Footwear

[rachelleigh]

Hi! I would really appreciate some advice on footwear please. I run a bit, but confess I 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

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hello and welcome !This is a running forum so you would most likely get advice on running shoes which are not necessarily ideal for walking.

Also most running shoes tend not to be waterproof.

You might be better posting your question on our sister forum 'Active 10'

healthunlocked.com/active10

[rachelleigh in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks - have posted in the Active 10 forum as suggested. I posted here as C25K is a mix of walking and running in the first few weeks - it seems strange that there isn't a shoe that does both! Thanks again!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This post about buying running shoes may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Running shoes aren't designed for walking.

Waterproof shoes don't let water drain out after you stand in a puddle, which is why most running shoes are not waterproof. You can buy waterproof socks.

[rachelleigh in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I posted here as C25K is a mix of walking and running in the first few weeks - it seems strange to me that there isn't a shoe that does both! Thanks so much for all the info - I appreciate it!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

The biggest problem with "waterproof" shoes is that if they are good are keeping water out, they're usually bad at holding it in too so a lack of breathability creates a moist environment inside. If your leggings or trousers get wet, it wicks down to your socks and eventually your shoes.

Maybe check out waterproof socks instead. You can walk right through puddles and not get wet, your shoes, if breathable will dry fast enough at home for the next outing. And you won't get the added weight that usually comes with a heavier, bulkier shoe.

[rachelleigh in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I didn't know waterproof socks existed! Thanks for the suggestion!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to rachelleigh]

I love my "dexshell ultra thin" ones. They are a tad bulkier than normal socks, and expensive but for winter I think mine are worth the price. 👍🏻 check ebay for old season offers

[Mrsrun Graduate]

I have done a lot of research on walking shoes, like someone else has said runners are not normally waterproof. I plan to walk the Camino as soon as the world gets more or less back to normal, a 480 mile walk. Having spoken to many people around the world who have walked the Camino wear trail running shoes , Altras ( wonderful wide toe box) and Hokkas are both popular by people who have walked the Camino. Both are lightweight but not waterproof . The problem being if they are waterproof and it is hot , your feet are in for trouble sweating wise. If it rains these trail shoes dry out fast , overnight.. Waterproof socks could solve this dilemma .. Salomon walking shoes are light and most waterproof but as any shoe, they have to be suitable for your feet not mine. Like any shoes you need to speak to a specialist and get fitted. These are only my likes but they may be very unsuitable for you.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Mrsrun]

Where do you mean by the Camino Mrsrun ? The Spanish part? Not being snippy, genuinely interested. I live not far from the French starting point in Le Puy en Velay, and the trail marathon I've entered at the start of October follows a chunk of the first stage, but in reverse. Have also visited a number of other places on the various French routes.

[Mrsrun Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

I would probably start The Camino French Way in St. Jean-Pied-De-Port in France and walk to Santiago de Compostela.. Hope the Marathon goes well.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Mrsrun]

Thanks Mrsrun . The marathon is a huge challenge for me, as I only completed C25K at the end of June 2020 and haven't previously done a marathon. But when the event date was moved due to Covid, the lure of the route was too tempting! I fully expect to walk chunks of it, as finishing is my only aim.

[rachelleigh in reply to Mrsrun]

Thank you for mentioning Salomon - I've not come across them before so will investigate. Thanks for the wider advice too!

[nowster Graduate]

It sounds very much like you're after hiking shoes rather than running shoes.

[rachelleigh in reply to nowster]

Thank you!

[Cmoi Graduate]

Whether trail running or hiking, I definitely prefer non-waterproof shoes that drain well and dry out quickly, to allegedly waterproof shoes that aren't! Haven't yet tried waterproof socks so can't comment on those.

[rachelleigh in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you!

[Runnin-g Graduate]

I use Scarpa Terra GTX boots when walking my dogs. They have a goretex lining & are leather which is a naturally waterproof material. I treat them regularly to try & keep them that way. However, I am yet to find a truly 100% waterproof walking boot/shoe but the Scarpa is the closest I've found from the ones I've tried so far. Good luck in your search.

[rachelleigh in reply to Runnin-g]

Have just had a google - they look great - and there's a stockist not too far away - thank you!

[Kat332zz Graduate]

I have this quandary too. I usually run away from home then walk back. I have some Merrell gortex trail shoes that are sort of waterproof which I use, as I don’t like wet feet for several hours, they are also reasonably wide though I could do with wider ones. Am watching this thread with interest.

[rachelleigh in reply to Kat332zz]

Thank you - will check out the Merrell brand you mentioned...