We are traveling in December to France, Italy, and Switzerland. We are not hiking, but will be walking a lot. My go-to's are a great pair of Dr. Martens. Every so often I need to put on a really comfy shoes because I'm flatfooted. My usual choice are some trusty Tom's because they fit easily in my backpack--ten days no laundry one bag. My plan was to use a spray to make them a little water repellent. I have two questions--are there better super compact shoes that would do suit my needs? Second, if I spray them, what is the best product? Nixing the Docs is not an option. I love them and they have worked fantastically for all of my other trips.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
7361 posts
Vessi shoes are cute, waterproof and very lightweight. Also they have an arch and are comfy for walking.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6447 posts
You could try spraying your Tom's. Any good shoe store would have the proper spray, depending on whether the uppers are leather, suede, or canvas. For the latter, you would want to test it to see if the spray affected the color.
There are lightweight waterproof and water resistant sneakers available. Both DD and I currently have Vessi sneakers and really like them. I find mine just as comfortable as my Sketchers.
Posted by
Land of La
9782 posts
Peruse the Keen website. I swear by the brand for durability, comfort and how light weight they are.
Have 8 pairs: low cut hiking shoes, slip ons, lace ups and sandals. Shoes have been to London, Havana, Grand Canyon, Belfast, San Francisco, Yosemite to name a few spots they’ve been worn.
Posted by
6035 posts
For something compact to fit into a carry-on, I don't think you can do much better than a Tom's style shoe, as they squish flat. I would consider picking up a leather pair, then spray with a leather-appropriate spray (whatever they have at a shoe store will suffice--Tom's sells their own).
Posted by
Western NC
227 posts
I have had good luck with Kiwi Camp Dry heavy duty water repellant.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23846 posts
I have never found a spray that was effective for more than an hour. Shoes seldom get wet through the leather but at the seams and penetrations between the sole and upper part. The spray cannot fill the holes. Get a water proof shoe and not water resistant.
Posted by
United States
768 posts
I can’t recommend a shoe more highly than the Vessi weekend. I have it in the oak brown color and I get so much use out of it, for travel, casual wear, etc. I am a former elementary school teacher who spent 35 years on her feet, so I am very particular with shoes that are comfortable now that my feet are fairly vintage. These shoes are awesome. The waterproof feature is just a bonus to me. They are also very light. I have them packed as my second pair for our upcoming trip. Compress well in the roller case.
Here’s a link to them. Hope this helps!
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Great recommendations. Thank you, everyone.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2441 posts
I have been using Cadillac Shield waterproofing spray for 20+ years and swear by it.
Posted by
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State 🌵
4 posts
Check out Allbirds Mizzles. Made of wool, repels water, light weight, and they pack flat. So comfy after a full day hiking or site seeing!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2973 posts
Am I the only person who’s never bothered to worry about waterproof shoes?