The Best Walking Boots for Kilimanjaro

If you’re a regular hiker or fell walker, it’s likely you’ll be confident in knowing what the right footwear is when choosing between walking boots and walking trainers. But if you’re unsure which walking footwear to bring on your Kilimanjaro trek, we’re here to help.

When it comes to tackling the epic heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, tallest mountain in Africa and one of the world’s seven summits, choosing the right footwear is crucial for a successful and enjoyable climb. You’ll be trekking up to 8 hours a day and even longer on Kilimanjaro summit night, so you’ll want to get it right!

In this blog, we’ll explore why we recommend walking boots over walking trainers for climbing Kilimanjaro, the best hiking boots for your Kilimanjaro climb, tips for choosing the right walking boots and other pieces of footwear you’ll need for your Kilimanjaro trek.

For more information on everything you need to climb Kilimanjaro from top to toe, check out our Mount Kilimanjaro packing list.

Types of walking shoes

Walking boots

If you’re going to be walking for a longer distance on uneven ground, we recommend a walking boot over a walking shoe. Their above ankle cut provides support and protection which is beneficial when walking on uneven ground, whilst also keeping more warmth in for use in colder temperatures. They are the traditional choice for hikers who want a pair of shoes to last through any hike.

walking trainers

If you’re walking on more even ground, then you may prefer a walking shoe. Walking shoes are lower at the ankle and a lighter weight than walking boots which allows extra mobility and flexibility in the foot. They will not provide the same levels of support and protection that walking boots can offer, however for a shorter distance walk in warmer weather, walking shoes may be more suitable.

Why do you need walking boots for Kilimanjaro?

When it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro, we definitely recommend walking boots over walking shoes for numerous reasons.

Firstly, it’s important to think about your ankles when climbing Kilimanjaro as the terrain on the mountain can be uneven and challenging. It’s rocky, sometimes quite steep and, depending on the season, snowy and icy near the summit, increasing the risk of ankle sprains or twists. Walking boots can help protect your feet in ways that walking shoes can’t, due to the extra support and material. You should opt for walking boots with a nicely padded collar as these offer support for your ankles and are more comfortable, allowing for a more enjoyable and safer trekking experience. The higher collar that covers your ankles protects you not only from scratches and bruises but also on uneven ground where you are more likely to pick up an injury.

Warmth is another reason why Kandoo favour walking boots over walking shoes for our Kilimanjaro treks. Due to the great elevation gain on a Kilimanjaro trek, you will experience all kinds of Kilimanjaro weather on the mountain. At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21 to 27 degrees Celsius (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), while Kilimanjaro summit temperature can range between 0 to -20 degrees Celsius (32 to -4 degrees Fahrenheit). Walking boots are designed to keep your feet warm in colder conditions with insulating materials and ankle coverage, making them ideal for environments like Kilimanjaro. Good quality walking boots will help to retain body heat and prevent cold feet, allowing you to focus on the trek rather than being distracted by the cold.

What are the best trekking boots for Kilimanjaro?

Considering the rugged terrain and sub-zero temperatures on the mountain, the best trekking boots for Kilimanjaro are those that offer excellent ankle support, insulation for cold temperatures and a sturdy sole for traction. However, personal preference plays a significant role in selecting hiking boots for Kilimanjaro as the right fit and overall comfort are essential for a successful trek.

Two hikers looking at the Mount Kilimanjaro

How to choose the right walking boots for Kilimanjaro?

A good pair of walking boots is an absolute must on Kilimanjaro. With so many types of walking boots to choose from and various features available, it’s important to know what’s what before selecting your ideal walking or hiking boots. When choosing the right walking boots for you there are several things you should consider such as the material, fit, support and personal preference.

material

The two main walking boot materials are leather and synthetics. Thanks to advances in materials, the differences between leather and synthetic boots have become increasingly small and which you prefer is down to your own personal opinion. The truth is, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to walking boot material. What works well for one person might not be ideal for another.

Most walking boots are lined with a waterproof membrane, which is useful for weatherproofing your shoes. But, to avoid soggy feet, you don’t just want to keep the wet out, you need to let it out too, otherwise your boots will be full of sweat and condensation. Gore-Tex boots are particularly good at allowing sweat vapour to escape. Another way to keep out the wet is using a gaiter: a waterproof cuff that goes over the top of your boot and fastens around the lower leg.

Leather walking boots

Leather walking boots are made from natural materials that makes very tough and long-lived hiking boots that are great for Kilimanjaro, provided they are broken in well. They are very hardwearing and can last years, even decades, therefore they will not need to be replaced as often. They tend to be naturally waterproof and are easy to maintain using wax.

Synthetic walking boots

Synthetic walking boots, on the other hand, are constructed from synthetic leather, nylon or polyester. They tend to be cheaper, come in a wide range of styles and colours, are quicker to break in and are very breathable, which helps in the prevention of blisters. They’re also comfortable to wear straight from the box, but they do tend to have a shorter lifespan than leather boots.

fit and comfort

You’re going to be spending long hours in your boots every day, so the best trekking boots for Kilimanjaro are naturally ones that fit your feet very well. We strongly recommend that you go into a reputable outdoors store and try a range of options to find the best walking boots for you. Look for walking boots that are flexible with a snug yet comfortable fit to prevent blisters during the multi-day trek to Kilimanjaro summit. It is a good idea to go at least half a size up in walking boots, allowing for the movement of your foot inside the shoe. Your normal size will not provide the same space for your toes to move and you might find restricted toes are more likely to cramp, get cold and hurt. Remember to wear your walking socks when trying on walking boots and break in new boots before embarking on your Kilimanjaro trek.

ankle support

Ankle support is a critical feature in Kilimanjaro hiking boots to prevent injuries and provide stability on uneven terrain. Proper ankle support enhances comfort and reduces the risk of injury, helping to distribute the weight more evenly across your feet. When choosing trekking boots for Kilimanjaro, pay attention to the boot height – mid to high-cut boots offer enhanced ankle stability crucial for navigating Kilimanjaro’s rocky terrain. Look for walking boots with a nicely padded collar as these offer support for your ankles, allowing for a more comfortable and safer trekking experience.

traction

Traction is a crucial feature of walking boots for Kilimanjaro. You want to be sure that when you’re heading out on your Kilimanjaro trek, you feel secure and can walk with confidence. Look for a boot with deeper lugs (the grooves in the rubber outsole) with a fair bit of space between them to provide you with good traction. Don’t go overboard though as the deeper the lugs, the heavier the boot.

budget

Considering the budget allocated for walking boots is crucial when preparing for a Kilimanjaro trek. If you’re a regular trekker or fell walker you may have a favourite pair of walking boots that you want to bring on your Kilimanjaro trek which is great. But if you’re due a new pair of boots, or you don’t own a pair suitable for climbing Kilimanjaro, you need to weigh up your options against your budget constraints. While quality boots may offer better support, durability, and comfort, they often come at a higher price. There are plenty of excellent brands offering walking boots for a range of budgets. You don’t have to go for the most expensive option to land yourself a great pair of boots!

We recommend brands such as Hi-Tec and Merrell.

What other footwear do you need for Kilimanjaro?

Taking your boots off after a long trek is a great feeling as well as essential for allowing them to dry out, however you still need to get around camp and perhaps do some exploring in the surrounding area. So, when you’re packing for Kilimanjaro, it’s a good idea to pack a pair of comfortable training or walking shoes that you can slip on in camp.

We recommend brands such as Merrell.

What socks do you need for Kilimanjaro?

Just like walking boots, socks are very important items of clothing for Kilimanjaro. Proper socks can help prevent moisture build-up, reduce friction, and provide cushioning for the feet, enhancing overall comfort and reducing the risk of blisters. We recommend packing three types of socks for a Kilimanjaro climb: liner socks, mid-weight trekking socks and thermal trekking socks.

Liner socks

Liner socks are lightweight, breathable base layer socks that are designed to be worn under a thicker pair of trekking socks. They are great in helping to wick away sweat and prevent blisters because the friction caused by long hours of hiking gathers between the liner and the sock rather than between your skin and the sock. A pair of quality sock liners could save your feet from all sorts of agonies!

We recommend packing at least 3 pairs of breathable liner socks for your Kilimanjaro trek.

mid-weight trekking socks

Quality mid-weight trekking socks are long, of a medium thickness and are good at wicking away moisture and keeping your feet dry. They also often have extra padding around the toes and heels for comfort during the long hours on your feet. The best materials for mid-weight trekking socks are Merino wool, nylon or polyester, or a blend of these. Stay away from cotton or cotton blended socks.

We recommend packing at least 5 pairs of mid-weight trekking socks for your Kilimanjaro trek.

thermal trekking socks

Thermal socks are made from thicker, insulating materials that trap in body heat, keeping your feet warm and dry in cold temperatures. Designed for use when adventuring on tough terrain in extreme cold, they’re great for trekking at altitude and sub-zero expeditions. They are vital for those colder sections of the trek, especially summit night.

We recommend bringing at least 1 pair of thermal trekking socks for summit night of your Kilimanjaro trek, but you might enjoy a second pair for the day before the summit trek too.

How to choose the right socks for Kilimanjaro?

When choosing socks for Kilimanjaro, you should consider the material, thickness, fit, and moisture-wicking properties.

material

Avoid cotton or cotton-blended socks because they retain moisture and don’t allow the feet to breathe, meaning your feet will be damp and more susceptible to blistering. Instead, opt for trekking socks that are made of merino wool, a synthetic fabric like nylon or polyester, or a blend of these.

thickness

Look for thicker padding areas (created by an increased density of the weave) on the heel and ball of the foot for added cushioning and protection. You want just enough cushioning, as excessive padding can make your shoe feel too tight.

fit

It’s very important to test out your hiking socks before travelling to Kilimanjaro to ensure they fit nicely into your boots. They should offer a snug, not tight, fit. Be sure to do some test hikes in which you wear your trekking socks with your walking boots to make sure they’re comfy.

moisture-wicking properties

Look for trekking socks with moisture-wicking properties. Essentially, a moisture wicking fabric can quickly move sweat to the fabric’s outer surface and dry rapidly so that your sweat doesn’t saturate the fabric. This allows your body to regulate its temperature more efficiently.

We recommend brands such as Point6, Smartwool and Bridgedale.

Conclusion

When embarking on a challenging adventure like climbing Kilimanjaro, where every step counts, the importance of finding the perfect pair of walking boots cannot be overstated. It’s vital that trekkers heading to Tanzania to embark on one of our Kilimanjaro treks prioritise the right footwear, as it directly impacts their performance and overall safety throughout the expedition.

When Kandoo Adventures was created in 2009, one of our first destinations was trekking trips to Tanzania and Kilimanjaro. To this day it remains one of our most popular trekking tours and it’s no wonder why. At Kandoo Adventures, our summit success rates are some of the best in the business at an average of over 98%. This is because we use top quality equipment and only the best guides on the mountain, ensuring a successful and comfortable experience for every one of our customers.

If you have any questions about climbing Kilimanjaro, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the helpful team at Kandoo Adventures HQ. We can’t wait to welcome you on one of our trips soon.

Climb Kilimanjaro with Kandoo Adventures