Discover the best shoes for Costa Rica! Whether you're hiking, beaching, or strolling through town, learn about what shoes to wear in Costa Rica based on your activities and the weather.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country filled with lush rainforests, beaches, and vibrant towns, offering endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're hiking through the jungle, lounging by the beach, or strolling around the bustling streets, the right footwear is key to making the most of your trip.
In this post, I'll break down the best shoes for Costa Rica, based on what you plan to do. We'll also provide tips to ensure comfort and style, while also respecting the local customs.
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TLDR - What shoes to wear in Costa Rica
What shoes to take
Primary: Trail runners (suitable for hiking and city walking)
Water activities: Water shoes (for rivers, waterfalls, rocky beaches)
Beach/Pool: Flip-flops
Rainy season: Rain boots
Things to remember:
- Choose multi-purpose footwear to pack light
- Prioritize closed-toe shoes for hiking and outdoor activities
- Consider weather resistance and quick-drying materials
- Avoid fancy footwear - practicality is key
Things to consider
When I was preparing to travel to Costa Rica, what shoes to pack was one of my biggest concerns: not only had my weather app updated to show that there would be plenty of rain during my visit (in the dry season), but I had recently gotten a number of stitches in my foot meaning that the correct footwear was even more crucial.
Situation. Your main consideration should be the circumstances you're in. What weather will you experience? Will you be walking through the rainforest? Swimming in a river? Or paddling on an inflatable raft? If you're going to a park or joining a guided tour, keep in mind that many of them will only permit you to enter with closed toe shoes.
Comfort. Whatever you're wearing, you'll want to be comfortable enough that it doesn't detract from your activity.
Safety. Often overlooked by visitors is the proper safety protocols of the footwear you've chosen for the activity you're in. Open-toed sandals may feel lovely to walk in, but they may not be the best choice if you're walking through an area with lots of scorpions.
Hiking
Costa Rica is known for its incredible biodiversity, and to fully experience it, you'll want to spend time exploring its national parks, volcanoes, and rainforests. For hikes through uneven terrain, it's essential to have shoes that offer stability, durability, and water resistance.
The best choice for this activity is a trail shoe with good ankle support and waterproofing. Brands like Merrell, Salomon, and Columbia are known for their durable, comfortable options. Hiking boots are great, but are likely to be overkill (unless you know that you're planning some of the more strenuous routes - the basic Arenal volcano hike isn't too difficult, but the intermediate and advanced paths are considerably more difficult).
- Key Considerations: Look for shoes with deep tread for better traction on muddy or slippery trails. Many trails can be wet and muddy, so waterproofing is ideal.
- What Locals Do: Locals often wear rain boots or trail/hiking shoes when trekking through the country's natural wonders. While flip-flops may be common for casual wear, you'll rarely see them on locals outside of cities and beaches. This is because of the risk of wildlife and insect bites with open footwear.
- Pro tip: You can find knee-high rubber boots at many of the local stores in Costa Rica. They're cheap and quite handy (though not the most comfortable).
Swimming
Costa Rica's coastlines offer beautiful beaches, ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. And some of the most popular tourist attractions are waterfalls, rivers, and hot springs.
When it comes to water activities, you'll want shoes that can handle wet conditions and provide protection against sharp rocks (yes, the beaches are slightly rocky) or hot sand. Water shoes are perfect for all water activities, but if you're only planning to visit the beach or the pool, sandals/flip-flops are more convenient.
- Key Considerations: Look for quick-drying, breathable shoes that can handle getting wet without becoming uncomfortable. Consider sandals with a good grip for walking on rocky surfaces or for boat trips.
- What Locals Do: Locals typically wear flip-flops or sandals to the beach, especially when relaxing in beach towns like Tamarindo or Puerto Viejo. For water sports, many opt for more supportive sandals that can be worn in the water.
Around town
Exploring Costa Rica's cities and towns requires comfortable footwear for walking on paved roads and cobblestone streets. Comfortable sneakers or casual walking shoes are ideal for these activities. If you prefer a bit more style, comfortable flats or low-heeled shoes can also work well. Heels are not recommended as the roads aren't very even. Personally, I use my trail runners to avoid having to pack an extra pair of sneakers.
- Key Considerations: Make sure your shoes are breathable and cushiony, as you'll be doing a lot of walking in warm, humid conditions. Avoid wearing shoes that are fancy or delicate, as the streets can get uneven or dusty.
- What Locals Do: In cities, locals tend to wear comfortable sneakers, sandals, or even casual boots for walking around. Many prefer practical, breathable footwear due to the heat and frequent rain.
Formal shoes
Unless you have a very specific need for formal shoes, I would recommend against bringing them. Costa Rica's cities and trails aren't going to be kind to shiny leather or high heels.
In the rain
Costa Rica has a tropical climate, which means rain is common, especially during the rainy season (May to October), and sometimes during the dry season. For those planning to visit during this time, waterproof shoes are essential. Waterproof sneakers or rain boots can help keep your feet dry while navigating the rainy streets or hiking trails. Rain boots are preferred as not only will your shoes get wet in the rain, they'll also be covered in mud.
- Key Considerations: Opt for shoes that are both waterproof and breathable. Look for shoes with quick-drying linings, as moisture and humidity can be high.
- What Locals Do: In rainy weather, locals wear rain boots (during tours, you will find most guides where these year-round). In the cities, many will wear lightweight rain boots or sneakers that dry quickly.
By region
If it's your first time visiting Costa Rica, you may not know exactly what to expect. This section will break down what to expect by region so you can determine what shoes to pack for Costa Rica.
Trails
Arenal. Volcanic rock trails require sturdy soles and ankle support
Manuel Antonio. Combination of paved paths and forest trails
Monteverde. Often muddy, slippery cloud forest paths
Corcovado. Remote trails with river crossings, requires more durable options
Beaches
Black sand beaches (Playa Negra). Heat up significantly, require sturdy sandals
White sand beaches (Manuel Antonio). Softer terrain, standard flip-flops sufficient
Rocky beaches (Dominical). Water shoes recommended.
Maintaining your shoes in Costa Rica
- Clean shoes daily to prevent mold in humid conditions
- Use silica gel packets in shoes overnight
- Have a dedicated dry bag for wet shoes
- Consider waterproofing spray for non-waterproof shoes
Final thoughts
Choosing the right footwear for your next Costa Rican holiday is essential to ensure comfort and safety, no matter what activities you have planned. From boots for the rainforest to water shoes for the beach, selecting shoes designed for your activities will enhance your trip.
Remember to take into account the local climate and the time of year, and pack versatile footwear that will carry you through your time in Costa Rica. Given the weather and road condition, I recommend packing a pair of shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.
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