5 Tips to Get the Best Deals on Waterproof Footwear from Kenya

If you’re planning a trip to the Great Rift Valley, you probably won’t be spending much time indoors. From safari expeditions to exploring the Maasai tribe, your time in Kenya is sure to involve plenty of outdoor activities – which means waterproof footwear is an essential part of your packing list. Fortunately, waterproof boots don’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking for a rugged pair to tackle muddy trails or something more refined for evening activities, there are plenty of affordable options available online and in local department stores. Before making any purchases, though, it’s important that you know what you’re getting into. That way, you can make cost-effective choices that last without breaking the bank and don’t leave you with buyer’s remorse.

Know the Differences Between Waterproofing Options

There are several different ways that footwear can be waterproofed. The two most common are rubber and fabric. Rubber boots are designed to be completely waterproof. This means they’re sealed and won’t absorb any water at all. Unfortunately, this means they don’t breathe well. This means that your feet will get sweaty and hot, which can be uncomfortable on long hikes. Rubber boots are best for short hikes in dry environments like deserts. Fabric boots are not completely waterproof. Instead, they’re made from waterproof fabrics like nylon or polyester. This material allows water to get in but prevents it from getting out. This means your feet will stay dry and comfortable. The problem with fabric boots is that they’re not completely watertight. After repeated exposure to heavy rain, water can eventually start to seep in.

Buy from Reputable Brands

One of the best ways to get the most out of your waterproof footwear investment is to buy from a reputable brand. A brand that has been in the business for a while and is known for providing high-quality products will be more likely to stand behind their goods. If you have any issues with your purchase, they’ll be more likely to offer you a refund or a new product without arguments. On the other hand, if your product breaks or malfunctions shortly after you buy it, you may have difficulty getting a refund. You may be wondering how to identify reputable brands. Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to do this. If you’ve purchased from the same brand several times before and had no problems, though, you can make a pretty safe assumption that the company you’re dealing with is reputable.

Don’t be Afraid to Negotiate

Another simple but effective way to save money on waterproof footwear is to negotiate. Many online retailers offer customers the opportunity to negotiate prices. If you see something you like but it’s just out of your budget, contact the company and see if they’ll knock some money off the price. Most will be happy to do this. Many companies, especially if they’re big ones, even have a formalized process for negotiating prices. Unfortunately, it’s not recommended that you negotiate prices in person when shopping in a local store. This can be seen as rude. Instead, try to negotiate by email or over the phone. This will keep things professional.

Check the Return Policy

If you’re going to order waterproof footwear online, make sure the retailer has a good return policy. Ideally, the company should have a “no questions asked” return policy. This way, if the shoes you receive don’t fit or aren’t what you expected, you can send them back and get a refund without any fuss. If you’re ordering from a brick-and-mortar store, you may not be able to return your purchase. This is especially true if you try the product on in person before buying it. If it doesn’t fit, though, the store should be willing to exchange the product for you.

What to Look for in a Good Pair of Waterproof Shoes?

Now that you understand how different waterproofing methods work, let’s talk about what to look for in a good pair of waterproof footwear. First, you want to make sure your shoes are fully waterproofed. If they have mesh or fabric uppers, they probably aren’t. Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to tell if a pair of shoes is fully waterproof. If you’re shopping online, you’ll have to trust the company’s description. If you’re buying from a brick-and-mortar store, you can take the shoes outside and see if water soaks through them. If it does, don’t bother with them!

The Bottom Line

When it comes to waterproof footwear, you want to make sure you get what you pay for. While it’s possible to find a pair of cheap shoes that will last, you’ll probably have to sacrifice on quality or style. Instead of trying to save a few bucks, it’s better to invest in a good pair of shoes that will last. With this in mind, you’ll be better able to select a pair of sturdy and stylish waterproof footwear without breaking the bank.