Leaking boots.

[susiem]

Hello, my Merrill hiking boots - bought in January - have started leaking. I know no boot is completely waterproof but I haven't encountered damp feet to this extent with previous boots. I start Camino in 6 weeks and, apart from buyiyng new boots - more expense - I wonder if there's anything I can do to minimise this.
Thank you for all the advice and support; it's been invaluable in helping me prepare.

 

[Anamya]

Hi susiem. Are you walking in very damp areas and a lot of water is entering the boot? Any chance that the dampness is because your feet are actually sweating a lot as the shoes do not breath much?

(Just asking to understand better and maybe someone will have a solution. I can't walk in Merrels or Salomons because my feet get blisters from the damp caused by trapped heat)

 

[susiem]

Hi susiem. Are you walking in very damp areas and a lot of water is entering the boot? Any chance that the dampness is because your feet are actually sweating a lot as the shoes do not breath much?

(Just asking to understand better and maybe someone will have a solution. I can't walk in Merrels or Salomons because my feet get blisters from the damp caused by trapped heat)

Hi Anamya, no, just the usual Scottish weather! And the boot sole is definately damp when I remove the insole to dry them out. I've always worn Merrells and this is the first time I've experienced this. Thanks for replying!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Possibly use waterproof socks on the wet days. They exist but I don't know how well they work.

 

[susiem]

Possibly use waterproof socks on the wet days. They exist but I don't know how well they work.

Thanks, that's worth considering.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

If your boots are letting water in then they will probably let it out again. In my opinion, this would be a good feature, but then I walked my last Camino in sandals.

 

[SEB2]

Hi Anamya, no, just the usual Scottish weather! And the boot sole is definately damp when I remove the insole to dry them out. I've always worn Merrells and this is the first time I've experienced this. Thanks for replying!

It may be a fault in that particular pair of boots as opposed to the actual brand. When I walked in 2025 my new Salamons let me down in poring rain but the good people st Cotswold Outdoor replaced them without charge. No problems since & I also live in Scotland. Worth asking for a replacement as boots should keep you dry, they are not a cheap purchase.

 

[SEB2]

It may be a fault in that particular pair of boots as opposed to the actual brand. When I walked in 2025 my new Salamons let me down in poring rain but the good people st Cotswold Outdoor replaced them without charge. No problems since & I also live in Scotland. Worth asking for a replacement as boots should keep you dry, they are not a cheap purchase.

Drat! When I walked in 2015 (not time travelling to 2025) stubby fingers & small screen to blame.

 

[susiem]

Drat! When I walked in 2015 (not time travelling to 2025) stubby fingers & small screen to blame.

Thanks all, I'll contact the store and will find some solution. Appreciate your responses!

 

[trecile]

If your boots are letting water in then they will probably let it out again. In my opinion, this would be a good feature, but then I walked my last Camino in sandals.

Welcome to the sandalista club. What brand and style did you wear?

 

[CarolamS]

I had some Keen boots that were not waterproof because the waterproof liner had been stitched though! Keen gave me a voucher for their value and didn't want the boots back. I think they'd changed their suppliers.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Welcome to the sandalista club. What brand and style did you wear?

The cheapest Decathlon sandals, I think that they were €7, or very close. Worked great. Occasionally got a small stone in them but surprisingly not very often at all. On average once a day but I often had days without problems and then for some reason a spate of stones.

 

[susiem]

Welcome to the sandalista club. What brand and style did you wear?

Hi, Merrell Accentor 3. I've returned the leaky ones and accepted a replacement pair. Don't know why I didn't think of doing that earlier!
Thanks for all suggestions!.