Rain boots for walking? or something else?

[BunnyHop]

I've been looking for something to wear on rainy day walks but haven't had much success.

What works for you?

Are duck boots and rain boots supportive enough? I've never actually owned a pair and wonder what to think.

In recent years all the sneakers I've had that fit well are made of that breathable mesh stuff. Good shoes, but not dry enough or warm enough on a rainy winter day.

Any advice welcome.

[bee]

I live in California, so perhaps not the best to tackle this, but.... what about hiking boots -- either "hi tops" or a low profile pair? I wear Merrills that look like sneakers when it rains and my feet stay dry, though it's not as if it's a downpour.

[Vantreesta]

I also wear hiking boots if I walk in the rain. Mine are Merrell too.

[Izzy]

There are some boots that are a cross between hiking and run/walking. I have a pair that are more low top vs higher hiking boots. They are waterproof. They are nice because hiking boots for just walking can be uncomfortable. I think mine are Columbia. I wore them today for my walk after our ice/rain/snow yesterday. My feet stayed dry.

[FirmDancer]

I'm going out today for a 1 mile walk in the rain. I have what I call "garden boots" (I bought them at a big garden shop/nursery). I prefer them over hiking boots if I'm going to be on asphalt or packed dirt. For hiking trails, I stick with hiking boots as I need the traction if the trail is sloppy and muddy.

[Mopsy]

I splurged on a pair of sneakers with Gore-Tex. They're not great for steady rain (water will seep in around the ankles) but not too bad. At least I won't get wet immediately.

It really depends on how long you'll be walking and on what surface. I have waterproof hikers, but they're too stiff for asphalt. If I'm just going to the store or library (less than two miles), my casual shoes will be fine.

[antbuko]

Originally Posted by bee

I wear Merrills that look like sneakers when it rains and my feet stay dry, though it's not as if it's a downpour.

I wear waterproof Merrels too, for walking in wet conditions. Same support and comfort as my other walking/running shoes only my feet don't get were.

[tiffanywu]

I go mushroom hunting (a.k.a. hiking with stops to look for fungi) in very rainy/muddy conditions and use rain boots with wool socks for those really yucky days, and I insert my trusty Smartfeet insoles for support In general, if it's just slightly muddy and damp (i.e. some showers here and there), I use my New Balance Gore-Tex trail runners -- lighter weight, pretty stylish, mud washes off easily and by and large, my feet stay dry unless I step into a pool of water, big time. I also have an ancient pair of North Face Gore-Tex trail running/hiking shoes that have detachable gaiters and these things are amazing -- I use them for snowshoeing and also sometimes in lieu of rain boots if I expect to get a lot of mileage in a day. I used to have Merrell hiking shoes too (Gore Tex, of course) and those were very good too.