What shoes to bring to Thailand

If there is one thing we learned after traveling in Thailand, it is that in order to enjoy the trip, you have to be comfortable and at ease with your surroundings footwear. With humidity, downpours and very long days, footwear can turn a walk in the Bangkok into a good memory... or into torture. Here we tell you what for real works and what is best left at home.

Hiking shoes in Thailand: what worked best for us

You will notice it as soon as you step outside: you are going to walk a lot. In Bangkok we made 20,000 steps without realizing it, between temples, markets and walks. The shoes that have been the best for us are lightweight, breathable and with wet grip soles. You can use normal sports shoes, but the ideal ones would be a pair of trail running shoes like these we were using the whole trip.

One thing we value highly is being able to adjust and remove them in a second. In the temples you often go in and out barefoot, if you wear elastic laces or fasteners you will not lose the rhythm or queue at the door.

Flip-flops or sandals in Thailand: when to wear which one?

We carry two pairs: a few flip-flops and a sandals decent.

• Flip-flops Shower, beach, swimming pool, short trips on islands like Koh Lanta or Koh Tao. Search non-skid (the floors of ferries and some hostels are very slippery).
• Sandals: for walk hours in the city without destroying your feet. The ones that work best have consistent sole and firm strips if, in addition dry fast They are perfect in case of monsoon. We use ones like these.

Monsoon and rain shoes in Thailand

The monsoon is not the end of the world: it lasts 20 minutes and the sun returns. The key thing is that footwear do not become a sponge and after getting it wet you can continue walking calmly:

• Materials that do not accumulate water and dry quickly like gore tex.
• If they get wet, take out stencils clean and ventilate at night.
• Carry a watertight bag in your backpack: if a downpour hits you, you keep the wet pair without soaking everything else.
• A thin poncho has saved us more than once the inside of slippers in Bangkok and in the Floating Market.

Best shoes for temples in Thailand

In Wat Pho, Wat Arun or the Grand Palace, you will be asked to barefoot. With footwear that quick to put on and take off flow better, and if you are one of those who don't like to walk around barefoot, some of them will thin socks in the backpack feel great. We always leave the shoes where indicated (there are shelves or marked areas) and we have never had any problems.

Do you need hiking boots in Thailand?

Sincerely, in the 90 % travel, no. They are heavy, hot and take up half a suitcase. For easy trails (Khao Sok, Doi Suthep, some soft trekking in Chiang Mai) we are going with trail running shoes like the ones we have shown you: light, with good grip, and as comfortable as a normal one. We would only consider a boot if you are planning on long and muddy treks of several days.

Socks and foot care in wet conditions

The ones that suit us best are technical, thin and quick-drying. Upon arrival at the hotel: airing insoles and slippers If they are too heavy with humidity, a little time in front of the fan and you are ready for the next day. If you are prone to chafing, carry dressings blister pack type and antifriction powders They can save you an entire excursion.

How many pairs of shoes to wear: our rule of thumb

It works very well for us to wear something in this style:

• 1 pair of slippers (breathable, with wet grip).
• 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals (according to your plan).
• +1 trail only if you have routes really. Otherwise, they get in the way.

With that you cover Bangkok + temples + islands + some excursion without overcharging.

Quick shoe list for Thailand

• Sneakers slight and breathable with wet grip sole.
• Flip-flops non-skid or sandals stable that dry quickly.
• Technical socks (and some blister packs just in case).
• Dry bag to transport it if it gets wet.
• Fine poncho for surprise downpours.
• (Optional) Trail running shoes if you are going to do trails.

Questions we get asked a lot about footwear in Thailand

Are the sidewalks very slippery when it rains?
In some areas, yes. With marked soles you are much safer.

City with flip-flops or better sandals?
To walk for hours, stable sandal no doubt. Flip-flops are for beach/shower/short transfers.

Trail or boot?
For most, light trail. The boot only if you have demanding treks.

How do we avoid blisters with so much humidity?
Technical socks, alternate pairs if they get wet, vent at night and wear dressings.

Is it possible to enter the temples with sandals?
No, you will you will remove many times. That's why we prefer quick closures.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement What shoes to bring to Thailand you can visit our posts about Thailand.