I've been on the hunt before trying to find the best waterproof travel shoes for women.  It's tough!  There are many choices out there but it always seems like you have to compromise no matter where you turn! 

Since hindsight is 20/20, here is what I found to be most important when selecting a shoes.

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Best Waterproof Travel Shoes for Women

 It turns out, when buying travel shoes, two things are really important. Shoes need to be closed-toe and they need to be WATERPROOF!

I love the Adidas Terrex Swift because they’re made out of Gortex which makes them extra waterproof. I’m talking about the “stick your foot into a shallow stream and your sock comes out dry” kind of waterproof, which is really hard to find.

The reality of waterproof necessities

I could never have imagined what I'd be walking through on our trips.  You see, on Instagram you only see the really pretty stuff, but the reality of the situation is that you often have to walk through some really gross stuff to get to the pretty. 

I can't confirm what those little mystery rivers flowing to the city sidewalks are from alleyways… if I had to guess, it’s probably not bath water.

Weigh your Footwear Options

While hiking boots are always a viable option, there is also a time and place for “cheapo” sandals as well.  Actually, speaking from experience, one could travel most of South East Asia in sandals. If you’re looking for a solid pair of sandals, I like Rainbow Sandals because they still have lots of arch support.

Rule of thumb: stick to closed toed shoes

Anytime we were go out on a hike or do any sort of extended walking in unfamiliar terrain, my Adidas Terrex come along. 

As stupid as it sounds, Tim hurt himself a few times along our trips from trying to wear sandals everywhere. There was a particularly dangerous bar night in Croatia where he stubbed his toe badly on a broken sidewalk and spent the next month limping.

Learn from Tim. Don’t be a Tim.

The Quest for Perfect Travel Shoes Continues

So, while I love that these waterproof hiking shoes stood up to a year of getting beat on and remained waterproof, there still has to be something else out there. Has anyone come across a shoe that is waterproof, lightweight, and cute enough to wear to the bar or our to dinner? 

My kingdom for a versatile hiking shoe

Every "travel" shoe or "hiking" shoe for women seems like they are designed to compete in mudruns.  Tim was able to find some plain brown leather waterproof travel shoes that he could wear with slacks.  To this day, I haven't found the female version of this. 

Anyone have any ideas? Let us know.