Shoes — not boots — that are good for walking on wet ground?

April 9, 2022 6:48 AM

When I wear sneakers to our kids' soccer practice my feet frequently get wet. When I wear my waterproof leather boots they are awfully heavy for kicking the ball around with the kids. Is there some kind of intermediate I could wear? Probably not cleats but if indoor soccer shoes are waterproof I would consider those, but maybe there's something more substantial I should be looking at.
posted by Tehhund to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

Waterproof trail running / hiking shoes might work! Here are some from the North Face.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 7:06 AM on April 9, 2022 [8 favorites]

Look for "approach shoes" with Gore-tex. They're kind of a cross between sneakers and hiking boots. I wear an older version of this and even when cycling in the rain my feet don't get wet.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 7:06 AM on April 9, 2022 [7 favorites]

I've these LL Bean Bean boot shoes in green that I've had for years. In the high desert, they are also good for light snow.
posted by answergrape at 7:09 AM on April 9, 2022 [2 favorites]

Seconding the waterproof trail shoes. They look more like "clunky sneakers" rather than "boots".
My own pair that I got like 4 years ago is still waterproof enough for me to walk through actual puddles and not feel a thing.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:25 AM on April 9, 2022 [1 favorite]

Allbirds have a couple models that are supposedly water resistant, but kinda costly. Reruns cost less.
posted by kschang at 7:29 AM on April 9, 2022 [2 favorites]

Check out the many options at Muck. Muck carries boots, slip-in shoes, and everything in between. Their footwear is totally waterproof and has great treads.
posted by Elsie at 9:23 AM on April 9, 2022 [1 favorite]

I'm a fan of Keen for this sort of thing. They have what is basically a lightweight winter boot in shoe form that might do the trick for you.
posted by dbx at 9:42 AM on April 9, 2022 [1 favorite]

I recently started watching a YouTube channel with a barista who loves her Vessi shoes for their water-proofness. Here's a link with her code for $25 off. I don't own these, but they look nice.
posted by hydra77 at 9:56 AM on April 9, 2022

Second for Muck. I have goretex running shoes but for standing around for a long time in the mud I would go for something stronger. I have a pair of muck shoes for snow days and they work well.
posted by kerf at 10:15 AM on April 9, 2022

I've been wearing these Etnies Mountain Biking shoes that look like skate shoes but are waterproof and have a really "sticky" sole.

They're great in wet conditions!

indoor soccer shoes aren't waterproof - you might be able to find some waterproof "turf" shoes which are designed for outdoor but on turf so would have much smaller (but probably not none) cleats.

sorel's out n about sneakers are waterproof and fairly nice looking in some colours.
posted by euphoria066 at 10:33 AM on April 9, 2022

You didn't mention gender but based on your profile, assume you're looking for men's shoes. I have the women's version of the Ecco Soft 7 and love them. Great for walking the dog when it's raining or puddly.
posted by radioamy at 11:21 AM on April 9, 2022

I love my Merrell Moabs. Sturdy and waterproof.
posted by schrodycat at 1:50 PM on April 9, 2022