The Best Boots for the Salkantay Trek – Complete Gear Guide

The Salkantay Trek is not a uniform trail. In 4–5 days you’ll pass through:

• Rocky high-altitude paths
• Steep climbs to Salkantay Pass (~4,600 m / 15,000+ ft)
• Long descents that punish your knees
• Wet or muddy sections
• Warm, humid cloud forest terrain

Choosing the right boots can mean the difference between enjoying the trek… or dealing with blisters, ankle pain, and slips 😅

Here’s the most complete guide to picking the right boots based on the real Salkantay terrain.

🧱 1️⃣ Ideal Type of Boot for Salkantay

✅ Mid or High-Cut (Strongly Recommended)

The terrain is uneven and full of loose rocks. A mid or high-cut boot:

• Protects your ankle
• Reduces sprain risk
• Adds stability when carrying a backpack

If you’re carrying a light pack (with mules/porters), mid-cut is usually enough.
If you’re carrying more weight, go for higher support.

✅ Waterproofing (Essential in the Andes)

Mountain weather changes fast. Even if the morning is sunny, you may encounter rain or mud.

Look for:

• Waterproof membranes (like Gore-Tex or similar)
• A balance between waterproofing and breathability

⚠️ Important: Waterproof does NOT mean you can walk through deep rivers. It means protection against rain and moderate mud.

✅ Aggressive Grip Sole

Salkantay terrain includes:

• Rock
• Loose dirt
• Mud
• Steep descents

Look for:

• Deep lugs
• Vibram-type or similar compounds
• Strong wet-surface traction

The long descent on Day 2 is where grip matters most.

✅ Semi-Rigid Structure (Best Balance)

Too soft = less stability on rocky terrain.
Too stiff = more fatigue if you’re not used to them.

For Salkantay, the sweet spot is semi-rigid:

• Good stability
• Not excessively heavy

🏔️ 2️⃣ Reliable Boot Models & Brands

These brands are widely respected in mountain environments:

🥇 Salomon

Models like X Ultra Mid GTX:

• Lightweight
• Excellent grip
• Very comfortable from day one
• Great balance between hiking and technical trail

Ideal if you want stability without heavy weight.

🥇 La Sportiva

Models like Ultra Raptor Mid:

• Strong rock grip
• Very stable on technical terrain
• Designed for real mountain conditions

Better for irregular and demanding ground.

🥇 Merrell

Models like Moab Mid GTX:

• Very comfortable
• Versatile
• Great price-to-quality ratio

A classic multi-day trekking option.

🥇 Adidas (Terrex line)

Mid-cut Terrex models:

• Lightweight
• Good grip
• More athletic feel
• Less rigid than traditional boots

Good if you prefer flexibility.

🥇 HOKA

Models like Anacapa:

• High cushioning
• Extremely comfortable for long distances
• Less structural rigidity

Ideal if you prioritize comfort and shock absorption.

🧭 3️⃣ Boots or Hiking Shoes?

For most travelers, mid waterproof boots are the ideal balance.

🌦️ 4️⃣ Choose According to Season

🌤️ Dry Season

• You can prioritize lighter boots
• Still recommended to keep waterproofing for safety

🌧️ Rainy Season

• Waterproofing is mandatory
• Deep traction sole is critical
• Bring extra socks

🧦 5️⃣ Socks Matter Just as Much

Great boots without good socks won’t help.

Use:

• Technical trekking socks
• Seam-free designs
• Breathable materials
• Bring at least 2–3 pairs

Avoid cotton.

⚠️ 6️⃣ Common Boot Mistakes

❌ Breaking them in for the first time on the trek
❌ Buying too tight
❌ Buying too loose
❌ Choosing style over performance
❌ Wearing casual sneakers

Ideally:

• Walk in them for 2–3 weeks before the trek
• Test them with trekking socks
• Try downhill walking (not just flat store floors)

🎒 7️⃣ How Heavy Should They Be?

There’s no perfect weight, but:

• Very heavy → more accumulated fatigue
• Very light → less protection

For Salkantay, aim for lightweight but structured.

🏁 Final Conclusion

The best boots for the Salkantay Trek are:

• Waterproof
• High-traction sole
• Mid or high-cut
• Semi-rigid
• Already broken in

Investing in proper footwear isn’t a luxury — it’s prevention against injuries, blisters, and frustration.

On a trek like Salkantay, your boots are your most important piece of gear. Choose wisely, and your experience will be far more enjoyable 🏔️🥾