Of everything you pack for a buggy safari in the Taurus foothills behind Side, the single item that most shapes your day is the one people think about least: your shoes. Everything else you need is handed to you at the base — helmet, goggles, a full safety briefing, a practice lap and a guide who leads every metre of the trail. Footwear is the one piece of kit you bring yourself, and getting it right is the difference between a confident, comfortable ride and a wet, gritty, blistered afternoon. This guide walks you through exactly what to wear on your feet, why it matters on real off-road terrain, and the honest verdict on the sandals you were tempted to grab.
Why your shoes matter more than you'd think
A two-seat off-road buggy has a roll cage, seatbelts and proper pedals — this is not a beach cruiser. Even though two people share one buggy for one price and a passenger doesn't have to touch the controls, both riders keep their feet in a footwell that sees mud, splashes from shallow water crossings, and the occasional stone flicked up from the track. Your feet need to stay planted, dry-ish and protected for the whole ride.
The trails around Manavgat and the lower Taurus are the real thing: packed dirt that turns to fine dust in high summer, churned mud after spring or autumn rain, loose gravel on the climbs and shallow stream crossings where water washes right through the footwell. Add the pedals — you want a sole that grips them cleanly and a toe that won't slide off at the wrong moment. Closed, secure, grippy shoes give you control; the wrong shoes take it away.
The best shoes: closed-toe, grippy and washable
The ideal buggy safari shoe ticks four boxes. Get these and you'll barely think about your feet all day, which is exactly the point.
- Fully closed toe and heel. Stones, dust and mud all find their way in. A shoe that seals your foot in keeps grit out and protects your toes if you plant a foot down on rough ground.
- A proper grippy sole. Look for a rubber tread with real pattern, like a trainer, cross-trainer or light hiking shoe. Grip matters on the pedals and again the moment you step out onto a muddy or dusty verge.
- Secure fastening. Laces or straps that actually hold the shoe on. Anything that can be flicked off or sucked into mud is a liability.
- Something you don't mind ruining. Be honest with yourself: your shoes will get dusty, and if it's a wet-season ride, properly muddy. Bring a pair you can hose down, not your pristine white holiday trainers.
Top picks by type
Old trainers or running shoes are the classic answer and work brilliantly — grippy, secure and expendable. Cross-trainers and light hiking shoes are even better if you have them, adding ankle support on uneven ground. Sturdy closed-toe walking sandals with a heel strap and a real tread are an acceptable warm-weather compromise, though they let in more dust. Water shoes or trail-running shoes are a smart shout in the wet months because they drain and dry fast after a stream crossing.
Why flip-flops and sandals fail
This is the honest heart of the guide, because flip-flops are the number-one footwear mistake we see. They feel right for a Turkish beach holiday, but on a buggy they are genuinely a bad idea, and here's why.
- They fall off. One firm press on a pedal, one splash through a water crossing, and a flip-flop is gone — often literally lost on the trail.
- They offer zero protection. Your toes are exposed to stones, hot exhaust parts, thorny scrub and the buggy's own metalwork.
- They slip on the pedals. A smooth foam sole and a wet pedal is a recipe for your foot sliding off exactly when you need control.
- They leave you cold and wet. After a water crossing you'll spend the rest of the ride with grit stuck to bare, wet feet.
Open-back slides, espadrilles, ballet flats, Crocs worn in sport mode and any slip-on with no heel strap fall into the same trap. If a shoe can leave your foot without you deciding it should, leave it at the hotel.
Socks, laces and the small details
Wear socks — ideally a pair you're happy to throw in the wash afterwards. They stop dust grinding against your skin and reduce rubbing over a bumpy ride, which is where blisters start. In the wet season, a thin synthetic sock dries faster than cotton and stays comfortable even damp.
Double-knot your laces before you set off so nothing works loose over the bumps. Tuck long, trailing laces away — the same commonsense rule that keeps loose scarves and drawstrings clear of moving parts applies to your feet. If your shoes are brand new, wear them around the hotel for a day first; a buggy trail is a bad place to discover a hotspot.
Seasonal notes: dust in summer, mud in the shoulder months
In the peak heat of July and August the trails behind Side run bone-dry and dusty. Your shoes won't get soaked, but fine dust works into everything, so closed shoes and socks keep your feet comfortable and clean-ish. In spring and autumn, and especially after rain, the same tracks turn to sticky mud and the shallow water crossings run fuller. That's when washable, quick-draining footwear earns its place — expect wet feet at some point and dress for it rather than fighting it. If you're pairing your ride with a seasonal rafting combo up at Köprülü Canyon, the same quick-drying shoes serve you well on the river too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the buggy safari in trainers?
Yes — trainers are the ideal choice. Grippy, closed and secure, an old pair of running shoes or cross-trainers is exactly what we'd recommend. Just accept they'll come home dusty or muddy.
Are shoes provided, like the helmet and goggles?
No. Helmet, goggles, the safety briefing, a practice lap, your guide and insurance are all included, but footwear is the one thing you bring yourself. There's no shoe hire, so pack a suitable closed pair for the day.
What should children wear on their feet?
A child rides buckled in safely beside a parent, and the same footwear rules apply to them: closed-toe, secure trainers, never sandals or flip-flops. Small feet slide out of loose shoes even more easily, so make sure theirs are properly fastened.
My shoes will get muddy — can I clean up afterwards?
Absolutely. Dust brushes off once dry and mud hoses off easily, which is exactly why you bring a pair you don't mind getting dirty rather than your best ones. Many guests bring a spare pair or a bag for the ride home.
Ready when you are
Sort your shoes and the hard part of packing for a buggy safari is done. Free hotel pick-up and drop-off is included from resorts across Side, Manavgat, Belek, Alanya and Kemer, with morning and afternoon sessions to suit your day — the exact pickup window is confirmed when you book. You can reserve free online with our pay-on-the-day model, so simply check the live price at the time of booking, lace up a sturdy closed pair, and leave the flip-flops by the pool where they belong.