I've no advice to offer regarding footwear, but can you tell us about the work you'll be doing? I'd love to learn more.

I think you would want duckboots? I think of LL bean but they are not inexpensive and I am not sure if you would ever really use them again given where you live.

Here are other duckboots all $30 and under

https://www.google.com/search?q=womens+duck+boots&espvd=2&biw=1243&bih=599&site=webhp&tbm=shop&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwip6cuc06fSAhWG8oMKHdvpBcAQ_AUICCgB&dpr=2#q=womens+duck+boots&tbs=cat:187,pdtr0:936965%7C936967,pdtr1:924868%7C924870,vw:g,init_ar:SgVKAwi7AUoKUggIxLk4IMa5OEoKUggIhZg5IIeYOQ%3D%3D,ss:44,p_ord:p&tbm=shop

The picture of that road looks like a wet Maine field in April- mud season. I would recommend something like the boots at Tractor Supply that AOK linked to. I also recommend Bogs rainboots(and the built in handles make them easy to pull on and off!)

The mud is heavy and claylike it globs on and weighs you down. Rainboots, garden boots, Bogs, will be easier to dry off and their slick sides wont hold as much muck.

I have two pairs of hiking boots, a pair of bean boots and my Bogs, garden mud in mud season means I put on the Bog rain boots.

Yes Outside, I agree with you.

The one problem not mentioned with duck/muck boots though is that they don't hug your feet like lower laced shoes/boots and tend to be roomier, especially around the toe area. I find them uncomfortable to do to much walking in. If you don't have to walk very far the duck or muck type boots would probably do the trick though. If you have a lot of walking I would look into maybe a bit taller of a double waterproof leather than what I posted above.

I would go to Wally land and test drive some of their duck type or muck type boots to get an idea of what they would be like to walk in for long hauls. I still have my Wally Land boots for hurricane season. My last neighborhood would get flooded then very muddy and mucky around the outskirts. They were great for working around the house.

For a sun shirt in hot muggy weather, I love my Ex Officio Sol Cool hoody. I have two white ones and they stay relatively cool next to the skin. I use it for commuting to and from work in my convertible in the muggy GA summers, and also when we go on vacation anywhere with sun. I feel a bit frumpy at times, but it's better than sun burns and is comfy :).

http://exofficio.com/womens-tops-longsleeve/sol-cool-hooded-zippy/2011-2085.html?dwvar_2011-2085_color=4370&dwvar_2011-2085_size=000007L&cgid=womens_tops_longsleeve#start=1

If there is a lot of traipsing or standing in the boots, I would evaluate them carefully for good support. I find that the cheap muck boots are not good for wearing for long periods of time and rubber boots feel nasty if you tend to sweat. I wish I could recommend a good boot for this scenario. It certainly has the potential to be a great experience.he

ETA: Thinking about it more, when DH was in the service (Marines) and my step dad, too, it seems that their jungle boots were leather but had parts that were breathable mesh, as well. Your regular hiking books may very well work just fine.

Well, the problem with hiking boots and mud is that the vibram soles tend to accumulate mud, but that's only a problem when you try to clean them off. I have the LLBean type boots with the rubber bottoms, and do wear them in the summer, but just make sure to seal the seams then. I honestly do not find them comfortable for long term wear, but YMMV. I've worn the other type of boots too, the muck boots, for stream mucking. They are good because air can get in through the tops. Great for splashy mud too, since they are so high. Another option is light hikers with those splash guards like you show in the picture. I wear those when I hike in the rain.

Hunter makes a packable wellie. They are well made, light weight, waterproof and easy to clean. The cons would be that they aren't breathable and may not have the support you need. They aren't cheap but they are often on sale.

Hunter tour short

I can walk for miles in my Original Tall Hunter boots, even in warm weather and somehow my feet don't sweat. I can wade into a creek to retrieve a ball, I can walk through thick mud without fear of losing a boot, and they are so easy to clean! Maybe check out the packable boots recommended by d_gw. My other recommendation would be Merrell hiking boots.

Patagonia has Capilene shirts you may want to check out. They are lightweight, quick drying and resist smells! My feet don't sweat but the rest of me does (tmi). You may even be able to get away with hand washing it in the evening and have it dry by morning, depending on the humidity. Looks like some colors are on sale right now. Patagonia Shirt

Either Ducks or Bogs North Hampton. Both are a very good option. The Bogs have great handles and neoprene plus the slick finish washes off easily. I have several types of mud muck boots, and very thankful I did during the flooding. Very important get very good insoles that have support. Check out academy sports for the clothing and good selection of boots and mucks. You may have to go with boys or men's.

http://m.outdoorgearlab.com/Rain-Boots-Womens-Reviews/Bogs-North-Hampton-Womens

I own these boots here, hunting boots with snake shield protection. I really like them, very comfortable with support. Affordable, Game Winner, from Academy sports. They are waterproof but they are not a rubber boot. Don't know if that type would be of interest.

Dillard's has a huge sale going on right now and the Sperry Waterproof Duck Booties are on sale for $41.99. If you buy online you can't return, but we found some colors in the store.

I have muck boots and love them, but that's because they keep our feet so wonderfully warm in the winter when we're shoveling snow and they are quite comfortable. But I'd think they'd be too warm to wear in the Panama heat...but then again, I hate hot feet in the summer.

I bought Muck Scrubs (the ones you show) last year and LOVE THEM! super comfortable and easy to slip on. I'm not sure how they'd be wearing them all day in a sweltering rainforest though -- especially if there's a lot of walking, because the tops on mine tend to bang into my legs when I walk. :) How deep is the muck on the road? I'm wondering if a lightweight waterproof golf shoe would be your best choice?

ETA: I wear golf socks in the summer w/ my mucks.

I wouldn't recommend the muck boots for warm weather. I have a pair of the taller style, and while I love them for gardening and woods walks in the winter and cooler months, they become sweltering in the heat. I think a pair of Merrell hiking boots would suit you well, but they look a lot like your Keen hikers. They have styles that are waterproof and they have great support for trudging along difficult paths.

http://www.merrell.com/US/en/womens-hiking-boots-shoes/#prefn1=technologyCollection&prefv1=Waterproof

oh! Sloggers may be perfect for you and they're definitely cheap. I tried these -- even new they were comfortable on a long walk for me.

Sloggers -- and they have turquoise! :)

Muck boots are good but might be too warm. These short Hunter boots are great & come in many colors. Would avoid anything w/ ties or zippers.

Oh, my goodness - thank you all so very much! I never expected to get so many excellent boot recommendations and I shall research them all. Thanks too for those who recommended clothing. I'll look at your links as well. I've spent a lot of time in the great outdoors (lots of backcountry hiking in my life), but aside from the Keen hikers I haven't purchased gear in many years, and I know there have been a lot of technological advances in this area.

One thing I don't like about my Keens is cleaning them and trying to get mud/muck out of the nooks and crannies. I can see how smooth muck boots would be a plus when it comes to cleaning.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm overthinking this, considering the shoes that the Panamanian locals get around in. Many of them who arrive at our facility (a small medical clinic) wear rubber boots day in and day out, without giving them ample drying time, and they suffer from terrible foot fungus. Our group has made good strides in helping to alleviate this problem by providing a bit of education. And those ugly Croc-style shoes that can now be found at many dollar stores are a big hit there. Last summer we gave away close to 500 pairs to patients and their families.

Mrrogerscardigan - You asked about the work. This is a medical mission organized by our church in partnership with our sponsored missionaries and other churches and willing participants in our area. In the week that we'll be there, the doctors and nurse practitioners will treat at least 100 people per day. Many of the patients walk for miles - for some it takes 8 hours or more to reach the clinic from their very remote homes - and the clinic is their only source of treatment and medication. (They don't even have access to something as mundane as aspirin.) I am not medically trained, but there are other administrative tasks that I'll be helping with. Everyone that I've spoken with who has gone before says it's a life-altering experience for them, and of course it's a vital service to the indigenous people of the region. Thank you for asking. :-)

I would be tempted to wear lower boots because of the heat, but not if there are leeches and such. You might ask people who went in prior years, they will have the best tips and might even have something they don't need.

Have a super trip and kudos to you and your churchmembers for doing this.

Justerrilynn, you are right about the fit. Many rubber/muck boots are way too loose (on me at least) to be worn all day. I do have a narrow heel and high arch, so am rather hard to fit anyway. I'd think if you are wearing socks and try on a few pair you can find something relatively inexpensive that will work. You might have to put some inserts in to make them more comfortable for all-day wear.

Another thought - an old trick I learned years ago when snow skiing (before the days of a lot of high-tech fabric for socks). We would spray our feet with Right Guard deodorant to keep them dry. I know that sounds weird but it would work and it's cheap. Socks today are much better at keeping moisture at bay, especially wool or something made for absorbing moisture. At night if you have access to a hair dryer, run it over your feet, especially between your toes, to kill bacteria.

LOL - I do the antiperspirant/deo foot-spraying routine in hot weather here when I'm wearing sandals! I really dislike the feeling of sweaty feet.

Running, I have one fear in life and that is spiders. Those banana spiders that like to crawl on the ground or get in shoes...yikes! The slugs/leeches wouldn't bother me much. Snakes don't worry me. Being that I have a spider phobia there is no way I would wear anything but waterproof laceups, laced tight to my leg, probably something harder core than I posted above like a U.S Military type waterproof Jungle Boot.

Re long-sleeved shirts, I really like this style from Columbia (the Sun Goddess II w/UPF 40 sun protection) from 6pm.com, as mentioned by OutsidePlaying! It's got a little extra in the way of styling, and not that I'm going to the rainforest expecting to look "cute" (as if; I'm fully prepared to be gross and soggy most of the time), I won't look askance at starting out with a few stylish things in my suitcase.

That's wonderful, IdaClaire. You are making a difference. Good for you!

Nice Ida! I have ordered a lot of things from 6pm. Great place to buy from.

IdaClaire, that is a an incredibly wonderful thing you are doing.

Thanks so much for the kind words. Just a few more photos to share ...

This is the "waiting room" for the clinic:

I have not even been yet, but have already fallen in love with the spirits of these beautiful people.

Sorry - permit me one more? This one really tugs at my heart. The look of concern on her lovely face. That sweet little one tenderly wrapped in the red blanket. Her beautiful dress. The mud on her shoes.

Did I mention that attending the clinic is a VERY BIG DEAL in the lives of these people? I've been told they carefully wash their clothes in the river and ensure that they are looking their very best when they arrive. It greatly matters to them.

And here I am, dreading my doctor's appointments and putting them off as long as possible. Complaining about having to go. It really makes me think about things.

Look at lightweight merino wool t shirts. Some brands are SmartWool, Icebreaker and Ibex. Merino wool is a natural wicking material, and the best part is that it doesn't get stinky as fast as synthetics. They are spendy, but worth it. Just bring two or three and wash in the sink every day. Above all, avoid cotton.

Bless you all, Ida Claire! Our church sent medical/dental teams to Jamaica for many years. The people were so grateful for the help!

Donna

Ah - t-shirts. I wish I could look at something other than long-sleeved shirts, but as some of you know, I'm highly inked which is not the custom of the people we'll be serving. I'm therefore opting to keep covered, and actually that will help protect my ink from the sun as well. I don't know anything about merino wool t-shirts, but will look into them for our New Mexico hiking trip coming up later this year.

Sierra Trading Post has good deals on wool tees. I don't see any lightweight long sleeves but they do have them occasionally. The only really annoying part of looking for wool sleeveless tee's is that they always seem to have that criss strappy back that you can't wear a regular bra with. It would be nice to find some plain ones not skin tight with a sort of shelf bra or one you can wear a normal bra with.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/s~-wool-top/averagereview~4/women~d~5324/

Party music I have some Sloggers, the ankle boots in the light blue midsummer color. They are good for gardening. If you are in heavy sucking mud they will pull right off the foot. I have lost mine a couple of times! But they are so cute! My feet definitely get sweaty in them. That will happen in any of the rubber type boots. The leather water proof with neoprene will be cooler and neoprene dries pretty quickly. You can get wool inner soles. I have them in those hunting boots. They keep my feet dry and are a great cushion.

I applaud you for the effort and work you will be contributing to the people at the clinic and the patients. Very rewarding.

I had no idea you were inked, would you ever share your art? I quite often spend too much time on line looking at some incredible tattoo art work, amazing artist. The 3d stuff blows my mind. We need a new thread on this lol.

Shearling inner soles as an example Google for options.

https://m.llbean.com/product.html?skCatId=72756&skCatId=72756&productId=1208139&attrValue_0=Natural&pla1=0&mr:device=m&mr:adType=plaonline&qs=3125046_google&cvosrc=cse.google.0LBL604090&cvo_crid=121975737920&lsft=qs:3125046_google%2Cproduct:0LBL604090%2Ccvosrc:cse.google.0LBL604090%2Ccvo_crid:121975737920&gclid=Cj0KEQiA0L_FBRDMmaCTw5nxm-ABEiQABn-VqcI4oY5e1admElMbEqtbd6afIg6_9CGUt0MNQERs9XoaAiBp8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds&llbdrd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F#72756

Those Sloggers are adorable! I'd like to have a pair just because they're so darn cute!

Raven, I've shared a bit of my art here before, but I think I deleted the photos as I just didn't feel comfortable having it "out there." I recently had some cover-up work done, and it's a piece I'm very proud of (an owl/forest depiction) although it's big and dark and brooding. So not very "ladylike" to some. ;-) I didn't get my first tattoo until I was in my 40s, and now that I'm 54 I have a pretty good "collection" going on. I love ink. It fascinates me.

You can get long sleeve merino wool t shirts. Here's a nice one on sale from Icebreaker. Costco sells the Seg'ments brand seasonally in the fall for only $20, and while you probably won't find any stock in their stores, I have found some on eBay. Just look for the really lightweight stuff. The fabric is measured in grams per meter, and 150 gsm and under is nice and light.

I really like those tops, terriks! Thanks - I'll check eBay!

ETA: Just found a Seg'ments top that I like. How do they run, size-wise?

My eBay link is to the scoop neck, which is the style most recently carried by Costco. I'm actually wearing one now. :-)

I don't have boot recommendations, but I can recommend my favorite travel/active pants.

https://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/womens-ferrosi-pants.html

I have the Capri version. I've worn them to the Galapagos, Iceland, hiking locally, etc. I have two pairs. Whenever we go on an "active" vacation, they're my go-to pants. I can wash them in the sink, hang them over the shower curtain rod, and they're dry the next morning. And, after wearing them probably hundreds of times, they still look new.

Our whole family also has sun hats from the same company. They're great too!

Coolibar sun protection clothing is very good. I use them often.

Ida, does your church also donate items to these people? If so, what sort of things?

JT, we routinely bring clothing to donate and we purchase all medications that we distribute through the clinic's pharmacy. Our team leaders are well trained in cultural "IQ" and there's a strong sensitivity to not imposing our material values on the indigenous population. There are many situations that we might consider "needy" based upon our cultural mores, which in reality are simply different ways of doing things. We do what we can where we can, with an understanding that we cannot and should not impose material "improvements" that we would like for them to have. Predominantly our mission is to bring them health and wellness. Does that make sense? It's a little hard for me to put into words.

On a whole the children are especially happy, and can play for hours with the simplest of toys. Sometimes we bring jars of bubbles, kites, puppets, and they particularly love craft projects. Oh, and soccer balls. They loooooove to play soccer!

I wear muck boots for field work and I definitely recommend high boots. If it's REALLY mucky, it will suck your boots off your feet! Some people use gore tex boots, but I like the rubber ones myself. I have to replace mine every couple of years, but they're cheap enough-and I use mine for rough terrain hiking in all kinds of weather. Mine are the ones linked from Tractor Supply. I'd bring some kind of walking stick-it will make all the difference.

I just wear cotton blend socks with my boots and I put foot powder in them and stuff them with newspapers between wearing. Never wear them with shorts-you can get all kinds of scratches, bug bites, snakes, etc-so even if it's humid as all get out, wear jeans!

A field vest is always a great option, you can carry all your supplies (especially bug spray, kleenex, etc). A fishing vest works just as well. I'm too tired to think of the company many field staff use to buy gear but when I think of it I'll let you know.

Ida, that's so wonderful for you to go do this. Just posting to tell you this!

A friend of mine is going to Panama shortly (but for a vacation/bicycle riding trip). Unfortunately I don't have clothing or footwear recommendations, but a good sporting goods store should have useable options.

Ida, I can't wait for you to share your experiences with us!

I think I agree with Mtn about contacting those you have actually been where you are going.

I think you would need at least two pairs of boots so you can alternate.

Also, will you be changing out of the boots while doing the actual volunteer work at the clinic? Then you would need comfortable shoes as well.

Again, I would speak to those who have gone previously to get an idea of what clothing would work throughout the day.

Get some quick dry long pants too. They make featherweight ones. I wear them all the time in the summer, my legs would be a map of scratches if I didn't. Keeps bugs at bay somewhat too. I work at an arboretum, do trail work all summer long, all kinds of weather although super long hard rains no, and also we work in the AM before it gets super hot, although it is hot and muggy, in the 90's, a lot of the time. Nothing compared to a rainforest I'm sure though!

IdaClaire if you are still looking, I just saw some amazing sales on these types of shoes and boots at Sierra trading Co. I am talking about name brands for like $20. Sizes are limited. Definitely worth a look.

Thanks, ravencajun! I'll take a look. I'm still on the fence about buying another pair of boots, and had really just been thinking I'd fall back on my familiar hikers, but a sale is a sale. ;-) I've picked up a couple of long-sleeved shirts, and will need to find myself some pants before too long.