Shoes for SE Asia

I plan to visit SE Asia for 3 - 6 months and will be doing mostly urban travel with some moderate rural trekking here and there. I will bring 1 pair of sandals and 1 pair of shoes. I'm having a hard time deciding what kind of shoes to bring for the following 2 reasons:

1. What's more important - water proof or breathability? Since it rains a lot, it would be nice to have Water Proof/Goretex shoes. However, goretex is less breathable which could be a problem b/c of the heat and humidity. Is it better to be dry but hot, or wet but cool?

2. Light hiking boots vs. light weight running shoes. Since I will be mostly in urban environments, I figure that light weight running shoes would be most useful and comfortable for me. However, for the occasional rural trek, I think that light hiking boots would come in handy. Perhaps trail running shoes would be a good compromise? Any thoughts?

Sorry for the lengthy question, and thank you for your help!

Get with the hiking boots.

In an urban environment, you will be spending almost all your time in your sandals. Running shoes don't really add capability aside from the occasional mosque or other situation where closed toe shoes are required.

If you climb a mountain or go tromping through the jungle then the shoes will get more use. However, hiking boots are more capable.

If you are starting from scratch and don't might a little budget creep, you may want to consider trail running *sandals*. http://www.teva.com/Products.asp?d=1&g=men&sc=5%2C6% 2C7

I brought sandals and running shoes on my trip because that's all I had and I wasn't eager to spend more money. I found that when the sandals were not enough, the shoes were only barely usable. I also climbed a mountain and spent a lot more time in the jungle than it sounds like you plan to. Your mileage may vary.

Thanks for the info Eric. I was also wondering if you recommend waterproof/goretex shoes, or more breathable but non-waterproof mesh shoes? Not sure if the rain or the heat will be more of a problem.

What you need to think about is when will you not be able to wear your sandals?

1) Climbing a mountain. In this case, you don't want your feet getting wet because it's cold. Advantage: gortex. 2) Fire ants. Likely to be encountered at lower elevations. Advantage: mesh. 3) Carrying a heavy pack over rough terrain. Could go either way depending on the altitude and the season.

If you go with the mesh, quick drying socks would be a big help. When humidity is near saturation wet clothes just don't want to dry.

When and where are you planning to go? It could make a difference.

Thanks for the quick reply Eric. I plan to visit China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines from about April to August. I will most likely be in hot humid environments at all times - including when I go over rough terrain. Not really planning to climb any tall mountains. If I do decide not to go with Goretex, then I may end up getting the Adidas Climacool Cardrona's which are a lightweight adventure shoe with ventilation on the bottom of the shoe - seems pretty useful, at least in theory.

BTW, I wasn't aware of the fire ants problem - how does mesh protect against them?

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing your completed travelogue on SE

That's essentially a running shoe. A bit thicker sole and more aggressive tread but otherwise a running shoe. That's what I had on my trip. No water resistance. Unknown if there is significant water tolerance. Even if you don't go with Gortex, I would still recommend a proper hiking boot. Maybe something like these: http://www.rei.com/product/47780667.htm? vcat=REI_SSHP_FOOTWEAR_TOC

As long as you aren't going someone cold, it probably doesn't matter much if you feet get wet. They will be wet from sweat anyway.

I ran across fire ants 3 times. Twice in Borneo and once in Cambodia. In all three cases, I was wearing sandals so I can't tell you with certainty if mesh is enough. However, I would be very surprised if any stinging insect could penetrate heavy nylon mesh. The 'fire ants' that I encountered don't seem to be nearly as nasty as the ones in the Southern USA. Sharp pain at the time but no blisters or other long term reaction.

In Borneo, the ants were in disturbed rain forest. In Cambodia, it was at an overgrown temple near Preah Kahn. (remote from Kompong Thom, not the one at Angkor). It was rough going in May, at the beginning of the rainy season. When you get to Cambodia, the road will probably be impassible.

The travelogues were posted ages ago. It's just the photos that are taking a long time. I finally finished cleaning up the last of the scans from the Angkor leg yesterday. It will take a few days longer to label

Thank you so much for your insights Eric! I suppose a large part of my avoidance of heavy hiking boots was the desire to travel lightly, but I think lugging around a few extra pounds may well be worth it when I encounter harsher terrain. Thanks again and nice travelogues!