Water Proof Shoes 101

[shirfan]

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

Plenty of waterproof trail runners...

http://www.consumersearch.com/trail-running-shoes/waterproof-trail-shoes

 

[Mushin No Shin]

Wonderbread makes a really nice waterproof insert. Wear em with moon boots or your favorite kangaroo shoes(with the zipper stash pocket) and your good to go.

 

[shirfan]

Wonderbread makes a really nice waterproof insert. Wear em with moon boots or your favorite kangaroo shoes(with the zipper stash pocket) and your good to go.

Well played, sir. :hfive:

 

[tmahan]

I got a pair of the mid Merrells that were on sale at Cabelas before the holidays, that's been the best $40 I ever spent. Traipsed through some small puddles and stayed dry as a bone.

 

[Fore]

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

I have been thinking about getting a pair of these socks. Is it pointless to get these if you have sweaty feet?

 

[Midnightbiker]

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.

I think that is what happened to my boots. I think after just getting them wet time after time, all day, the water just seeped in them. I am going to hit them with some water proof spray after they dry out. I really like them, the are very comfortable, and it light water, or dew on the ground my feet stay dry, but if I am walking in puddles all day, my feet get wet. Mud really dosen't bother them, just puddles of water.

 

[mashnut]

Get them really clean, then let them dry completely before you put the waterproofing on. I recommend the nikwax waterproofing spray, it's worked really well for me.

 

[Midnightbiker]

I was looking at some of the New Balance Hiking Boots and shoes that are supposed to be water proof. Has anyone ever tried them?

 

[12StonesScott]

I was looking at some of the New Balance Hiking Boots and shoes that are supposed to be water proof. Has anyone ever tried them?

I have two pairs -- the mid-rise all-leather GoreTex NB 977s, and the higher-rise leather/nylon GoreTex NB 1201s. Love 'em both. The only time water's ever gotten inside either of them was when I played a course that had standing water several inches deep across three fairways, and I accidentally sloshed some in over the top of the 977s. I've been in creeks up to my ankles in the 1201s, and in November I played 27 holes in 45 degree weather with pouring rain and 25 mph winds -- the ONLY things dry by the time I finished were my feet.

Even though the 1201s are higher, the nylon material is lighter/cooler than the leather on the 977s, so I tend to wear the 977s mostly in cold weather and the 1201 in the warmer months, unless I expect to be wading or on very rough terrain, in which case I wear the 1201s no matter the temperature. In addition to the GoreTex lining, the 1201s have a Vibram sole and extra ankle support, both of which are important for me on rough terrain.

The 1201s are on clearance right now at NB Web Express for $104.99, which is a very good price -- I paid $129 for mine on sale last spring, and full retail is $149.

If you're looking for something styled more like an athletic shoe than a hiking boot, take a look at the NB 1520s. They have GoreTex lining and a Vibram sole.

 

[12StonesScott]

(missed the edit window)

BTW -- the NB Web Express site offers free returns and exchanges with shipping paid both ways, so you can order and try them on with no real risk. I had to return the first pair of 1201s, as I ordered the wrong size, and the exchange process was completely painless.

 

[trashmonster1985]

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.

Some are better than others. I personally have worn solomon shoes for the last 5 years. they're the best shoes i've had. but... as an avid hunter, outdoorsman, whatever, I would have to say, no, not really. I've found shoes that are waterproof, but then my feet sweat. Try to get some breathing going in a pair of boots and your feet get wet. it's finding the best mix of both for your area. sorry for the generic response, but i've dealt with this issue most of my life.

 

[trashmonster1985]

I have been thinking about getting a pair of these socks. Is it pointless to get these if you have sweaty feet?

on the contrary, if your feet tend to sweat (i suffer from the same problem) then acrylic socks are the best. cotton just sucks.

 

[33tango]

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.

Anything by Merrell with a goretex lining that say Waterproof. I found some Reflex Merrells at Cabellas on christmas sale for $29, after playing yesterday in 3-4 inches of water I was the only one in our group with dry feet afterward.

From what I've seen, expect to pay $90 and up for a good pair of waterproof Merrells.

Oh and here's what they reccomend to keep them waterproof:

Thank you for contacting us. We recommend Nikwax they have many different products to choose from, we find not only does their product waterproof; it conditions and cleans the leathers. You can also use any commercially available product that will condition/waterproof and clean full grain/nubuck leather. Please see the Nikwax link below.



http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/index.php



Have a great day!



Brenda Winglar
Merrell Consumer Accounts Specialist
T 1.800.288.3124 F 1.888.306.0936
www.merrell.com

 

[Disc Golf Live]

I prefer waterproof socks (Cabela's have a good design for theirs). Turns any shoe into a wet weather option. Not as colorful as a bread bag, but a lot more breathable.

Joe

 

[ERicJ]

I have a pair of Timberland boots that work really well. I only use 'em when I think it's gonna be really wet. They haven't let me down yet.

Not sure, but I think this is them:
http://www.timberland.com/product/i...791.1761081.1761136.2328618&parentPage=family