Can I get some recommendations of the best waterproof low cut hikers they've owned? I've never found one that doesn't allow water in within minutes on simple marshy areas or tall wet grass. Thanks.

My feet stay drier without waterproof shoes. Never use them.

I take waterproof socks and only wear them when really needed, over my wool socks.

certainly in tall wet grass the moisture is coming down from above and wicking down your socks. The other problem with waterproof shoes is that once the moisture gets in it stays there. As Lori points out, your usually better off having fast drying shoes.

I do daily trail and bog hikes,a mix of forest,streams,grass and minor marsh. Feet are always wet,Goretex with micromesh tongues etc,not the answer. The shoes must be dry for the next day.

I think the shoes I've tried actually leak through the micromesh,though they claim to be waterproof. Feet will be soaked while ankles are dry.

Then you need irrigation or other fully waterproof boots. Leather, even.

Or just expect trashed shoes. There are no mid or low top shoes for bog stomping. Regular hiking and backpacking shoes typically aren't intended for that use.

But there are manufacturer claims everywhere of being "waterproof", So none are?

I wear a pair of bogg boot clones - they do make a lower cut "shoe" version - donno about hiking though, I haven't gone serious distance in them, just day hikes.

When you see the price, you'll know why I went off-brand.

Shoe version: Boggs Site

Looks great,thanks.

INOV-8 ROCLITE™ 312 GTX®

Best I ever had! But lowcut = no ancle support!

You don't get ankle support with high cut either. If you want ankle support, use an ankle brace.


Getting the right shoe/boot is sometimes difficult. There are many gortex, waterproof low top hikers/shoes on the market. They are as waterproof as they can be for being low top. The lower the top, the easier it is for water to come in over the top. However, if you aren't ever in that deep of water, then no problem. The main problem with them is that they sacrifice breathability and if they get wet on the inside, they take a long time to dry out. Another school of thought is to just let your feet get wet. Unless you are the wicked witch of the west, this shouldn't be a problem. Then you buy shoes that dry quickly. Wearing the right socks help immensely. Most people I know who walk alot in bogs, use rubber boots or the Boggs brand that was mentioned earlier. Generally you want knee highs here.

The problem is that feet sweat, and goretex doesn't breath well. But goretex keeps moisture inside the shoe like a mofo. Walking in water that goes over the top of the shoe compounds that.

my feet were soaked after wearing goretex shoes in wet fields - and I had full length gaiters on.

I gave up on dry feet - I now shoot for feet that dry quickly, which non-goretex shoes do better. Goretex shoes I had took a full three days in the sun to dry, and I still needed to use a blow dryer on them. My non-Goretex shoes dry overnight.

While backpacking I take one (or two) pair of dry socks. One for sleeping in that stays dry, one for switching out with the other pair while hiking - so one pair can be drying on the pack.

I bought the Bogs lowcuts,wore them today for the first time,so far so good. Thanks.

maybe you should look into a gaitor to go over your boots.

The word "Best" is subjective. It depends if you're looking for - a minimalist shoe or a shoe with heel rise. I personally must have a zero drop shoe and they have yet to make a design of a waterproof zero drop shoe. I'd go with lightweight/breathable any day over waterproof. Waterproof tends to capture humidity inside the shoe, thus leaving your socks soaked regardless. It's best to come to terms with the idea of getting your shoes/ socks wet. Go with a pair of merino socks and you won't lose heat. Waterproof shoes are only waterproof on the outside, so if they get soaked then you have a heavyweight shoe that will take hours to dry. A lightweight/breathable shoe will dry in less than an hour in the right environment. Check out some VivoBarefoot Neo Trails, they are lightweight/breathable but also have a hydrophobic mesh. They will shed light rain. I, personally, use New balance MT00 (4e width) and Altra Superiors.
Good luck!