I recommend聟boots. Just about any boot, so long as it聮s comfortable, fits well, and offers the support you need. With all due respect, when did crossing streams become such a novelty? I聮ve been hopping streams for more than thirt聟I mean, for many years, and I聮ve never sat at the trailhead and wondered if my boots were up to the task. We (meaning hikers) either find boulders to hop or a log crossing, or if push comes to shove we take the boots off and wade across. And once in a while my feet get wet.
Scarpa Delta M3 boot
Delta M3 bootBecause no matter what you wear, those are going to be your options. Quality boots聴by that I mean well made, all-leather boots or newer light hikers with waterproof inner booties聴will easily keep you dry during the few seconds you splash through a stream. That is, until the water goes over the tops, which is the main risk. And when that happens, whether the boot dries a little slowly is almost immaterial because you also have wet socks with which to deal.
So I聮d simply buy good hiking boots. Asolo聮s Fugitive GTX boots ($170; www.asolo.com) are comfortable, supportive boots with leather-and-Cordura uppers and a Gore-Tex lining. Lowa聮s Renegade GTX Mid boots ($180; www.lowaboots.com) are similar in weight and design and also have Gore-Tex, but all boot makers use a little different last so they might fit differently than the Asolo boots. And Scarpa聮s Delta M3 boots ($190; www.scarpa.com) are an increasingly rare treasure: really well made with all leather uppers and no waterproof/breathable lining.
To help you across streams, pack in a pair of Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters ($20; www.orgear.com). These fit atop the boot and around the ankle, keeping dirt, snow, and water out of the boots. They聮re not waterproof, but the water-repellent coating will easily shed the wet from a five-step stream hop.
So go forth, hike, and worry not about a stream or three.
Get more advice from the Gear Guy as he picks this season聮s top gifts in You聮ll probably find a few things to put on your own wish list, too.