A charge of compressed wet guncotton may be exploded, even under water, by the detonation of a small primer of the dry and waterproofed material, which in turn can be started by a small fulminate detonator.
Cowboy boots are known for their rough-and-tough style, and they also can be easily waterproofed before you wear them.
Go for hiking boots that are either waterproof or capable of being waterproofed with a product like Sno-Seal.
If your boots are properly waterproofed (and feature a rubber-sealed sole), you'll be ready to go.
The best results, however, are obtained by taking a wax cast from the elastic mould, and then from this a plaster mould, which may be waterproofed with wax, black-leaded, and used as cathode.
They were held closed with a button top flap, but because they weren't waterproofed, grease from rations often soaked through them and stained the soldier's trousers.
To achieve waterproofed footwear most easily, you can choose the style you like in a natural leather or fabric, and then have them treated to repel water as well as soil.