What Shoes to Wear to a Rainy Festival, Market or Outdoor Event
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If the ground is going to turn into proper mud, wear gumboots. If you're dealing with wet grass, puddles and lots of walking between stages, stalls or car parks, a waterproof sneaker with a decent grip is usually more comfortable over a long day. Either way, pack dry socks and a spare pair of shoes for the trip home.
Festivals, night markets, A&P shows and outdoor sports days in New Zealand and Australia all share the same problem: you're on your feet for hours, often on grass, and the weather doesn't care about your plans. Here's how to choose.
What festival organisers actually tell you
Organisers rarely get specific about shoes, but when they do, the advice is consistent. Golden Plains, the camping festival held near Meredith in regional Victoria, told punters on its "What to bring" page (2015 edition) to bring "good sensible shoes" and, "if the weather looks like being wet", gumboots, along with warm and waterproof clothes "even if it's hot and sunny when you leave home".
Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne keeps it broad: its FAQ simply lists "weather-appropriate clothing" in the what-to-bring list. That puts the call on you, so check the MetService forecast for the site, not just your home town, in the days before you go.
And when it really rains, organisers do say it out loud. In July 2022, an east coast low soaked Splendour in the Grass near Byron Bay. The Canberra Times reported that organisers described the site as "weather affected", said the ground was soft, and asked fans to wear gumboots. Main stage performances were cancelled that Friday.
Gumboots or waterproof sneakers? Match the shoe to the ground
| Conditions underfoot | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Deep, churned mud (ankle-deep or worse) | Gumboots | Tall shaft keeps mud and water out above the ankle; easy to hose off |
| Standing water you can't avoid | Gumboots | Low-cut shoes will let water in over the collar |
| Wet grass, light rain, the odd puddle | Waterproof sneaker | Keeps feet dry, lighter and more comfortable for walking |
| Lots of walking (big sites, car parks, markets, town in between) | Waterproof sneaker | Gumboots get heavy and can rub over long distances |
| Dry ground, rain possible later | Waterproof sneaker, gumboots in the car | Covers both outcomes without carrying boots all day |
| Hot, dry day | Breathable everyday sneakers | Comfort first; avoid thongs and jandals in crowds |
When gumboots win
Gumboots are the right tool when the ground has been churned up by thousands of feet over a wet day or two, typically at multi-day camping festivals, paddock car parks and showgrounds after heavy rain. The tall shaft is the whole point: no low-cut shoe, waterproof or not, keeps water out once mud or puddles come over the top of the collar.
The trade-offs are real, though. Gumboots don't breathe, they're heavy to walk long distances in, and many people find they rub at the calf or heel after several hours. Wear long socks (wool or a wool blend is warmer when damp) and break them in before the event.
When a waterproof sneaker is better
For most day events, such as a farmers' market in drizzle, a twilight concert on a damp lawn, a school sports day or an A&P show where you're walking between pavilions, the ground is wet rather than swamped. That's where a waterproof sneaker shines: dry feet on wet grass, much lighter on your legs, and nothing looks out of place if you head into town afterwards.
Standing for hours and queueing
Festivals are mostly standing and slow walking: queues for gates, bars, food trucks and toilets, then hours in front of a stage. A few things help:
- Wear shoes you already know. A brand-new pair, gumboots included, is the fastest way to blisters. Do a long walk in them first.
- Cushioning matters more than looks. A firm, flat sole gets tiring on hard-packed ground. For more, see our guide to the best shoes for standing all day.
- Closed toes in crowds. Getting stood on is part of festival life. Jandals and thongs leave your toes exposed and slip on wet grass.
- Grip. Wet grass on a slope is slippery in anything. Look for a sole with real tread and take hills slowly.
Socks: the underrated part of the plan
Even with waterproof shoes, feet can get damp from sweat or from rain running down your legs into the shoe. Wool or wool-blend socks stay warmer when damp than cotton. Bring at least one spare pair per day in a zip-lock bag, and change into them at lunchtime or before the evening sets. Rain pants or a long raincoat that sits over the top of your shoes or boots also stops water running straight in.
Pack a spare pair and plan the drive home
- Leave a dry pair of shoes and socks in the car, or in your tent at camping festivals.
- Bring a plastic bag or a cheap tub for muddy footwear so the car stays clean.
- A small towel helps for wiping feet before you change.
- Kids get muddier than anyone. A waterproof school-and-play shoe like our Melbourne Chelsea is easier for them than wet canvas sneakers.
Drying out afterwards
Knock off loose mud once it's dry, then wipe the uppers clean. Take out the insoles, loosen the laces and stuff the shoes with newspaper, then let them air dry at room temperature. Avoid heaters, dryers and direct hot sun, which can damage glues and materials. Gumboots just need hosing out and drying upside down. Our full guide on how to dry wet shoes goes step by step.
What to wear on your feet
We make Oszea, so take this with that in mind. Our Tasman Essentials and Urban Essentials are waterproof everyday sneakers built with a ZEA-TEX 4-layer construction: a breathable knit outer, a waterproof membrane, a flexible elastomer layer and a soft inner lining. They're designed for rain, puddles and wet grass, which makes them a good fit for markets, day festivals, twilight concerts and sports days where the ground is wet but not a swamp. They're lightweight and breathable (here's how that works), and they wipe clean.
The honest limits: they're low-cut sneakers, not gumboots. They aren't made for full submersion, so in ankle-deep mud or standing water, water will come over the top. For a mud-bath campsite, wear gumboots and keep your Oszeas dry in the tent for the drive home.
FAQ
Are gumboots or waterproof sneakers better for a festival?
It depends on the ground. Gumboots for deep mud and standing water; a waterproof sneaker for wet grass, light rain and lots of walking. If you can't tell from the forecast, wear sneakers and leave gumboots in the car.
Can I wear jandals or thongs to a rainy festival?
We wouldn't. Wet grass is slippery, toes get trodden on in crowds, and mud gets everywhere. Closed shoes are safer and warmer once the sun goes down.
How do I stop gumboots rubbing?
Wear long, thick socks that come above the top of the boot, break them in before the event, and make sure they aren't too loose at the heel.
How many pairs of socks should I pack?
At least one spare pair per day, plus a dry pair for the trip home. Keep them in a sealed bag.
Will waterproof sneakers keep my feet dry in mud?
In shallow mud and on wet grass, yes. Once mud or water is deeper than the shoe's collar, it will get in over the top. That's what gumboots are for.