Waterproof Shoes...What is out there?

Hi Amanda,

Buy some rubber overshoes called "Tingley Rubbers" which obviously fit over your regular shoes. They are very lightweight and easy to pack. When you are out and about you can carry them in your daypack or purse in the event that you need them.

Mary

I bought some for our 3 week trip to Europe from Land's End. They worked great and were super comfortable too.

ECCO makes a number of waterproof/Gore-Tex type of shoes. That is our standard travel shoe and I am sure other companies make similar shoes. The spray on or rub in after market waterproofing is at best marginal. The treatment has a short life and will not stand up to a lot of water because the treatment does not get to the weak points -- most leather shoes will leak at the seams. Another old trick that I used with my soccer players is a gallon size plastic bag over the foot. The shoe may get socked but the foot stays dry. And the overboot that someone else recommended is very good also.

I just bought a Keen boot, model Palermo. I was looking for the perfect winter walking boot and I think I finally found it. $149, and not bad looking. Waterproof and warm.

Definitely go with some Keens! They have various models that will suit your needs and they are so awesome for spending that much time walking around.

Also, when I wear waterproof shoes my feet tend to stay wet, since they sweat and can't breathe in the shoes. I have found that Smart Wool socks work best for this. They keep your feet dry and comfy, but also dry quick when hand washed.

Have a blast!

If I'm going to be outside a lot while traveling I always wear a pair of Columbia hiking shoes. They aren't "waterproof" but my feet don't get wet unless I'm out in a downpour or if I wade through a creek. If they do get wet, they dry really quickly.

I second Scott's recommendation for the Eccos - that is all I wore in Seattle. Also, went to Paris in 2001 and bought a pair of GoreTex Mafestos (sp?) when I could buy E's for around 80 cents US. Checked on the same shoes in Paris in May and they had doubled in price given the exchange rate that was approaching $1.50. I think they are both good shoes for wet weather. Don't wear either of them much any more tho - aloha charlie

New Balance makes some waterproof shoes. Check out websites like LL Bean and REI for other options. Have fun on your trip!

My favorite shoes these days are my Clark's Muckers. They are a leather zip shoe with a rubber sole. I also just got a tie version. These are super comfy and waterproof too.

I agree with the overshoes. Mary mentioned Tingley but I have the Neos Villager Overshoes and they are wonderful.

They are so lightweight that you can take whatever shoes you like and have them to put on if it is raining or snowing. That way you don't have to take so many shoes, and if the weather is nice you don't have to wear boots.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I didn't realize how many types were available! This is great and thanks for all the recommendations. I will definitely look into each of them and see what is best for myself and the others in my group! Thanks :)

Eli,

The overshoes are lightweight rubber that fit over your shoes. What you are probably looking at online are the regualr shoes being worn with the overshoes.

I've just returned from Paris and we had a few days of rain. My Eccos were extremely comfortable and perfect for the rainy days! I bought the "Charm" Eccos.