Which waterproof, grippy, synthetic walking boots?

[Slowboathome]

I've never managed to find a walking boot which is remotely waterproof. At the moment I wear Sealskin socks under my boots.

I've also noticed that the only footwear I have which has decent grip is my Walsh fell running shoes.

Can anyone recommend me a pair of walking/hiking boots which they've actually used and which are waterproof and have good grip.

And they need to be synthetic, cos vegan.

Ta.

[glenrobbo]

Have you tried Wellies?

[Slowboathome]

glenrobbo said:

Have you tried Wellies?

Yes - they've been pretty good for slopping through the mud on dog walks. Less good for days out in the Peaks.

[glenrobbo]

Just tie a couple of plastic fertiliser sacks over your shoes.
That's what Withnail & I did at the cottage.

[wolfracesonic]

glenrobbo said:

Have you tried Wellies?

Probably drawn the line at Quorn…

[Bill]

Are you sure the water isn't coming over the top or running down your legs? I've never had a problem with Scarpa goretex boots.

[spikeyhead]

I've got some Berghaus goretex boots that are good. I've also got a few pairs of Merrell's goretex trainers that are fine so long as it's not too deep, and much lighter than the boots too.

[Bill]

I've found Merrell's grip is poor in the wet.

[vaud]

Adding gaiters might help.

[NewNameNeeded]

Never had an issue with these. Appreciate they are leather but I've found them to be waterproof over many wet miles.

Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II GORE-TEX®

https://www.blacks.co.uk/1226378/berghaus-men-s-hi...

[LeftLake]

vaud said:

Adding gaiters might help.

Good shout!

For training on Dartmoor over the winter, you can't beat a set of Yeti Gaiters (you will need to make sure you get boots to fit).

I have been impressed with synthetic boots recently as they are nice and lightweight, but really you can never expect them to stay waterproof for long. Leather boots are the only real option here.

As for particular brands / models, go for whatever fits your feet best, and get the boots fitted by an expert. Cotsworld usually do a pretty good fitting service, but it is store dependant, and depends largely on the outdoor experience of the member of staff.

Scarpa are a pretty good go to mid-range brand. My preference in recent years has been a set of Anatom quadra 2's (they are a perfect fit for my feet, and really have lasted well). They are getting on a bit now, and vibram soles have moved on a bit etc.

Edit: I thoroughly disapprove of these waterproof sock things. The aim should always be to keep water out of the boot in the first instance!

Brands wise, Berghaus, Anatom, Merrell, Scarpa, Haglofs will usually give you something decent. Avoid own brands, etc as a general rule (I won't name to keep within forum rules..). Also, personally, I wouldn't go for anything without a Vibram sole (or equivalent brand with good reputation)

Edited by LeftLake on Saturday 27th November 22:42

[Muppet007]

Not had a good experience of synthetic boots. Between myself and the wife we have had 6-7 pairs, from different brands (Salomon, Berghaus, Rachelle Etc), none have been water proof. We both now have leather with goretex liners and are actually dry.

Not much help for you if you are locked in to a vegan friendly boot.

[spikeyhead]

Bill said:

I've found Merrell's grip is poor in the wet.

I've got two different types of soles on mine, one is squishier and has decent grip on wet stone, the other has much more tread and is a harder material, excellent on mud but not good on wet stone.

[ian in lancs]

asics fujitrabuco GTX
salomon x ultra3 gtx

Edited by ian in lancs on Sunday 28th November 08:53

[Slowboathome]

Thanks for the suggestions and the reality check re synthetic boots.

I do have gaiters but it's definitely not water coming over the top in this case.

Sounds like I'll have to persevere with the sealskin socks.

Good point re the Merrells and wet rock - I had a great pair of Merrell shoes but they were lethal on that surface.

[pills]

If you are anywhere near Sheffield I can recommend Foothills for a brilliant boot fitting service.

[jhonn]

I've never had a boot that kept my feet dry when walking through wet grass, without exception they've all leaked to some extent. However, I've recently purchased a pair of Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid Goretex Hiking Boots and (touch wood), they've kept my feet dry so far.

They're lightweight, comfortable, very supportive and have very grippy Vibram soles; they were pricey but seem to be coming down in price to about £135.

Ah... just realised they have some suede leather in their construction and might not suit you.

[Slowboathome]

pills said:

If you are anywhere near Sheffield I can recommend Foothills for a brilliant boot fitting service.

Cheers mate - I've been there before but they'd slipped off my radar. I'll pop in, and also try Outside in Hathersage.

[Slowboathome]

jhonn said:

I've never had a boot that kept my feet dry when walking through wet grass, without exception they've all leaked to some extent. However, I've recently purchased a pair of Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid Goretex Hiking Boots and (touch wood), they've kept my feet dry so far.

They're lightweight, comfortable, very supportive and have very grippy Vibram soles; they were pricey but seem to be coming down in price to about £135.

Ah... just realised they have some suede leather in their construction and might not suit you.

Exactly my experience - never had a pair that could cope with wet grass. The Salewa's would have been ideal but for the suede. Thanks anyway though.

[sospan]

Golf, not walking but same principle.
I use Nikwax waterproofing wax on my golf shoes. Clean them, apply the wax, buff the shoes. The shoes are designated waterproof but the wax adds that extra layer. Rubbing it into seams helps preserve them and make them more robust.
Years ago we used Dubbin.
For walking I have Bergkamp boots with a Goretex lining and also use the wax on them. Never had wet feet. Gravel guards can be worn to seal off waterproof trousers/boot area. I had some for my chest waders for fishing to stop gravel getting down into he wading boots, these boots getting waxed regularly.