Waterproof footwear - pros and cons

[Karl G]

This topic tends to elicit strong opinions whenever it comes up. So, in hopes of providing a very thorough and balanced reference to provide guidance, I am posting this resource that I recently came across. Some key information you’ll find in the article:
- How and why waterproof materials work
- Not all waterproof materials are the same - who has the best stats?
- What conditions merit the use of waterproof footwear - and which ones do not

There are more nuances to the topic than I was previously aware of and hopefully the information in the attached helps this debate become more productive and informed.

waterproof hiking boots-or not? How to choose - www.hikingfeet.com

This post weighs pros/cons of waterproof hiking boots & debunks myths about "waterproof" & "breathable" membranes to help you choose wisely

hikingfeet.com

Bon chemin!

 

[dougfitz]

Great article. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Brmickelsen]

This topic tends to elicit strong opinions whenever it comes up. So, in hopes of providing a very thorough and balanced reference to provide guidance, I am posting this resource that I recently came across. Some key information you’ll find in the article:
- How and why waterproof materials work
- Not all waterproof materials are the same - who has the best stats?
- What conditions merit the use of waterproof footwear - and which ones do not

There are more nuances to the topic than I was previously aware of and hopefully the information in the attached helps this debate become more productive and informed.

waterproof hiking boots-or not? How to choose - www.hikingfeet.com

This post weighs pros/cons of waterproof hiking boots & debunks myths about "waterproof" & "breathable" membranes to help you choose wisely

hikingfeet.com

Bon chemin!

We wear waterproof (for real!) socks. Love them!

 

[lt56ny]

We wear waterproof (for real!) socks. Love them!

Have you worn them in snow/slush? Have they kept your feet war,? Do they dry quickly. I know that may sound silly as they are waterproof but they must absorb some water. I walk in October-December and always have walked with non waterproof trail runners. I have thought about walking later in winter and thought to still wear the same trail runners I always have worn. I would wear the waterproof socks when necessary.

 

[Karl G]

…and perhaps I should have mentioned that if you click on the FAQ link you’ll see some other useful articles - e.g. tread patterns, sizing and fitting, etc.

 

[BrianLCrabtree]

Have you worn them in snow/slush? Have they kept your feet war,? Do they dry quickly. I know that may sound silly as they are waterproof but they must absorb some water. I walk in October-December and always have walked with non waterproof trail runners. I have thought about walking later in winter and thought to still wear the same trail runners I always have worn. I would wear the waterproof socks when necessary.

I bought two pairs of Sealskinz waterproof socks that I have been using on remote mountain trails that require creek crossings. If the water level is above the top of the socks, which is common, the water gets in anyway, so they haven't been more useful to me than regular hiking socks. I also found that I needed to wear a silk liner with them because the Sealskinz fabric is a little rough and can rub a hotspot, especially after they get wet. Laundry instructions say to hang dry, which takes at least a day. On the other hand, I also bought Sealskinz gloves and a hat and they work great.

 

[Madis]

I do agree that having one pair of waterproof socks with you is a great idea.

May to September in Spain I would not want to hike in anything other than non-water resistant trail runners. If I would ever hike Camino in the colder months, then I would consider water resistant shoes (still one pair of waterproof socks are a must have!). Next year I want to do Via de la Plata in March/April and will still go with normal trail runners, since its very warm going 600km through the desert.

My worst Camino experience was walking Camino Portuguese from Lisbon in hiking shoes. I thought that having water resistant shoes was most important for an enjoyable Camino. Jokes on me. The trail is 75% improved surfaces. I would have preferred cheap sneakers for their soft treads. I did my first Camino Frances in cheap sneakers and liked it a lot. Now I have switched to trail runners and have found my perfect balance.

Like the article said, then for long distances you want your feet to properly breathe. I needed to even take off trail runners several times a day to air my feet when hiking CF during a heatwave last Summer.