Rainy weather gear suggestions - stumped on footwear

kniquy

DIS Veteran
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
3,586
We are preparing for our first July trip. Anticipating the rainy afternoons we want to still be able to be in the parks even if it is raining.

We have our button up rain coats as the ponchos are just difficult to deal with.

I am stumped with the footwear. I'm thinking flip flops can be dangerous and slippery in the rain, sneakers will obviously get soaked and take days to dry out -- so what do we choose? I want something comfortable to wear walking a lot in rainy weather but that would dry fairly quickly. Is there such a thing? Do you have a shoe which has worked well in the rainy weather?

Any other gear i should consider getting so we can brave the rain?

All input and advice is appreciated!
 
We do something like a Teva or Chaco type sandal. We take these as a spare set so that if we happen to get caught in the rain in our regular shoes with a pop up shower, we can use these while our regular shoes dry.

Other than a poncho or rain jacket you might just pack one or two shammy type towels (small to pack in a backpack but absorbent to dry off with), there really isn't anything else we carry.
 
I have Clarks flip flops that I wear most of the time, then a couple of pair of Earth brand sandals that I rotate with. We always take at least 3 pair, if not more, of shoes just for the rain. My son only wears tennis shoes but he wears the mesh type so they dry pretty quick.
 

Both my husband and myself wear Keens Whisper. I pretty much wear them throughout the trip whenever I know we will be walking a lot but definitely when rain is expected. My husband has foot issues so he rotates his shoes.
 
I only wear 1 type of sneaker(NB) for any significant amount of walking. I just pack an extra pair. I might throw my pool shoes (sandals) in a park bag to wear in the rain if I wont be walking more than an hour or so in them Ill switch to them.
 
ABEO sandals are the greatest thing I ever bought. Arch support plus actual drainage for water. Walked many miles a day with them for a 10 day trip. Worth every penny.
 
I alternate between 2 shoes for beach and WDW summer:

the "basic" Olukai flip flop (the most comfortable flip flop you will ever wear, with some arch support) = It's called the 'Ohana and its logo is ... the fishhook. They make them for men and women and kids.
https://olukai.com/collections/mens-sandals/products/ohana-mens-beach-sandals?variant=27707914616931
Birkenstock EVA sandals - arch support and light - I lived in these all summer at home and on vacation:
https://www.birkenstock.com/us/eva-sandals/
 
Birks, Chacos, Tevas, and dare I suggest Crocs? I just did.

Just don't make a park day a maiden voyage, especially for a Chaco or Teva type sandal. They need some adjustment.
 
Another vote here for Keen Whispers - I've tried other similar from other brands, but these have been the best for me! I also bring two or three pairs for use on successive days so they can dry out between wearings.
 
Another vote here for Keen Whispers - I've tried other similar from other brands, but these have been the best for me! I also bring two or three pairs for use on successive days so they can dry out between wearings.

I have ordered these online from REI at the end of the summer season on sale and have pairs in multiple colors. Once I was fitted with and purchased my first pair in a local store several years ago and knew which size to order. I hope they never discontinue them. They are on Amazon too but my size never seems to be discounted on Amazon.
 
I have ordered these online from REI at the end of the summer season on sale and have pairs in multiple colors.
What a great idea! I have multiple colors too but need some new ones - my old are wearing out!

ETA: Thank you! I just ordered some from the REI Outlet for 1/2 the price Amazon wanted! Score!
 
Last edited:
Keens H2 type. Far more support than the whispers and they last forever. Most comfortable shoes, ever!!!

Heads up on new models though, read the reviews as to sizing. ordered a replacement pair as xmas present and went up a half size as indicated by manufacturer. They now run decidedly smaller. Held them up to old pair and still shorter and less wide. Probably could’ve gone up a whole size.
 
I love my crocs flip flops. I have several different colors. When they get wet it's not a big deal except for a little squeaking.
 
I am ride or die Keens. I also have a great pair of Nike free runs that are also waterproof. I alternate between both if one is giving me problems. I get blisters very easily, and I find that those two pairs of shoes are best for my feet.

I have a super lightweight, thin Arc'teryx jacket I purchased from REI. Their products can get VERY pricey, but it was on sale. It does an excellent job wicking away the rain, and it's easy to store in a backpack without being too bulky. To put it in perspective, I can fit mine in a gallon ziploc bag with ease.

I typically wear lightweight adidas soccer shorts to the parks. It takes no time for them to fully dry out after a water ride or a downpour.
 
Keens H2 type. Far more support than the whispers and they last forever. Most comfortable shoes, ever!!!

Heads up on new models though, read the reviews as to sizing. ordered a replacement pair as xmas present and went up a half size as indicated by manufacturer. They now run decidedly smaller. Held them up to old pair and still shorter and less wide. Probably could’ve gone up a whole size.
Thanks for this information!
 

















DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter DIS Bluesky

Back
Top