We are going in June to Corcovado, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonion, Arenal and Monteverde. What kind of shoes should we bring? Do tennis shoes ever get dry. Should we bring hiking boots?

How heavy is your hiking going to be? We brought boots and tennis shoes and never wore them. We had our Keens (a closed toe sandal) and wore those and flip flops. We did hiking and lots of water activities.But our hiking was light. For Manuel Antonio, you won't need heavy shoes. It is very difficult to dry anything down there.
This was our experience - I'm sure others have different opinions.

thanks your reply. we actually just bought those closed toe shoes as well but was wondering what it was like hiking in the rainforest and are concerned with bugs, branches ect.

Lands End has these mesh sport shoes right now that should be perfect. I've been to Costa Rica before with hiking boots which worked fine, they never got that wet, but I thought this time I'd try for something lighter that packed smaller.

I took those Lands End sport shoes on our trip in April and they were great...I thought they were more comfortable without socks than the Salomons or the Keens that I tried...and much less expensive.

For Corcovado, IMO, I would definitely take hiking shoes. I took a pair of Loma low-cut waterproof for my trip to the Osa. It rained a lot (luckily always at night) and the trails were muddy & sometimes slippery. I might've been able to get by with just tennis shoes but would've missed the extra traction and the fact that my shoes stayed dry. I've done MA park in Teva's with no problems. One thing I would suggest are the stay-dry socks. I bought several pairs and they kept my feet dry, no blisters and they dried quickly after hand washing.

What is a stay-dry sock?? Where do you buy those?? I am real interested!

My experience was similar to tully's on the Osa. We needed the traction of hiking shoes. Also, just knowing that there are snakes and poisonous creatures around {they weren't a problem],we were more secure with our feet encased in material! We neglected to bring waterproof footwear, however, and fervently wished we had. I think that tully is referring to socks with quick-drying capability, a big plus in humid areas.

Of course, as others point out, it depends much on your type and level of activity.

Great topic! I went to the Lands End website and just bought 2 pairs of those mesh shoes. We are going to the Osa and white water rafting and they looked like they would be perfect.We are on our way in 2 weeks so I'll let you know how the shoes worked out...thanks

crarmy, I'm sorry, I'm drawing a blank on what they're actually called. They're made to stay dry while hiking, they feel just like cotton socks but wick the moisture away. I got them at TJ Maxx, about $6 for 2-3 pairs.

Thanks Tully, I will look for those socks.
Are you guys talking about the "Mesh Trail Shoes" from Land's End?

Thank you so much for the tip on the Land's End sport shoes! I just ordered a pair for me and Hubby.

Hi, do you guys mean the "Mesh Trail Shoes" /sneakers that look like they require no socks? Thanks.

OK, I figured it out, but only after I taked to the ladies from Land's End, the "Mesh Trail Shoe" is like a hiking shoes, but they are cooler than a regular shoe, but are NOT a water shoe. Those are on sale for 24.50 The "Extreme Sport Shoe" is good for hiking, but it is also a water shoe and have the build in sock. Those are 39.50. I hope this helps.

Could anyone who has purchased the Lands End Extreme Sport Shoe tell me how they run in size. I'm usually an 8.5 but these are only whole sizes. I also have a wide foot so need something that runs wide. We're going in December but if I wait past summer to buy the things I need I'll never find them in my size.

I wear a 9 and it fit true to size....my husband wears a 9 1/2 and I ordered a 10 which worked out fine so I guess I would order up...I don't think that the width will be a problem because they lace up and you could just not tie them as tight.

I know the mesh sport shoes (29.50) run short, so I always wear an eight and had to go up to a nine. Frustrating, but I got the nines today and they are comfortable without socks, will be perfect with them (when I'm not going in the water, of course). For the price especially I am very satisfied.

Sharon W, I will get my shoes on Thursday, I too have a wide feet, so I will let you know how does work.

Ok that was have wide feet, so...they work. Sorry got in a hurry to post.

I would suggest a pair of Tevas or equiv for general walking and in the water. If you plan on doing hiking, go for the lightweight hiking boots, mid ankle height, preferably with Gore-Tex so they are waterproof and breathable. I found a great pair of lightweight Merrell's which were exclusive on Cabella's web site and they were great. Order 1/2 size larger than your normal shoe size. Felt like tennis shoes, but had ankle support which you need on trails. Boots stayed dry whole trip because they were breathable. Everything else will stay wet unless you have moisture wicking clothes ie; nylon based shorts, Ex-Officio type shirts & undies. Do not underestimate how humid it is there, especially Carribean side & Manuel Antonio. All you will do is sweat. Arenal & Monteverde are cooler, but you will work up a sweat if you go hiking. Trust me, anything cotton is not your real friend as it gets wet and stays that way.