For a typical visit to Everglades National Park in 2026, traditional heavy leather hiking boots are actually not recommended. Most of the popular visitor trails, such as the Anhinga Trail or Shark Valley, consist of paved paths or elevated wooden boardwalks where a comfortable pair of sturdy sneakers or athletic shoes is perfectly sufficient. If you are planning to go "off-trail" for a guided "slough sally" or swamp walk, you will be walking directly through water and muck; in these cases, heavy boots become waterlogged and difficult to manage. For these wet adventures, most park rangers recommend old sneakers with good grip or specialized water shoes/river sandals that drain easily and won't be ruined by the mud. Leather boots should be avoided as they trap moisture, which can lead to blisters and fungal issues in Florida's high heat and humidity. The primary goal for Everglades footwear is breathability and quick-drying capability, paired with a reliable tread to handle slippery, wet limestone surfaces without the unnecessary weight of a mountain-style boot.