Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Backpackers carrying heavy loads should consider wearing boots. Well made hiking boots with split leather or strong fabric uppers give ankle and arch support but are light enough to dry quickly. Sewn seams will outlive glued seams. Sealed construction that keeps water out will also lock water inside. Boots for jungle trekking should be vented near the sole so water can escape. Sponge insoles quickly come apart in waterlogged conditions. If the shoes provide good arch support, thick socks should be enough padding. Mesh insoles provide an air space and keep feet drier. Boots and shoes with eyes rather than hooks give underbrush less opportunity to snag your feet.
Choose sturdy sandals for easy day hikes on well traveled trails or for river outings. Nonslip soles are crucial---tread should be soft and flexible. Lug patterns hold best in mud. Soles of hard and slick design won't grip slick surfaces like river rocks even if the tread is a lug pattern. Cool and comfortable sandals don't offer much protection against brush or rocks. Pay attention to where you put your feet.
Jungle moccasins with breathable uppers and cushioned lug soles could be a good choice for drier trials and light loads. Slip-on styles won't match up to laced construction. Laces allow adjustment as feet swell with the heat and shoes stretch with use. Slip-ons soon get loose and cause blisters. Lightly built insoles absorb less water and weigh less on the trail.
Sneakers or shoes designed for urban running are a poor choice for the jungle. Running shoes with soles built for pavement traction often offer very little grip on mud. Choose trail running shoes designed for off-pavement travel. Check the soles for the proper lug tread and flex the shoe to check for good arch support. Soles that flex the full length of the arch offer minimal support. Adding padded insoles only accentuates water problems---less padding is better.
Keeping feet dry is a constant challenge during jungle travel. Waterlogged skin injures easily and both fungal and bacterial infections are common problems. Changing socks during the hike can help, and socks that wick water out of the shoes also reduce foot problems. At camp, open up the hiking shoes and let them dry out overnight. Bring a pair of light camp shoes to wear after the day's hike. Dry out your feet as carefully as your boots.