So you have decided on your outdoor adventure and are preparing for the trip of your life, checking your packing list twice, telling your friends, buying supplies–but wait, what about your shoes? Having adequate and sufficient footwear can be one of the most important aspects in being prepared to embark on your Outward Bound Costa Rica course. Whether it’s trekking through the rugged terrain of through the mountains, or trudging through the sand on a tropical beach, we want to make sure you’re equipped with the right footwear for all situations!
On the Trail
On the Trail Trekking through the Costa Rican rainforest can be one of the most exhilarating parts of your adventure; you’ll be covering a lot of territory and have the chance to view exotic wildlife while navigating rugged machete-cut trails. A durable and sturdy hiking boot is essential for a comfortable and productive hiking experience.
Considerations
- Amount of weight you will be hiking with in your backpack (typically 40-60 lbs.) depends on the level of ankle support
- Type of boot material for foot protection against sharp and rugged materials and wear & tear
- Long-term continuous hiking will cause feet to swell
- Facing unexpected water conditions such as rainy season and deep creeks or pools of water
Features
- High ankle support for steep inclines and adequately supporting weight on your back
- Midweight boot (1.5-2 kg) to prevent blisters when breaking in
- Waterproof in order to be prepared for wet conditions
- Leather/Gore-Tex combo material for better durability, lighter weight, and breaking the boot in quicker
- Increasing a half to full size depending on type of socks and amount of time you have to break the shoes in
More tips
- Merino wool socks are highly recommended due to their ability to effectively absorb moisture from water and sweat as oppose to 100% cotton socks that will often lead to blisters and dry slower
- Try on at least 3 or 4 pairs of boots with these criteria so see what works for you and talk to the specialist at your outdoors sports shop
- If you buy boots brand new, BREAK THEM IN THOROUGHLY-wear them around the house for several days, go on hikes, allow enough time for them to mold to your foot
Suggested Footwear
In the Water
As you are exploring the outdoors, you are bound to get wet, whether it’s rafting or kayaking in and out of rivers or strolling through rocky creeks. It is essential to have a sturdy and protectant water shoe that allows for a smooth transition in and out of the water that keeps your feet dry and safe! At Outward Bound Costa Rica we offer many exciting opportunities to explore new aquatic activities and find your inner water-adventurer!
Considerations
- Camping on the beach and walking through sandy areas by the water, particularly in Girl Scout courses
- Rafting or kayaking in rushing rivers with large and jagged rocks
- Scuba diving while handling heavy tanks and heavy-duty equipment
- Waterfall rappelling or standing in cold water
Features
- Closed-toed mesh shoe to protect the entire foot against rocks, sharp objects, and other large equipment
- Non-Velcro water shoes due to the amount of sand that will cause the Velcro to be ineffective and also tend to be sturdier than most Velcro water shoes
- Sturdy ankle straps (especially for rafting) for extra support in strong waters and prevention from sliding out of shoes
- Solid soles that have suitable grip to prevent slipping and maintain balance if walking on wet or uneven surfaces
- Be sure that the shoe is composed of quality materials in order to maintain foot warmth if in cold waters
Ready for Anything
When out and about exploring through the rainforest or vast mountains, being prepared for all elements is essential for staying prepared and comfortable. All of our Outward Bound Costa Rica courses are filled with excitement and adventure, but sometimes you might not know what the next step is. A reliable all-purpose terrain shoe can be very useful whether it’s your go-to shoe to explore the local trails or discover the unseen natural wonders and hidden beaches.
Considerations
- Amount of activity done per day and length of course
- Difficulty of terrain (Does it really require a full support boot or could something less intense do?)
- A shoe that will hold up for any number of activities completed including running, hiking, or in the water
Features
- Typically you want these shoes to be lightweight, breathable, quick drying
- All-terrain footwear often have stronger soles than a regular cross-fit shoes and are made for the outdoors
- Have secure grip for terrain of any condition
If you would like to find out more about planning and preparing for your next Costan Rican adventure then check out the link below.
Contact our Enrollment Manager at 1 (800) 676-2018 or by emailing [email protected].