ATM shoes or sandals?

When we went to ATM in July I wore my Keens and my sons wore their Merrells trek shoes. Another man and his son that did the tour with us wore open toed sandals and they really got their toes tore up. Sneakers and hiking boots would be really heavy when they are wet and muddy and may be hard to swim in also.

Remember to wear socks and then take them off and store them under your helmet before any water crossings. You will be very happy you have socks when you have to remove your shoes in the cave and walk barefooted.

Hmmm...I was sure I'd already responded to this one. Our group wore a combination of Keens, Salomon Tech Amphibians, and Merrell Aqua Sports and all worked great. We just wore our socks and wore them wet through the part of the cave where shoes had to come off - worked great for us. I agree that open toes would be a hazard and that heavier shoes and boots would be heavy and would also take forever to dry in the humid climate. Enjoy!

Thanks for the advice!

You have to have socks inside the cave. You aren't allowed to walk on the dry levels in your bare feet as they can leave oils behind. We wore socks and water shoes and were quite comfortable. It's easier than taking shoes on and off over the several river crossings.

I wore "technical" sandals (Merrell) which were more than adequate. Flip-flops would be dodgy, but as long as your sandals are solid on your feet, and have some upward lip/covered toe to stop you stubbing your toe every step, you should be fine. Socks in a dry bag is a good tip ;)