[cartman]

Just FYI--if you ever see a pair of boots with one of those little metal tags on the outside of each ankle that says WATERPROOF, know that they use some sort of cheesy pseudo-goretex knockoff that won't last a month. So stay away from that junk. I was sucked in twice (Merrell, Salomon) but since I'll only buy boots from REI...

[GrnXnham]

I think they mean "water resistant" not "water proof." It helps but won't keep all the water out.

[tigermn]

Well if they mean water resistant, it shouldn't say waterproof...

[Chief Joseph]

X-actly! I had a pair of Merrell mid Hikers that stated, "Goretex-waterproof", and my feet became wet just walking through damp grass....the first time I wore them.

[tigermn]

Just get these and be done with the wet feet nonsense..

[williswall]

[GrnXnham]

[Chief Joseph]

I think that the problem is Goretex, probably the most over-rated and over-hyped material ever created by mankind.

[Ski]

dry feet

obenaufs_122911

no problem!

[Cale Hoopes]

Big Fan of the Asolo 520 GTX. Do what Tigermn says... it won't go wrong. Yep, they don't breathe well, but with all the miles he puts on the local hills in rain and such, you can't deny he knows what he's talking about.

[Slugman]

Not all membranes are equally worthless. I have a pair of Oboz crosstrainers with their patented B-Dry lining (with a cute picture of a little bee), and they kept my feet dry for about one hiking season, though I didn't always wear those shoes. I got water on them several times, crossing streams, brief rain showers, wet brush, mud holes, etc, and I was wearing cotton socks at that time, and they didn't even get damp. I never wore them in all day rain, or wet snow, as they are low tops and were not my winter or rain boots. The linings were fine for good-weather shoes that might get wet occasionally. After a while I noticed they were less water resistant, and I washed the shoes with the Nikwax Tech wash, and did the reviving Nikwax treatment for membranes, and it helped, but they weren't what they were when they were new-ish. However they are still great dry-weather shoes, or to wear to work, so I'm just going to buy another new pair this year. My snow/rain boots are also Oboz, the Yellowstone II. They have the lining, plus waterproof leather uppers with no mesh panels, and they are completely waterproof right up to the top of the boot. I love the Oboz brand, because they fit me perfectly, they are rugged, lightweight, well padded, stiff enough to keep rocks from hurting my feet, yet flexible enough to make walking easy. And they are often on clearance at REI in size 14.

[DeepDishBedPan]

Been snowshoeing with these + gaiters about 5-6 times now without incident. Not too heavy duty, but they do well for the price.

[sarbar]

Well the main issue is that for people whose feet sweat, er, I mean "breathe" well, the waterproof liners blow. But also there are two levels - there is "waterproof" and there is "waterproof breathable" But even then, if your feet cannot shed the sweat, your feet will be wet - from your own moisture. #1 reason I only wear WP/B shoes in rainy/severe mud or snow. Rest of the year I wear breathable shoes with no liner. Also...if you wear your boots too tight the liner will get abraded quicker.

[DIYSteve]

[Ranger Smith]

It's the quality control, people, or the lack thereof.