Water Proof Shoes 101

[Midnightbiker]

Ok, lets talk water proof shoes. I bought some Hi-Tec Hiking Boots that are suppose to be water proof. They even say water proof on them. The times I have warn them, like yesterday, I get into some water, not even deep, just some puddles, about 1-2 inches deep, plus some mud, and my feet where wet by the end of the round. I am really pissed about this. These boots retail for $80 and my feet are still getting wet.

Is there such a thing as a true 100% water proof show? Something that you can be comfortable in, not sweat in, and have dry feet after a couple of rounds on a wet course? Please let me know. I heard that New Balance makes a good one. Please inform me.

 

[Jay Dub]

I just bought a pair of Columbia low top boot style shoes. I needed new shoes for golf and had just worn out a pair of Columbia boots. I liked them so I went with them again.
Last two days I've played in sloppy conditions, the shoes had great traction and even though they got wet my socks never did. I didn't step in a puddle but the mud was up the back of my shoes and around the sides.
I got them on sale for $55.00 at Famous Footwear.

 

[toothyfish]

I went for Merrell Moab Mids w/ Gore Tex. So far so good. Even walked into 2-3" deep water to get a disc, no problem. Have stayed dry in snow, wet, muddy, etc.

I would recommend something with Gore Tex. It's good stuff, water proof, yet breatheable. It will cost more, but the payback is dry feet.

 

[themontage]

I would recommend something with Gore Tex. It's good stuff, water proof, yet breatheable. It will cost more, but the payback is dry feet.

Ditto. I have some Solomon XA Comp 4 and they are great with gore tex! Worth the extra money. Also there is the option to get a waterproof spray that you could use in addition to what you are wearing now, just know that you have to re-spray them often.

 

[discNDav]

Ok, lets talk water proof shoes. I bought some Hi-Tec Hiking Boots that are suppose to be water proof. They even say water proof on them. The times I have warn them, like yesterday, I get into some water, not even deep, just some puddles, about 1-2 inches deep, plus some mud, and my feet where wet by the end of the round. I am really pissed about this. These boots retail for $80 and my feet are still getting wet.

My $55 Hi-Tec's did the same thing, playing in light rain the grass was very wet and my socks were wet by the end of the round. I'm pissed with the results. My non-waterproof Hi-Tec's are so good and comfortable that I bought a 2nd pair and then the "waterproof' ones. Next time, gortex is a must!

 

[Greg Layton]

I bought some Columbia hiking boots last summer (can't remember the exact model). I wore them yesterday and my feet were warm and dry the whole time. I walked through a creek in PA last summer and they came out dry, too. Can't wait to use them around here this spring when the snow starts to melt off.

 

[Jimb]

My "waterproof" Columbias are anything but that. I was out trudging around in the snow yesterday and the temp. was about 45 degrees. The snow that was left was mostly about 1-2" with some deeper areas. After about 2 hours my feet were soaked.

Don't get me wrong... I love the boots. Especially since I caught them on sale at Payless for $50. They're great for hiking and discin'. The traction and support are great. But waterproof they are not. I have some "Rain & Stain Guard" that I bought when I got the boots but haven't applied yet. When they dry out they're getting a nice coat of this to see how it works. And I think I'll do the bottom of my bag, too. I read in another thread that it works OK for bags also.

 

[toothyfish]

There are water resistant boots which are not the same as water proof. Gore Tex is 100% reliable as a water proof fabric. They make waders out of it for fishing, where one stands in the water for hours on end. Now, it assumes the bootmaker gets all the seems sewn and sealed properly, but it's good stuff.

If you really need true water proof boots, spend some extra and get good ones. The cheaper "waterproof" boots will still be of good use in dryer weather.

 

[agapedad]

Having managed a Famous Footwear some years ago, my personal opinion of Hi Tech is to stay away from them. We saw more come back than we sold! They were not known to hold up well. That was also some time ago, so that might have changed.

The best for waterproof is going to be GoreTex, but you will also pay for it! Short of GoreTex, if you get an all leather, and treat it even if it says waterproof, you should have some luck. Anything fabric, you will want to treat even if it says waterproof. All waterproofing wears off. The fabric ones are typically also water resistant more than waterproof.

Of course, when you are poor like me...you just take an extra pair of socks!

I played yesterday in a pair of leather CATS, and my feet were wet when I was done. Changed my socks, and I felt great!

 

[bcr123psu]

My Teva hikers say that they're waterproof and they are. Vibram sole is clutch too.

 

[Trashthrasher]

I wore my BITE Distance high top boots on Weds. in about a foot of snow & my feet stayed dry. Nice Vibram sole on these as well.
http://gottagogottathrow.com/discgolf/bite-distance-high-grey-disc-golf-shoes-p-1722.html

 

[Rol6566]

I wore my BITE Distance high top boots on Weds. in about a foot of snow & my feet stayed dry. Nice Vibram sole on these as well.
http://gottagogottathrow.com/discgolf/bite-distance-high-grey-disc-golf-shoes-p-1722.html

Thats a good price for those. So you are saying that they are waterproof? I have been have trouble with my feet getting wet. If these are, i might look into getting a pair

 

[Roc1Time]

Gore tex socks work well too. I have a pair of Merralls but always wear mt gore tex socks and they are a million dollars even though they only cost a fraction of that

 

[Trashthrasher]

Oops... refer to below post.

 

[Trashthrasher]

Thats a good price for those. So you are saying that they are waterproof? I have been have trouble with my feet getting wet. If these are, i might look into getting a pair

That's what they claim & I would have to agree... my feet stayed dry. I hit 'em with some waterproofing spray just to be safe.

 

[mashnut]

I always use a waterproofing spray or coating, even on shoes with gore-tex, and I reapply 2-3 times per year. It keeps the fabric/leather from getting soaked through so the shoes get really heavy, and it helps make sure that water doesn't find it's way to any imperfections in the seams of the shoe. It also seems to help protect the shoe from a lot of minor wear. Doing that, my last pair of gore-tex moabs (the low ones, not the mids) kept my feet 100% dry for almost 2 years until I wore right through the sole and sides, and my new pair is working just as well so far.

 

[bikinjack]

For disc golf shoes, I think Gore Tex is the key.

 

[Jacob]

I wear merrels w/ gore tex and vibram soles. Played two rounds in a downpour yesterday and had dry feet after it was over. Stinky, but dry.

Also, you may want to consider how much your feet sweat. Even if your shoes are waterproof they can still be soaked w sweat after walking around for a while.

 

[discNDav]

My Bite shoes were far from waterproof just like Hi-Tec, I returned them to Gotta Go Gotta Throw and the replacement pair had the same problem. My third time wearing them hurt my toe so bad I had to give the Bite shoes away to another golfer.

 

[kirvin2]

I've tried boots but I feel like a klutz in them. Is there a good waterproof athletic shoe that anyone knows about?