What To Look For
Waterproof walking shoes are beneficial for those who regularly work out in all kinds of weather. Waterproof shoes are an absolute necessity during icy, rainy or snowy conditions to prevent your feet from getting wet and numb. Look for shoes that offer full waterproof soles and uppers rather than water-resistant uppers.
The shoes should also provide cushioning and support for shock absorbency and ankle support to prevent damage to the feet and ankles. Walking.org recommends the Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam Gore-Tex XCR Teak shoes as well as the Brasher Diablo XCR Nut shoes that offer comfort, stability and waterproofing. Consumer Search recommends The North Face Devils Thumb GTX XCR and the GoLite Comp Waterproof walking shoes for comfort and waterproofing.
Common Pitfalls
The problem with some waterproof shoes is that they concentrate on water protection rather than other issues such as traction, support, flexibility or comfort. Luckily, many brands do combine waterproof walking shoes with these other criteria for shoes that are perfect for all-weather walking. Another problem with waterproof shoes is that they tend to be on the expensive side. It is not uncommon to see waterproof walking shoes over $100. This is beyond what many people want to pay for walking shoes, especially if they do not walk on a regular basis. This problem is easily avoidable by purchasing the shoes at discount stores and websites and searching for in-store discounts.
Where To Buy
The best place to find waterproof walking shoes is at sporting goods stores. Athletic shoe stores may carry a few waterproof brands but for the most part the waterproof shoes are sold at camping or outdoor stores that specialize in all-weather activities. Stores like REI, Altrec.com, Dick's Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shops have a large selection of waterproof walking shoes for several different activity types. These stores offer high-quality brands such as Adidas, GoLite, The North Face and Merrell.
Cost
Expect to pay between $80 and $200 for a high-quality waterproof walking shoe for men or women. The Brasher Diablo XCR Nut cost around $120. The Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam Gore-Tex XCR Teak shoes cost around $150. The North Face Devils Thumb GTX XCR cost around $130. The GoLite Comp Waterproof walking shoes cost around $140. The prices will vary depending on the purchase store, time of year, any discounts the store offers and age of the model of shoe.
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