I'm going on a 10 month rtw trip in about two weeks and after doing loads of research on what shoes to take I'm still stuck!
I won't be doing any big treks so won't need walking boots but will still be doing lots of walking around places. All the walking shoes I've seen just seem really clumpy especially for packing as I know that a lot of the time I'll be wearing flip-flops.
I thought about buying a good pair of trainer/shoes like a pair of pumas that are low around the ankle and would look smart as well as being comfortable, but these are too expensive to buy just before i go (England is way too expensive at the moment.
I've seen on this forum that Teva sandals are really confortable. Woul these give as much support as a pair of walking shoes?
Has anyone bought anything in Thailand? Can you buy known brands there that are cheaper?
Posts: 9 | Location: Leeds, England | Registered: 05 March 2007
I take sandals + walking boots (well they aren't your heavy duty ones). When I'm transferring between destinations I pack my sandals and wear my shoes (cause their smaller obviously, and weigh less).
The sandals I wear have great soles, Vibram - the same as my walking boots, so they are comfortable on long distances (but don't provide the support shoes do).
If I was honest, I would say I could easily cope without my walking boots. I barely wear them except when I'm changing location.
EDIT: Oh my Sandals are Merrell. I've had a lot of Tevas in the past & haven't found them very good. The soles of Tevas are worse and they give me blisters most of the time unfortunately. Haven't seen the full Teva range though, I'm sure they have some good models.
I highly recommend Keen sandals. I got the Newport H2 style for sailing about 18 months ago. I wear them for that, but they're also my first choice for any travel. They are the most comfortable shoes I own. I even wear them with socks in early spring and late fall here in the northeastern US. They're great for air travel because they slip on and off for getting through security, while still being secure on the foot and somewhat protective.
But don't be fooled -- other companies make sandals that look similar and cost less. I originally picked up some Sketchers on sale. They hurt. Bad.
____________________________ No one trip is "the trip of a lifetime" -- they all are.
Posts: 192 | Location: Dobbs Ferry, NY USA | Registered: 27 March 2001
I was in spain, needed a pair of sandals, and could find none that worked with my low to non'existent arches. So I moved my enquiries to walking sandals and waterproof shoes, and found a pair of Merrel water hikers, ie, they are made for wearing in the water, though I wouldn't. They look like sneakers, but have ventilation holes all on the top with a good lacing system and adequate ankle support for moderate walking needs. Heavy backpacks need not apply, light ones give no problems. They chafe teh foot when wet and against bare skin. I use socks with them all the time. That being noted, they keep my feet cool, and have used them on a Camino de Santiago walk with little trouble. The trouble I did have was that being very holey, in all senses of the word, when it was windy and cold, my feet got very cold. When it rained, by socks got wet, and when they got wet, it wasn't comfortable at all. I suspect watherproof inserts might have solved that `problem. I should have a pair hanging around somewheres.
Posts: 2438 | Location: Philadelphia | Registered: 19 November 2004
You do read in the guidebook a lot about needing walking boots. And though they might be useful in places, it does seem that most of the main trekking places are well trekked and you can get away with a decent pair of trainers.
The thing with walking boots is what do you do with them? Other than wear them from one place to another and then swap to your shoes when you get there. The thing with that is sometimes it can take days to get somewhere and your feet can get so hot, and smelly.
I tend only to wear my trainers these days, when my flip-flops have decided to cut into my feet again - which they seem to do periodically.
What we're really wanting to find at the minute is some leech socks - as there is an issue with them in the jungle we're heading for in a few days.
And if you're coming to Malaysia, bring your own insect repellent with deet in, as according to a rude pharmacist yesterday, the strongest you can get here is 7% and that only lasts 2 hours.
Last note: I had my trainers stolen while away and had to buy some more. And it seems since being away my feed have jumped from a tiny 8.5 up to a respectable 11 - not overly sure why, cool though.
It didn't seem worth it to start a whole new thread on this, so I am hijacking this one. I have heard for years that the Blundstone is a fantastic boot for hiking and such...Yesterday I bought a pair from Value Village (Price: $14.79. I wonder who thinks up these prices) What is the big deal with these boots. Comfortable, but not so strokingly good as the world makes out...Do they make me bionic or something? Perhaps just really durable?
Posts: 3698 | Location: canada | Registered: 11 September 2003
I just bought a pair of fitflops for my wanderings in cities in india and china- they seem super super comfy- am looking forward to it! crocs flip flops are also very good.
have had shoe disasters before! nothing worse on travels!
Posts: 19 | Location: Ireland | Registered: 28 January 2008
Flip-Flops: all you will ever need. I alternate between a pair of Reefs for long road walks. They have excellent heel support.
and
For rocky terrain I use the Teva Elixer 5 which has a rugged traction rubber outsole and offers Microban zinc based anti-microbial protection. Can you believe that?
Flip-Flopping across Europe and Around the World since, well....2007
I just bought a pair of overpriced(for americans) Merrell Iguanas, which looks exactly like my waterproof mountain shoes, except they're supposed to be water resistant, just the thing for those rainy may days when I walk the Camino again.
The important thing is that the sole type, and innersole is trail tested, and so should't cause me any problems once they're broken in.
Never walk long distances on a new pair of shoes. Its a recipe for disaster.
Posts: 2438 | Location: Philadelphia | Registered: 19 November 2004
Originally posted by Ewan: I take sandals + walking boots (well they aren't your heavy duty ones). When I'm transferring between destinations I pack my sandals and wear my shoes (cause their smaller obviously, and weigh less).
I did the same thing as you.
Posts: 19 | Location: Chicago | Registered: 17 August 2007
I know I’ll get blasted for this, but personally I am opposed to flip-flops. Technically speaking, any show with an “unsecured” heel can’t possible be good for you, from a safety perspective. If you’re going on a RTW trek, you really don’t want to risk any sort of foot injury. And lets not get into having footwear with exposed toes and the injuries available there. I know they are convenient, “comfortable”, cheap, lightweight, disposable, etc., but they are not practical from a safety perspective, nor do they provide the necessary support for good foot health. That having been said, if I do need to wear some sort of “sandal” type footwear, I would opt for the Keen Venice H2’s:
These provide great comfort, a secure ankle (as best as possible for a sandal), and toe protection. I have a pair of these myself. However, I do have a caveat about that. That is, because the ankle is secured and the toe is covered, anything that gets in them, like sand, small rocks, etc., don’t come out easily. Once I wore them on the beach and within the first few seconds I had a ton of sand under my foot and it was very tough constantly shaking it out. Obviously this is where flip-flops come in handy. However, I’ll leave it up to you whether you want to trade in protection for convenience.
As for shoes, if you are not looking for serious trail hiking type shoes, Ecco makes great shoes that combine style, practicality, and comfort. I’ve owned several pairs of Ecco’s now and have never been disappointed. They are also amazingly lightweight for being so comfortable. I would try to find a water resistant pair since you’ll no doubt run into all sorts of weather. I’m typically a heavy walker and almost always prematurely wear out the heels of my shoes. However, I’ve noticed with Ecco’s, they seem to last forever. It must be the material they’re using. Anyway, that’s my two cents.
__________________________________________ greetings earthling! can someone show me how to get to San Leandro?
Posts: 118 | Location: San Leandro, CA, USA | Registered: 16 August 2006
I have to agree that flip flops are very inadequate in terms of foot protection. If you plan to do some serious hiking, there are times when sandals just won't cut it (IMHO). For example, here where I live (California), there are some thorny prickly plants and poison oak along some trails. I once did a hike along one of the fire trails wearing short and got all sorts of scratches along my leg. I shudder to think how scratched up my feet would have gotten if I wore sandals.
On the other hand I think hiking boots are complete overkill. My personal preference is a lightweight pair of sneakers/trainers/walking or trail running shoes with a breathable mesh upper construction so moisture doesn't build up inside the shoe too easily. On longer trips, I may bring a pair of sandals and make do with them when I don't need foot protection.
Posts: 20 | Location: USA | Registered: 10 April 2008
I guess flip-flops do have their place, like in hostel showers and beaches. But I think people are so addicted to their "comfort", casualness, convenience, and disposability, that they overlook the fact that they're actual very bad for your feet both in terms of support and protection. With that having been said, I do always bring a pair of flip-flops with me when I travel, purely for hostel showers though.
__________________________________________ greetings earthling! can someone show me how to get to San Leandro?
Posts: 118 | Location: San Leandro, CA, USA | Registered: 16 August 2006
I agree, I take flip-flops for the showers that I'm not too sure about. I also like to wear them when I'm in the hotel/hostel, to let my shoes air out and (hopefully) last a bit longer. Other than that, I feel like they don't offer enough support or protection. It's not a big deal at home, but on trips I don't want to hurt my foot and waste valuable traveling time.
- Mike
Posts: 214 | Location: Bay Area, CA | Registered: 13 August 2005
Last note: I had my trainers stolen while away and had to buy some more. And it seems since being away my feed have jumped from a tiny 8.5 up to a respectable 11 - not overly sure why, cool though.
Feet can swell when travelling in the humid tropics so make sure you take shoes with a generous fit!
Personally I always take a pair of boots and buy flip flops locally, but I missed a really comfy pair of sandals. You can often get them second-hand around the Kao San road, and you can definitely buy quality brand products there cheaper than in the UK.
