Good Waterproof Walking Shoes

I had been wearing Merrill low hiking style shoes as my waterproof shoe on the last few RS trips. I was looking for something more casual that was waterproof and had these Rockport Mudguard shoes recommended while at LL Bean in VT. They are not cheap but I thought they looked decent and I found the choices for something waterproof in this style of shoe are limited. I also chose to get them at LL Bean as if they do not perform I can return them at any time. I have had them for a month and have not had a chance to wear them in much wet weather but I do find them very comfortable and lightweight. I had no complaints with the Merrills other than I was looking for a different style of shoe.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/84665?feat=506791-GN2&page=men-s-rockport-rocksport-lite-es-waterproof-mudguard-shoes

I wouldn't overthink the necessity for waterproof shoes unless your usual footwear is made out of paper. Unless you're walking in the countryside you won't be wading through water. And it doesn't rain as often as you think!

Just get something comfortable (with added goretex or if you really want waterproof).

The local walking shoe store said that Clark shoes are built to be waterproof -- I found some Clark Waves and have worn them in rainy travels. They are walking shoes, not hiking boots.

I, too, use Clark shoes almost exclusively. With the locations to where you are traveling, it does not appear that you are doing any serious off road hiking. I don't use special shoes at home in the rain so I don't have them just for travel. I've been to all those cities, one many times, and have never needed them. A good, solid, comfortable shoe will serve you fine. You can always spray some waterproofing on it to fine tune it a bit if you are at all wary.

Seems like you are going to be in cities the whole time, not hiking... so I would emphasize the importance of the "walking" part of "waterproof walking shoes." If you'll be off-road, on the moors, hiking the back country, then waterproof would be much more important, I think.

We go to the UK every winter (November and/or December) and haven't really needed waterproof shoes. What we do always pack are broken-in, comfortable, no-hot-spot, sturdy shoes. I don't want to wear hiking boots in the city (too heavy and not cute - I know, shallow!) so I opt for my Doc Martens brogues. They have thick soles, are SUPER comfy and practical for walking, and are naturally pretty weatherproof since they are real leather. They're my everyday fall/winter shoes back home - no need to buy special shoes to travel. I would think any comfortable brogue shoe with a vibram or other cushiony sole would answer.

And Doc Martens sells an excellent product called Wonder Shoe Balsam that protects any shoes you might buy against water, and prevents salt marks. It's $10, so, pretty much a steal.

Waterproof shoes needn't be "boots" in the traditional sense, such as Wellingtons or similar. Any shoe that is Gore-Tex lined is by definition waterproof. There are other such waterproofing materials out there but Gore-Tex is by far the most popular and well known in terms of waterproof fabrics. Many shoe makers make models that are Gore-Tex lined, from leather dress shoes:

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-harold-gtx-tie-black

to casual leather shoes:

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-turn-gtx-plain-toe-tie-mocha-mocha

to trail/hiking shoes:

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-sport-yura-gtx-black-dark-shadow

You'll note the examples I give above are all from Ecco, which is the brand I favor, for their style, durability, build quality, and not to mention, their shoes are very lightweight. Most brands will denote their waterproof style with something like "Gtx" in the style name, that is of course, if the waterproofing is achieved via Gore-Tex lining. If you search around (I like using Zappos.com to shop for shoes) you'll find many styles of waterproof shoes that should suit your tastes and needs. Just remember, waterproof shoes don't necessarily need to be big bulky boots, they just need to be lined with some kind of waterproofing membrane. Also, as you shop for waterproof shoes, be sure to look into how they are made in terms of what materials are being used to achieve said waterproofing. If the description simply indicates the upper has been "treated" with waterproofing spray or something like that, that's likely not true waterproof, it probably just wicks away moisture, for example, when you walk through wet grass. True waterproofing, as in the examples I give above, means you can literally submerge the shoe (up to where your foot goes in it) and no water will penetrate inside and your foot stays dry.

If you find the right style and fit that suits you, you won't be sacrificing comfort, style or weight, for the sake of waterproofing because the key ingredient is the waterproof lining, which in terms of weight, is quite inconsequential. They do cost a bit more, but if you are looking to wear them long term for future travels as well, then I think it's worth the investment, especially if you want something versatile.

Thank you very much. This has been very helpful.

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