to bring water shoes or not to bring water shoes on the jmt

Its such a dry year, you'll have maybe only one wade the whole JMT at Evolution Creek. I wouldn't carry anything heavy just for that.

If you do take something, there are several really light alternatives. One is homemade blue foam sandals (see http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=46709&startat=40). Other options are Vincere grip socks (~3 oz, ~4 oz with blue foam insoles), or search on 'slipper' at Gofastandlight for 3 more options.

On the JMT, no way. Things dry so fast there. I don't even carry them here and the hot and humid southeast where things days days to dry.

Definitely not necessary.

hey thanks for the great responses. everyone has been so helpful here.

I start at Sunrise Lakes on Sunday!

And no, no need for water shoes at all. I'm not even taking "camp" shoes this year – my NB are just fine :)

I think you already have your answer, but I'll reiterate the definite "no".
Even in mid June this year, I only got my feet wet in 4 places (Donahue, Mono, Bear, Evolution).
By the time I thru-hiked in early July, the ONLY place where I got wet feet was Evolution, and the water was slow and below my knee.

Just to reiterate what Ralph said, I just returned from the JMT on Friday. Evolution is the only place you will get wet and the water was basically ankle level when I crossed it.

Definitely no need to bring them but as a luxury item, if you so chose, I guess you could bring them.

I crossed Evolution Creek last week and, possibly due to the return of Sierra Monsoons, water was level was mid calf in a few places. However, no need to bring water crossing shoes. Lots of rain!