Waterproof & comfy shoes recs?

Dear Fabbers,

Wondering if anyone has recommendations for nice-looking, versatile, very comfy shoes that are also waterproof? I'm traveling to Japan at the end of May and I don't want to bring full-on rain boots. I want shoes that can do it all: not hurt my feet if I walk all day, not get soaked if it rains, look elegant enough so I don't look like a slob

I'm considering a pair of Vessi sneakers (fig. 1) but wondering if they will look too bulky.

Also considering Sorel waterproof sneakers (fig. 2) or Sorel slip-ons. (fig. 3) (Maybe a pair of sneakers + a pair of slip ons to cover all bases?)

Sorry I haven't been on the forum much this semester, it was the busiest in my life!

PS. I've already read all the previous posts on packing for Japan so I took lots of great notes! Thanks for those posts!

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6 years ago

fifthandfinest

(website)

Active Member

I like both pairs of Sorels - stylish and waterproof is a rare combo!

hereforthecake

Well I stupidly never even knew that waterproof sneakers were a thing! How amazing!
I love the look of the Vessi ones.

K.M.

Veteran

fifthandfinest, yes, I wanted something to do double-duty.

hereforthecake, I also didn't know (I always assumed leather sneakers were, until I wore some that got wet inside anyway).

I ordered the Vessis and might order the Sorel slip-on for a combo. I love the colors of the Sorel sneaker, but reviews were mixed. I wish they could all be available in a brick-and-mortar store so I could try them all on!

Anonymous

Can't hurt to check Aquatalia- they have several non boot weather resistant shoes.

Staysfit

I have some Ecco waterproof sneakers. They are super comfy, and have cork footbeds.

suntiger, I didn't think to check, I always assumed they only made boots!

Staysfit, Ecco was on my radar! Good to know they are comfy, as I've never tried one on. More to explore

LaPed

I think Teva does a nice job with waterproof travel shoes. I like both the Arrowood and the Ahnu lines:

https://www.teva.com/arrowood-family/
https://www.teva.com/ahnu-by-teva/

Lowa had some nice travel sneakers too, the San Diego and the San Francisco. It seems like the availability is quite limited right now, so maybe they've been discontinued?

https://www.lowaboots.com/womens/casuals

I have Aquatalia flats that are waterproof and very light weight to pack. I ended up wearing La Cannediene waterproof ankle boots a lot in Japan, but that was more in March. You will be there for high humidity and rain. I like the Soral slip-ons. Remember that you will be removing your shoes often to enter temples and such. Enjoy your trip!

La Pedestrienne, thanks, I had thought of Teva then forgot, so the reminder is helpful! And I didn't know about Lowa.

Joy, I was considering bringing booties but debating whether it will be too hot for them (last week of May/first week of June). And my other current dilemma is a nice-looking raincoat... maybe another post!

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