Have for the last two and a bit decades used hiking boots with my flats, you can pick up light weight goretex or similar for £30 ish if you do not mind shopping around and are not a brand snob. Try T K Maxx, I use Raichle but others in my family use Hi Tec, been very good.Also used Nike?Adidas/Karrimor/Berghaus/Merrel (worst of the lot). Vibram soles tend not to get as shredded as others and are stiffer. Warter will go in eventually and will sit there I have use sealskin socks …….horrible…now use wool socks.
Oh My Gawd I sound like a fell walking rambler……………………..