What would be your choices for light footwear that can keep me dry in the spring/fall rains? This entire summer I hiked in just regular converse chucks. They worked fine, but they are hardly waterproof. Even with a good waterproofing spray or waxing, water gets in through the tongue.

I'm not really looking for "barefoot" shoes, just a good light sneaker type shoe, thin sole, ect. but waterproof. I don't mind if they are mid or high top, so long as the tops are very thin and flexible-low profile. Most lightweight hiking shoes seem to have summer more in mind, or have good drainage for warm weather wetness. I might be hiking in near freezing rains, but I don't really want to throw on thicker trail runner/boot hybrids just for rain.

Edited by justin_baker on 10/06/2011 01:42:57 MDT.

Anyone have experience with these?
http://www.amazon.com/VIVOBAREFOOT-Aqueous-Shoe-Mens/dp/B004OQ96J2

What about using goretex socks with whatever shoe you choose?

+1 on Gore-Tex socks

I really am not a fan of lightweight waterproof shoes. I've heard questions about the waterproofing lasting but haven't had problems.
What I don't like it a low top shoe that lets water in from rain running down my legs or from stepping in a creek thats too deep and than taking forever to dry. If I went there again I might look at a higher boot that would keep water out better, one with more mesh so it would dry faster if it did get wet (mine were mostly leather) or just do goretex socks, not perfect but I'd probably like them better.

I'm on my 4th pair of North Face Hedgehogs, for what its worth I use them 4 seasons and scrambling and love em. Light, thin sole, waterproof, good wet traction. Not super durable, but few trail runners are. Usually wear them with super "thinny thin" wool socks. I get about a year out of each pair.

I think David Chenault said it best in this piece on backcountry footwear:

http://bedrockandparadox.wordpress.com/2010/10/03/backcountry-footwear-for-the-other-three-seasons/

I've had great results using similar systems....He explains it here ^^^^ in better detail than I can.

> Even with a good waterproofing spray or waxing, water gets in through the tongue.

And if your trousers or legs get wet, water will run down them into the shoe - and STAY there. Happens every time.

I find thick wool socks provide enough insulation, even when wet.

Cheers

Hmm, the idea of just leaving them wet is interesting. I have been doing that for a while. Come to think of it, my feet were never really cold when I had wool socks on. But definitley I would need waterproof socks for near freezing rain. Thanks guys. The gore-tex socks idea is a lot easier, cheaper, and and more versatile.
But how waterproof are goretex socks really? If you end up with a little standing water in your shoes, will it penetrate? Do they get sweaty?

I prefer to "leave them wet", which allows water and sweat to get out easily. In that vein, I've really liked La Sportiva Wildcat shoes for the last couple years. They're light, grip well on rock (even wet), and I've found that I can use them without shoelaces in a slipper format since their tongues are fully attached to the rest of the shoe. If you decide that you really want some waterproofing, the Wildcats also come in a GTX version.