Angkor Wat, footwear question.
 

What kind of footwear is best for Angkor Wat? I do not intend to do much hiking and I'm wondering what the terrain is like at the temples. Are runnng shoes/sneakers alright or do I need hiking shoes or hiking boots at Angkor?

Thanks in advance.

No hiking boots - way too hot. You want something that allows your feet to breathe, but preferably something with some toe protection. You will be climbing stairs with huge steps (think made for elephants). A hiking sandal, like Keens works well. I thought running shoes were too hot, but some now have enough ventilation they may be ok.

You should be perfectly fine with running shoes/sneakers. Have a great trip -- Angkor is a wonderful place!

We wore these and they were perfect:

http://us.shop.ecco.com/women-sandal...efault,sc.html

Agreed with the above. My friends wore Crocs and I worn flats (not even tennis shoes). It is warm - you want shoes that breathe but have sturdy soles.

You will see girls in stiletto heels at the temples and wandering around Siem Reap on crutches later with twisted ankles! The above advice is good. However, I wander around in thongs (flip flops) and have never had any problems.

As others have said - running shoes/sneakers are fine - no need for hiking boots. We spent a week in the area in March and visited several temples. Other tips: it is very hot there, so bring a big bottle of water to drink while you explore. Also, you may find a hat useful. Here's our trip report: http://latitudeb.com/cambodia/.

How about good sports sandals (not Keens with the toe protected.) I wear them everywhere. What happens when you can't climb up those elephant-sized steps?

There is so much to do in the Angkor complex, that if you run into steps you can't climb, it won't matter in the least! I have some hip issues at times and I don't remember any steps I couldn't manage...

I like heavy-soled sports sandals, like Chaco's. They're cool in the heat and great for uneven, rocky and slippery surfaces.

Not much you can do about steep steps except take it slowly.

I don't get why your toes have to be covered. I think I'll be fine in my Tevas, which look alot like the sandals mentioned above by loribarber1.

I liked the toe protection for climbing over rubble and such. I expect that pathways have been better cleared than when we were there over a decade ago.

Ah, yes I see. I'm actually looking at a pair of Keen shoes for another trip. I think it's this one:

http://www.mec.ca/product/5011-653/k...093+4294966194

No, not that one - too hot, IMO.

You want something with more ventilation, like this:
http://www.zappos.com/keen-whisper-b...fcTest=fcl%3A0

or even this:
http://www.zappos.com/keen-bali-coff...fcTest=fcl%3A0

I may just take my old New Balance walkers--they are ventilated, cool and well-broken-in. They can get as wet and dirty as necessary without me caring. That's if my sandals aren't suitable.

See what works for you. You'll have a wonderful time, I know.

Getting excited, for sure. I'm practicing with heat--it's 32C here today, muggy and smoggy.

I just wore the same Timberland low cut shoes (sort of like boots) I usually wear most days and close toed sandals another. Feet were pretty dusty from the sandals. Wasn't terribly uncomfortable either day but think I did a better job of climbing around in the Timberlands.