Waterproof footwear options that are easy on the back

[DitchPanda]

 So as many of you are aware I've been dealing with lower back issues for some time and it got pretty bad a few months ago. Since then I have been stretching, walking and doing core exercises on a regular basis to keep it in check. While that has helped immensely its still not 100%.

 Now that we are in summer im looking for waterproof footwear options that won't kill my back. Normally in years past I'd wear flip flops but they offer no support...I wore them 2 days the past week fishing for a total of 5 hours and could feel it. Any suggestions?

[TnRiver46]

Ain’t a flip flop the opposite of waterproof? I like my hiking boots for waterproof, they are Merrell brand. I got them for Christmas two years ago and I’ve put some good mileage on them 

[gim]

I'm not so sure that anything outside of real shoes that fit with proper ankle support are going to help with back pain.  Flip flops definitely aren't the solution.

 

At the very least, I would use a pair of sandals that actually stay on your feet like Keens or Tevas.

[DitchPanda]

15 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Ain’t a flip flop the opposite of waterproof? I like my hiking boots for waterproof, they are Merrell brand. I got them for Christmas two years ago and I’ve put some good mileage on them 

Good point. Guess I meant something I won't mind getting wet that will shed water instead of getting soaked thru and ending up stanky. 

[813basstard]

Crocs Literide 

 

 

Thank me later

[Deephaven]

I wear birkenstocks on the boat for the same reason.  Have the plastic pair for when I need to get wet, but prefer the cork when not being wet.  Teva's as stated above should be fine for wet as well.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Stay away from Merrell Moabs they might say waterproof but my feet still get wet. Plus they lack traction on any surface but dry rocks.

[DitchPanda]

7 hours ago, 813basstard said:

Crocs Literide 

 

 

Thank me later

My girlfriend and a buddy have suggested crocs. This may be the route I go.

[TnRiver46]

28 minutes ago, DitchPanda said:

My girlfriend and a buddy have suggested crocs. This may be the route I go.

Just beware of flat smooth concrete

[gim]

1 hour ago, DitchPanda said:

My girlfriend and a buddy have suggested crocs. This may be the route I go

Just be aware that in the warmer summer months your feet will stink while wearing them.

[DitchPanda]

8 hours ago, gimruis said:

Just be aware that in the warmer summer months your feet will stink while wearing them.

Any worse than with flip flops?

[gim]

1 minute ago, DitchPanda said:

Any worse than with flip flops?

Lol I don't wear flip flops so I can't comment on the stank with those.  I have crocs though, and there is a lack of air flow with those things when you are barefoot.

 

You could always wear socks, but you might get some interesting looks.

[DitchPanda]

7 minutes ago, gimruis said:

Lol I don't wear flip flops so I can't comment on the stank with those.  I have crocs though, and there is a lack of air flow with those things when you are barefoot.

 

You could always wear socks, but you might get some interesting looks.

I wanna get in the water so socks kinda defeat the purpose. Plus socks and sandals of any sort is an image I'm not trying to project...although I could get a visor and a fanny pack to complete the outfit.

[VolFan]

My wife has and wears the Crocs LiteRide sneakers for almost everything in the summer. They are great and I would have them too if I didn’t want to match my wife. Judge all you want.

they’re basically soft plastic sneakers - if they start to smell, did your feet in the water. You can wash them, and/or letting them dry in open air really helps with odors.

[Woody B]

I got some "O'Rageous Men's Aqua III Water Shoes"     (copied from my receipt)  They're OK.  I can walk just fine in them, even on rocks and stuff.  They dry quickly, and I don't have the foot stank like I get with regular shoes with on socks.   I usually kick them off once I'm in the boat, at least until the deck gets hot from the sun.   

[TOXIC]

I wore multiple pairs of crocs and still have some but for the boat I switched to shimano evair.  They have a supporting insert and are waterproof.  Getting the proper size is a bit tricky for me since I have a high instep.  Too big and my foot slides around in them if they get wet and too small they crunch my toes.  I’m on my 3rd pair I like them so well.  

[throttleplate]

On 6/23/2022 at 7:57 AM, gimruis said:

Just be aware that in the warmer summer months your feet will stink while wearing them.

 

You know what really stinks? my feet after wearing pvc waders for 8 hrs of bank fishing and wading. They smell so bad at the end of my day that flies congregate thinking my feet are decomposing.

[gim]

4 hours ago, throttleplate said:

 

You know what really stinks? my feet after wearing pvc waders for 8 hrs of bank fishing and wading. They smell so bad at the end of my day that flies congregate thinking my feet are decomposing.

Oh I can’t even imagine the odor from that in the heat of summer.

[bigfishnfreak]

i wear xtratuff short boot, they don't breathe very well, as rubber shoes, try a pair of slip on vans.  throw them in the washer. or chuck taylors.

[DougHall_NY]

On 6/22/2022 at 9:42 PM, TnRiver46 said:

Ain’t a flip flop the opposite of waterproof? I like my hiking boots for waterproof, they are Merrell brand. I got them for Christmas two years ago and I’ve put some good mileage on them 

I have Merrells as well and really like them.

[michaelb]

I like crosskix. To me they are definitely more comfortable than crocs and more protective. I like the 2.0s better because i can slip them on and off and they fit much wider. But the apx are a water ready sneaker if they fit and you want laces. 
 

https://crosskix.com/collections/shop

[QED]

Nike makes gore-tex trail running shoes as well as gore-tex tactical boots.  I used the former while running in several inches of water in Piazza San Marco and they managed to keep my feet dry.

[Darth-Baiter]

waterproofing makes no sense if the water is just gonna overflow in from the top.

 

I need more time in them, but a member here suggested the Astral Rassler 2.0.  I hiked a mile yesterday.  pulling my kayak.  

 

I am recovering from a sore lower back, so I was worried.  I had zero issues!  some ankle skin rubbing from the low shoe, but some strategic taping or even socks will solve that.  

 

I got into the water with them, and they drain fast.  they would dry quickly anyways.  I hiked out with them wet and by the time I was back at my truck they were fairly dry.  no experience with foot funk yet.  TBD.  I'll sun-dry them with the tongue pulled out.  hope that mitigates the funk. 

[Big Rick]

On Cloud makes an amazing waterproof shoe and boot. They are a bit costly, but you definitely get what you pay for. I'm on my second pair of boots and love them. All day comfort and support, light as a feather, feet stay dry and yet don't get clammy as they will still breathe. There is often an ad on the right side of this page for them. 

7 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

waterproofing makes no sense if the water is just gonna overflow in from the top.

If you're in your boat and water flows over the top of your shoe you've got much bigger problems than wet feet. I hate wet feet and use waterproof shoes when it's rainy out to keep my feet dry. 

[Darth-Baiter]

5 minutes ago, Big Rick said:

On Cloud makes an amazing waterproof shoe and boot. They are a bit costly, but you definitely get what you pay for. I'm on my second pair of boots and love them. All day comfort and support, light as a feather, feet stay dry and yet don't get clammy as they will still breathe. There is often an ad on the right side of this page for them. 

If you're in your boat and water flows over the top of your shoe you've got much bigger problems than wet feet. I hate wet feet and use waterproof shoes when it's rainy out to keep my feet dry. 

true. good point.  I was admittedly coming at this problem with the eyes of a kayaker. 

 

but why would you need a waterproof shoe in the first place?  when in a bass boat, I wear running shoes.