Gorilla Trekking Boots: How to Choose the Right Pair What to look for Feature What you want Why it matters in Bwindi Sole Deep lugs, about 4–5 mm, widely spaced Grips clay and sheds mud instead of clogging Waterproofing Waterproof membrane and treated leather or fabric Wet grass, streams and rain on most days Ankle height Mid or high cut Support on uneven roots and steep side slopes Fit Firm heel, roomy toe box Stops blisters and bruised toes on descents Weight Light to mid-weight Heavy boots tire you on long climbs Hiking boots or trail shoes?. The best boots for gorilla trekking are waterproof, mid- or high-ankle hiking boots with deep, widely spaced lugs on the sole, a snug heel and enough room for your toes on long descents — and they must be broken in before your trip. Bwindi’s steep slopes and slippery red clay punish trainers, fashion boots and brand-new footwear more than anything else you could bring.
You do not need expensive mountaineering boots. You need boots that grip in mud, keep your feet reasonably dry and stay comfortable for several hours of up-and-down walking. Here is what to look for and how to prepare them.
Gorilla Trekking Boots: How to Choose the Right Pair
What to look for
| Feature | What you want | Why it matters in Bwindi |
|---|---|---|
| Sole | Deep lugs, about 4–5 mm, widely spaced | Grips clay and sheds mud instead of clogging |
| Waterproofing | Waterproof membrane and treated leather or fabric | Wet grass, streams and rain on most days |
| Ankle height | Mid or high cut | Support on uneven roots and steep side slopes |
| Fit | Firm heel, roomy toe box | Stops blisters and bruised toes on descents |
| Weight | Light to mid-weight | Heavy boots tire you on long climbs |
Hiking boots or trail shoes?
For most visitors, waterproof hiking boots are the safer choice. The ankle support helps on the uneven, root-covered ground and steep side slopes, and the higher cuff keeps out mud and water better than a low shoe. Experienced hikers who are used to trail running shoes can manage in grippy, waterproof trail shoes in the drier months, especially with gaiters, but they offer less protection in deep mud and stinging undergrowth. Ordinary trainers, with their shallow soles, slip badly on wet clay and should be avoided.
Gumboots, the rubber boots used across rural Uganda, are another option. Many lodges near Bwindi lend or rent them, and their soles grip surprisingly well in mud. They are fully waterproof but offer little support and can rub on long treks, so they work better as a back-up than as your main footwear.
Getting the fit right
Fit matters more than brand. Try boots on in the afternoon, when your feet are slightly swollen, wearing the socks you will trek in. Your heel should not lift when you walk, and your toes should not touch the front when you walk down a slope; many outdoor shops have a small ramp to test this. On Bwindi’s long descents, toes that hit the front of the boot quickly become bruised and painful. If you have wide feet or high arches, look for models made for them rather than forcing your feet into a narrow boot.
Break them in before you go
New boots on trek day are a common cause of blisters. Wear your boots around the house first, then on short walks, and finally on two or three longer hikes of several hours with a loaded daypack, ideally on hilly ground. That also tells you whether they grip and where they rub, so you can adjust laces or socks before you leave. Wear or carry your boots on the flight, so they cannot be lost with checked luggage. For training ideas, see how fit you need to be for gorilla trekking.
Socks, gaiters and laces
Good socks are part of the system. Merino wool or synthetic hiking socks wick moisture, cushion your feet and stay warm when damp; cotton socks hold water and cause blisters. Long socks also let you tuck in your trousers against safari ants. Gaiters, which wrap your lower leg and the top of the boot, keep out mud, water and insects and are worth packing whatever the season.
Before descents, tighten your laces across the top of the foot so your foot does not slide forward. Read more about clothing in what to wear for gorilla trekking.
After the trek
Your boots will come back caked in red mud. Knock off what you can, rinse them, remove the insoles and stuff them with newspaper to dry. Many lodges will place boots near the fire or in a drying room if you ask. If you are trekking again the next day, a second pair of socks and dry insoles make a big difference.
Keep a plastic bag for muddy boots on the drive out, and clean them thoroughly before flying home, as some countries check footwear for soil. For the rest of your kit, see our gorilla trekking packing list and what to expect if it rains.
Frequently asked questions
Proper hiking boots are rarely available to rent. Some lodges lend gumboots, which work as a back-up, but bring your own broken-in boots.
Yes. Bwindi’s undergrowth is often wet with dew or recent showers even in July, and streams still need crossing. Waterproof boots keep you far more comfortable.
Usually a few weeks of regular wear and two or three longer walks. Modern fabric boots break in faster than stiff leather ones.
Not necessarily. A free walking stick is provided at headquarters. Poles help on descents if you already use them and have weak knees.
