Re: Footware for hiking thru deeper water.

I agree with the speacock method for occasional crossings - however - if you're going to be - for example - hiking up a creek bed - sandals or wading shoes (the kind you use for fly fishing) might work better for you. You do want to protect your feet - I winced when speacock mentioned pulling out a toe nail - by the way - you really don't understand the meaning of discomfort until you do that on the trail.....

Creek wading can be an enjoyable way to explore new territory - especially when it's hotter than heck out. But that's another topic for another thread!