I like a black pump with a four inch heel.....oops wrong board

Good one!

Before our trip to Africa, I bought a pair of Nike walking shoes that worked well on the planes, in the vehicle, in camp, and on short walking safaris. The shoes are basically a very comfortable sneaker. I've been able to wear them a lot since I've been home, too.

I looked at trail running shoes but found they were a bit chunky and masculine for my taste.

I wear leather sandals most of the time and moccasins on longer walks. Around camp I also wear leather slippers. In Nairobi I use sandals with wedge heels. On my first TWO safaris I brought sandals with heels (not 4 inches, more like 7 centimetres) that I never wore. I never wear socks, but I always pack them. I do have problems with sand flies, but that’s just me. Lots of people wear sandals on safari and I’ve never heard of anyone else getting bitten by sand flies. I’ve never worn shoes in the shower, though it sounds kind of interesting. After some thinking I’ve come to the conclusion that, on a camping safari where you stand in the grass while showering, it might be useful to wear shoes – flip-flops are perfect for that. In Kenya many people do a lot of walking in flip-flops, but it’s painful if you’re not used to it. In Nairobi, the only shoe shop I remember visiting – and seeing – is Bata. http://www.batakenya.com/batastores.htm

Hello,

I'm another Ecco fan -- they are great shoes, supremely comfortable (tried and tested by house officers (residents and interns) who have to stay on their feet for entire days at a stretch).

It sounds like some people here bring multiple pairs of shoes -- if you are travelling to Botswana or another place where luggage size and weight is an issue. I'd advise bringing just one -- shoes can take up quite a bit of space in your bag, and how many pairs does one persone really need?

I prefer loafers to sandals, as I don't care to get sand, prickly things, pebbles etc. in my shoes. In my opinion, closed shoes are preferable for game drives, as you may need to take a short walk in the bush to use a lava-tree so sandals aren't ideal.

Please don't make the mistake made by some teenagers from Caliornia of bringing only flip-flops -- what were they (or their parents) thinking?

Cheers,
Julian

Well, I may be the "Keens on safari" guinea pig. These shoes are so comfortable, and I just plain like 'em. We'll see.

Sundowner: Those are some funky-looking shoes! I'd never heard of them before!

Sundowner - Those Rocket Dogs look pretty interesting - and ugly in a cute sort of way! I am going to try and find a retailer near me as the price is good - I want to see if they really are that comfortable.

Thanks!

Otherwise I am between Ecco and New Balance and I really can't lose on either one.

Sharon,
I am also taking Keens same style as yours, but with nylon tops where yours are leather. (I think I sent you a link to the ones I got) I am somewhat concerned also about getting small rocks and sand, etc in the openings, but too late now to get something else and break them in. Leave in 16 days!

Star - wow -16 days!!!!!! I guess we will suffer together with our Keens!

1,2,3
and no whining about your feet in your trip report....you've been warned!!! 25 days! WOW! And to think, you could have been looking at a new driveway, not worrying about shoes, cameras or nightgowns!

Love to come to the fodor's board for the humor and fun! Thank you.

Any suggestions on brands/types of light hiking boots that would be suitable for Mahale National Park?

The idea of getting rocks/pebbles in my shoes really is not my thing. Good suggestions for sandals for showers and lighter wear. Would be great too if wouldn't have to worry about drying them.

One of my family members has very Narrow feet (double A). Any suggestions for brand of women's shoes that come in 'AA' and about size 6-1/2. Usually it's very hard to find them.

BTW - the rocket dogs look very practical, especially if they are comfortable.

Thanks!

One more shoe type hard to find:
Men's triple 'EEE' size 10-1/2 to 11.
Any brand-type suggestions for light weight shoes?

only on the Fodor's Africa board could we crazies have 32 posts on Safari footwear. (By the way, we are going for the first time in August and your comments have been helpful, however)

Nothing would be worse than sore dogs ((&amp) in the bush - ask Rocco, if you haven't heard yet . It's not like your going to Italy and would be able to find good shoe finds - one could only wish for shoe dilemmas in Italy .

I bought the Keen 'Bronx" which I took to Rwanda with me.
Didn't wear them gorilla trekking but did wear them on the less "adventurous" days.
Very comfortable and good non-slip soles. They'd be perfect for sitting in the jeeps or light bush hiking.
Both cute and functional!

Went to Tanzania in March, wore only Keens. I had both low rise boots and sandals, loved them!

Countingdown: Did you wear the sandals for any bush walks?

Hello,

Your relative with the narrow feet may want to try Ecco. I have narrow feet (for a man) and have found that some of their shoes run quite narrow, though it depends on the style. If they're a bit big, put a set of Ecco insoles in. If her feet are small as well as narrow, she can try the kids' sizes -- they are narrower and there is some overlap.

On the other hand, if you have narrow feet but a nice large pocketbook, take a look at Salvatore Ferragamo's sport line -- Ferragamo shoes run very narrow.

Cheers,
Julian

What a hoot - who knew safari footwear could generate as much interest as the latest Manolos!

As for narrow and wide sandals - I highly rercommend Tevas for comfort and versatility for showering, beach and non-game activities, because you can adjust the toe box and heel separately to fit your feet.

For extra wide feet - I know New Balance is manufactured in many widths so that might work for you.

cooncat,
I did not wear my sandals on walks, I wore my low rise boots most of the time. At home, I wear my sandals all the time, and if dirt or rocks get in they are very easy to empty. I was in Tanzania at the beginning of the rains (mid march), I was chilly more of the time than hot, thus the boots. I did find it humorous when visiting the Maasai...looking down at the homemade contraptions on their feet very much resembled the Keens on my feet!