Gear and equipment forum

Travel footwear?

chicoelnino

tout
Posts: 61

Looking to bring one pair of decent all around shoes like the "Merrell Chameleon" and one pair of sandals(covered) like the teva dozer for my 6 month trip.

Has anyone any suggestions on what make/brands to go for?

I know alot of them are expensive but if they are something thats comfortable and lasts for the 6 months then I'm fine with that.

Any help would be great

#1 Posted: 25/1/2011 - 08:06
bedu

noodle lady
Posts: 47

I don't know about the shoes, but sandals/flip flops are so cheap in Asia.
I spent 25 pounds on some Tevas in the UK, and could have bought the same in Thailand (or a good copy) for only 5 - 10 pounds.

#2 Posted: 17/2/2011 - 18:46
5acrefarmer

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My cheap sandals didn't last three weeks on the rough as guts footpaths of South East Asia. Buy quality when it comes to footwear.

#3 Posted: 18/2/2011 - 20:39

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bedu

noodle lady
Posts: 47

Mine have lasted a lot longer though, and they're so cheap, you can just buy another pair when/if they break/wear out.

But 5acrefarmer has a point, best to buy quality, they do in general last longer and/or have a warranty.

#4 Posted: 18/2/2011 - 21:57
francesstel-
la

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Hey Chico,

When I went to SEA I bought a pair of trekking shoes and shipped them home after 3 weeks. The reason is they were too hot to walk around in most of the time & bulky to carry around. I only held onto some rubber flip flops bought in BKK and a pair of lightweight Converses. The latter were good for day-to-day travel, occasional nights out & short-term treks. They did fall apart after 3 months but they were infinitely cheaper & comfier than the big trekking shoes.

Unless you're planning on extensive trekking I'd recommend something very transpiring!

Take care,

FSH

#5 Posted: 18/2/2011 - 23:33
caseyprich

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A cheap pair of sandals/flip-flops for lounging about and a good pair of hiking shoes that I'll usually clip to the outside of my backpack and use only once and a while - my last trip they worked nice for when I was on the motorbike as I don't want to tear my toenails off. I think you should always have a good pair of hiking shoes with closed toe - but they don't have to be heavy duty.

I have a pair like this:
http://www.amazon.com/ECCO-Mens-Boulder-Water-Shoe/dp/B002L16VDQ

Water shoes are great because they offer all the tred and protection of a regular hiking shoe but they let a lot of air in, so they stay cool. Comfortable with or without socks as you like - and if you end up hiking along a river gorge they're perfect.

#6 Posted: 19/2/2011 - 11:26
goonistik

adventurer
Posts: 326

A pair of running shoes worked fine for me. I also took along a pair of sandals and flipflops. I wore the running shoes when I was in transit because the sandals and flipflops took up less space in my pack.

Take the hiking shoes only if you plan to hike/trek.

#7 Posted: 19/2/2011 - 13:56
shaydan_01

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Besides trekking, I wore the same pair of rubber flip flops for 6 months with no worries. If you have any ankle, knee or back issues go for something with more support.

#8 Posted: 20/2/2011 - 10:27

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idreamofdur-
ian

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For me, flip flops have been sufficient 90% of the time. They've slipped off a couple times when I really didn't want them to -- ex. on the back of an elephant, on a motorbike, getting onto a train in India -- so now Tevas (strappy velcro ones) are my travel sandals of choice. They're fine for light/medium trekking, too.

#9 Posted: 20/2/2011 - 22:41

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chicoelnino

tout
Posts: 61

I went with a pair of these:

http://www.merrell.com/UK/en-GB/Product.mvc.aspx/20088M/43843/Bracken-Brick/J87833?dimensions=0

They are extremely comfortable and breathable.

I just need to get a pair of sandels and I'm set foot wise.

#10 Posted: 23/2/2011 - 08:33
caseyprich

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same brand i recommended to my mom for her china trip

#11 Posted: 23/2/2011 - 09:39
Positivetra-
vel

backpacker
Posts: 17

I travel with three pairs of shoes. Two of them are the Merrel Brand one is the: Gardena Thong and the other is the: Siren Sport, the third pair is just a cheap pair of flip flops that I bought while away. These are great for just down to the beach or to wear into public showers etc.
I find that I can't walk around in those all day because my feet/legs get too sore so that's why I have the other Merrell brand of sandals which have more support.
I have been away for over a year now and both those shoes are still in pretty good condition. A bit scuffed but otherwise great.

#12 Posted: 10/3/2011 - 00:29