I will soon suggest few models. I am glad that you liked the content 🙂🙂

[@nyneerajyadav]

A great video for the basics 👌. Can you also suggest some options available in the market. May be another video on that???

[@Creedaz]

Yes, another video soon 🙂🙈

[@hrishikeshkadam4602]

links of shoes shown in the video

[@Creedaz]

Bata Power Lionel Shoe

[@indianmediocregamers7821]

What about Quechua? Are they good?

[@Creedaz]

Quechua is an umbrella brand. There are so many shoes in there. I have given you the factors to look for while buying a shoe. Just apply them to your next purchase. 🤘

[@imtiyazsamnani3836]

Which one u wear.. suggest me the one in the video?

[@Creedaz]

Any shoe that has a soft sole, brand doesn't matter.

[@kusumaechoes1008]

Since long waiting for this information.... Thanks a lot

[@Creedaz]

Thank you. I am glad you liked the information 🙂🙂

[@priscilladavidgeorge2702]

You're a born trekker dude...❤

[@Creedaz]

🙈🙈🙈

[@death14x45]

The rain in Meghalaya is 100 times that of western Ghats.... So waterproof shoes are necessary... My question is do you know any completely rain proof light sneaker shoes??

[@Creedaz]

There is no Waterproof shoe. Choose a better season and hike in light weight shoes if possible.

[@manangautam6797]

is quecha nh150 good for the western ghats?

[@Creedaz]

Should be fine

[@manangautam6797]

@@Creedaz thank u, was wondering if they'll get grip on slippery stones of sahyadri

[@gugulothuakshay]

Provide us the purchase link

[@Creedaz]

Sure .. will make a separate video where I will be recommending a particular model.

[@cassidyenid]

Hello, Can you suggest a shoe that’s helpful for slippery slopes and slippery stones in water? I honestly don’t know which one to get. Please help me!

[@Creedaz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4OQnqqee8uWm80feature=shared

[@shishirtamboli7278]

I saw a shoe by CTR it costs 1100-1300 high and low ankle and comes with a hard sole and its a Woodland lookalike many trekkers use it and on the other hand there power lionel which is soft. So which one should i choose(or do you know any other shoe) under 1500

[@Creedaz]

Power Lionel

[@amitspecially]

What shoes are you wearing in the video. I see a couple of them, which are those. Also I see Vibdram.

[@Creedaz]

Bata Power Lionel

[@vani2091]

Always informative and exquisitive 🙂

[@Creedaz]

Thank you 🙂🙂

[@mysticalhuman]

HI Manav, I am flat footed person so I often end up have ankle twists or slip during western ghats trekking which brand of shoes should I go for? I have bad grip due to my flat foot. Please guide I have checked online ctr shoes and decathlon brand but I am not sure which one is best for sahayadri trekking.

[@Creedaz]

I have an arched foot so I don't have command on the topic of flat foot. I would request you to consult a physio and he/she can help you pick a suitable pair of shoe.

[@PrakashVmusic]

It was a good piece of information. Only thing the highest point of western ghats is Anaimudi peak in Kerala & it's height is around 10,000 feet.

[@Brucewayne61]

8850 ft actually.

[@Creedaz]

It is not 10,000 feet brother. It is around 8500 feet. Please check once 🙂🙂

[@Creedaz]

True

[@PrakashVmusic]

It's actually 8,842 that's very close to 9,000ft. I wrote around 10,000 fts.☺️

[@Mohitsahachowdhury]

So you are recommending good pair of trail running shoes

[@Creedaz]

Saucony Xodus Ultra Miles 2 Go

[@saisuren6488]

Bro suggest any shoe bro

[@Creedaz]

I made th video so that you can understand the logic behind choosing the right shoe. Company doesn't matter.

[@Sumedhmehla]

Nice information to share

[@Creedaz]

Thank you Bhai 🙂

[@SN-vl2qs]

Can you please suggest for any specific brand and model? Thanks in advance! God bless you.

[@Creedaz]

Power Lionel Men's shoe www.amazon.in/dp/B01LZQ9ZO1/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_glt_fabc_RW81R60BAMCTH26JGBW6

[@kamalkishorvlog5472]

Bro suggest me a shoe which is good in sleepery area and in rocky area

[@Creedaz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4OQnqqee8uWm80feature=shared

[@pranavk6973]

Life saving , informative video 👍👍

[@Creedaz]

Thank you Bhai 🙂

[@Sivanshu_sahay]

Awesome tips.. :)

[@Creedaz]

🙂🙂🤘

[@vidulabreed2798]

I need this. Thanks for sharing

[@Creedaz]

You're welcome 😊

[@abhishekhela1264]

Can I use this power shoes for trekking?

[@Creedaz]

Yes

[@rahulbapuahire]

Please give me the link of ur power shoes

[@Creedaz]

I shared the logic so that you can buy them yourself. I would suggest action or spark shoes

[@r3tr0n17]

Man you are knowledgeable.. Kudos !

[@Creedaz]

Thanks a lot

[@Rohak21]

Keep it up....

[@Creedaz]

Thank you veerji 🙂

[@sahityakulkarni3508]

Please suggest shoes for women

[@Creedaz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4OQnqqee8uWm80feature=shared

[@PrashantYadav-ji8ty]

Plz tell the name of shoes and brand??

[@Creedaz]

Power Lionel Men' shoe www.amazon.in/dp/B01LZQ9ZO1/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_glt_fabc_RW81R60BAMCTH26JGBW6

[@raptorrogue4227]

Should have watched your video before I went on a trek in Meghalaya. Will know which shoes will be best now.

[@Creedaz]

Better late than never 😊

[@sourabhdnv3571]

so...u used theese shoes or any other? can u please suggest which are best for meghalaya?

[@raptorrogue4227]

@@sourabhdnv3571 I used one from Wildcraft, but the sole was hard and it's not good to grip on wet stones. For Meghalaya I think crocs or such rubber soft soles are the best.

[@sourabhdnv3571]

@@raptorrogue4227 can you suggest any? also what about jacket? should it be waterproof?

[@simranfarooqui8806]

Amazing❤️

[@Creedaz]

Thank you 😊

[@arunleelakrishnan931]

Good information 👍

[@Creedaz]

Thanks

[@MASS_9880]

Asics gel trabuco 9 👌👌👌👌👌

[@Creedaz]

Thanks

[@BruceWayne-dr9zh]

Very detailed video... Keep it up

[@Creedaz]

Thank you

[@Sidex150-g1p]

Thanks man 🙏

[@Creedaz]

You're welcome

[@NaizianFernandes]

Very informative as usual. So many points that I wasn't aware of, like the high neck shoes to avoid twisted ankles. Great stuff, looking forward to the next one!

[@Creedaz]

Thank you bro. I am glad you found the video useful and yes, high neck shoes are better while trekking in the monsoons 🙂

[@aarshinpanchal]

Subscribed!

[@Creedaz]

Thanks

[@PB-um1ic]

Very useful tips 👍

[@Creedaz]

Thank you

[@taneemasaha]

Great video

[@Creedaz]

Thanks!

[@vjayvenkat]

Fantastic

[@Creedaz]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@abhishekkoli30]

Thanks for the information dear. I would sincerely suggest you to make a more detailed video on shoes to be used for trekking in the stony Sahyadris. Not just in the monsoon but also in the dry season. With special reference to shoes that are not supposed to be used. Though there are many videos regarding what kind of trekking shoes are to be used, most of them focus on Himalayan treks which are basically a muddy terrain. While Sahyadri is more of a stony terrain and that's what changes the equation altogether. Yours is the only video that focuses on trekking in the Western Ghats. A huge thanks to you for this. Please give your opinion about shoes to be used in the Sandhan Valley Trek where one encounters all the combinations of terrains possible in the Sahyadris. Please also give your opinion about Red Chief shoes and whether they are suitable for trekking. Thanks a lot.

[@Creedaz]

Hi Abhishek, I have no opinion on red chief. However, I would suggest Power Lionel shoe for hikes in the western ghats. However, see if you can find a breathable, soft rubber sole and high neck shoe for better grip and protection.

[@abhishekkoli30]

@@Creedaz Thanks for your suggestion

[@Creedaz]

You're welcome

[@Pritam_web]

Which shoes are you using?

[@Creedaz]

Power Lionel shoe sold by Bata in India