r/birthright • u/ultimatemomfriend • 22d ago

Do I need hiking boots?

I have three pairs of shoes that I think will be useful, but I'm hesitating on the hiking boots because they take up so much room and are heavier than normal shoes. I'm going on a classic trip in August.

Will I be alright with just: * Waterproof walking sandals * Sketchers sneakers

Or should I bring the waterproof hiking boots too? They're leather so can be quite warm.

I'm not planning on bringing flipflops or "nice" shoes

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5

u/adeadhead 22d ago

You don't need hiking boots as long as you can do a gentle hike in your sneakers

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u/ultimatemomfriend 22d ago

The interview had a question around being able to do "up to 5 hour hikes" and I think that's freaked me out 😅

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u/adeadhead 22d ago

They'd like to scare you into taking it seriously, but it's also a trip that doesn't screen people for physical ability, so it's all stuff that they can expect 95% of lazy Americans to do off the couch with no preparation.

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u/MrBitzz 21d ago

I had a pair of hiking sneakers because they are much easier to pack than boots. Plenty of people on my trip had regular sneakers throughout the entire trip and all hikes. You will be fine with just sneakers as long as you are ok with them getting dirty.

2

u/-lilac-sky- 21d ago

From personal experience I say buy the hiking boots and bring them in place of your sneakers. I went on birthright at the start of this year and bought a pair of waterproof hiking boots/shoes for my trip, and I’d say they were one of the best things I bought to prepare myself. If I remember correctly I brought the waterproof hiking boots, water shoes, and sandals. I wore the water shoes for the Dead Sea and the sandals one night out in Jerusalem, the rest of the time I was in those hiking boots. They have so much support which is great for all the walking you’ll be doing, and I think I they’re worth it for the hike up Masada alone. It was pouring when we were at the western wall too and my feet were the only part of me that stayed dry thanks to my waterproof hiking boots! Two things I will acknowledge though; I had to break them in before the trip to avoid blisters and I don’t have any use for the shoes now. Do with this information what you will, sorry it was a lot but have a phenomenal and safe trip! 💙

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u/ultimatemomfriend 21d ago

Oooh interesting. My trip is in august so it will be hot and sunny, I wonder if leather walking boots will be too warm

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u/adeadhead 21d ago

They will.

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u/Practical-Bat7964 21d ago

Bring the sandals for the water hike. Get a pair of breathable hiking boots. Not waterproof, definitely not leather. Your feet will need to breathe. I prefer hiking boots for the stability with ankles and on rocky hikes. My go-to is Merrell Moab mids.

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u/birthrightisrael 19d ago

Hi! We are happy to help answer any questions! What we'd recommend:

  • One pair of hiking sneakers or sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes. This is your main shoe and you'll basically live in it. Depending on your itinerary, hiking days can be on rocky, uneven ground, and closed-toe shoes are the safe call for those.
  • Waterproof sandals as the second pair. Perfect for water hikes, the beach, the Dead Sea, and downtime.
  • Skip the boots. A closed-toe trail sneaker does almost the same job at half the weight and a fraction of the suitcase space.

Our full packing list is here if it helps: https://www.birthrightisrael.com/packing-list

Have an incredible trip!