Good (waterproof) Walking Shoes?

[conor]

I'm going on a week trip next weekend to Cali, and Canada. I'd like to find a pair of comfortable shoes that hopefully wont make my feet hurt after 8 hours + of walking around. If they are waterproof that would also be a GREAT bonus. We are going to be doing the Maid of the Mist.

Last time I went on a trip I remember being misrable because my feet were wet from the rain.

Suggestions on something I should be able to find at Footlocker, Macys, Champs, Famous Footwear?

thanks in advance!

[kalineback]

Always go with Danner even their sporty type hiker as top of the line

[sammyz]

You would be best off with a Gore Tex XCR (important distinction) trail running shoe. Merrel also makes a line called the "Chameleon" that has a nice dressyish walking shoe designed for travel. If I can find a link I'll post it here.

[shrap]

Thick wool socks are probably more important than which shoe you're wearing. Wet cotton socks will suck heat away from your feet, but wet wool just feels warm and squishy.

[Corporal Punishment]

If you are dead set on the walking shoe design, I like both the Merrell and Rockport waterproof leather walking shoes. Both are great comfortable touring shoes, perfect design for travel, but they also have this hidden waffle-tread and are waterproof, so they make decent hiking shoes too. Rockports I like just a bit better because I have a Rockport dealer near me and I can get them "repaired" anytime now for life. Plus the casual brown leather styling look dressy enough to wear with a sportcoat and slacks for a nice dinner out, or going to church, or an evening at the symphony. BTW, I hear great things about ECCO also, but I'm not sure they make a waterproof version.

If you are going for waterproof and hiking, that says (to me), hiking boot. Higher coverage is more practical for both the ankle support and waterproof coverage, IMO.

Also, what that other person said is absolutely true. Invest in a pair of good high tech hiking socks, which will usually be wool/spandex/polypro blend. Along with moisture wicking liner socks, these will save your feet. Even when wet, wool fibers will still insulate, and unlike cotton, they will not rub the softened skin off your feet.

[bltkmt]

You would be best off with a Gore Tex XCR (important distinction) trail running shoe. Merrel also makes a line called the "Chameleon" that has a nice dressyish walking shoe designed for travel. If I can find a link I'll post it here.


+1 on this...Salomon makes a great one too. I wear them a lot.

[ScottAW]

I have a pair of North face gore tec trail running shoes, they're great, very comfy for all day and have always kept me dry, not too pricey either.

[conor]

I was considering waterproof shoes because the last 2 trips i went on, (Japan and San Fran) it rained a lot. I wasnt doing any "hiking" but yea.

I will look into the suggestions above. I appreciate the input. :D

[MandM]

I have a pair of North face gore tec trail running shoes, they're great, very comfy for all day and have always kept me dry, not too pricey either.


:iagree: Bought a pair 2 months ago... and I wear them all the time. Well... when I'm not wearing work shoes.

[jackknife]

For the last twenty years I've been a Rockport convert. I use the plain brown walking shoe, no gortex, but I treat them with snow seal, and then a coat of Kewi brown wax polish. Keeps my feet dry all day walking around in the rain. When putting on the snow seal, I use my better halfs hair blow drier to melt the snow seal so it penitrates the leather well. Buff with a clean soft cloth, and you're good to go sight seeing in the rain.

Wool socks are also good. REI and Dick's has the Smart wool hiking socks that are great!

[r-ice]

how about a 5 finger vibram?

[Rpuppet]

+1 on the snow seal. I apply it to my Redwing boots every season. (Same hair drier technique mentioned below.) I've never added additional polish though. Does that help with protection, or is that mainly cosmetic?

Rockports and Ecco's; I have both in dress shoes for work. The Rockports offer more support, both the overall fit and comfort of the Eccos is higher. Unfortunately, I can't comment on any type of shoe that they design for hiking.

[9mm4me]

Find some Merrel's with gore-tex XCR. I have seen them at Sierra trading post a couple times for cheap.

[zenlunatic]

I put smartwool on my xmas list. I've worn them before and they're nice socks. What about liners though? Should you wear liners with your smartwool socks in normal EDC, or do you just need those for hiking?

[Herbie]

I HIGHLY recommend the New Balance 996 "Country Walker" (http://www.rei.com/product/772555) shoe. They are waterproof and seam sealed, and VERY comfortable. :)

I have had a couple of pairs and I wear them 3-4 days a week into the office (casual attire) and also wear them as light trail runner/hiking shoes whenever I'm not carrying a big load on my back. (Then I switch to my Lowa heavy boots)

I also wear merino wool socks every day, but that has more to do with my very sweaty feet! :-X (The wool wicks enough to keep 'em dry, I had HORRIBLE problems when I wore cotton socks)