good hiking boots, rubber boots for the amazon, comfortable tennis shoes.

I used Keen Newport Sandals and Keen Targhee 2 trekking shoes on a year long trip around the world. Extremely comfortable (although wear them in for a week or two beforehand), great grip and great for almost all situataions from jungle to mountains. Sandals are great and we used those most of all in hot climates but do make sure you get tehtype with closed toes to pervent minor injuries when walking through vegetation etc.

I have been to many rainforest areas around the world but not to the Amazon so waylluy's suggestion of rubber boots may be very approriate if you will be wading around. Just remember that as you are backpacking, you will have to carry everything and we endeded up regretting taking much of the stuff we did. We now make a point of taking only carry on luggage (Lowe Alpine Carry On 40L) - this has worked fine for us on month long trips to Sril Lanka and Thailand recently both of which involved trekking etc. Any additional stuff you need you can always buy en route (with the probableexception of shoes).

thanks so much - and I note they are available at our favorite store

I brought good hiking boots and a pair of good sturdy waterproof sandals (not flip-flops) and I was fine. Rubber boots aren't a bad idea but they're big and heavy. You could check but the ecolodge we stayed at provided them.

My lodge also provide rubber boots at checkin.

Massive overpacking and an advertising link. Thanks.

Thwre was an earlier thread about shoes for hiking etc. The link is below and you may want to read through it.

http://www.fodors.com/community/travel-tips-trip-ideas/shoes-for-round-the-world-trip-suitable-for-hiking-and-running.cfm

If you want comfort, good traction and not care about the looks, try the minimalist shoes. I wear 2 different types, depending on the situation. They are lightweight, sturdy and does not take up room.

Based on my experience and what you intended to use them for, my suggestion is to try a pair of "Vibram 5 fingers". I have the TrekSport model. You will have to decide which model is best for you. I used it for both the MachuPiccu and Galapagos trip. I wore it for hiking, beach and even snorkelling. It is waterproof and can be hosed down and dry real quick. You can wear it woth socks or without socks. Tyically without as you will need to buy 5 fingers socks. Different models have different amount of fabric. I picked the TrekSport as it suited my needs.

For your phsysical labor, less fabric on top is probably better for protection but more fabric on top is more comfortable.

60% of all snake bites are thought to have been possible to prevent by wearing boots that cover the ankle. Ankle high walking boots will also offer support while hiking etc. I have just tested a pair of Merrells which are my preference but others to consider are Salomons. Althoug, saying that, I spent most of my time in the Amazon Rainforest in a pair of gum boots the tours distribute to guests on arrival and these were perfect!

My visit to the Amazon was a long time ago now but I would think rubber boots would be awful in the heat. They certainly were not supplied to guests way back then. I found even the lightest shoe hot on the feet. I think I wore some light tennis shoe. I also took an umbrella for the sun. I hate hats and they are also hot on the head. It was perfect. It also served to swat away a pesky monkey who was trying to grab something from my son!

As for the rest of the trip, something sturdy and hard wearing. Water resistant might be a good idea too. If you normally never wear ankle high hiking shoes, don't take them now. Take a model similar to something you have worn and found comfortable.