Does anybody know of a good option for shoes that are substantial enough to be worn walking on easy mountain trails but also can be worn into the water while wading across small streams, fishing, or boating? Obviously something without a sock and that drains quickly.

Is this a pipe dream? Currently I just wear a pair of Brooks Ghost running shoes for gentle trail walking but I don’t really think they’d do well submerged.

Any ideas?

goretex? would be my first suggestion.

Whatever shoes you choose, put some merino wool socks on your feet first. Something like Darn Tough socks. Even if your shoes aren’t up to the water, your damp feet will feel much better when wearing wool.

Just use normal tennis shoes. Doesn’t sound like you need ankle support. Even if you do a lot of people think ankle injuries are worse with hiking boots. Tennis shoes are lightweight, comfortable, good traction and dry/drain quickly.

Merrell or Keen all terrain sandals. I swear by them in the summer months.

I’ll just add that I was disappointed in my Merrells in that respect. They shrank after getting wet but would stretch back out after worn, while too tight, enough. I didn't think they lived up to the hype and the soles came loose too soon considering the mileage they had on them. That said I bought another pair a half size bigger and don’t wade water with them and so far are OK.

My Merell Moab waterproof pair has been excellent.

Freaked a coworker out when I hosed them off while out on a fishing charter washing some blood and fish scales off there. He said aloud "well, those socks will be wet the rest of the day". I chuckled and pointed out that they were waterproof.

I’m a huge fan of Asolo. They make a great boot, and it can be submerged right to the point it spills in the top, and stays dry as a bone.

I have had many pairs of the Asolo Drifter and recently purchased their updated and newer style of the Drifter called the Cerium GV. I posted here a while ago about a 40% off sale they were having.
Someone fucked it all up and posted that he thought it was a scam because of the discount and it being an Italian website.
I bought a pair, saved 40%, didn’t pay shipping, tax, tariffs, or import fees.
I highly recommend Asolo.

KEEN!

Keen Newports are the best option I have found. Available in tons of colors and various materials.

https://www.keenfootwear.com/m...start=0&sz=36#tile-0

Keen has several options. Their Newports are what I use when I need foot protection in the water.

I think orvis makes something for exactly that purpose.

I like Keens, but for walking in and out of water my favorite is the Merrell Hydrotrekker. They are great for canoeing, kayaking and the like. Very open mesh, don’t wear socks; but more like a shoe than a sandal.

I use these when I hike and wet wade for fly fishing. They are good the there is no one tread for rivers. freestone, algae make waking on already slippery rocks challenging. Be careful when wading and you will be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K...kCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

I'll use an old pair of Merrill trail running sneakers. This past February the mighty Sycamore Creek was no match for their snug fit and decent tread.

Keen Newport or Merrell ChopRock.

I would also recommend the Keen sandals. They are light and comfortable and the closed toes protect from hitting rocks and things.

Keen Newport H2

https://www.zappos.com/filters...=keen%20newport%20h2