Okay guys, you can roll your eyes and tune out now.......

Going for six weeks, last of February to start of April. No big cities. Lots of really rural Rajasthan. Some wildlife areas. Some places like Orchha, Bundi, Jaisalmer, Varanasi. Plan to walk in some small villages. Trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas. Seeing some temples but not a lot. Staying mid-range, smaller, casual places and one or two more upscale heritage hotels.

Okay, other than my hiking boots, what else should I bring? Closed toe casual MaryJane’s, other casual shoes, Birkenstocks, sandals, Keens???? I’ve got them all in my closet. I know that having the right shoes can make or break a trip, and I usually carry several pairs. Practicality over fashion is what I am concerned with. Thanks much.

Well, India was part of a longer trip, so I used the same footwear for India as everywhere else.

One pair light-weight hiking boots (Vasques)

One pair Ecco sandals - not closed toe, I don't like them. Used to be Birkenstocks for the contoured footbed, but I fell too many times on my ME trip because they didn't have good enough grip.

One pair black flats for evenings. But if I'd only been doing India I'd have taken flip-flops instead.

I won't take more than three pairs because I travel with one carry-on size bag and a day pack, and I don't have room for more. (I wear the boots on travel days.)

No matter where I go I bring 2 good pair of sneakers for walking/hiking, one black, one white, sandals and flip flops for the shower. That's it.

I briought one pair of sneakers and used them everywhere. Personally I would not wear open toed shoes as you never know what you will step in.

Don't forget that you have to take your shoes off to enter temples. That's where sandals come in handy.

My standard footwear suppluy on lat three trips: one pair of crocs flip flops , one pr of leather "sneakers" . BOught a pir of pretty punjabi shoes there to wear to the wedding, but left them there for one of the housekeepers.
Pack light--you can find any additional shoes you need at Bata, or markets

Your comments have helped me narrow down my choices. So, it sounds as though sandals are primarily for temples and walking where you can watch where your feet will be.

I too always wear my hiking boots when traveling and transiting because they take up so much room in the suitcase. It is only in airports that they are a real pain.

Bring an extra pair of shoe laces. I wear the hiking boots on the plane too, Jules, to save room. Also to save room I tie my tennis shoes on the outside of my duffle bag.

Lynn, tie shoes to OUTSIDE of bag...GREAT idea!!! The kind of common sense thing that eludes many of us, and why this forum is great!!

But not for flights! It's not ideal for Indian trains, either.

I always take a pair of Birkenstocks. I like the ones that have some jewels on them and consider them dressy enough to wear anywhere I would be going. Also like to take my super light weight Keen clogs as they are waterproof.