Monday, April 13, 2009

I am looking for hiking shoes that can stand getting soaking wet...?

I like to go out in nature here in the tropics and its usually quite wet and there is always a need to cross a stream or river. What hiking shoes would be able to stand getting totally soaking wet and still be good to wear? It should also be a to drain and dry fairly fast. Any good shoes from Timberland?

I am looking for hiking shoes that can stand getting soaking wet...?
There are really three ways to go on this.





1) Try to keep water away from getting inside your boots at all times.


The best way to do this is to use waterproof boots. Most of the best ones use Gortex. You can add gaiters if necessary for stream crossings in case the water level is above the tops of your boots.


Disadvantages include that even the most breathable waterproof materials do not breath as well as materials that aren%26#039;t water proof, so you risk hiking in sweat soaked socks. Also, if the insides of your shoes get wet, they take much longer to dry if they are waterproof. Gaiters are extra weight and will make you feet sweat more.





2) Have something to change into for stream crossings. Best ideas are Crocs, water shoes or athletic sandals (e.g. Tevas). If you are backpacking you can also use the %26quot;water friendly%26quot; footwear in camp - it’s nice to have something highly breathable and less constricting to change into. Disadvantages are the extra weight and the time it takes to get in and out of your boots and to safely secure socks and boots for the crossing. Still, this is usually my choice.





3) The third is to choose footwear that won%26#039;t retain water. Trail sandals (Chacos and Tevas are the most popular) are the ultimate here. Boots with a lot of breathable mesh are a compromise between the total lack of ankle support you get with sandals and the water retention of water proof boots. Trail running shoes are another possible compromise. There are some very shoe-like sandals (such as Keen Newport H2) Sandals for this purpose and some which are more like trail running shoes made of waterproof material that have lots of drainage (such as the Five Ten Water Tennie Shoe) . This last kind of shoe seems to come closest to what you are looking for - shoes made of fabric that won%26#039;t retain water, won%26#039;t be damaged by water and drain won%26#039;t hold water.





The disadvantage of most of these options is the lack of ankle support, but I go with them sometimes - especially if the terrain isn%26#039;t too rugged and my pack isn%26#039;t too heavy.





I%26#039;d avoid Timberland for hiking shoes. Go with a local outdoor outfitter, or try a chain like REI, LL Bean or EMS (watch for sales especially with EMS). I%26#039;d suggest going to a bricks and mortar store because fit is essential, especially for boots (less so for Crocs and Sandals).
Reply:As Lucas A has stated Gore-Tex is the way to go!





I am about to get a new pair after many years of using my old ones and they are still waterproof.





I would expect that a good pair of Hiking Boots would be at least $150.00 and your feet will appreciate the fact that you got a good pair. :-)
Reply:My husband does alot of hunting and he get alot of his boots, shoes and clothing at Bass Pro Outdoors Shop. He even has under garments that soak up the sweat but keep you dry. Amazing!
Reply:Find a pair of boots that are Gore-tex lined. Gore-Tex is both water-proof and breathable. You can find these boots with Vibram soles on them as well. These are typically high-end items, so be prepared to pay around $200+ for them.
Reply:You have to pay for a good pair of walking boots make sure they have a Vibram sole as they are best. no boot is totally water proof. However I prefer leather uppers and treat them after every walk/hike. You are always better to go to the shop and try them on rather than over the net. Get a pair of good socks then break the boots in around the house for a few hours.



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