Footwear

Question

Hi! I have been reading several posts about what to pack and am still looking for specific suggestion on what footwear to pack. I’m going to Homer + Seward in July for a week. 40’s, active female. No cruises, but will be on an 8hr Kenai Fjords/whale tour (please pardon spelling!). Will also be hiking a lot, walking around town etc. what do I need to bring besides a good pair of waterproof trail/hiking shoes? Would these low rain deck boots like these https://a.co/d/jeUPkBY (hopefully the link works) be a good choice for July? Thinking that I don’t want to wear my trail shoes on the boat just to keep them as dry as possible for later say hikes. Thank you in advance!

Answer

For a July trip to Homer and Seward, Alaska, especially with an 8-hour Kenai Fjords/whale tour and lots of hiking, choosing the right footwear is crucial. You’ll want shoes that are waterproof, comfortable for long periods, and versatile for both boat and land activities.

Your idea of bringing a good pair of waterproof trail/hiking shoes is excellent—they will handle most of your hikes and walking around towns comfortably. However, for boat tours and potentially wet conditions, it’s smart to bring a second pair that you don’t mind getting wet. Low rain deck boots, like the ones you referenced, could be a very good choice for the boat. They will keep your feet dry, are easy to slip on and off, and can serve as a backup in rainy conditions or muddy trails.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider packing for footwear:

Waterproof trail/hiking shoes: Comfortable, supportive for long hikes, and suitable for walking in town. Try to break them in before your trip.
Low rain/deck boots: Ideal for boat tours, wet docks, and short hikes in damp areas. Keeps trail shoes dry.
Comfortable casual shoes or sneakers: For evenings in town, short walks, or light activities where hiking shoes aren’t necessary.
Optional sandals: If the weather is warm and you want something breathable for short walks around town, a sturdy pair of waterproof sandals can be useful.

Other tips:

Bring moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters and keep feet dry, especially on boat tours.
Consider packing a lightweight pair of waterproof shoe covers if you expect very wet conditions or rain.
If you plan on doing more serious hikes or muddy trails, gaiters can protect your legs and keep debris out of your shoes.

In summary, a combination of waterproof hiking shoes and low rain/deck boots is a smart approach. Use the hiking shoes for most land-based activities, and reserve the deck boots for boat tours or very wet conditions. This will keep your feet dry, comfortable, and allow you to enjoy all your Alaska adventures without worry.

Footwear

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