> > So if you wouldn't be caught dead in them, what do you wear if you're going someplace where your feet could get muddy, wet and dirty? Sneakers are no good because they take forever to wash and dry out afterwards.
>
> I would reccomend waterproof boots, but they're only good if the mud you're in is no more than ankle deep. And they can take an age to dry, too.

I think it all comes down to what you regard as the purpose of your footwear in muddy, dirty, wet or otherwise vehemently outdoor conditions. If you aim to keep the mud, dirt and wet OFF yourself, then sneakers are OK, but gumboots (=UK wellies) are better. However, you have to weigh this against the fact that gumboots only come in one size (too big) and suctioning along in them gives you the agility and grace of an elephant in quicksand. However, my primary goal with outdoor activities is merely to put a comforting layer of stuff between the soles of my feet and any potentially scratchy or pointy things, so sandals are perfect.

If I'm doing something where I'm likely to encounter mud or water that's more than ankle deep, I'd rather wear things that allow me to just plunge straight in, make my way through it, and just wash everything when I get home.

Brunnen-"seldom stops at five star restaurants on the way home from a nice hike in the middle of nowhere, so it's not like it matters"G