Waterproof Shoes

Waterproof shoes are designed to keep your feet dry during the most extreme conditions. Each design provides a certain level of dryness and can be made to fit most outfits. It is important to note that not all waterproof shoes are 100% effective at preventing your feet from getting wet. Some can dry really fast, keeping your feet relatively dry throughout the day; others can, if the situation is wet enough, allow some water to get in. Waterproof shoes however are much better at protecting feet from water than general footwear.

Waterproof shoes are generally used in situations where the wearer’s feet get wet quite often. This can include, hiking, cross country running and even just in areas that are prone to wet weather; some outdoor jobs also require the use of waterproof shoes.

They can vary in size and shape as with any other shoe and can resemble shoes that you know and love such as tennis shoes, dress shoes or even knee high boots. The materials used to make these shoes are generally rubber and synthetic materials; leather can also be used but added steps must be taken before a leather shoe will be waterproof ready.

Rubber is an excellent waterproofing material and is used to make mostly men’s rain boots. These are generally made from a mold so no holes are present that water can come though. The only drawback is that trousers have to be worn over it to prevent water from getting in through the top. Other boots made of rubber also have rubber laces that are great at protecting your feet from water. Rubber is not great to make shoes; however, they do provide a waterproof solution, but if they get wet they do not wick away water and your feet will remain wet until the shoes are removed and allowed to dry.

Other shoes are made from a synthetic material called Gore-Tex; this is a highly waterproof material that is breathable at the same time. It can be used to make shoes that will keep you dry during a heavy rainstorm; they also dry relatively quick allowing you to keep moving.

Other waterproof shoes can just come with an inner breathable lining made of Gore-Tex having been constructed of leather. If soaked well enough they will not be very effective at keeping your feet dry as leather does not dry very easily.

Color and style will vary depending on what the wearer’s preference is. They can also be made of a variety of materials; waterproof hiking shoes for example, are generally boots with an inner lining made of Gore-Tex and the other parts of different materials such as rubber and canvas.

When purchasing a waterproof shoes, double check how well it will protect your feet and under what conditions.  The length of exposure and the pressure of the water will play a great part on how effective the shoe will be so know where you will be going and how much water you expect to encounter.