What Shoes to Wear in A Dubai Safari
Selecting the right footwear is a critical part of planning your Dubai Safari. If your itinerary involves a trip to the desert, it is even more essential that you wear the right type of shoes. The sand there is plenty and runs deeper. Consequently, it only takes a few steps for it to fill up your shoes. At least at the beach, you can take off your shoes and walk barefoot. On the other hand, the desert’s unforgiving heat does not always offer this reprieve.
The feeling of sand squeezing into every bit of space between your shoes and feet can be uncomfortable. So, is it simply something you will have to put up with when on a Dubai safari? Thankfully, no. It is quite possible to leave all that sand in the desert where it belongs. All it takes is for you to know what shoes to wear in a Dubai safari.
With that said, you may be wondering, what shoes to wear in a Dubai Safari. Well, open-toed shoes such as sandals and flip flops are suitable for this kind of environment because you can comfortably kick out the sand as you go about your activities.
Besides keeping the sand out, there is a lot more that goes into making a pair of shoes suitable for the desert. Are the shoes comfortable? Do they protect against blisters and the scorching heat? Are they going to keep your feet dry? Do they make it easy to trek through sand? In this guide, we tackle what makes the perfect pair of desert shoes.
Are Open Shoes the Best Option for Dubai Safari Desert Excursions?
If you have never been to the desert, imagine walking on a semi-firm hammock suspended in the air. The sand at the desert forms dunes (a hill/mound of loose sand). Since the sand lies loosely over the dunes, it continually gets blown away by the wind. As a result, this leaves behind thin top layers, causing your feet to sink into the dune with every step.
So, walking in the desert is not only challenging but also results in the sand getting all over your feet and shoes. In turn, this increases the likelihood of blisters forming from the constant friction between your feet and tiny granules.
Fret Not for Sandals Make Desert Safari Walks Less Cumbersome
Sandals offer an all-round solution to the dune-situation of desert sand. For one, the flat and open design of open shoes leaves zero pocket spaces for sand to settle into tiny crevices. Thanks to this, every time your foot comes up for another step, the sand will slide off. What’s more, you can give your feet a little wiggle to ensure there are no grains left behind.
Another advantage of sandals is that they are incredibly light. As such, open shoes make it easier to walk over the desert sand.
The lightness of this type of footwear helps to reduce the amount of energy required to work against the physical resistance of the sand. Slippers will also keep your feet feeling chiller in the desert than any other kind of shoe.
Another plus to sandals is that they work to enhance your Dubai safari experience. One upside to desert dunes is that they comprise of sand that is light and very soft to the touch. Sandals give you a chance to experience how pleasant the sand feels on your feet.
Unfortunately, heat is a significant issue to contend with when on a Dubai safari. Wearing nothing but sandals can expose your feet to getting baked out in Dubai’s scorching sun.
The good news, however, is that desert heat varies at different times of day and seasons. The sand is scorching on summer days (i.e., during mid-morning and afternoon hours). On the flip side, it can be comfortably pleasant during summer nights, and rather cold in winters.
So, in a nutshell, sandals are perfect desert footwear but only under ideal conditions. For example, during evening safaris, instances of short walks, or during the region’s cooler months of between November and March.
Can You Wear Closed Shoes in the Desert?
When the weather is too hot for sandals, closed in shoes make a good alternative. However, not just any kind of shoes will do. For instance, beach shoes, which generally have, mesh on the upper side, are a huge no. That is because sand can get lodged into the mesh, making things quite uncomfortable.
Leather shoes, on the other hand, absorb heat, are heavy, and have a sturdy build. All this can increase the chances of blistering.
Sneakers and sports shoes (preferably ones with an enclosed top part) are the more suitable options for desert trekking.
The sneaker and sports range of shoes have the advantages of being supportive and having flexible thick soles. Therefore, they provide the wearer with excellent stability while also absorbing the shock of walking on sand. Such shoes are also light enough to not feel like weights pulling you down into the desert sands.
One pitfall, though, is that sneaker/sports shoes do not keep sand out as well as sandals (especially when you are deep into the dunes). But, this can easily be remedied with a pair whose heel collar (the area all around the open part of the shoe) wraps snugly around your ankles.
How About Boots?
Where sandals and shoes fail for Dubai Safaris, boots deliver. Not only do they keep the sand out, but also offer protection from the sun’s harsh heat. Moreover, boots provide a good grip that allows one to go on fun expeditions like dune climbing. However, the make, look and feel of a boot matters when determining its desert viability. Ideal options include:
- Desert Boots –These are arguably the best boot pick for Dubai safaris. After all, the shoe has features designed with the desert environment in mind. Desert boots have an ankle-height lace-up design that is great at keeping out sand and a crepe sole that is both incredibly light and offers excellent traction on sand.
- Combat Boots – These are another boot type with a design made for the hot and sandy environment of the desert. Combat boots cradle your feet, support your ankles, are highly comfortable even when you are sliding in and out of the sand. The best part of combat boots, though, is their signature high-collar design that makes for a peaceful trek in the desert sand.
- Seamless Boots – The main reason to go with seamless boots is to keep the sand out. The boots can come in a sleek ankle-length design or the more functional combat-style look where the upper part extends to the mid-calf region.
Is it Wise to Wear Socks to the Desert?
Unless you are wearing sandals, socks are another layer you will want to add to your footwear. Socks serve the functional duty of keeping your feet covered entirely, thereby ensuring sand grains do not come into contact with your feet. When paired up with the right shoes, socks also serve to make your Dubai safari more comfortable and even protect against blisters.
Just like shoes, there is a right and wrong pair of socks to wear to the desert. Wool is ideally the perfect choice since it is breathable and great at absorbing wetness if you sweat heavily.
What to Consider When Picking Your Shoes for a Dubai Safari in the Desert
Fit: For ultimate comfort, the shoes must be the perfect fit – not too big that they leave a sizeable gap for sand to squeeze in, or too tight that every step hurts. Since you already know your shoe size, it should be hard to find the right fit. Try on a few pairs to find a fit with enough wiggle room for the toes and no space at the back.
Other Considerations
- Comfort: Whether you decide to go with sandals or closed shoes, make sure they offer some level of cushioning (e.g., an extra padded mid-sole, or a thick outer sole). The extra padding will work to make you comfortable whether you are making your way through the soft and light sand of dunes, or more rough terrain. Padded shoes will also work to cushion against the stress of walking, thereby reducing the chances of bruising or blistering.
- Ease of Wearing and Removing: When you are making your way to the top of a dune for the perfect sand-surfing launch, you will appreciate a pair of shoes that are easy to put on and take off. In addition to making it easy to shake off the sand, easy to remove shoes give you the pleasure of running your feet through the sand – even if for just a couple of minutes.
- Extra Support: Whether in the form of ankle support, molded toe area, or arc support, any kind of additional support that protects against blisters and makes walking more comfortable is welcome in desert footwear.
- Design: Some shoes come with that little extra design feature that makes them perfect for the desert. For instance, boots that have a liner or gusset between the tongue of the shoe and outer body, do an excellent job of keeping sand out. The same goes for hiking shoes with a height that goes above the ankles. Other features can include a memory foam foot-bed, extra light sole, breathable fabric material, heel cushioning, and so on. Watch out for such design pluses as you are deciding on what shoes to wear on your Dubai Safari.
Final Word
Now that you know the yes and no’s of desert footwear, you should be all set to enjoy a comfortable Dubai safari. One thing to note, though, is that shoes that are a little blended in will be much kinder to your feet compared to a brand new pair. So, buy your shoes several days before your trip and walk around/carry out errands in them, until you get fully used to them. Or you can pick a pair from your closet that meets the criteria discussed above. Just make sure the shoes are in good condition.
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