The Essential Shoe Dos and Don’ts for a Safe Outdoor Adventure
We always get questions about what shoes to wear ziplining and what our ziplining footwear requirements are. This guide will help you to understand what footwear is essential for safety, comfort, grip, and stability while climbing and zipping through our treetops!
Many guests assume that “closed-toe” shoes are acceptable – but that’s not the whole story. At Go Ape, guests must wear fully enclosed shoes, meaning shoes without exposed sides, heels, or openings. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see any part of your foot below your ankle, choose a different shoe.
What Does “Fully Enclosed Shoes” Mean?
Per our zipline shoe policy, fully enclosed shoes are required for any treetop activity or outdoor axe throwing at Go Ape.
Closed-Toe Shoes
(NOT Always Permitted)
May still expose:
- Heels
- Sides of feet
- Arches of feet
Fully Enclosed Shoes
(Required)
- Entire foot is protected
- No exposed skin
- Secure fit
Examples of Approved Footwer
- Athletic sneakers
- Running shoes
- Trail running shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Hiking boots
- Tennis shoes
Your Shoes Should
- Fully cover your toes
- Fully cover your heel
- Have NO side openings
- Stay securely fastened
- Provide grip and traction
Best Shoes for Ziplining & Outdoor Adventure Parks
1. Athletic Sneakers
- Comfortable for walking & climbing
- Good grip for platforms & obstacles
- Lightweight & breathable
- Great all-purpose option
2. Trail Running Shoes
- Better traction on dirt & wooded trails
- Durable but lightweight
- Great for active movement
3. Hiking Shoes & Boots
- Added support & stability
- Better for muddy or wet conditions
- Helpful on uneven terrain
Shoes You Should NOT Wear Ziplining
1. Sandals of Any Kind
Even “Outdoor” or Closed-Toe Sandals
- Closed-toed sandals are NOT the same as fully enclosed shoes
- Exposed sides & openings leave feet unprotected
- Sandals may shift, loosen, or catch during activities
Examples:
- Keen-style sandals
- Fisherman sandals
- Sport sandals
- Water shoes & sandals
2. Crocs, Slides, & Backless Shoes
- Backless shoes can fall off
- Poor stability on ladders & obstacles
- Limited traction
Examples:
- Crocs
- Slides
- Mules
- Backless clogs
3. Flip-Flops & Barefoot Shoes
- Minimal protection
- Unsafe for climbing & hiking
- Increased slipping risk
4. High Heels or Fashion Footwear
- Unsafe on uneven terrain
- Not designed for physical activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Ziplining Shoes
No. Most aerial adventure parks, including Go Ape, require fully enclosed shoes with no exposed areas of the foot.
No. While they may have covered toes, side openings and exposed sections often do not meet fully enclosed footwear requirements.
No. Crocs and similar footwear may not provide enough security, grip, or protection.
Depends on weather and terrain:
Sneakers = lightweight comfort
Hiking shoes = more support and traction
Go Ape does not provide footwear, so guests should arrive prepared.
Ready to Go Ape?
Get your fully enclosed shoes on and let’s gear up to go! The adventure of a lifetime awaits.
About Go Ape
Go Ape believes in creating spaces where people of all ages and abilities can escape the ordinary, rediscover their courage, and embrace the thrill of discovery. Here, in the treetops or along scenic paths, lifelong bonds are forged, confidence is renewed, and laughter echoes through the canopy. Go Ape isn’t just an activity; it’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose.
Go Ape isn’t just an activity. It’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose. Let’s rise above together. Visit goape.com.
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