In a three weeks we are headed to Yellowstone! I need hiking shoes. I have decided I'd like to get Keens. I just can't decide on shoes or sandals. We live in Texas. It's already pretty warm. Logically it would make sense to get sandals, since I'll be able to use them more here in the hot weather. BUT, as of today it's still snowing in Yellowstone. The staff I have spoken to says it will be around 75 during the day, but it drops to the 20s at night and there still may be areas with snow on the ground during our visit. So...I just can't decide the best choice. I want what will work best for Yellowstone. I don't want to go on a major trip and have aching/cold feet. Any advice??
I'd go with a good hiking shoe. You could call the staff again and ask their opinion. My daughter worked at Yosemite for a few years and she always wore shoes when hiking climbing working. Even if your feet get hot it's better. Better protection.
JMO
I'd go with hiking shoes like Merrells. Best to have a closed in shoe. Keen sandals are great, but they do get a lot of debris in them every now and then, not a big deal but you end up having to take them off to shake them out a lot.
Another thought, if you already own sneakers you could just wear those. I've hiked in Yellowstone and depending on what you plan on doing, several of the trails are pretty packed down on crushed gravel.
And yes, I remember it being very cold at night and in the AM so bring warm clothes for that time of day. Have fun!
I always vote for shoes, with an attached tongue....to keep out debris. :)
Love my Merrells:
http://www.zappos.com/merrell-siren-sport-elephant-pink?z...
I wouldn't want sandals & stuff getting in the shoes. I'd go with a closed sneaker type shoe. But I've never hiked the Grand Canyon! They are lightweight and fairly cool, even in the heat.
shoes. So you can wear socks with them.
shoes. I've tried the hiking sandals and I hated getting dirt, rocks, etc in them.
