re: Good pair of waterproof hiking shoes?

Keen or Merrell of your choice, Salomon for a bit more money.

I would advise against the waterproof version of whatever you get, especially if you want to wear them beyond this trip. I got waterproof Salomons for a UK vacation and they're just too damn hot to wear much in the SE. Even in the highlands I never really needed the goretex (or whatever they use), and wet shoes dry quickly when you're walking, especially with good wool socks.