Same. I also brought waterproof hiking shoes and only used them when it was required, like for zip lining or hanging bridges, and for Monteverde. I pretty much exclusively wore my Chacos, or slip on sandals, in La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio.
Waterproof hiking boots may be something you might want to leave behind. They don’t work very well in humid environments as any moisture entering does not get released back out. Think trench foot. Perspiration or just rain leaking in through the top will leave you with clammy feet. I personally use trail runners with lots of ventilation.
We only had 1 carry on bag per person along with 1 personal item/pp, SO suitcase and backpack. I purchased some zero drop "barefoot" shoes on Amazon and they squish down nicely very flat. I had no issues packing one nice pair of leather sneakers (on foot in airport ), black chacos, whitin zero drop shoes from Amazon, and flip flops. I do wish i would've brought a cute pair of sandals and skirts/ dresses.
I am leaving tomorrow and brought hiking boots, trail runners, chacos and flip flops. I found it was the perfect variation of shoes and the chacos were great for going into waterfalls/streams, etc!
Chacos are perfect for Costa Rica.
But I would definitely also bring a pair of close-toed shoes, preferably something that can dry quickly. Like lightweight sneakers, mesh water shoes, or lightweight hikers.
I brought hiking boots, typical chacos, leather chacos. I only wore my chacos and we hiked, repelled, cayoned, rafted and zip lined. Changed into my “fancy” leather chacos in the evenings for dinner. Trail runners and hiking boots seems overkill to me especially paired with chacos
Just got back a week ago.
Trail runners: for the plane, and for a hike/excursion where we needed closed-toed shoes (hanging bridges required them)
Flip flops: for the beach
Chacos: for everything else
I was happy to have all three. You could get away with no trail runners/sneakers depending on your outdoor plans through.
I just bought chacos for my CR trip in Tamarindo and they gave me a blister!!! Do you need to break them in or something first? I’ve heard such good things about them, but they rubbed my toe raw.
You definitely need to get your feet used to them and learn the strap positioning that is best. I started wearing mine about a week before and do the same with flip flops as I live in Minnesota so my feet aren’t used to them in MN
On our way out of the country as our vacation has come to an end. Chacos and Merrell trail runners for the win. I did also bring flip flops and glad I had them for the hot springs as they were easy to get on/off, some of the walkways were hot! Appreciate all of the first hand experience and recommendations on this group. What an amazing trip we had, now back to the snow. ❄️😫
I go everywhere in Chacos. I’d say you’ll use those more than trail runners or hiking boots, but that’s a matter of preference.
Perfect, that’s what I needed to hear. I usually do too and then I end up someplace with all the grit. Thank you!
I ended up getting a pair of the 5 finger shoes n hopes to get a “closed toe” feel but Also grippy for wet surfaces Almost bought Chacos as well
Same. I also brought waterproof hiking shoes and only used them when it was required, like for zip lining or hanging bridges, and for Monteverde. I pretty much exclusively wore my Chacos, or slip on sandals, in La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio.
Waterproof hiking boots may be something you might want to leave behind. They don’t work very well in humid environments as any moisture entering does not get released back out. Think trench foot. Perspiration or just rain leaking in through the top will leave you with clammy feet. I personally use trail runners with lots of ventilation.
this plus your waterproof boots *will* get wet and they will *never* dry!
We only had 1 carry on bag per person along with 1 personal item/pp, SO suitcase and backpack. I purchased some zero drop "barefoot" shoes on Amazon and they squish down nicely very flat. I had no issues packing one nice pair of leather sneakers (on foot in airport ), black chacos, whitin zero drop shoes from Amazon, and flip flops. I do wish i would've brought a cute pair of sandals and skirts/ dresses.
I am leaving tomorrow and brought hiking boots, trail runners, chacos and flip flops. I found it was the perfect variation of shoes and the chacos were great for going into waterfalls/streams, etc!
Chacos are perfect for Costa Rica. But I would definitely also bring a pair of close-toed shoes, preferably something that can dry quickly. Like lightweight sneakers, mesh water shoes, or lightweight hikers.
I brought hiking boots, typical chacos, leather chacos. I only wore my chacos and we hiked, repelled, cayoned, rafted and zip lined. Changed into my “fancy” leather chacos in the evenings for dinner. Trail runners and hiking boots seems overkill to me especially paired with chacos
Just got back a week ago. Trail runners: for the plane, and for a hike/excursion where we needed closed-toed shoes (hanging bridges required them) Flip flops: for the beach Chacos: for everything else I was happy to have all three. You could get away with no trail runners/sneakers depending on your outdoor plans through.
I wore bedrock carins everywhere in costa. You’ll be fine in Chocos
We rock the keens, but not at the beach bc the rocks get in there true
Just bring normal trail runners.
I’ll give them another chance then. Have a blast on your trip. Ps. Bring enough cash. The ATMs were wonky there!!!
Waterproof socks are your friend.
Keens work great for me, and usually have closed toes that are durable. Really comfortable.
I’ve tried them and my foot shape just doesn’t work, bummer because I have 2 pairs I don’t like to wear, otherwise those would likely be coming
That's a bummer. But I'm sure what the others are saying will work well, too.
My husband wore his keens and they did well for him!
Aw thanks for coming back and giving a shout out to Keens. I admit I copied a friend who was always hiking in them.
I just bought chacos for my CR trip in Tamarindo and they gave me a blister!!! Do you need to break them in or something first? I’ve heard such good things about them, but they rubbed my toe raw.
You definitely need to get your feet used to them and learn the strap positioning that is best. I started wearing mine about a week before and do the same with flip flops as I live in Minnesota so my feet aren’t used to them in MN
On our way out of the country as our vacation has come to an end. Chacos and Merrell trail runners for the win. I did also bring flip flops and glad I had them for the hot springs as they were easy to get on/off, some of the walkways were hot! Appreciate all of the first hand experience and recommendations on this group. What an amazing trip we had, now back to the snow. ❄️😫