SANParks.org Forums

vthebushman, thanks for weighing in. Our guide on the Olifants River Backpack Trail wore sandals the entire trip.

I did a kloofing trip yesterday in my Salomons without incident.

I'm still slightly in two minds, but leaning towards boots at the moment.

Moose: I've been very impressed with my Hi-Tec Multi-terras (which I bought for R140 on sale). Would love a pair of Merrels but I can't afford them

Joshi, I am not sure that Hi-Tec make the multi-terras anymore.
My friend has a pair and swears by them.
For some unknown reason, when I tried a pair, I couldn't find a pair that suited my feet amongst the four (or six) models available.

I have given up trying to walk in Rocky and Hi-Tec sandals.
I now only use boots or multi- terrain shoes/takkies .

what type of boots would you recommend for ankles that are not very strong. those with ankle guard or without ankle guard?

wfg , I can only recommend good old fashioned leather boots .
The rest of the fabric / synthetic brands may be as good, but I have little experience of them besides that I can say that my 16 year old leather boots wear and look better than those fabric / synthetic types of 5 year vintage.
Besides , if you look for a boot of a recommended synthetic / fab brand, in more cases than not they are no longer available, besides at the specialty hiking shops .

For me its leather boots (old and well worn) for trails and general hiking.
New boots wear for an hour each day around camp, it helps with adjustment.
Mine are lace ups, quite long with a flap that buckles over the laces, bit like old style army boots
Only wore sandals for coastal hike (many more rivers to cross).

And always buy the best boots you can, it pays in the long run.

Hi Tec V-lite proper hiking boots for me.
I have killed a few pairs, but it took some doing.
And they did not drop me, I just wore them to the point of replacement.
Good quality at a reasonable price.

A guide walking in sandals ... eish!

Personally I prefer synthetic over leather, especially boots with Goretex, which will keep you drier and more comfortable.

I find I sweat a lot more in the synthetics and a good dose of dubbin keeps the leather boots just as dry. I've tried a wide range over the years and always come back to leather.

But if leather boots get wet inside, thats it, they take a while to dry. Goretex are waterproof but breathable, so they (should) dry out quicker.

I'm totally on the boots side.....!
Being the city boy I am, I'm used to walk on almost any shoe except a proper boots, but for hiking purposes I'll recommend a boot over a shoe or sandal anytime!

Just my personal opinion, the ankle support is just great and although it might not feel like you need it, once you step in a ditch you'll be glad you had the ankle support...!
Was 'privileged' to snap my ankle muscles when I was 15 and it hurts more than breaking your arm (then I was 14 ) and takes longer to recover!

Furthermore, the protection from sandals/low ankle hiking shoes are limited.
On our last Olifants Backpack Trial, we had extreme difficulties with little objects coming into our shoes while walking in the longer grass / veld.
So gaiters are a MUST in my opinion, and will simply be less effective with the low profile shoes.

Donovan (trails guide) walks with sandals, because HE CAN, he does it often and is used the terrain, walking conditions etc.
But I remember him also struggling with small stones etc coming into his sandals.
I had a long thorn come RIGHT THROUGH my sole and I wore Wolverine Hiking shoes, which are proper hiking shoes IMO.

In the end, I think whatever suits you will work best, you should test it at home though!!
However blisters cannot be blamed on a shoe.
It's simply telling you that you haven't prepared enough.
Just walking around with your brand new hiking shoes is not enough to prepare for the Backpack trails.
I'd say walk around with them for a while, maybe jog with them a few times, to stretch the shoes.
However, (Donovan the guide told me this) it will be ineffective to just walk around with your shoes doing a backpack. The trick is:

1. You should actually walk around with your new shoes carrying a 15-20kg backpack on your back. This adds much more pressure on your feet, and makes your inner shoe shape quicker, which will prevent blisters.
You don't need blisters when hiking, really.

2. Get proper Valke hiking socks.
These are the best!
They seem thick, but absorb the sweat and protect your feet and if you are not a die-hard trailist are just as important as the shoes!

(3) Optional : rub your feet with spirits 3 days before, every day.
This will cause your skin to get harder and tougher, so then even low profile shoes may do the job better


Can't wait to see Sawubona limping the Mphongolo Backpack Trial in April after the 2nd day.
Poor guy is just like his rugby team: full of courage, but left his brains at home

BTW... I was one a the few guys who did not have a single blister... So guess I must have done something right. Just gotta get those gaiters!!

Will report back upon return

GS, I was also just about the only one without blisters on my ORBT.

Totally agree on the Falke socks, I don't wear any other brand (even for work or leisure).

Edit: I always wear two pairs of socks when hiking

Good tip about the socks Josh
In my running days I would always run with 2 pairs of socks to prevent blisters.
Without 2 pairs I would be covered in bleeding blisters, with them I could complete a marathon or ultra marathon with ease and baby soft skin.
The friction of walking or running is taken by the layer between the socks and leaves the skin intact and friction free.

I am busy reading Sonia and Alexandre's, "In the footsteps of Mankind, Africa Trek".
They used Hi-Tec boots/shoes for their trek.
Sonia had terrible problems with blisters and tried many methods to prevent them, but to no avail.
Pity Josh and I could not advise her.
I also wear only Falke socks.
The best value for money and excellent quality.

I recently bough a pair of Hi-tec V-Lite Mach 2 and did a fair amount of hiking with them recently and was very impressed! What is very nice is that they weigh next to nothing and are completely waterproof. MM also used falke socks and had no problems!

Glad you agree MM

I also read an interesting tip in the past few days: keep a zip lock bag of baby powder on you on a hike, and whenever you stop, (and take boots b socks off), dip your feet in the powder, will keep them nice and dry.

I find that with a pair of Falke liners and a pair of Falke hiking socks, my feet stay dry anyway (and I'm wearing Gore-tex boots)

Ag, all these fancy socks and baby power - a hypodermic and tincture of merthiolate and bingo, blister is gone!