Though an itinerary, tailor-made for the family or individuals I tour with in Israel, constitutes a very important component of any tour, little things can make or break a great trip.

Take shoes, for instance.

Most Americans love wearing running shoes or sneakers when they tour.  Good for running, those New Balance or Nikes were made for running on a flat, level surface.  In Israel, you might be walking on the uneven stones of the Old City of Jerusalem, or hiking up the very gravelly  “Snake Path” up to the top of Masada!  You need good hiking, not running shoes.  Both New Balance and Nike do make a sturdy hiking shoe.  So do other companies like Merrill, Vasque and a host of others.

However, you are not only going to be walking around cities and parks.  Most of my clients spend at least one day at the Dead Sea.  Others walk the “wet tunnel” or Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a twenty-seven hundred year old archaeological marvel at the bottom of the City of David National Park.  You can’t wear hiking shoes; you will ruin them.  Do not wear beach clogs unless you are on the beach in Tel Aviv.

So what should you wear in the wet?  How about a pair of waterproof Keens or Crocs pictured below?

Some will say, “I don’t need a pair of these, I’ll just pack on old pair of gym shoes.”

I say do get a pair of Keens or Crocs.  You will use them at home in summer.

As for a general shoe to walk around in Israel, I own a pair of Vasque hiking shoes with Vibram soles.  They are strong, well-made and support the foot.

Of course, adventure sandals can be substituted for the Keens and/or Crocs.  Source, Tevas and Chacos.

My next blog will be about hats.