To be fed up of getting wet feet when walking our dogs? (need water repelling spray)

[SpringMeadows]

(posting here for traffic!)

I need a new pair of dog walking boots. I don't want to spend a fortune because I've had £50 pairs in the past and they've been fine. My dog walking boots get caked in wet mud pretty much every day during the wetter months. I need something I can walk into muddy puddles with, without my feet getting wet. I don't want wellington boots because they are horrible to walk in for any extended length of time. I'm after something water repellent and very warm.

The style I currently have is a couple of years old and has developed a 'cut' where it creases and now my feet get wet. I love our dogs dearly but when my feet get wet I can't wait to get back home. The style I have now doesn't exist anymore. I'm thinking of sticking with the same brand (Mountain Warehouse) and buying a water repelling spray to make the boots (which, no matter which ones you look at, have mixed reviews) extra water repellent. Any thoughts on suitable sprays? Thank you!

We’ve used Nikwax with great success. Looks like the reviews are mostly really good.
https://amzn.to/47ACnV4

You can get waterproof socks on Amazon that really work!

Not sure that will work. I have a good pair of waterproof boots from decathlon, might be worth a look.

The only ones I have that are 100% waterproof are The Northface boot. I fallen in a river and came out with complete dry feet, expensive but worth it. Maybe you could find a pair on vinted.

Go to Decathlon and buy some waterproof hiking boots. They'll have them in all price ranges. A spray ought to keep them in good condition longer.

Brush the mud off and dry them with newspaper inside or something so they last longer. But don't put them on a radiator or anything - that may make them crack.

Keep your old comfy boots and pair them with some waterproof socks!

OTTER socks are fantastic for this, as I like to wear my old raggy trainers walking the dog but don’t want soggy feet. So a pair of the otter socks (but just be mindful not to submerge them over the label) and I feel invincible 😆 obviously there’s other waterproof socks out there but I prefer otter as the material feels softer and it’s more of a secure snug feedback rather than a crisp packet sensation like other waterproof socks.

When I lived in the rainy hills of North Wales I used Scotchguard waterproofing spray on my coats and hiking boots, I found it very effective.

You need proper GOREtex boots and waterproof socks - anything else is a waste of money but they don't come cheap - socks are around £20-30 per pair and boots around £100 minimum.

Waterproof socks might work and if your current boots still have life left in them, you can use Shoe Goo to seal any leaky spots.

Definitely key is starting with good guaranteed waterproof shoes or boots like Berghaus or Hoka. Spray is extra. You can’t get away from needing the right boots as a starting point.
My Berghaus ones have been very waterproof!

Agree re gore-tex - I have some leather clarks boots with gore tex lining, they just look like normal leather boots, but I have been ankle deep in rock pools and stayed completely dry. Nice and warm too. They were about £150 though...

I know you said you didn’t want wellies but my fake Aldi muckboots are easily as comfortable as my walking boots and 100 waterproof. I’ve never had any luck keeping my feet dry in walking boots - it’s walking through wet grass that does it!

I live in a wet part of the UK and have found even goretex walking shoes eventually lose their waterproof qualities. I second the ankle length short wellies. I had Barbour ones for a couple of years and with good socks had warm, dry feet and walked miles with my dog every day. I’m currently wearing a cheap pair of supermarket ones - not as comfortable but still keeping me dry.

I swear by Hotter GoreTex trainers; the only waterproof trainers I've had. They're about £100, but last years. Got them for Christmas last year. They do a boot as well. Worth a look.

I have a pair of short wellies with fur inside - very comfy and keep my feet dry. Got them from Seasalt.

Can't recommend waterproof socks enough - mine are 5 years old and still going strong.

Prior to the socks, I tried so many different types of waterproof walking boot/shoes. The socks have made the big difference, plus I've opted for chelsa style boots as no laces for the water to penentrate through.

Sounds like you need wellies

PS if you buy quality ones they are much more comfortable.....I used to be anti welly myself until I bought the right ones!

Do they need to be shoes? We both have Groundhog from Rockfish and they are awesome. Comfortable, warm, good soles and comfortable for a couple of hours.

rockfishfootwear.co.uk

Get a pair of Muckboots, the proper branded ones. I work outdoors all year round in all weather and they are fab.
Also on sale at the moment!

I have a pair of waterproof Timberland Chocorua boots for general dog walking, but for very wet walks, or when we've had a lot of rain I wear my Grub Frostline welliebobs. I can walk for miles in those with no issue.

Timberland Chocorua boots

I have Apache boots, the Saturn variety. They were about £50 and are totally waterproof. They're sold as a work boot, but they don't feel like one, and aren't as heavy as one. I don't have dogs, but spend a lot of time in waterlogged, muddy fields for work, and would highly recommend them.

Another vote for Muck Boots - I use the gardnening shoe style for dog walks (admittedly not perfect because the tread pattern is minimal so they get slippery, but they are most definitely warm, comfy and waterproof).

I also recommend Muck boots. I have a pair of the ankle jodhpur style boots for nipping to the shops in wet weather and a pair of their calf length work boots for wet and mud. They are very comfortable, have good arch support, are warm and are completely waterproof. I have an old pair of caterpillar boots that are comfortable and have good grip, but when it's really wet and muddy I pull on my muck work boots.

Thank you all for the suggestions.

Sorry, I should have clarified - I need something long - knee-high would be ideal. Because of the long grass and walking in undergrowth, etc.

I'm now looking into waterproof socks. I had no idea they exist.