Backpacking Packing List:
Footwear

Choosing the right footwear for your backpacking packing list is essential!

When footwear hurts your feet, every step can be a misery, and your feet may take days or even longer to recover!

That`s why it`s important to find sandals or hiking boots that are compatible with your feet.

First, what to bring:

Flip-flops

Sports sandals

Hiking shoes or trainers

Flip flops

Use flip flops for easy day trips, short walks and the beach.

And your flip-flops should be water-proof so you can use them in dirty showers. And you`ll likely avoid fungus which can cause smelly feet...

Sport sandals

Use sports sandals when walking longer, rougher distances. Like, when you`re traveling overland, trekking trips etc.

There are many types of sport sandals in the stores. One brand that I love and recommend is Teva. Teva sandals are known for comfort and sturdiness. And you need comfort and sturdiness when you have to walk thousands of steps!!!

Another favorite among backpackers is Birkenstocks. Birkenstocks are great to wear and last a life-time.

Your goal is to backpack and explore, not to complain about aching feet..

Note: Sports sandals usually don`t support your ankles and give less arch support. So, backpackers using sandals need very strong ankles..

Hiking shoes

Buy hiking shoes if you know that you`ll be trekking a lot (mountain, jungle). Otherwise trainers are fine.

Whatever you choose, make sure you break them in before you leave home.

Here are some tips on how to break in shoes:

First wear them around your house

Then on short neighborhood walks (including some hills)

Then on day hikes

This will allow the new shoes to soften and shape themselves to your particular foot shape. Any problems with the shoes should become noticeable during this break-in period.

When do I need to throw away my shoes?

Lightweight footwear is less durable than heavier footwear. The moment you feel sharp rocks under the balls of your feet, that`s your queue.

TIP! If your flip flops wear out, you can find it almost everywhere in Thailand, Laos & India.

When it comes to sport sandals, you can get Teva sport sandals in Luang Prabang (Laos). I bought mine on Th Sisavangvong (the shop is on the same side as Scandinavian Bakery towards Th Sakkarin).

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How can I find compatible shoes?

If you have one foot larger than the other (like most people have), you should buy shoes that fit the larger foot.

Try the shoes unlaced, then stand up and slide your foot all the way forward, until your toes hit the inside of the toe box. To check if you have picked the right size, insert at least two fingers between your heel and the back of the shoe.

You need this extra length because shoes will shorten after you`ve worn them a while. Notice that wrinkles will develop on the top of the shoes where the toes bend, and this will shorten the length of the shoe.

Can you wiggle your toes, without feeling any thightness around them?

Now, walk.

If the shoes are the right size, your toes shouldn`t feel squeezed when you`re walking.

How is the temperature outside?

When it`s hot or humid, and you`ve been walking all day long, your feet will swell. And they are some what larger than usual.

So, if I were you, I would deposit the shoes and try them at home. When you get home, try the shoes in the evening. Your feet should not be swollen anymore.

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