Thailand forum

Do I need special shoes (or boots) for 1-2 days trekking?

itayze

backpacker
Posts: 14

Hi , I'm soon going to be travelling laos and thailand (month each) and I'll do a bit of trekking ( not that much ) - should I Purchase boots or special shoes for trekking or can settle for good walking\sport shoes ?

(each trekk 1-2 days max)

#1 Posted: 7/8/2010 - 02:15
Captain_Bob

under-employed
Posts: 950
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Overkill to buy specialised hiking boots for just a couple days trekking here and there, plus anything new presumably wouln't be broken-in by the time you use them (ouch!) I'd just bring any good ol' used athletic-type shoes you may have bouncing around in your closet, as long as they have decent tread on the bottom (rainy season mud here until November). A couple good pair of hiking socks can do wonders and pack easily. Grab some cheapo flipflops for end-of-day relief, to let both your shoes and your feet have a breather.

#2 Posted: 7/8/2010 - 13:55
itayze

backpacker
Posts: 14

Thanks , thats what I thoght but wanted to make sure .
I didn't want to miss out on some trekking just because I didn't have the proper shows .
I will follow your tip and get those hikking socks .

#3 Posted: 7/8/2010 - 19:03
smartlyndy

motodop
Posts: 24

Hi
We trekked for 3 days in Northern Laos last year. We wore hiking sandals (Keens and Source) which were the same ones we wore for every day wear. This meant we did not have to carry an extra pair of shoes.
Despite the extremely wet, muddy, slippery conditions and the steep, difficult terrain, the sandals did the job really well.
They were also great for walking through rivers (no need to dry out wet shoes and socks at the end of the day) and for removing mud and leeches easily (we found DEET repels leeches if you dont mind using the stuff).
Have a wonderful trip!!!

#4 Posted: 8/8/2010 - 10:41
itayze

backpacker
Posts: 14

I very much enjoy my source sandles and if I can walk with them that will be great.

Thanks for the Tips !
(especially about Deet , can you get it in thai or laos ? )

#5 Posted: 8/8/2010 - 16:01