This is a good question, with lots of possibilities. If you don't want to stop using the gortex hiking boots, then use sandals, as others have suggested. Many people do this. They come to a stream, and just change footwear to cross, then change back on the other side. A good option for this are the Crocs brand, or subsequent knockoffs. They are very light and double as camp shoes.
Another option that a lot of people are switching to is to wear Trail runners that breath very well and dry quickly. Then they just get their feet wet, and they are dry within an hour. You don't have to worry about blisters because trail runner are just fancy tennis shoes and don't rub you like boots do. This is what I do. I only wear gortex boots in the winter in snow. I have also come to the conclusion that ankle support is over hyped. I have bad ankles from spraining them a lot playing sports. I have been hiking in trail runners for a year or two now and have not had any problem. I sprained my ankle last year playing softball (I did get the out
). When I tried hiking in my heavy "ankle supporting" boots, they didn't do the job. An ankle brace was much better. Now, I carry an ankle brace with me, just in case.
Anyways, I know people that backpack exclusively in sandals. They never have ankle, or foot problems, and can blast through the streams. It is up to you what to choose. HYOH.
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