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I have generally always walked with boots.
Just about everyone I know who does trails wears boots.
The major exception to this is a lot of field guides I've encountered, both Sanparks and in private reserves, who instead wear sandals.

A while ago I tried a day trail in sandals, and wore them for about 6km before I changed to boots.
I found them very comfortable, and because of the ventilation I was much cooler.
Its also easier when walking through water since you don't have to change to boots (like the multiple river crossings on the Olifants River Backpack Trail).

When I mentioned to a friend that I walked with sandals, he made the good point that boots will protect you from snakes and scorpions etc, whereas sandals won't.
I've also read the opinion that although boots protect your ankle in the case of twisting, wearing boots makes you more susceptible to twisting since the ankle becomes weaker; whereas wearing sandals would lead to strengthened ankles, less twisting and less impact when it does happen.

Sandals are also lighter, smaller and generally cheaper.

What are your thoughts?
Sandals or boots?
Would do the Sanparks guides say?

Sandals, and more specific, Rockys.
I have done a couple of walks in the Drakensberg where one has to cross numerous streams.
To take off your boots every couple of metres is a big schlep.
Sandals are easy to take off, they are ventilated and as you stated, they are relatively cheap, about R400,00 a pair.
The only problem is that grass and little stones get stuck in the sandal, therefore I prefer the ones with a closed toe.
Scorpions may be a problem during the evenings but IMHO, you are just as vulnerable to snake bites if wearing boots.

Something like this?



They sure are ugly, but do suit the purpose

I also use Rockys, almost a closed toe (Hiker or Peak models), and sometimes my Salomon Techamphibians (though they're not rugged enough for regular trails).

A few tihngs I dislike: the sole has a lot of ridges on them, which start to hurt my feet after a while. I should be able to overcome this tho with time and enough wear. Some of the plastic pieces on the edges chafe me badly sometimes too.

Micetta, similar to these.
I have a pair like this:

I also have a pair like this: (but an earlier model)

sorry for the big sizes!

Hi Joshilewis,

Thanks for asking this question.
I walked the OBPT in 2008, and did it with Hi-tec boots.
Man, that was hot, sweating stuff. I really think that is where a lot of the blisters come from.

I plan on walking the Mpongolo walk in April with G@mespotter, and have decided to co in my tekkies similar to your Solomons.

But from what I read here, I am glad I made that decision.

Thanks

While sandals may have a few advantages, I would not use them if I had any choice.

The reason is simple.
One skew step, and your trail is over!
As a guide I cannot afford that, and as a guest ... man that is a bummer, not mentioning the difficulty it may cause!

Walking in the bush is not the same as walking in the street.
You often step where you cannot see, or you have to jump from one bolder to the next.
You constantly expose your feet to high risk situations.

A good pair of boots is the best.

To me sandals are great for in and around camp,walking on rocks at the seaside, but thats all.
A good pair of leather boots is indispensable in the field.
Boots have saved my ankles many times when slipping on a slope.
Try walking through thorns with a pair of sandals, especially devil thorns in the Kalahari.
Sandals that are closed at the end are better, but in sand can be a real pain to get rid of pebbles.
Sandals are also not reliable enough, for me they tend to be disposables, no matter the brand.
I have a few pairs of boots that I use daily, that have lasted for years.
However sandals come and go even though only used now and again.
With the rain we have had in the last few weeks, sandals would just be a joke in the mud.
Muddy wet boots are one thing, but muddy feet inside wet sandals is just too uncomfortable.

I also do not wear a watch.
A watch can catch the back of your hand in a fall, been there done that, no watch anymore.

Have a pair of hi tec sandals ..they are not strong enough and the straps break.. Ok I am rather hard on them Have a pair of Hitec boots and they are still going strong after about 10 years .( even have the original laces. I would go for the boots.

I like sandals for wearing around camp, but I find that boots are better for trails.
I am allergic to grass and I know that it is a fairly common allergy.
Sandals do not protect enough around grassy areas.
I also find that boots, or strong shoes help with stability.
For many years I used boots without ankle guards and I found that they gave me a combination of protection and stability, but still a reasonable amount of flexibility.

Moose, I know how small you are so I am going to comment.
I found that the best option for me was a good pair of leather boots, but without the ankle guard.
Weight is a big issue if you are small and I do find the heavier boots rather cumbersome after a while.
I have very flexible ankles and need a bit of space for movement which I do not get with ankle guards.
I also found that the lack of flexibility led to plantar injuries.

The best experience I ever had was with Nike leather hiking boots.
Unfortunately they are no longer available.
I would advise you to check the weight of the shoes before buying.
Another option is to possibly look a trail running shoes.
They are likely to give a bit of everything, plus a little more stability than normal running shoes.

Are you going to be doing your course in South Africa?

This is great, exactly what I wanted.
Imberbe, the day trail I did in sandals was in bushveld and reasonably rough and I didn't have problems.
Mud and thorns are good points, as are pebbles (always a problem in my Salomons).

Are there any Sanparks or private guides who would give their opinion?
They obviously face all these issues and I've come across a large number of them who prefer sandals.

Moose, I also own a pair of Hi-Tec Multi-terra which are quite comfortable and not too heavy.
They've proved pretty durable, and I wear them a lot.
If you can afford them, I'd suggest taking a look at a pair of Merrels.
They come in quite a range, I've heard they're comfortable and have seen a lot of guides and support stuff (at private lodges) wearing them.

Out of interest, for years and years I used to hike in an old pair of Caterpillar leather boots.
When I went to India 3 years ago I bought the Salomons, which are the most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever worn (so comfortable I plan to buy an extra pair now to replace my current when they die in a few years' time).
As a result, I decided the Cats weren't comfortable enough and I was getting a raw deal.
That's when I bought my pair of La Sportivas, and I haven't looked back.

More and more excellent advice coming out of this thread!
Thanks to all who are contributing

MM: Thank you!
I like the idea of a lightweight leather boot without the ankle supports.
That sounds like something that would be really good for me.
I'm going to have a look around.
Do you think trail running shoes would have enough protection from thorns?
I once had an acacia thorn go straight through the thick sole of a very tough birkenstock sandal and this is the only thing holding me back from some trail shoes.
I imagine the thorns would go straight through them as well...

Joshilewis:
Great advice! Thank you.
I could get a pair of Hi-Tec trail shoes here for really quite cheap (about R150), but I'm scared off in case the quality isn't great.
I'll re-consider them now.
I've also been told by someone that Merrell is the way to go.
Quite expensive, but if they're going to last and be comfortable, than it's a good investment.

Much more to consider now...

I agree with the idea of sticking to trailwear being proper boots.
Last year did a total of 90 walks and patrols in our area of operation in the Kruger and can assure you, walking with sandals would just not be an option.
I know of a large number of trail guides wearing sandals in private reserves but then they stick mostly to the tourist roads or very well used rhino or hippo paths.
Depending on your use (if you go off road and need to cross serious bushland area) stick to boots.
Our team use a variety of Roque, Hi-tec and even old army boots and this has saved many an ankle and bump and bruised toes and even once protected a senior member of the team from a puff adder strike.
Rather safe than sorry.
Even during sleep outs I prefer the boots walking around the overnight spot, never know when a night visitor comes around.
Used the same hi-tec boots for the past 4 years and close to 400 walks / patrols and currently in the process of replacing them.

Boots !

The reasoning is clear !

Got to agree - boots! I tried my sandels on a bushwalk here in Perth and will never do it again.

I've always preferred a good pair of leather boots and actually buy mine from Groundcover in SA and have them shipped over to me here at a helluva lot cheaper price than I can buy boots locally.