Waterproof Hiking shoes

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SuzukiGS750EZ

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Dec 30, 2008
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Hey guys. I'm looking to buy myself a new pair of hiking shoes. I just had my second ACL surgery, so a hiking shoe is about as light and supportive as i can get. I currently wear these ( https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/shoes-mens/mens-ultra-hike-ii-gore-tex-cxz9?variationId=HFB ) which I am considering buying another pair of. I figured i would ask here to see if there are possibly better AND more affordable options. It's not all about money but i don't know all the companies out there so if there is a better product for the same price or less, i'm welcome to suggestions. I wear a size 13 regular. I'm going to be starting physical therapy soon so since i've had these shoes before i got my surgery a month ago, i'd like to get new ones to wear into my "new" way of walking. Thanks!
 
I wear these. They're light and have great support. I have dunked my feet in puddles with them repeatedly and stayed dry. Eventually they will break down and start leaking but it's a fair trade off for the light weight. I prefer the forces version because I don't like reflective strips on street shoes and weird colours.

Salomon XA Pro 3D MID GTX

XA-PRO-3D-MID-GTX.png
 
Might want to try these man, your Northface shoes are weighing in at a little over a pound, these appear to at least be 1/4# lighter. FWIW I have no experience with the shoe, but you could probably do some more research. I do have a lot of experience with staying dry and tend to trust most of that to Columbia, so if it's on their site it might be worth learning more about.

http://www.columbia.com/mens-conspi...1661311.html?dwvar_1661311_variationColor=847
 
+1 for the Salomon's, I have the quest 4d 2 GTX. they come up a bit higher over the ankle which is good if your Backpacking
or need a little more protection in rocky areas

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Salewas are also fantastic, the Firetail Evo low or mid are both gortex, very light and comfortable (0 blister guarantee from Salewa), and the soles are the grippiest on rock that I've ever had. Solomans are also great, easier to find in stores, and usually cheaper. I do not like Keen or Merrell for boots as their toe box design does not allow for proper edging, and they're usually kinda chunky, but to each their own.
 
I have had a pair of Vasque Sundowners for a long time. They are light, comfortable and quite waterproof. The uppers are constructed from a single piece of leather, so there are very few seams to leak. Make sure you get the newest issue as the previous few years were not so good, being heavy and flat soled. The new Sundowners go back to original design from years ago that made these boots one of the best around. They are lighter and have the old style Skywalk curved soles. Mine are going on 20 years old now, and while the leather finish is worn some they are still quite serviceable.
 
I have a pair of Merrell's (Moab Mid Waterproof), and I'm shocked how well the waterproofing is. I've worn them in the pouring rain on my motorcycle, and every piece of clothing was soaked through, but my feet were dry! They are getting on pretty old and they still seem to be 100% waterproof. (They are the "Waterproof" version NOT the Gore Tex waterproof)
 
I've bought two pairs of Keen boots. I got them because they were comfortable as all get-out.

The first pair was not really all that waterproof, and didn't hold up to wear as well as I'd hoped. But they were comfortable, so I got another pair of Keens in a different model.

This second pair has held up very well, but they still let water in. I don't know the model... I just checked the tag on the tongue, but all the info is worn off... so I'm not sure if these were supposed to be completely waterproof or if they were simply touted as "water resistant". For this reason, it wouldn't be fair for me to badmouth the brand as far as water resistance. They were affordable though, and offered decent support.

A buddy of mine did recommend that I try Merrell, as he has never had an issue with the water resistance of any pair he's ever bought. He is an avid bowhunter and has a need for very lightweight, comfortable waterproof boot. I don't know what level of support they offer, but you can judge that by trying a pair on. On his recommendation, I think I'm going the Merrell route this go-round.
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
Goretex is what my north face shoes have now. Is there a downside to this versus just a waterproof outside?
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Yeah, the Goretex is far less likely to leak. Water resistant uppers aren't really water proof, they just shed water better if you get caught in a light shower. A total dunking will probably get your feet wet. Goretex keeps the water out even if the outers soak through.
 
The Salomon I posted is goretex and the tongue is sewn in so as long as you don't dunk your foot above the top you'll stay dry.
 
T.K.C. said:
Take a look at Merrell. They make some excellent & light hiking boots.
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Yes sir, I put Huberd's shoe grease on the leather, they have withstood a beating over the past year. Souls are holding out excellent, I walk my husky everyday rain, snow, sleet and heat at least a mile to 6 miles. No hot spots whatsoever.
 
If they fit you as well as mine fit me, you can save a bunch of $$ by getting the Hi-Tec Amplitudes. I'm on my second pair, and that's only because I wear them a lot so I wanted some new ones that looked better. There was plenty of life left in the old ones when I donated them.
 
+1 for pretty much any Salomon. I have worn variations of the XA Pro 3D Forces for years. They hold up well and are very comfortable.
 
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I have these Vasque St. Elias GTX and I'd give them a 5/5 on waterproof and protection.

On comfort I'd give them a 4/5

And overall I'd give them a 4/5.

These are great boots though they can be a little pricy at 199 brand new, I got mine at a REI garage sale for 90 that were only worn twice. They were returned for uncomfort.

They do talk quite a while to break in & they did give some blisters in that break in time but they have the trade off for protection. I've worn them on trails that other normal cloth boots would be torn to shreds if you didn't watch your footing. That and also they're above ankle so that also helps.

I also have stood in running water and have yet to have any water intrusion. I would think it would be safe to assume they'll last me for another couple years.

I will say that I'll be looking for a pair of salomons next though
 
Hi! Besides winter time when it’s frost or snow and I switch to “real” hiking boots and snowshoes :), I regularly use the Salomon XA Pro 3D. They are really great for my types of hiking: lightweight though sturdy and with a good grip on all the terrains, from the green grass high pasture lands to the rocky mountain slopes. They are waterproof but very breathable, I never got them totally wet and they dry out in short time even when walking :thumbup:. Mine are green like these (pic from the web):

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