And the difficulty is that there is some utter nonsense spruiked that shoes with a waterproof membrane take longer to dry than similar shoes without a waterproof membrane. I have never seen any objective testing of this, and I am prepared to believe it is an urban myth. I would be prepared to suggest that most people distinguish poorly between categories like breathable, waterproof and permeable (to vapour) in this discussion. We are all prone to justify our personal choices, and in this area this is evident more than most other equipment related topics.
Doug - Thank you for your comments. I tend to agree.
My footwear of choice is Merrell Moab 3 Mids because they suit my feet best. They are Gortex.
On my last Camino I wore poncho and shorts in one downpour and my shoes literally filled up with water. What a hoot - I continued walking without stop. However as soon as the rain stopped they magically emptied themselves out. Who would have thought.
I stuffed them with newspaper that night and they were dry by the morning.
It’s quite possible that a heavy Gortex boot does not dry overnight but Merrells seem to give me the best of both worlds.
Dry feet in puddles and light rain (bliss) and after a soaking, dry shoes in the morning.
I completely respect everyones choice - we are all different - but would hate for someone to miss out on a ‘blister free’ shoe/boot just because they have been labeled ‘waterproof’.
Edit: I am one of those people who are ok with damp or wet feet in my shoe - nothing really happens. It’s either my wonderful feet ( I am so grateful) or my lightweight merino socks… or both.