Whether you’re coming to Costa Rica to lay on the beach, hike up a mountain or embrace your adventurous spirit, which pair of shoes you bring to Costa Rica can make or break a trip.
This post will tell you which are the best shoes for Costa Rica and which shoes you should bring for your trip.
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Our Personal Favorites Shoes for Costa Rica
Besides flip flops and slides, here is what we have in our closet for shoes. We both also have a pair of cheap water shoes we bought at the supermarket in La Fortuna.
Samantha: KEEN Astoria Closed Toe Sandals, On Cloudtrax Hiking Boots, Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes and Hoka Clifton 10 Sneaker.
Yeison: KEEN Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal, Salomen XA Pro 3D Gore-Tex Trail Running Shoes, REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots (discontinued) and Hoka Challenger Air.
Yeison prefers to wear completely closed shoes during walks/hikes as he is very allergic to ant bites. He will only wear his KEEN sandals when we do water activities like white water rafting.
To help prevent against bug bites, he wears insect repellent socks.
What Are the Best Shoes for Costa Rica?
What kind of shoes you bring to Costa Rica depends on what you are doing, where you are going and when you are visiting.
Sightseeing, easy walks in the forest and beach: Flip flops and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Moderate hikes in the rainforest and easy outdoor adventures: Flip flops, closed toed hiking sandals or light trail running shoes and casual sneakers.
Long hikes in the rainforest and more challenging outdoor activities: Waterproof trail running shoes or hiking shoes, flip flops and casual sneakers.
Don’t forget to check our complete Costa Rica packing list for more information on what to bring!
For Sightseeing, Easy Walks/Short Hikes and Beach
If your trip consists of beach, a visit to a popular, well maintained national park like Poas Volcano and Irazu Volcano, some city sightseeing, then a pair of flip flops/sandals and comfortable and sturdy walking shoes will work.
However, if you add a light water activity like ATV tours, river tubing or snorkeling, a pair of water shoes is recommended to avoid soggy socks and sneakers.
For Beach, Longer Hikes in the Rainforest and Outdoor Adventures
For beach, longer hikes and several outdoor adventures, we recommend flip flops, closed toed hiking sandals or light trail running shoes and casual sneakers.
Longer hikes will be places like Rio Celeste (Tenorio Volcano National Park), Arenal Volcano National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Los Quetzales National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Carara National Park, and Cahuita National Park.
White water rafting, river tubing or waterfall rappelling: Water shoes or closed toed hiking sandals will be fine.
You can wear open toed adventure sandals for white water rafting, but closed toed will protect your toes.
For Rural Areas, Long Hikes and Visiting During Peak Rainy Season
If you are visiting more rural areas and plan to do long hikes or more extreme outdoor adventures, then we highly recommend waterproof trail running shoes or waterproof hiking shoes.
These are places like Corcovado National Park, Bajos del Toro, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, San Vito, Tapanti National Park and Braulio Carrillo National Park. This also includes any rural hikes like Cerro Dragon, Cerro Tinajita, etc.
If you plan to hike Chirripo (hardest and highest elevation hike in Costa Rica), then you must have hiking boots.
Rainy Season
If you plan to visit during the rainy season, we recommend to bring waterproof shoes or spray your shoes with a waterproof spray.
Dry season is December through April and rainy season is May through November for most of the country. October is the summer month on the Caribbean side.
Some destinations may still rain in the dry season, such as La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo, La Paz and Monteverde, due to their location and elevation.
See what other essential gear you should bring in our packing list for rainy season in Costa Rica.
Tip: Make sure to read about Costa Rica weather.
Manuel Antonio National Park
For Manuel Antonio National Park, trails are well maintained with some wooden platforms, dirt paths and steps. This area is extremely humid.
It is not necessary to wear any type of hiking shoe here, even if you want to hike all of the in the national park. You can perfectly wear closed toed hiking sandals or a light comfortable sneaker.
If you plan to swim at the beach, bring a pair of flip flops.
I have always worn my closed toed sandals for Manuel Antonio National Park.
Arenal Volcano National Park or the Reserves
For Arenal Volcano National Park or any of the private reserves such as Arenal 1968, we recommend completely closed, sturdy walking shoes.
This is because some of the trails go through the old lava flows from the 1968 eruption, so there are big lava rocks around.
If you are visiting in the rainy season, bring waterproof shoes or spray your shoes. It can get wet and muddy if it starts pouring rain during your hike.
Rio Celeste (Tenorio Volcano National Park)
You need sturdy closed walking or hiking shoes for Rio Celeste. This is because this area tends to rain a lot, even during the dry season months.
Trails are not in the best condition either, and you will have to walk on dirt paths with puddles, huge rocks and tree roots.
We have not found rain boots to be really necessary here, but sturdy hiking shoes or walking shoes are.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
I recommend hiking shoes or trail running shoes for Monteverde. A sturdy pair of sneakers for the dry season.
I do not recommend sandals because it is colder in Monteverde, especially if you visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
It can also rain more often and some trails do get muddy in the cloud forest reserves. Even if you’re only in Monteverde for 1 or 2 days, we highly recommend you to bring good walking shoes or hiking shoes with waterproof spray.
Osa Peninsula – Corcovado National Park
Rain boots are complimentary for guests at Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort, Aguila de Osa Resort and Tranquilo Lodge.
Super useful when we went in June as it was raining a LOT at night! We wore them for our night walks and the Corcovado National Park day trip.
When we stayed at the Sirena Station in Corcovado National Park for one night in June, rain boots were available to rent for $5 USD per day.
For the dry season, it is not necessary to have rain boots for Corcovado National Park. Just comfortable and sturdy walking shoes.
Hiking Sandals
Yeison and I love our closed toed hiking sandals.
They are excellent for activities such as white water rafting, canyoning (waterfall rappelling), white water tubing, waterfall tours, ATV tours, safari floats and ziplining.
If you buy KEEN sandals, buy a half size smaller as they do stretch out. For models, I prefer the Newport H2 and the Astoria West.
These kinds of sandals are also known as adventure sandals which means it can be open or closed toed sandals, with a back heel strap and front strap.
Closed vs Open Toed Hiking Sandals
One of the questions we get a lot is “Which is better: open or closed toed hiking sandals?” They’re both great but let me tell you why we recommend closed toed hiking sandals.
The difference is in protection. Obviously with open toed shoes, your toes aren’t covered and are vulnerable to getting stubbed, poked and bitten by bugs.
If you are doing extremely light water activities such as boating, snorkeling and fishing, then open toed sandals can work, even flip flops.
Excellent open toed hiking sandals are Hi-Tec (used to have these before KEEN), Teva, Clarks (love their shoes, so comfortable) and Chacos.
Sneakers
We mostly wear sneakers in the city. Sneakers aren’t the best shoes for Costa Rica when it comes to outdoor activities.
This is because many adventure activities involve water, dirt or mud.
I don’t recommend sneakers for water activities as you’ll get soggy socks and shoes, which takes forever to dry.
If you’re doing mostly sightseeing and nothing hardcore, sneakers are fine.
Trail Running Shoes
For longer hikes in the rainforest, bring trail running shoes or an all-terrain shoe that is light, breathable, protects against mud and dirt and has a good grip. Waterproof would be best if you visit during the rainy season.
Yeison has a pair of Salomon trail running Gore Tex shoes that are amazing and waterproof. I used to have a pair of Altra Women’s Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Low Sneaker that were awesome.
Hiking Boots
Tall hiking boots aren’t really necessary for majority of the tourist attractions in Costa Rica.
There are a couple of specific places and activities where hiking boots are recommended over casual sneakers or trail running shoes though.
One of these places is Chirripo. This is the tallest hike in Costa Rica and the mountain goes up 12,000 feet in elevation so you need a sturdy pair of hiking shoes.
Another is the Atlantic to Pacific coast to coast hike, El Camino. You’ll need very good sturdy shoes to walk the walk, regardless if you only do certain sections or the whole thing.
Rain Boots
You don’t need to bring rain boots to Costa Rica. You can buy them for around $15 USD at some supermarkets and at the construction store. Then you can donate them when you leave.
Some hotels have rain boots for rent or are complimentary for guests.
The only places you may really need them is Corcovado National Park, Tenorio Volcano National Park or Tortuguero National Park for the hikes in the rainy season.
Water Shoes
Water shoes are an excellent option if you don’t want to purchase a pair of closed toed hiking sandals just for Costa Rica.
These shoes are cheap, work perfectly for light water activities like rafting, tubing and horseback riding and are easy to carry in luggage.
You can purchase them in Costa Rica, nearly all supermarkets and souvenir stores carry water shoes. They cost around $10-20 USD a pair.
Crocs
Instead of flip flops, a lot of people like to wear Crocs. They are super comfortable, breathable and a bit more protection than normal flip flops.
I see a lot of toddlers and little kids wearing Crocs in Costa Rica (tourists), more than adults for going to the beach, walking around town and sightseeing day tours.
You May Need Completely Closed Shoes Depending on Where You Are Going
Some parks and places require you to have COMPLETELY covered shoes. These are places like Rainforest Adventures Park (Braulio Carillo and Jaco) and Mistico Hanging Bridges Park in La Fortuna.
No closed toe sandals, no Crocs, no open toed sandals. Only completely closed shoes.
The Hacienda Guachipelin white water tubing tour requires a closed toed shoe. Can be a sneaker, water shoe or closed toed sandal. No open toed shoes allowed.
Make sure to check the places you are visiting if they are require completely closed shoes or not.
Mistico Hanging Bridges will make you sign a waiver if you are not wearing completely closed shoes.
Recommended Shoes By Activity
- Ziplining: Adventure sandals, sneakers
- Waterfall rappelling (canyoning): Adventure sandals, water shoes
- White water rafting: Adventure sandals, water shoes.
- White water tubing: Closed toed sandals, water shoes
- Horseback riding: Closed toed shoes are best. Can be closed toed sandals.
- ATV: Water shoes, adventure sandals.
- Safari floats: Adventure sandals, sneakers, sandals.
- Coffee/farm tours: Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes. No sandals.
- Night walk: Sneakers, hiking shoes, running shoes. No sandals.
Make sure to check our complete Costa Rica packing list for all the essential items you need to bring.
Read more Costa Rica travel tips here!
10 mistakes to avoid in Costa Rica
Tips for finding accommodation in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Anne says
My family with a 8 year old kid will be visiting Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde in October. I initially thought of just purchasing the KEEN closed toed sandals; however, after doing some researches, look like just having the sandals may not be ideal. Would you recommend trail running shoes too? Thank you
Sammi says
If you plan to do several hikes, I’d recommend closed toed sneakers/trail runner shoes/good walking shoes and then a pair of water shoes if you are going to do water activities like tubing, rafting, hot springs.
Marishka Menon says
hi there! my husband and I are visiting CR for 11 days in December. We’re trying to limit our luggage, and will be planning on visiting La Fortuna waterfall, Arenal Volcano National Park, the Celeste River, the Monteverde cloud forests, as well as some activities like ziplining and rafting.
If you had to pick between closed toe hiking sandals or hiking boots, what would you suggest?
Sammi says
I would bring water shoes and then a hiking/good walking shoe or trail running shoes. You don’t need boots for where you’re going and you need closed toed shoes that can get wet for rafting which water shoes work for. December can still rain a good amount in Fortuna, Bijuaga anad Monteverde
Brittany says
Hello!
We will be traveling to Costa Rica the first week of June and we have no idea what shoes to bring. We are a family of five (2 adult and three teens)so we are trying to be as budget friendly and pack the least amount of things. We will be starting our adventure in Monteverde and doing zip lining and hiking in the Monteverde cloud forest. And then we will be going over to Guanacaste and go fishing on a boat. Then we will be heading over to La Fortuna to do Arenal volcano hike, La Fortuna waterfall, white water rafting, and the Mistico hanging bridges. What is the bare minimum that we can get by bringing?
Sammi says
You could do a good pair of sneakers/running/training shoes/trail shoes (depending what you already have) and then water shoes for rafting, fishing (can wear sandals for fishing tho since you’ll just be on a boat). Closed toed shoes are required to Mistico and I recommend closed toed for Monteverde.
David says
Hi there! My friend and I are traveling to Costa Rica at the end of February, and our planned itinerary includes the La Fortuna waterfall, Arenal Volcano National Park, the Celeste River, the Monteverde cloud forests, as well as some activities like ziplining and rafting. I plan on bringing water shoes, flip flops, and some regular sneakers/tennis shoes, but I’m wondering if you recommend anything else? Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi, you can check our Costa Rica packing list for more tips!
Jessica says
Hiya, thank you for this really useful post! We have an upcoming trip in February and are trying to work out the shoe options we will need. We will be visiting:
– Orosi (rafting, horse riding)
– Cahuita (national park, visiting beaches, Jaguar Rescue centre & maybe Manzanillo NP)
– Arenal (hanging bridges, canyoning, Waterfall, Rio Celeste day trip, night tour)
– Monteverde (hiking in national park and/or Curi Cancha, zip lining)
It sounds like it might be useful to have fully closed hiking shoes or trail running shoes (which we have) for some of these eg. Night tour BUT for the water based activities and more gentle parks closed toe sandals sound a great option. Are there any parks in the above you would not recommend walking in closed toe hiking sandals?
Thank you!!
Sammi says
You could bring hiking shoes/trail running shoes and then a pair of water shoes for the water activities. We even saw people walking through Cahuita NP in flip flops because the trail is just all flat along the beach and very nicely maintained and laid out. You will have to have closed toed covered shoes for the hanging bridges park, horseback riding, canyoning, etc. and I generally like full shoes for Monteverde since it’s cooler up there
Jill says
Hi Sammi!
I bought my tickets to SJO yesterday and am leaving today, so haven’t really had much time to prepare! Is there anywhere good in San Juan to buy closed-toed hiking sandals?
Thank you, your blog is a godsend!
Best,
Jill
Sammi says
There are many malls in San Jose, you can check at the stores there.
Eileen says
Hi! We’re planning our honeymoon to Costa Rica for July 14th-29th and I’m very conflicted on shoes! Haha, maybe I’m overthinking things.
We’re going to La Fortuna, Uvita, and Santa Theresa. We plan on doing a hike at Arenal volcano, ziplining, hanging bridges, snorkeling at Cano Island, horseback riding, ATVs, waterfalls. So I was thinking of getting closed toed hiking sandals like Keens. But we’re also doing a day trip from Uvita to Corcovado (San Pedrillo station). Do you think we need hiking boots for that? Or would the Keen sandals work well enough?
I don’t know if it’s worth it to buy both types of shoes, but I also don’t want to be wearing hiking boots for all the other activities. Any advice??
Thanks!
Sammi says
For Corcovado, I would wear fully closed shoes, the trail is well marked but there are ants and other bugs that it would just be safer with closed toed shoes. The Arenal Volcano hike would be better with fully closed shoes since you do walk through lava rocks and things like that. For the other activities, you could bring water shoes instead.
Eileen says
Thanks!! Your blog has been so helpful!
Carolyn says
hi!
we will be visiting La Fortuna in January and the activities we have booked include: hanging bridges, waterfalls, volcano hike, ziplining and canyoning.
Any thoughts on these closed toe hiking sandals vs keen?
Sammi says
Those shoes will be great for your activities. Just note at the hanging bridges they do require fully closed shoes but if you wear those, you just have to sign a waiver.
Jenny Bublitz says
Thanks for the great blog!!! We will be hiking (trails with a guide) in Monte Verde and Arenal in late September. I’m assuming trails will be muddy? If so, do you recommend a certain shoe that holds up well in the mud and wet conditions? Thanks!!
Sammi says
I would recommend the closed toed hiking sandal so it’s easy to wash and can go through mud/dirt/water to land easily. If you wear hiking shoes/boots, it would be best to have waterproof ones so you don’t have to deal with muddy and soggy socks or ruining your shoes if they get very muddy/wet. It does rain quite hard in those areas in late September so definitely check our Rainy season packing list Costa Rica
Sofiya says
Hello! Thank you for the wonderful blog. I’m going to Puerto Viejo (Limon province) in April and going to hike in area parks. I’d like to get hiking sandals,but I’m very afraid of spider and snake bites. Would you recommend getting hiking boots instead, or do you think I would be okay with the sandals?
Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Sofiya! If you go to Cahuita National Park, the trail is very well maintained and defined, just make sure to not to stray off the path but you don’t need hiking boots. Snake and spider bites are not very common in Costa Rica honestly, unless you’re going out in to a remote jungle on a non defined trail, snake bites are very rare. Closed toed hiking sandals are great and let your feet breathe, but if you’re planning to hike like, in the Talamanca mountain range or somewhere more remote and rural, then hiking shoes/boots are the best choice. If you’ll just be in Cahuita National Park, Gandoca or around Puerto Viejo, hiking boots aren’t mandatory. I saw people walking through Cahuita with flip flops.