 Shoes are a difficult choice. Gear heads would want several pairs to match the wide variety of terrain and conditions in Costa Rica. Good choices include amphibian hikers, nylon/goretex boots, army surplus jungle boots, high top tennis shoes, or just your most comfortable walking shoes. For heavy slogging it’s possible to borrow or rent the heavy rubber boots that the locals favor. However, don't expect to find anything larger than men's size 11 (size 45 European).
Leather mountaineering boots are typically designed for boulder fields and glissading and are not ideal for rainforest conditions. They weigh a ton, can cause blisters when they are wet, and in Costa Rica they will never dry out.
When traveling light, we’ve always worn Alp sandals as our only pair of shoes (this small California company has since been taken over by Teva, who produces and markets a substitute of similar design). This might be too minimalist for anyone who isn't traveling by bicycle. Sometimes we didn't have the ideal traction, support or protection, but the light weight, ultimate breathe ability, rapid drying, ease of washing, and comfort more than made up for the negatives.
You might want to pack a combination of
- Amphibian hikers
- Hiking - walking shoes
- River - reef sandals
- Beach sandals or flip-flops
- Dressy sandals or light weight dress shoes
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Important to Know 
