> > 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.

Hiking boots are fantastic, especially the mighty Berghaus Storm, but only if you take good care of them. Yes, they take a while to dry, especially if you're sensible and you don't put them on a radiator while they're doing so (drying boots out too fast can cause cracking and shrinking of the leather parts). Waterproofing them is a pain in the butt, too.

But when combined with a decent pair of gaiters, they're unbeatable for outdoor walking on all terrains, in all weather conditions.

Plus if you buy a semi-rigid boot you can put crampons on and do some proper winter climbing.

Bo"or just scale telephone poles to throw grapefruit at passers-by"urne