Hi! I would really appreciate some advice on footwear please. I run a bit, but mostly walk - through footpaths and fields whilst out with my dog. I haven't had any success in finding shoes that are comfortable, fairly lightweight, and most importantly are waterproof. I'm in the UK - and with the seasons shifting I would really like to find something other than wellies for when it's wet underfoot. I've bought a couple of pairs of 'waterproof' shoes this year - and treated them with waterproofing spray as per manufacturers instructions - but this summer have ended up with soggy socks from walking through wet grass. I don't like it!! 🤣
I would love some advice from the forum - either on recommendations for shoes, or on what else I can do to achieve a better level of waterproofing. Can anyone help please?
Thank you!
Rachel
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rachelleigh
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Hi Rachel, I buy walking shoes from Go outdoors - shop - they have everything you need - plus you can wear them at home for a month and return them - they are expensive but the shoes look new after 3 years. So if you have go outdoors then do go to them and they will help you. The sales people always try to help the client instead of selling. Well that is my experience. Good luck. Amynah
I like running shoes for all activities, including walking! I find walking boots much too rigid, running shoes tend to be softer and usually do not rub anywhere - even right out of the box. They also tend to be pretty lightweight. I always look for shoes with a wide toe box which allows my toes to spread properly as I move, giving me much better comfort and stability. I currently have New Balance, Saucony, and Inov-8 shoes which fit all my criteria, but I think that the Altra shoe brand probably have the best wide toe box shoes, and they also come with a selection of cushioning levels - I haven't tried them myself though (yet). If you are walking on particularly rugged footpaths you may want to consider trail running shoes which have a stiffer sole, and lugs to help you stop slipping in wet and muddy conditions. But for many types of footpaths, your road runners are perfectly adequate.
Your shoes will be more comfortable if you ensure that they are the right size for you, so look out for manufacturer's guidelines, for example here is Altra's size guide: altrarunning.eu/uk/faq/size...
As for waterproof shoes, I think it is very difficult to fully waterproof a shoe, because even if you can make the shoe itself waterproof, this will not stop water getting in through the tops and/or the lacing eyelets, and if the shoes are waterproof they will not allow the water to drain out again. I believe there are waterproof socks, but I can't find any favourable reviews on here! As an idea you might have a look at neoprene socks for swimming/diving etc? You could have your normal socks underneath them for comfort and sweat wicking, and neoprene socks tend to go some way up the leg which will probably stop water getting in through the tops (unless that grass is SUPER long!). In any case they are tight fitting, so less water will get it. You'd need a bigger shoe to accommodate them though, maybe half a size up.
For my part, I just put up with wet feet! If I'm going for a really long run or walk I might take some dry socks with me to change into 😊 If you do get wet feet, it's worthwhile making sure you get them perfectly dry as soon as you have finished your walk or run, and check them carefully for signs of blisters. In case of blisters, I recommend covering them with plasters, and then covering the plasters with zinc oxide tape.
Thank you for such a detailed reply roseabi. Maybe I need to toughen up - but I really don't like getting wet socks and feet!! Nor do I like the smell of shoes that have got wet a couple of times... 🤣 I've posted this question in a couple of places - it's so surprising to me that so many - like you - say they put up with wet feet. Yuck I say!! And thank goodness for wellies... perhaps I'm destined to walk rather than run... 😉 The search continues... Thanks again!
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Back to the woods in the rain
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