question about hiking shoes for a non-hiker

I am going to Costa Rica on a school trip over Spring Break. From what I've read, I need to take quick-drying clothing and shoes because, at some point, it will be rainy. I am totally an indoor person. I treadmill inside even when it's 75 degrees and sunny. Therefore, I do not have any kind of hiking shoes whatsoever. They say that you shouldn't wear tennis shoes in CR, because they will stay wet all the time. So, I've been trying to find some kind of hiking shoes that are lightweight, waterproof, and don't cost a fortune. HaHa.
The question is this: Would hiking sandals with enclosed toes be a viable choice for this trip? I don't really know exactly how much "hiking" we will be doing; it may just be a lot of walking. Obviously, the sandals are lighter, and they say they are quick-drying. They are also cheaper. I do not anticipate that I will be doing much (or any) hiking in the future, so these shoes are basically for this trip. I will also be taking a pair of "beach tennis shoes" from Land's End (they look like tennis shoes but have holes for water to flow out of).
So, any experienced hikers or people who have gone to Costa Rica out there, can I go with the hiking sandals, or would it be better to have hiking shoes (or boots)?

Coming from experience, it is best to invest in a good pair of hiking shoes/boots that are labeled "Gore-Tex Waterproof" and offer maximum support for the tasks at hand. I would ask about the the length of your hikes and the terrain where you're going to be. Now Gore-Tex doesn't mean that you can submerge your foot in water and be bone dry but if you accidentally step in a deep puddle, they will repel most of the water as long as it doesn't seep over the cuff of the boot. You can usually find a good, cheap pair at Dick's but I would personally go to the Trail Store or Quest Outdoors where someone that ACTUALLY has hiking experience can point you in the right direction. DEFINITELY avoid ordering online due to different sizes and fits, biggest mistake ever for people unless you have tried them on in a store. You always want to try on your hiking boots first because they are the MOST IMPORTANT piece of equipment anyone can have. And invest in a few good pair of socks that are made of "wicking" materials since it will be wet. If you want advice on brands then I would go with Merrell or Montrail. Good luck and have fun in Costa Rica!

IF YOU READ THIS IN THE NEXT 5 MINUTES, GO TO steepandcheap.com RIGHT NOW! They have a pair of Montrail boots for women that I know are absolutely perfect for you. They can be returned for another size and are over 60% off!

I'll second Russ's suggestion for Quest. They've helped me over the years with getting a good fitting backpack and boots and are very knowledgeable and helpful. They may not be the cheapest but they know their stuff and the extra effort they give is well worth any little extra you might pay there.

And I'll second another vote for The Trail Store. They have a very helpful staff and didn't snub me because I wasn't a serious hiker. (Although they have the gear for serious hikers. )

Coming from a guy who drinks "boxed wine"...... Quest? Really? (keep it local for sure)

All kidding aside, I purchased a pair of Merrell's and they suited me just fine for the small amounts of hiking I have done over the past
three years!

But Russ does give some good suggestions.

I have to clear the air on this one eve though no one else will read it. I DO NOT drink "boxed wine"! Thank you Heather! I'm pretty sure if I looked in your house there would be a skeleton or two of wine mistakes.

I hope our advice has given you a good direction for the hiking boots as well. We didn't mean to get off subject. Sorry about that.

Russ, I took your advice and ordered those hiking boots from the el cheapo website. I'll let you know what happens when they get here. I had actually ordered several different types of hiking shoes from Zappos.com, but I sent them all back. I hated the Merrell's I ordered. The best pair I tried was Keen Shellrock mid-cut, but they were $130 each and I need two pair (one for me, one for my daughter), and I just couldn't see paying $260 for shoes I will probably (hopefully!?) never wear again. So, if they work, the ones you recommended will be much more cost effective. If I was a big hiker, of course, I would spring for the better shoes, but I just don't see myself hiking (or doing anything else that involves nature, for that matter).
Thanks for all the great advice!

Ellen,

Didn't see your post until now, so it may be too late....

Brian & I went to Costa Rica 6 years ago in March. I'm not an experienced hikers/ Brian is. We walked/hiked on a number of great trips while there. Personally I thought the Tek rubber hiking sandals I bought before the trip were perfect for Costa Rica- cool enough for the warm weather, excellent for walking thru waterfalls & streams, really flexible & lightweight, comfortable, and extremely quick to dry. I found I loved them so much that I've ended up using them frequently at home too- something I would not have done with a pair of hiking boots (I have Timberlane waterproof boots for winter/closed toe needs.)

Have a blast in Costa Rica- it's an incredible place and remains one of our very favorites.
Deb

Okay, that's the answer I wanted!
I sent back all of those hiking boots I had ordered. They just seemed too heavy for tropical heat.
I got a pair of "sport sandals" from LLBean for about $50.
They seem really comfortable, the toes are enclosed, they can get wet.
If they don't get ruined on this trip, I can wear them elsewhere, whereas I would probably never wear hiking boots again.
Thanks again everybody.