jmonroestyle
Senior Member
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2006
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Since I live near Seattle, WA. in the beautiful Pacific North West, I have long been on the look out for some waterproof shoes that are actual shoes. Many waterproof options are more like hiking boots or sneakers.
The main problems I have had with trying to find this type of shoe is the heat factor, and the fit (which is usually a problem with many shoes I try on).
Most truly waterproof shoes sold in the USA have cushioned innersoles which make the shoes just to hot for me to wear them. I have tried changing out the removable innersoles with temperature control innersoles. However, the shoes are still to hot to wear all day. Also, the same technology that keeps the water out, may be what is keeping the heat in.
The shoe that has finally solved my problem is the Barker Harris. It is a five eyelet plain toe blucher with a single leather innersole, and a Vibram Gumlite outersole. I can wear these shoes all day long inside or outside without my feet overheating. The toe is built generously enough to provide sufficient toe room. However, it is not overly rounded like a Dr. Martin toe. The shoes are extremely light weight and very comfortable.
These are Goodyear welted shoes with a fairly flat arch, that is very well suited to my shape feet.
Alden makes all weather shoes. However, the lasts they are made on are not right for my feet. I also have shoes by Heschung and Paraboot, which have rubber soles and fit. However, although the welts may be waterproof, the leather vamps really are not, and the leather will get soaked.
These Barker Harris shoes are made of truly waterproof leather which the rain simply rolls off. I am sure they are corrected grain. However, I imagine that is what makes them waterproof. I would think it would not be possible to make a calf skin waterproof shoe without putting a special finish on the leather. Anyway, the leather of these shoes looks quite good. They do not have a cheap plastic looking finish.
The only negative I have about these shoes is the reverse leather lining around the inside heel of the heel counter. I imagine the thinking was that the suede side of the leather would help hold one's heel in place better, and keep the heel from slipping out of the shoe.
The disadvantage is that the suede leather fibers became intertwined in the heel area of my socks. I solved this problem by covering over the inner heel area lining with black contractor grade duct tape. The tape is quite thin (way thinner than even my thinnest kangaroo leathers that I could have glued in over the suede heel lining) so it doesn't change the fit of the shoes, yet it is quite strong, and doesn't unintentionally peel away. By placing the tape in the shoes carefully using several pieces per shoe, I was able to apply the tape without any bubbles or buckles, which can be a challange when applying nonflexible tape to an irregularly curved surface.
I do not know of any other mid price range truly waterproof shoes that have the fitting and construction characteristics of these Barker shoes (except for 2 other Barker models one of which is an ankle boot and the other of which is a wing tip brogue). However, I am always on the lookout. Anyone know any other shoes out there similar to the Barker Harris?
Jess
The main problems I have had with trying to find this type of shoe is the heat factor, and the fit (which is usually a problem with many shoes I try on).
Most truly waterproof shoes sold in the USA have cushioned innersoles which make the shoes just to hot for me to wear them. I have tried changing out the removable innersoles with temperature control innersoles. However, the shoes are still to hot to wear all day. Also, the same technology that keeps the water out, may be what is keeping the heat in.
The shoe that has finally solved my problem is the Barker Harris. It is a five eyelet plain toe blucher with a single leather innersole, and a Vibram Gumlite outersole. I can wear these shoes all day long inside or outside without my feet overheating. The toe is built generously enough to provide sufficient toe room. However, it is not overly rounded like a Dr. Martin toe. The shoes are extremely light weight and very comfortable.
These are Goodyear welted shoes with a fairly flat arch, that is very well suited to my shape feet.
Alden makes all weather shoes. However, the lasts they are made on are not right for my feet. I also have shoes by Heschung and Paraboot, which have rubber soles and fit. However, although the welts may be waterproof, the leather vamps really are not, and the leather will get soaked.
These Barker Harris shoes are made of truly waterproof leather which the rain simply rolls off. I am sure they are corrected grain. However, I imagine that is what makes them waterproof. I would think it would not be possible to make a calf skin waterproof shoe without putting a special finish on the leather. Anyway, the leather of these shoes looks quite good. They do not have a cheap plastic looking finish.
The only negative I have about these shoes is the reverse leather lining around the inside heel of the heel counter. I imagine the thinking was that the suede side of the leather would help hold one's heel in place better, and keep the heel from slipping out of the shoe.
The disadvantage is that the suede leather fibers became intertwined in the heel area of my socks. I solved this problem by covering over the inner heel area lining with black contractor grade duct tape. The tape is quite thin (way thinner than even my thinnest kangaroo leathers that I could have glued in over the suede heel lining) so it doesn't change the fit of the shoes, yet it is quite strong, and doesn't unintentionally peel away. By placing the tape in the shoes carefully using several pieces per shoe, I was able to apply the tape without any bubbles or buckles, which can be a challange when applying nonflexible tape to an irregularly curved surface.
I do not know of any other mid price range truly waterproof shoes that have the fitting and construction characteristics of these Barker shoes (except for 2 other Barker models one of which is an ankle boot and the other of which is a wing tip brogue). However, I am always on the lookout. Anyone know any other shoes out there similar to the Barker Harris?
Jess
