|
Post by Coolkat on Jul 28, 2021 4:17:21 GMT -8
This may seem odd but hear me out. I don't care for waterproof shoes/boots because I've discovered there is no such thing. Especially in an all day rain and once they are wet they are hard to get dry.
So the last couple of years I've been hiking in a trail shoe that drains well and dries fast and this has worked well for me for the most part. Walking through a creek once or twice a day or a short rain is no big deal because they get a chance to dry. But it doesn't work well when I have to deal with rain a few days in row where my feet stay constantly wet as I'm very prone to blisters then. Last fall I did a 4 day hike where between rain and walking through heavy grass and ferns my feet never did get dry.
So I started looking for a waterproof gaiter that covers most of the shoe but apparently these don't exist. So I'm wonder if you guys have any ideas on keeping shoes dry?
At this point I think I'm just gonna try rubber banding a large plastic bread bag to my ankles and then across the top of the shoe.
I've considered waterproof socks but I've been told they don't hike well.
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,879
|
Post by zeke on Jul 28, 2021 4:58:59 GMT -8
I know of no way to help you because I cannot think of any way to keep a shoe or boot dry in those conditions. You may have to just tape up your feet to prevent the blisters.
|
|
|
Post by Coolkat on Jul 28, 2021 5:21:34 GMT -8
Thanks zeke, that I kind figured this is the response I'd get but I was hoping someone might have some clever idea. I might give one of the more expensive brands of waterproof socks like SealSkinz or Dexshell a try and see what happens. But I think you're right it's just time to pre-tape my feet. I normally use lueko tape for this but it works so well that I have to be careful if my feet are soaked because it will pull skin off unless the feet are dry.
|
|
|
Post by bradmacmt on Jul 28, 2021 6:16:33 GMT -8
It really is a bit of a dilemma for sure. I've found low hikers with Goretex coupled with a short Event/Goretex gaiter works pretty well. Mine are the old Integral Designs Event.
BUT, I mostly prefer non-Goretex for their breathe-ability and the fact they do dry out quicker when they inevitably do get wet.
|
|
ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,876
Member is Online
|
Post by ErnieW on Jul 28, 2021 6:29:46 GMT -8
If I am understanding correctly what you want is dry socks not necessarily dry shoes. If this is the case then maybe carrying a few pairs of socks and some bread bags or storage bags (no zip locks). Fresh dry socks then the bag then into your shoes. If wet feet cause blisters for you then maybe you have to take the hit on the extra socks.
|
|
|
Post by Coolkat on Jul 28, 2021 7:00:45 GMT -8
I considered that also and it's probably worth at least a try. I just ordered a pair of SealSkinz waterproof and supposedly hiking socks. So I'm thinking that I'll also take a couple of bread bags along also and see which one is best to hike in. A couple of years back I purchased some of these but never used them. With a loose rubber sole on the bottom I figured they'd actually be dangerous.... prone to slipping if stepping on large stick or rock. However, I might try cutting the sole out and see if I can get them to cover the shoe with a couple of rubber bands. You guys are free to role you eyes at me now!
|
|
jazzmom
Trail Wise!
a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,059
|
Post by jazzmom on Jul 28, 2021 7:06:47 GMT -8
Well, my experience is that if it's wet and/or cold enough, non-waterproof shoes really don't dry any faster than wet "waterproof" ones. BUT I also think waterproof shoes do stay drier on the whole. (Note that I'm not talking about dunking them in a stream crossing.)
Hiking up north (Michigan) in spring, I wear a low waterproof Salomon hiking shoe that's sized a whole size bigger than what I normally wear, and wear thicker wool hiking socks. This shoe has been pretty reliably waterproof but if they get a little wet or don't dry from a dunking, the thicker dry socks mean that I don't even notice.
|
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,911
|
Post by BigLoad on Jul 28, 2021 7:27:17 GMT -8
I haven't noticed much difference between waterproof and non-waterproof shoes in practice or found an completely effective way to stay dry apart from switching to water shoes for crossings.
|
|
|
Post by JRinGeorgia on Jul 28, 2021 7:43:20 GMT -8
Under those conditions, I might consider two pairs of shoes, alternating them so each has a real chance to dry out on their "rest" day (remove the insoles). Sounds like even with that plan, under those conditions your feet will get wet each day but at least they will start out dry. That and rotating in dry socks, as well as frequent and extended breaks where you take your shoes off to give the skin on your feet a chance to dry out.
|
|
|
Post by Coolkat on Jul 28, 2021 8:23:59 GMT -8
I might consider two pairs of shoes, alternating them so each has a real chance to dry out on their "rest" day (remove the insoles). This thought brought an old idea back to mind. That is that I've been wanting to try a smallish hike in my Tevas. I could walk all day in them normally but I'm not sure what they'd be like on the trail. I worry that debris would get between my foot and/or toes and the sandal. In October I have a 13 day hike planned with a resupply on day 4/5. Maybe if I get the guts to attempt it I can try this on the first section. This is the UP so there isn't any steep slopes or scrambling.
|
|
|
Post by bradmacmt on Jul 28, 2021 9:42:55 GMT -8
Yeah, I never wade through water with my hiking shoes. I carry either a croc-like shoe, water shoes or rubber slides. Any of these weigh between 4.5. - 6.5 oz’s per pair. It’s a lot more comfortable getting out of hiking shoes at the end of the day, and if they’re wet, giving them a chance to dry out while lounging in something dry and clean.
|
|
driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,976
Member is Online
|
Post by driftwoody on Jul 28, 2021 9:52:56 GMT -8
Yeah, I never wade through water with my hiking shoes. I carry either a croc-like shoe, water shoes or rubber slides. Any of these weigh between 4.5. - 6.5 oz’s per pair. It’s a lot more comfortable getting out of hiking shoes at the end of the day, and if they’re wet, giving them a chance to dry out while lounging in something dry and clean. That's my strategy as well. I've had good luck keeping my feet dry with waterproof shoes/boots, though after a few years the WP/breathable membrane starts failing in spots.
|
|
ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,876
Member is Online
|
Post by ErnieW on Jul 28, 2021 11:45:46 GMT -8
I just upgraded my gaiters to a OR Ferrosi hybridThey need you to take off your boot/shoe to put them on/off but it makes them much lighter and they make a better fit on my calf and are more comfortable. My others are full velcro. In the heat I like to just let my clothes get soaked if it rains. Cools me off and they dry pretty easy. I wear the gaiters in the summer rain or when the underbrush is soaked. I would say keeps my feet dry but maybe a better way is that they greatly slow down the wetting of my socks. Sort of little umbrellas for my boots. I do wear waterproof boots.
|
|
|
Post by bradmacmt on Jul 28, 2021 12:09:33 GMT -8
Unfortunately those will soak through in short order, not being made from a waterproof or waterproof breathable type of material. They’re fine for dust, dirt and debris, but not water…
|
|
tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
|
Post by tigger on Jul 28, 2021 15:58:00 GMT -8
I've used the Sealskinz. They worked ok in a pinch, but I wouldn't rely on them for a long-term hike. They get hot, are uncomfortable, and could easily cause blisters. In winter, I will sometimes bring them if I expect multiple river crossings. Personally, I spray with DWR on my "summer" wear boots and use OR Rocky gaiters (the short ones). It's enough to keep the majority of wetness out of my boots and combined with my rainshell, does a reasonable enough job that I have moved onto other improvements to my backpacking system instead.
I do the standard stuff - take out my insoles at camp to let them air out/dry. At night, if they are still damp, I put my wipedown towel or shirt (if I forgot my condensation removal tool) overnight inside my shoes and that dries them out reasonably well.
Also, I've personally had great luck with boots with a breathable membrane and will still purchase them for some time to come. I read about complaints on how hot these are, but I have not experienced this nor the slow drying times. Keeping them beading moisture off, cleaning them somewhat regularly and using the occasional shoe goo has kept my toes dry/comfortable.
|
|