shoe problem

Selfdefinition

Hi all: I'll be in the north (raj, uttar pradesh, himachal, west bengal) for two months (I return to Canada Nov. 22nd.) My question is what kind of shoes do I need? I'm not trekking--mostly backpacking and perhaps a camel or jungle safari. I want to travel extremely light (40L bag) and was hoping to only take one pair of shoes (plus flip flops). I prefer sandals to runners, but will my toes get cold at night? I've got so much going on right now, that I'm having trouble making decisions! Help please!

rangss

Buy some woollen socks to beat the cold...wear with sandals

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MeCasa

Haha, you know us white boys can't backpack in no d*mn sandals. There's a thread called first time trekker in the mountaineering section that talks about shoes you can get in India. If you're still in Canada, look at companies like Vasque and Danner, the're expensive but I think worth it. If you don't care to spend that much than study the best points of these boots and find knockoffs with the same points, Gore-tex, quick lace etc.

I wear Danner Mountain Lites,they are heavy leather boots but I also ride a cycle and camp in snow. You would probably like some of these hiking boots that are half boot half sneaker, I have a pair and they are excellent for warm weather backpacking. .

mira4bai4

As you are not trekking then some walking shoes, kind of like light weight boots but come under the ankle, obviously limited side support for the twists but would protect the toes from stones and sticks etc. One thing that I hate about sandals and exposed heal type slip ons is the debris getting under your feet. There are those things that look like soft clogs, they are really great and so light.

em2

I took a pair of good walking sandals some wool socks and a pair of light weight "plastic" clogs called Holey Soles. The Holey soles were great! They offer a bit more support and toe protection than flip flops and can be hosed out at the end of the day. I ended up wearing them pretty well full time for 4 months last winter. Personally I couldn't imagine wearing a lace up boot or runner. I wasn't trekking but did a lot of walking and some hiking.

somnath

As you are not going to trek through a rough trail but a lot of walking will be there, so a comfortable sports shoe is enough for you.
If the weight is a factor, then don’t carry another one. You can easily purchase a light weight multipurpose in India ( like: http://www.actionshoes.com/flyfloat.html ).

Selfdefinition

em: where did you buy your holey soles from (I'm in Montreal, so I could try to get some :-)

Selfdefinition

somnath: checked out that site--thanks! Shoes like that would cost a mint in Canada and they have a bunch of stores in Delhi, so I might just do that...

MeCasa

This is one of those proofs how limited my knowledge of India is. I tend to look at all travellers in the light of how I travel

I do indeed have a lot to learn

em2

I get them where I work. But try MEC ( Mountain Equipment Co-Op) or Lee Valley.There is also a website... Holeysoles.com or something or do a search. In some places they are known as Crocs. They are great if they fit but for some people they just don't fit... You would need to try them on.When I was in India Indians were always asking where I got my shoes, esp. the men,Ii don't think they are quite Indian women's taste but they worked great for me.

aessedai

great shoes. the wedsite is:

http://www.holeysoles.com

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Aessedai

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover"...Mark Twain

Nick-H

So that's how Jesus did it!

If they were good enough for him...

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Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

PRIYA

Could be 'holy' instead of 'holeysoles' - good one!!! Guess you're right Nick!!

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Selfdefinition

They look cool! I will try MEC! Thanks for the tip!