Choosing the Right Jungle Shoes
Question: Hello, I am traveling to Guyana for a mission and I am looking for jungle shoes. Can you guide me? Kevin
Hello Kevin,
First of all, I would advise you to bring not one but two pairs of shoes, because the jungle being the jungle, you will be happy to change your wet boots for a second pair of dry boots, and if possible, sandals for the bivouac.
So, what type of jungle shoes to choose? Which brand? High or low? It all depends on the missions you will be assigned.
Some people recommend the famous Pataugas: they are light and comfortable, but not waterproof, fragile, and take a long time to dry, and they are also less protective than a pair of classic military rangers. Others prefer the good old jungle boots from Altama which offer better protection and allow water to drain quickly if the foot is immersed, but these boots will be uncomfortable and heavy due to a metal plate present in the sole of some models.
In reality, the jungle shoe has evolved little, and for good reason, as it is a compromise between comfort, protection, weight, and waterproofing. Personally, I would lean more towards a pair of Haix boots, such as the Haix Athletic 11 High boots which are halfway between ranger shoes and sports shoes. Light and comfortable, these shoes are flexible and have a Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable membrane that will be very appreciated in a humid and hot environment. The downside is that they do not have an eyelet to drain water in case of immersion (to be put into perspective, you can always open the shoe with a zip and drain the water).
If you prefer your shoes to have faster water drainage, then I recommend the canvas military rangers from Mil-Tec for example. They are light and very comfortable, but unlike the Haix pair, they will be less protective for your feet.
Both models presented have their equivalent in low shoes, some people opt for light low shoes with gaiters, but I recommend choosing high shoes which will certainly be more difficult to dry but will protect you more effectively.
For the Bivouac: Flip-flops or Sandals?
Finally, for the bivouac, opt for a pair of sandals rather than flip-flops, they will better protect your feet while maintaining good freedom.