Whether you're going out to play in less than ideal weather, or getting out for an early morning round while the grass is still dewy. Having a pair of shoes that will keep your feet dry while still giving you plenty of grip is a game changer. We've had the opportunity to try a few different shoes for disc golf and our 2 favorite wet weather shoes are made by Merrell. The first and most surprising shoe was the Waterproof Moab 3. It's design is more akin to a traditional hiking shoe and comes in both a shoe and boot height.
The most impressive part of these shoes is just how waterproof they are. The water was beading off the suede upper leaving it still completely dry after stepping into puddles well above the laces. After 2 full tournament rounds, feet were left completely dry and comfortable. The lining of the shoe is also very soft and cozy making these an incredible option for both spring and fall when the temperatures are a little lower. That being said, these shoes can feel a little hot in warmer weather. And while the outsole does deliver an incredible amount of grip, it is a little on the chunkier side, which leads us directly to the next shoe that we couldn't recommend enough.
The Merrell MQM3 Gore-tex has been a real eye opener this year. It's the shoe that we prefer to lace up for all morning disc golf rounds or for those days where there's even a slight chance of rain. The fit of the MQM3 is absolutely fantastic, giving a more more modern hiking shoe fit that's sleek and close fitting.
The outsole of the shoe has a little more flexibility to it compared to the MOAB3 and the grip is unbelievable. Whether it was concrete teepads, grass, loose or even packed gravel, these shoes have a very confidence inspiring amount of grip which
isn't surprising for a shoe brand that specializes in outdoor/hiking products. The Gore-tex outer seems to breath better leaving our feet not feeling too hot even on warmer days but keeps water out and feet nice and dry. This shoe also comes in a taller mid/boot fit, as well as non Gore-tex versions if waterproofing isn't a main concern.
It's honestly so refreshing to be comfortable to go play a round on wet ground, whether its just a fun practice round or a tournament you've been practicing for and not have to worry about wet feet. There are plenty of shoes out there that have a level of water proofing, but it's rare to find shoes that combine waterproofing with lots of grip and comfort. If you're in the market for a pair, definitely give one of these models some thought , we genuinely believe you won't be disappointed.