Anyone have experience with the water resistance of Merrell's Moab II WPs? Good for tramping around in boggy areas? I'm in south Louisiana, so I'm concerned not only about the breathability factor, but whether they will actually do a good job of repelling water -- not standing in streams, mind you, but just the general splashing one gets in muddy, boggy areas. If not, then I'm not willing to give up the greater breathability.

I'm also looking at Oboz, maybe Keen (though I have and love their watershoes, their regular shoes seem to get iffy reviews on quality), maybe Salomon (but they seem to run really narrow).

If the waterproofing is hit or miss generally, and I'm trading off ventilation in general, I'll just get the Moab Ventilator, and just not worry too much getting wet occasionally.

For heavy-duty hiking, I have Lowa Trekkers that I got when we lived in Colorado, but they're overkill for the most part around here. I also have and love Keen Newport watershoes, but want something with a little more protection for some trips, thus the desire for light hikers.

Decided to go with non-WP -- please see below.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Holger Danske,

quote:

Waterproof or not?

Always.

I've worn Moabs for years and have been very happy with them. I always go with the waterproof. You just never know.

The Gore-Tex seem to be a bit stiffer than the standard Merrell waterproofing though FWIW.

If you expect water higher than your boots then drainage is a priority. Water proof boots take forever to dry.

Also if in a hot climate the ability to breath is a must....I would rather light and airy boots than water proof ones. I picked up a pair of Soloman (sp) jungles for this reason.

Very nice boots, especially if you like the old issue green jungles.

For a wet or wet and cold area I use Danner Acadia's.

Depends on the weather IMHO. As long as the water isn't deep enough to come over the top your good on dry days. Hike in rain and your boots are almost guaranteed to get wet inside. Water will run down your legs and your socks will wick it in.

Now if it cool enough that you can hike in waterproof pants that attach to your boots so the water runoff them you may stay dry.

I mostly hike in waterproof Keen's. The last time I did some real miles in the rain I got to the campsite and could dump water out of my boots.

FWIW most through hikers that are doing the AT or PCT are wearing breathable shoes these days.

I will say it sucks to wake up and have to put your feet in soaking wet boots.

I have a set of goretex colombia pants and top. It breathes and is waterproof. The waterproof has come in handy on numerous occasions.

I have the original moabs in WP and ventilator. My feet sweat constantly, so take it with a grain of salt but ventilators sprayed with camp dry are the way to go. I only wear my WPs in the winter months.

I got them for my husband when we moved to a state with an actual "winter" for walking the dogs & he's never complained about them. (Trust me, if he got wet in them, I'd hear about it!)

I have both.

Mid-cut WP's for Spring and late fall.

Low cut Ventilators for warmer months. Wearing a WP light hiker in the summer usually means you would rather drown your feet in your own sweat versus cool water on occasion.

quote:

Originally posted by Holger Danske:
Anyone have experience with the water resistance of Merrell's Moab II WPs? Good for tramping around in boggy areas? I'm in south Louisiana, so I'm concerned not only about the breathability factor, but whether they will actually do a good job of repelling water -- not standing in streams, mind you, but just the general splashing one gets in muddy, boggy areas. If not, then I'm not willing to give up the greater breathability.

I'm also looking at Oboz, maybe Keen (though I have and love their watershoes, their regular shoes seem to get iffy reviews on quality), maybe Salomon (but they seem to run really narrow).

If the waterproofing is hit or miss generally, and I'm trading off ventilation in general, I'll just get the Moab Ventilator, and just not worry too much getting wet occasionally.

For heavy-duty hiking, I have Lowa Trekkers that I got when we lived in Colorado, but they're overkill for the most part around here. I also have and love Keen Newport watershoes, but want something with a little more protection for some trips, thus the desire for light hikers.

I bought a pair of these and ended up return g them. I found them to be too small even though I ordered the same size Merrel that I was already wearing. I believe that they don’t change the size for the waterproof membrane. They just line the inside.

If I was going to buy waterproof shoes again I would go with the Gortex version so that they are somewhat breathable.

Thanks for all the responses. My initial inclination and based on reviews was that "waterproofing," if successful at all, faded with time, so now the question is --

who makes the best quick-drying hiking sock?

I'm willing to get a bit damp for sake of greater breathability and quick-drying. And I have a full-on classic hiking boot for when I know it's going to get rough.

But if I'm going to get a bit wet, what's the best quick-drying sock. I have Smartwool heavy and medium socks. I have my basic running socks, in which I've run wet many, many times, but for relatively short durations (between one-two hours). Is there a magical formula out there?

I have Wigwam and SmartWool brand socks and like both.

Wigwam merinos.

I have the solomon goretex and love them. Splashing around, they are completely waterproof. But, I live in Central Florida, where it is plenty hot, and they breathe just fine.

My WP Merrells breathe just fine too. It's a non-issue. As posted above with the sock recommendation, I wear Wigwam merino wool socks every day all year long along with the Merrell waterproof shoes. They breathe just fine in -0F and 100F.

quote:

Originally posted by Graniteguy:
I have both.

Mid-cut WP's for Spring and late fall.

Low cut Ventilators for warmer months.

That's exactly what I do as well.

Also, there are actually two types of waterproof Moabs: GTX (Goretex) and generic Waterproof.

The (pricier) GTX Moabs won't cause your feet to sweat as much as the (cheaper) Waterproof Moabs. But you'll still sweat more than non-waterproof Ventilators.

For socks, I would go with Smart Wool or Darn Tough.

I also hike with sock liners. REI brand silk are my favorite.

You want something with a high Merino Wool content. I'm sure you know but nothing with cotton.

My current go-to socks are Darn Tough Crew socks.

I love my Merrill Moab boots. They keep me dry in rain and snow. They are ready to wear the next day. Never a problem.

It's not a true sock thread without Bendable's input.

I really like the Cool Lite Hiker socks from Wigwam. Very comfortable and made in the USA.

They are my everyday casual socks.

https://www.wigwam.com/product....aspx?productid=2385