Advice on waterproof walking shoes

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ros_b

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I travel a lot, mostly in warm weather, and usually I just pack my running shoes (which I tend to wear every day because they're the most comfortable for long days of walking around the city) and one pair of light sandals. But every now and then I end up on some excursion that involves a bit of walking through muddy terrain and I end up messing up my expensive running shoes and getting my feet soaked. On my most recent trip in Ecuador, I actually bought $11 rubber boots from the local market in order to do a hike in a national park. I've decided it's time to buy a decent pair of lightweight waterproof shoes/boots for my next trip that might involve some light hiking where the terrain might be a bit wet and muddy, or perhaps dry and slippery. I'm looking for some recommendations.... and I really don't want to spend a fortune!
 
I own a pair of Columbia "Men’s Redmond™ III Waterproof Walking Shoe".

Dunno if it is available at Columbia SA (should be). I use it in and around Amsterdam when it gets really wet and I'm going and the metro station stairs get really slippery. Complete overkill but my feet stay dry :p

I think you get the boot type (ie. not the low cut) version as well if that's more your style.

www.columbiasportswear.nl

Men’s Redmond™ III Waterproof Walking Shoe | Columbia Sportswear

A hiking shoe that works on all terrains thanks to a waterproof and breathable construction.
www.columbiasportswear.nl www.columbiasportswear.nl
 
I have these.
salomonsports.co.za

XA PRO 3D V8

This updated version of the iconic XA PRO 3D is lighter and softer, while retaining all the essentials benefits of the original (stability, cushioning and grip). Featuring Contagrip® premium wet compound and an improved 3D chassis, this shoe effortlessly accompanies you wherever the trail takes you.
salomonsports.co.za salomonsports.co.za
 
William Foster said:
I have these.
salomonsports.co.za

XA PRO 3D V8

This updated version of the iconic XA PRO 3D is lighter and softer, while retaining all the essentials benefits of the original (stability, cushioning and grip). Featuring Contagrip® premium wet compound and an improved 3D chassis, this shoe effortlessly accompanies you wherever the trail takes you.
salomonsports.co.za salomonsports.co.za
Click to expand...

OP said waterproof. Specs on these say none?
 
ShaunSA said:
OP said waterproof. Specs on these say none?
Click to expand...
Sorry. Wrong link. The below shoes are the same model as mine. Gore-Tex goodness!

salomonsports.co.za

SALOMON XA PRO 3D V8 GORE-TEX HIKING SHOE

This updated version of the iconic XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX is lighter and softer, while retaining all the essentials benefits of the original (stability, cushioning and grip). Featuring Contagrip® premium wet compound, a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and improved 3D chassis, this shoe effortlessly...
salomonsports.co.za salomonsports.co.za
 
William Foster said:
Sorry. Wrong link. The below shoes are the same model as mine. Gore-Tex goodness!

salomonsports.co.za

SALOMON XA PRO 3D V8 GORE-TEX HIKING SHOE

This updated version of the iconic XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX is lighter and softer, while retaining all the essentials benefits of the original (stability, cushioning and grip). Featuring Contagrip® premium wet compound, a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and improved 3D chassis, this shoe effortlessly...
salomonsports.co.za salomonsports.co.za
Click to expand...

Damn those look nice. That price though :X3:
 
Thanks everyone. I'm loathe to order something online without first trying on. I think Salomon is beyond my price range. The South African Columbia site has a few nice options that seem to be on special, so maybe I must trek out to Fourways. Is this Quechua brand from Decathlon an ok brand? And what about KWay from CapeUnion?
 
ros_b said:
Thanks everyone. I'm loathe to order something online without first trying on. I think Salomon is beyond my price range. The South African Columbia site has a few nice options that seem to be on special, so maybe I must trek out to Fourways. Is this Quechua brand from Decathlon an ok brand? And what about KWay from CapeUnion?
Click to expand...
Check out the Hi-Tec range of shoes as well. They put serious R&D into their products and they are local.
 
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Look what Strassbergers have on offer
SA made, but not cheap

strassbergers.co.za

Homepage | Strassbergers

Strassbergers is keeping it modern despite being the oldest shoe factory in South Africa. With more than 40 styles of shoes to choose from.
strassbergers.co.za strassbergers.co.za

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No waterproof boot stays that way. Eventually the stitching loosens and water gets in even if the fabric remains waterproof. So get whatever boots you like, and some waterproof wax for the fabric, and a tube of silicone sealant for the seams.
 
I suggest a mid-boot i.e. not shoe, and not full-boot

I have these, and 1 year later, they are still in-tact, with heavy hiking involved (they are waterproof)

www.capeunionmart.co.za

Merrell Men's Forestbound Waterproof Hiking Boots

Merrell Men's Forestbound Mid WP Hiking Boot
www.capeunionmart.co.za www.capeunionmart.co.za

Important to note, do not over-wash waterproof shoes, the repellant gets taken off. So after every big excursion, surface clean them with a wet brush, and re-apply waterproofing, like the one below. This will ensure a longer life-span.

www.decathlon.co.za

Water Repellent Re-Activator Spray for Footwear, Clothing and Equipment

Keep your gear in peak condition with our water-repellent spray.
www.decathlon.co.za www.decathlon.co.za
 
ros_b said:
Thanks everyone. I'm loathe to order something online without first trying on. I think Salomon is beyond my price range. The South African Columbia site has a few nice options that seem to be on special, so maybe I must trek out to Fourways. Is this Quechua brand from Decathlon an ok brand? And what about KWay from CapeUnion?
Click to expand...
I'm done with Cape-Union and buying footwear there. The sales people are also not very knowledgeable.

They have become very sticky on returns, and my last pair of K-Ways were terrible.

Also have a look at The Outdoor Warehouse.
 
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