vic_jola

I want to travel light but shoes are always an issue. DH and I are going to Monteverde, Arenal, Osa Peninsula and Uvita in February. We plan to do some light hiking/walking. So far I have set aside my Keens, a pair of flip flops (nice enough to wear with a dress) and wondering whether to take my Goretex short hikers. The flight to PJ has a limitation of 40 lbs. and with sun screens, bug sprays and other essentials I want to keep the weight down so am grateful for some wardrobe advice especially shoes.

MichelleY

I felt that my Keens were too slippery on wet rocks. Not enough traction.

carolll

Two thoughts - First, you can wear the heaviest pair on your flight which takes a small amount of weight out of the luggage. Secondly, why not go outside when it is raining and try out both your hikers and those Keens.

Some lodges/hotels loan guests mid calf high boots for jungle walks. You might to check that out with wherever you plan to stay.

Carol

hopefulist

I haven't been to Costa Rica but travel in Central America 2-3 times/year and generally just take Keens and my flipflops (Teva Olowahus - great for my feet and dressyish). Maybe I have a different type of Keen than MichelleY - my Newport H2Os have incredible traction - really great caving, rafting, muddy trails, and on steep, wet cobblestoned streets.

The trouble with goretex short hikers is that they're only waterproof if water and mud don't access the top which happens a lot when you're hiking in rainy/muddy/tropical places. The outside tends to not dry, too, which can lead to stink and certainly make them less visually appealing hence forth.

Keens can be hosed off and even thrown in the washing machine once you're home and they're good as new! Just my 2 cents' worth...

Stewbear

Wear my Goretex Timberland's down & hiking, Works best for me. Flip Flops are a great way to have serious foot/toe injuries.

MichelleY

I think mine are a Newport H2 sandal. Just seemed to slippery at the La Paz Waterfalls.

hopefulist

Flipflops work better than goretex hikers on beaches, though, Stewbear. ;-)

Michelle - Don't know what to tell you about that as I feel like my Keen Newports are almost gummy on the bottom they have such great traction. I've worn down several pair over the years - more than a dozen trips to Central America and a few to Europe in the last 10 years and I wear them most of the time at home and (before I retired!) at work, too.

MichelleY

Idk. On the slippery rocks, they never felt safe. Maybe mine are an older model

crosscheck

I'm in CR now and have decided, after many years, that I hate my Keens because of all the sand, pebbles and shells that get in. They were so annoying yesterday on a beach hiking adventure that I gave them to the woman who cleans the house where we're staying.

I would suggest the Merrell Maipo instead -- completely waterproof and super lightweight. I just noticed that they've been discontinued so hurry to order:

http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Womens.../dp/B00E8FQJ7Q

I also have slides for the beach (I don't like flip flops), a pair of 'dressy' sandals and speedo aqua shoes. All weigh close to nothing.

hopefulist

My husband has similar Merrells and the sand still gets in but they have to be completely removed to get it out; with Keens I can push the sole down at the heel and shake it out. That is certainly the most irritating thing about Keens, though. Guess that's why I wear my Olowahus at the beach. ;-)

hopefulist

Re: "Maybe mine are an older model", don't think so - I bought my 1st pair of Keens in 2003 directly from the factory in Seattle. We do a lot of whitewater rafting here in Oregon and I was always barking my toes; I was so thrilled to find comfortable rafting shoes with toe protection.

I haven't been tempted to visit Costa Rica - maybe they only work great in slippery conditions in Honduras, Belize, and Guatemala, the countries I return to over and over. ;-)

volcanogirl

I wear Keen's if it's wet and just wear running shoes if it's dry. Flip flops for in the cabin or around the pool.

crosscheck

<I haven't been tempted to visit Costa Rica - maybe they only work great in slippery conditions in Honduras, Belize, and Guatemala, the countries I return to over and over.>

Yes, they're guaranteed for the whole isthmus except Costa Rica, where they have become a cliché

Stewbear

"hopefulist on Dec 21, 15 at 10:39pm
Flipflops work better than goretex hikers on beaches, though, Stewbear. ;-)"

That's why I wear my washable but close toe boat shoes on the beach.
My two best footwear.

november_moon

I took my Keens, flip flops (I know - playing fast and loose with my feet ) and a pair of trail runners. I was glad for the trail runners for places where I wanted more protection - hikers would have been good too, but I didn't feel like they were necessary. My trail runners are lighter and less bulky.

sfisherx

I just returned home from Costa Rica and all the places you have mentioned. I would suggest your keens and a good pair of sneakers. I did not bring hiking boots and I am so glad I did not pack them because I did not need them - even in Osa/ Corcovado National Park. My sneakers were all I needed for hiking around. Also I packed a rain jacket but never used it once. Bug spray is definitely the most important part of your pack! Good Luck

plambers

my chacos were perfect!