Boots.. shoes or trainers..

Other than for full out trekking in Nepal, I find walking shoes the most practical footwear.

i am also wondering same thing - i live in my havianas at home and not sure what else i need to take. don't want to take shoes that are too heavy or daggy.
tough one isn't it!

Thats why i thought some light enough/good boots i can wear just wearing around normally as well whilst sightseeing and will help stop me fall down the Inca trail...

And to waterproof or not.. i've heard that its not worth it as makes feet too sweaty... but what about the Inca trail if it pours down with rain..?!

I would take a good pair of walking shoes or trainers (I'm from Canada so I'm not really sure if trainers mean what we would call running shoes but I think so). I have been hiking on the Inca trail, in Nepal and in NZ amongst other places in the world and you absolutely need to travel with something light and well made. I would never travel with any more than a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of sandals (and if you absolutely have to, a pair of dressier flat shoes too). You will regret taking shoes that are heavier, bulkier and meant only for hiking

I like waterproof shoes.

For Inca trail or other strenuous trekking you need liner socks and heavier wool outer socks. I never had a problem with feeling that my feet were too sweaty.

Getting your feet and shoes wet on an extended hike is no fun.

I hiked the Inca Trail in full boots but don't remember needing any waterproofing. I hiked in Nepal in mid-height boots that were pretty lightweight. I would bring a pair of train runners or mid-height/low lightweight boots and then a pair of sturdy walking sandals (I love Keens) for the rest of your trip. You'll wear your boots or trailrunners every day in places like Tibet because it will be too cold for sandals. The idea of walking around all day in full on gortex boots it scary. They're heavy for non hiking and will take up tons of room. I survived a 14 month RTW with lightweight lowish hiking boots and one pair of sandals. I wore the boots when I was cold (even night time in warm places can be cold) and in places where it's not safe to have your toes poking out despite the heat. I brought a few pairs of Smartwool socks and they worked great. Sometimes on a long trip you have to sacrifice a little for the greater good. Although full on boots and liners and all the fancy stuff might be nice it's not work lugging around for the rest of your trip.

I like rugged, waterproof shoes, or a lightweight but rugged, waterproof hiking boot. Something that's comfortable enough for the city, but rugged enough for some hiking. Yes, your feet will get a bit more sweaty in the waterproof shoes, but that's better than dealing with wearing wet shoes for a couple days.

Dave

I just went through a similar dilema and decided on buying gore-tex trail runners and will also be bringing haviana's. Am leaving in January on a similar intinerary and think these will be suitable. I have been wearing them for the past few days and they are light and rugged.

I'm planning a similar trip, with quite a lot of trekking and outdoor activities and I'll be taking my Gore-tex boots, a pair of Teva-type sandals and some smarter sandals for evenings in warm locations.

I already own the boots, so cost isn't an issue; they're quite light, and don't look too scruffy for wearing around towns in the cooler places.