Water proof shoes. Dry feet. The Outdoors

By Kitty Terwolbeck

I came upon the perfect answer to keeping your feet dry in the outdoors.  It was so simple and easy to implement.  It would not cost a lot of money or require high-tech or expensive equipment.  Below is a synopsis of what I read, provided over at BEDROCK & PARADOX.

Don't.

That was the answer.  Don't attempt to keep your feet absolutely dry.  That is what I discovered.  Your feet will inevitably get wet either from the elements or from perspiration.  If the thought of a river or rain or whatever is so worrisome and you want your feet to stay perfectly dry, then just don't go.

Typically the answer was waterproof shoes.  The hard fact was that your shoe would have to be as long as your body to never let water in.  Once water could get over the height of your shoe, game over to your dry feet utopia.  Likewise if you are working up a sweat, waterproof shoes tend not to let your feet dry out either.  So don't worry about keeping the water out.

Dry your feet out mid-day if they get wet in the AM.  Wear your dry socks in the PM when you are done for the day.  If you are day hiking, then you can change your socks when you get back to the parking lot or at home, no problem.

Socks.

Socks are the key.  Have spares.  Use wool.  Even in my Coast Guard Auxiliary training I was taught wool was the best for warmth and hypothermia.  This I would recommend to go to the original article, scroll down to the sock section and read it.  Below are my proof thoughts and experiences, but they aren't many yet.  So read up from a more seasoned person.

I own a pair of  injinji and they are recommended as also a good base pair for cold weather or to protect your toes.  Originally I bought them for my FiveFinger shoes, but when I went to other minimalist shoe brands I tossed them aside.  Now I can use them again.

Darn Tough look like a great idea and I am going to get some soon.  They are a thinner wool sock, making it easier and smaller to use than a think wool.

Smartwool or REI brand wool socks are great too.  I like to use them for winter socks outside and lounging around the house.  The are comfy and warm.