Good pair of waterproof hiking shoes?

Are you certain they need to be waterproof? I’m much more prone to blisters in my goretex boots. They don’t breathe near as well as the non goretex boots.

I envy you! Loads of great day hikes.

Honestly, not much need for water proofing, as I do not recall a single unavoidable water Hazard on my many trips there.

I highly recommend Merrell hiking shoes or boots, with or without the water proofing. Very light and comfortable. Likely to cost less than $100 /pair.

though probably not durable enough for someone who does a lot of hiking, they are more than enough for a flat-lander's vacation in the Rockies

say what you want about my goofy looking shoes, but i've been doing most hikes with water socks with soles basically.
Granted i have some rough feet, as i rarely wear shoes unless i'm awy from home in public, but i've had no issues walking on rocks or roots or anythign with them, and they are light as could be obviously.

I've found i feel a hell of a lot better after a day of miles of hiking when i'm wearing these as oppposed to heavy arse hiking boots.

This is what i have. I've worn them in Colorado and North Georgia hiking trails, as well as the beach in Mexico full of rocks. It's enough of a sole to make it perfectly fine for me to walk on rocky terrain. Don't get blisters, even when they get wet.
Amazon


Now if you're going to Estes in May, and plan on going way up the moutain where snow wil be, probably not a good idea to wear these.
Salomon makes a great lightweight hiking shoe, but they aren't cheap.

Salomon ultra on sale
I bought a pair of ultra gtx high last year, they required no break in and I have probably put 75-100 miles on them between hunting and walking. They are still waterproof but internet says they lose the waterproofness over 2-3yrs

columbia newton ridge plus 2

I have used these for 10 plus years good out of the box. Good tread and insole. Waterproofing is good. I wear in them working outdoors in the summer. Available in wide width.

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.

No need for waterproof. Try on some trail shoes and see which ones you like.

quote:

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good hiking shoes that will not break the bank

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Well, if you hit the lottery, then you might be able to find some.

I always questioned the idea of waterproof hiking shoes. If you're just talking <2" of water, you might be able to find something. the problem is that if the water is more than about 4", you're getting wet from the top and then the waterproofness works against you.

A few others have mentioned it, and I agree that waterproof is overrated.

Besides 2 pairs if LaCrosse hunting boots that are situational, I trashed all of my waterproof goretex boots. They're just not comfortable enough. Especially my work boots, hunting boots and hiking boots are all standard, no lining. If I really has to make them water resistant, I could.

I have used Merrill Moab 2s for years. REally like them for the price point.

Haven't tried the Moab 3s...