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Waterproof Shoes for Scandinavia

I’m going to Scandinavia in early June. I would like your recommendations for an all purpose waterproof walking shoe that performs and fits like an athletic shoe with lots of support but doesn’t look athletic. I know I am recommended to take two pairs, but hate the added weight. I have considered a second slightly dressy, LIGHT weight ankle boot if I MUST as a second pair for dressy situations. I was thinking I could get by with only one pair, and perhaps take a second pair of my custom insoles to fake my foot into thinking this is a different shoe, I might try it. I have a casual dress style and comfort is my priority as I have a hard foot to fit as well. I have a closet full of expensive mistakes.

Posted by
18 posts

Where are you planning to be? What country? I was in Norway 5 years ago and am returning in June.

Posted by
27057 posts

I always take just the shoes on my feet. I'm female, and it works for me. I just have to pack clothes that don't look silly with athletic shoes. The OnCloud shoes I wear provide the cushioning I need to do a lot of walking on city sidewalks, but they look like the athletic shoes they are. They are also a bit tight across the arch, but jt's a tradeoff I can accept. I buy the closest thing to solid black I can find in their product line. I took a waterproof model to Norway, Sweden and Finland last year.

Shoes are a very individual thing. What works for others may not work for you. I'd Google for waterproof shoes from every likely manufacturer you can think of, in hopes of finding a few that pass the appearance test. Then buy from a source with a good return policy.

Posted by
76 posts

I’m going to be in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Bergen, Oslo, Tallinn

Posted by
740 posts

This is an oft repeated query. And no one knows the answer but you, ultimately. You have to find a pair acceptable to you in style, price, color, and quality. It is hard.
Is this just for wet cities, or is it perhaps for a trail?
For me size 14 limits my choices and then price. Also waterproof is not something I look for in the precise shoe description. It makes for a broader range of choices to not be confined to waterproof. Most shoes are waterproof to a degree anyway. Unless you are sloshing through 1-2 inch puddles on a frequent basis.
If you get damp feet anyway, what of it? It is not that big of a deal.

Posted by
1361 posts

That's a rather tough ask to want a waterproof shoe that doesn't look athletic. A truly waterproof shoe (that isn't a rubber boot), will have a waterproof membrane like Goretex. And most of those shoes will be designed for trail running or hiking. So, athletic. Depending on your activities, you might be able to get away with water resistant, maybe adding a layer of spray on waterproofing to help with that resistance. Popular walking shoe brands that have been discussed here include Merrell, Keen, Ecco, Salomon, and Oboz. If you live near a REI, take a look at their offerings and maybe discuss with their folks what your needs are. One of the benefits of REI is their fairly liberal return policy.

Posted by
23240 posts

I like the ECCO line with many models being waterproof. I take one pair and the change the insoles daily. Works for me.

Posted by
302 posts

I was in Copenhagen, Bergen, Oslo and Helsinki the summer before COVID, so it was a month later than your plans. And I was fortunate with the weather, which was actually HOT in Oslo. Those waterproof shoes would have been miserable. It took me forever to "break in" the sneaker style Lowa shoe before he trip, which has more style than a hiking boot. But they've been great for moderate hikes, kind of clunkier than I like for lots of city walking.
I am older with problematic feet and do well with Allbirds ( their Mizzle style could work, if not too warm?) and On. The latter have cool color combos.
Tieks could be your dressier option if you don't do a lot of walking and just want a different look in the evening- they take up minimal room.
I am looking forward to venturing out again ( in my stylish N95) for overseas travel, but comfortable and well broken in shoes matter more to me than style. Also, everyone is different - Hokas were recommended as perfect and I couldn't even walk in them- the waterproof option will narrow your choices.

Posted by
1917 posts

Chacos are sandals made in Colorado. I believe they are waterproof.. They are recommended by The Podiatry Association and are used by hikers in Colorado. They are also used for everyday and everything else. They are attractive and comfortable and last for years.

Posted by
131 posts

A lot of European brands can serve you well.

They all have Gore tex or similar waterproof standards.

Ecco of Denmark
Geox
Lloyd of Germany

Us
Timberland

I think their waterproof standards are fairly consistent. The aesthetics bit is personal and subjective.

You'll find all those brands in any cities of Scandinavia- big or small.