No Roads Expeditions - Kokoda Trekking Portal

Bootlaces
When you are doing up the laces in your boots tie the lower half off first and then the top section to lock your heel into the back of your boots. This stops your foot sliding forward a lot on the downhill sections and a really easy tip that will help prevent painful blisters.

Bring a second pair of bootlaces just in case your current pair break. They are light and well worth the effort to ensure you can wear your footwear.

The first thing a good shoe should be is comfortable. Usually if they are not comfortable in the shop they won't be comfortable in the bush.

The second thing you need to consider is the sole. It will need to be quite ridged to prevent roots and rocks from bruising your sole. That is why runners are not recommended.

Keen - Female - Targhee II Mid

While this is an option it is one we don't recommend unless you are a seasoned trekker. They don't tend to allow your feet to breath as well in the hot and humid climate and can be heavier than the adventure shoe style.

A good pair of walking boots or shoes will protect your feet from roots and stones and ensure your feet can breathe and don't develop blisters. 

Keen - Male - Oregon PCT 

As you walk along the Kokoda Track you tend to get mud, pebbles, sticks, grit and other items into your boots. These small items begin to rub and cause hot spots that soon turn into blisters!

Gaiters help prevent these foreign objects getting into your boots and are an absolute must. Full sized gaiters are not necessary and will cause your lower legs to heat up too much. 

Most trekkers use smaller sets of gaiters that cover the top of the shoe and up to nearly the top of your socks. They are typically secured in place by a hook at the front onto your boot laces, an elastic strap around your leg and an adjustable strap under your boot.

Your socks are very important, just like your footwear. Most people who purchase good quality trekking/hiking socks that are designed to be worn in boots/shoes for long periods of time have no problems. For Kokoda conditions, they are better if they are designed to wick away sweat from your foot, lightweight (ie: not designed for super cold conditions) and stay up above your ankles without falling.

Cheap all purpose "explorer" type socks are not ideal. You are better off going to an outdoors shop and asking for advice from the salesperson on trekking/hiking socks. You will probably need about 3 to 4 pairs for the entire expedition.

There are lots of stories going around by well meaning people that tell of putting all sorts of different lotions and oils over your feet to toughen them up, putting two pairs of socks together, wearing different combinations of thickness socks etc. etc. - maybe they work for them but you MUST find out what works for you! If you are not in the Army, don't go trekking each weekend, or you are not a sock guru then don't take their word for it unless you have tried it!!

Wear your socks in at the same time you 'wear in' your boots/shoes. Find out how they feel on a really hot day after walking several hours. Are they bunching up inside your shoes? They will get wet, dirty and smelly in Kokoda. You can rinse them off in the creeks/under taps each night so three to four pairs is typically a good number to take.

At all times when you are not trekking, such as at camp in the morning or afternoon/evening, you should allow your feet to breath and recover from being stuck in shoes and punished all day.

At camp, it is important that you don't wreck your trek by hurting your feet stepping on something or getting bitten by an insect, which is why we all wear camp sandals of some sort all the time.

Get yourselves some lightweight sandals that secure well on your feet, have a strong sole and have toe protection, but allow your feet to air out.

Some trekkers will wear these types of sandals in the river crossings hence the requirement for toe protection and a secure fitting. 

Thongs or Crocs are not allowed - too many bad stories from people who wore them.

Discuss these topics on our Kokoda Trekking Community Forums