I received my docs today for CR trip Nov 18th, from Caravan Tours, they call for waterproof shoes or hiking boots for the rain forest hikes. How do I make my shoes waterproof? Anyone have a clue or people who have been what kind of shoes or boots did you use? Thanks, Buck

I used Keen's and my husband used Solomans - I'd go to a place like REI and check out their selection. If you're going through the rain forest, you might want something enclosed because little sticks and rocks can get in the waterproof sandals.

http://www.salomonrunning.com/us/tra...g-running.html

They probably mean rubber boots or shoes/boots with goretex or a different waterproof liner. Most rubber boots wouldn't be comfortable for me on a long hike. My goretex hikers are comfortable but they're expensive; if you're buying them new be sure to break them in before you go and realize the trip could be really hard on them - high humidity can it almost impossible for leather shoes to dry.

I took goretex hikers to Belize 4 years ago but every trip to CA since then (3 trips) we've just taken Keens or Merrell amphibious shoes and have been perfectly happy. Happy trails!

Love, love, love my Salomon Karmas.

We only recently bought Soloman Tech Amphibians, and they work well MOST of the time. Not so good in mud, though.

Previously we got by nicely with less expensive amphibians from Land's End.

For years, we hiked a LOT of rain forest territory with our regular walking shoes--in the rainy season. No problems.

There's IDEAL and there's some darned good alternatives that are certainly and comfortably workable!

Backcountryoutlet.com has the techamphibeans and karmas on sale:

http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/out...ter-Shoes.html

buckspc, I did the trip in Nov. of 2005 and took no special shoes. I took my running shoes and a pair of Teva sandals and had no problem with those. It was not really wet or muddy anywhere they went. you centrainly won't need hiking boots the hikes are really minimal, they don't walk far.

buckspc, I did the trip in Nov. of 2005 and took no special shoes. I took my running shoes and a pair of Teva sandals and had no problem with those. It was not really wet or muddy anywhere they went. you certainly won't need hiking boots the hikes are really minimal, they don't walk far.

I have a pair of Columbia's right now that I love, before that a pair of Lowa's. It really just depends on how much & what type of hiking you plan to do. On a tour I doubt they take you on major hiking trails so I would have to assume something like tennis shoes and a pair of teva's or similiar would be fine.

While in Costa Rica, we hiked up a stream to rapell down a waterfall. I only had my Salomon sandals with no protection for my toes. After stubbing my toes too many times to count, I learned my lesson....never go to the rainforest without some sort of waterproof shoe that has toe protection.