Hiring boots in Kathmandu

[Steve83]

Hello all,

Im arriving in Nepal on Tuesday and having sorted almost all of my details I have one question...I have now arranged to meet a friend in Kathmandu so he can join me on one of the treks I have in mind. The only problem being that he doesnt have any walking boots as he's been travelling for the last 3 months.

Im quite sure he'll be able to hire (or maybe even buy a semi decent pair in Kathmandu) but he's not so sure about this. Obviously if he's going to be unable to hire a pair I'll need to bring some out for him.

Can anyone verify whether he will indeed be able to hire some and if so what sort of quality and choice is there likely to be?? Im presuming there'll be plenty of shops in Thamel?

[Oli]

The most important factor for footwear is that they be comfortable. It's no good having solid ankle support if they rub and cause blisters. If your friend has a pair of broken in boots at home that you can take out for him then take those, failing that he may well be better off wearing his traveling shoes/trainers rather than trying to break in a fresh pair on the trail.

Any gear that can be bought in Kathmandu can probably also be rented (with the exception of toilet paper!) But bear in mind that people usually take their own boots if nothing else so the choices might be a rather more limited.

[Steve83]

Cheers Oli.

That's pretty much what I assumed. Sadly I wont be able to take any broken in boots so trainers may well be the best bet.

As a side note, what sort of conidtions are likely to be encountered in Langtang around mid September? If the monsoon is still in full flow walking in trainers may not be such a pleasure. And potentially dangerous on slippier grounds. I presume that as it's on the cusp of the season it could go either way with regards to wet or dry...or most likely both??

[kegarne]

Given that you may be starting mid september I would almost guarantee that you will cop a fair bit of the monsoon conditions.
If your mate is walking in trainers he will have wet feet most of the day and there will be plenty of leeches around as well.
Maybe he would be better walking in gumboots for the first part of the trek until you guys get to higher altitudes when it will probably be drier and there will be no leeches.
I have seen many Nepali porters and guides trek in gumboots....

[Oli]

How heavy are your bags? If you have a heavy load on your back then ankle support is a good idea, but is walking light then clumpy boots aren't always worth their weight. Have a look in Kathmandu and you might find a pair of boots that are a perfect fit and your friend may be glad to replace his worn out trainers. I should think that you'll work it out. The locals manage the trails in flip-flops :)

[Oli]

I have seen many Nepali porters and guides trek in gumboots....

Haha :)

I've not been on the trails during the monsoon, but there was one day we encountered an army of leeches, they are nasty little critters. My tip for the monsoon rains would be an umbrella - great for warding off either a downpour of rain or a fearsome midday sun.

So forget the hiking boots, pack your wellies and a brolly :D

[Suginami]

An unbrella makes sense when you see how hard it rains.

Regarding boots you could get away with a good pair of sneakers and a bit of powder to dry your feet at night. The problem will be slipping and sliding on wet trails and wet rocks. Get a good pair of trainers, good socks and dry them near a fire every evening.

I usually carry an army poncho which is almost indestructable. This keeps the rain off me and my pack.

Modern lightweight boots need almost no breaking in. I have seen many hikers do well in trekking sandals. They can slide though.

No need for big heavy boots they are horrible