Footwear

For hiking in wet conditions what footwear(boots/shoes)
would you recommend? From what company would you suggest
making such a purchase? Thank you.

Cordially,

Robert Dayton

I always look for something waterproof and breathable. After that comfort is the only criterion, brand names don't matter. I recommend trying on a lot of different boots. You'll know when you find the right ones.

Thanks, Mark.

As Mark said, a waterproof, breatheable liner such as Gore-Tex or equivalent is very effective. Also, look for gussets connecting the tongue to the uppers to help keep water from leaking in. For long walks in rough terrain, a high quality hiking boot is best in my opinion, but if your primary intent is stalking through marshy or boggy areas in pursuit of photo ops, something like the LL Bean hunting shoe or a pac boot might serve better.

Agree with making sure they are Gore-Tex especially for wet conditions. Also, many of the hiking shoes/boots out there usually come with Vibram soles (but would check when trying on shoes/boots - the name is written right on the center bottom of most Vibram soles) - great for traction and food protection when the trail is rocky and you are carrying a heavy load on your back.

My only problem with waterproof footwear is the great big hole in the top. They ALWAYS leak through that hole!

Seriously, one of the biggest criteria for me is height. I wear an assortment ranging from flip-flops to chest-high waders and everything in between, the choice determined by the conditions I think I'll encounter. One of the handiest things in the world is a pair of "stocking foot" breathable hipboots. They roll up to nothing, but you can put them on any time you guessed wrong about conditions. They're even useful in wet grass or for keeping you legs dry when it rains and you only brought a rain coat.

So much depends upon the conditions in which you will be wearing the boots. In warm/hot weather, your feet will sweat, Gore-tex or not. In the tropics, I wear water socks and sandals. It's important the sandals be the kind that have rubber toes to protect your toes. In moderate temperatures, hiking trails and such, I wear Gore-tex hiking boots and calf-high Gore-tex gaiters. If I'm going to be in swamps, or more than an inch or two of water for any time, I either wear Xtratuff rubber boots or Gore-tex chest waders.

Thanks for all the help concerning footwear.

I use nothing but Magnum combat boots! The most comfortable lightest boot in the world! I wear them everywhere and even do all my jogging/running in them! I had years of troubles with other boots/hiking shoes and when I put these on my feet I never looked back or anywhere else!

http://www.magnumboots.com/us/