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2NDpaddlers
senior member (73)senior membersenior member
  
02/27/2018 03:45PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Curious what everybody prefers for their shoes of choice for canoeing and portaging. What is good on the portage trails, but also works well getting wet, yet dries somewhat quickly? I have done the old tennis shoes that I don't care about getting wet, and dry somewhat quickly after a day of paddling and portaging. They are also pretty good on the portages for stability. What suggestions does anybody have that might make my next trip even more comfortable when it comes to my feet? Is what I am doing the best for summer trips?
 
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02/27/2018 04:19PM  
You'll probably get as many answers here as what would be attracted to any "best" thread, be it canoe, tent, sleep system, water filter, etc.

I've worn sturdy sport sandals and wool socks on all my trips. If I were going in true cold water season then I'd probably consider a boot of some kind.
Some people prefer to change into shoes or hiking boots for portages and then wear sandals on the water. Some wear well draining boots all the time. Sandals work well for me, however I've never been a huge fan of Keen Newport sandals - they're never 100% solid on my feet due to all the neoprene and bungee laces. If only Teva had never stopped producing the Dozer II, or if they hadn't replaced it with the Dozer III. I still have mine, they outlasted the Dozer IIIs I got for my trip in 2011 and the Newports that replaced the Dozer IIIs. Tight velcro closure across the top of the foot as well as behind the heel with an aggressive hiking outsole.
I now wear Keen Rialtos which have a better sole than the Newports, but I keep looking to Teva to bring back my "perfect" sandal.
 
sylvesterii
distinguished member (164)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/27/2018 04:40PM  
I really like my Lowa waterproof hiking boots and extra thin smartwool socks.

With that said, I don't wetfoot unless I absolutely have to though, and then I try to find somewhere that will not go over my ankles and in to my boots. I hate wet feet.
 
scramble4a5
distinguished member(586)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/27/2018 06:42PM  
This year I will be trying some Rocky S2V boots. These were recommended by Master Tangker aka Alan. I might supplement the ankle support a bit with some nylon ankle braces. Paired with either some Wigwam wool blend or Darn Tough socks and I am good to go.
 
billconner
distinguished member(8607)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
02/27/2018 06:49PM  
I bought Chota Caneyforks 7 or 8 years ago and never looked back.
 
02/27/2018 07:23PM  
I really like my Chota Quetico Trekkers. They're good for wet foot portaging, as they work well both in the water and on mucky ground, and they're pretty good on slippery rocks. I even use them as light hikers for backpacking sometimes.
 
02/27/2018 07:35PM  
I prefer to "wetfoot" when it's not too cold, which varies from individual to individual. For wetfooting I have an old pair of OTB Abyss boots. They are ankle high, drain out the bottom, and secure tightly with laces. There are several similar boots. Wetfooting avoids a lot of tip-toeing around at portage landings and on portages. The ankle high boots are more secure on my foot than a shoe/sandal, especially in boot-sucking mud. I tried the Keen sandals, but too much stuff got in and under my foot. Then there was the issue of retrieving them from boot-sucking mud. When I wetfoot, I wear a pair of wool socks and I take a dry pair of socks and shoes for camp. If it's too cold I switch to a pair of knee-high rubber boots. YMMV.

As mirth noted, you'll find that individual preference and experience varies widely.
 
02/27/2018 09:02PM  
Which show is right? Depends on what you like.

I have friends that can not hike or portage in anything other than a sturdy hiking boot...that would be their ideal. I hate high top shoes or boots.

I used to use sandals like Tevas and never had a problem but I was young and nimble. I wouldn’t use them now.

Currently I like these Salomon Tech Amphibian With wool socks. I really like them due to their wet traction, but many would find the ankle support lacking.

There is a lot of personal preference to shoes.

T
 
OldFingers57
distinguished member(4990)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
02/27/2018 09:11PM  
I use OTB Abyss boots. They drain the water well and have good traction. They are no longer made but you can still find new ones on eBay l.
 
gymcoachdon
distinguished member(599)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/27/2018 10:30PM  
I use Keen Voyagers with wool socks while paddling and portaging. In camp, I use Keen Clearwater CNX Sandals. The closed toe protects me from kicking roots and rocks while walking around camp. I have used the sandals when canoeing the local rivers, and they allow too much crud (pebbles, etc.) in to consider them for portaging. The Voyageurs are not waterproof, and they drain relatively well. Will they dry out during the trip? Nope. About 1 minute of clammy wet feeling boots each morning, then they warm up, and I don't notice it anymore.
 
rdricker
distinguished member (103)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/27/2018 10:42PM  
Going to get a lot of opinions here....

Both my kids and I have used American made Jungle Boots on all our canoe outings. I've been really happy with how they perform. My own pair now have over 40 days of wet portaging on them and they are going strong. They grip well, drain well, dry well, and support reasonably well. And they last if you don't get the cheap ones!

We've gotten all ours used on Ebay. If you go with Jungle Boots always get the American made Altama, Belleville, and older Wellco. Do not buy the cheap Chinese made knock offs, you'll be lucky if they hold up on one trip!

I always go into crocks as soon as I hit camp though...my fee dry right away and I've never had to use powder.
 
bwcasolo
distinguished member(1921)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/28/2018 05:30AM  
sylvesterii: "
2NDpaddlers: "Curious what everybody prefers for their shoes of choice for canoeing and portaging. What is good on the portage trails, but also works well getting wet, yet dries somewhat quickly? I have done the old tennis shoes that I don't care about getting wet, and dry somewhat quickly after a day of paddling and portaging. They are also pretty good on the portages for stability. What suggestions does anybody have that might make my next trip even more comfortable when it comes to my feet? Is what I am doing the best for summer trips?"



I really like my Lowa waterproof hiking boots and extra thin smartwool socks.


With that said, I don't wetfoot unless I absolutely have to though, and then I try to find somewhere that will not go over my ankles and in to my boots. I hate wet feet. "

yep that's me, i have a pair of neo overboots in the canoe if the take out-put in looks dicey, but my feet stay supported and dry as well. nothing like ankle high boots on those portages. vasque, hikers.
 
MagicPaddler
distinguished member(1495)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/28/2018 06:46AM  
An earlier thread where I tested the drain ability of OBT, NRS, Chota, and Keen Voyageur.
 
mschi772
distinguished member(806)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/28/2018 07:55AM  
I'm a lover of Astral footwear (love them all, so I won't specify) for both wetfooting, and just wearing around town for no particularly outdoorsy reason.
 
kona
distinguished member (273)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/28/2018 08:15AM  
Second vote for Astral shoes when wetfooting. I have two pairs. These are my favorites:

http://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=forum.thread&threadId=1037329&forumID=15&confID=1
 
MReid
distinguished member (443)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/28/2018 08:47AM  
I still use my 10" high LL Bean Maine shoes, with the vibram soles (which they don't do anymore). They're fine for in the boat, are dry enough for the landings (ankle deep or so), and hike well. Muck will not pull them off. Tennies for camp.
 
BearBurrito
distinguished member(979)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/28/2018 09:51AM  
I have a pair of NRS boundary shoes which I love. I only trip in early spring or late fall though when the water is cold. They don't have a lot of support but luckily I have strong ankles so have never needed ankle support. I wear them all day with a pair of merino wool socks, and change into dry sandals at camp.
 
Bulldogge62
senior member (76)senior membersenior member
  
02/28/2018 10:03AM  
5 10 water tennies with Chota hippies the water tennies grip on wet rocks is second to none in my opinion. I put superfeet insoles in them and they work well on portages too
 
02/28/2018 11:15AM  
Chota trekkers. However, I've also bought knock-off brand hiking shoes, ankle-high off the net for 20 bucks or less.
 
02/28/2018 11:41AM  
MagicPaddler: "An earlier thread where I tested the drain ability of OBT, NRS, Chota, and Keen Voyageur. "

I read that thread and tried the Keen boots. Really like the fit in a wide, for the toe box, and they work quite well for wetfooting, with either a wool sock or a neoprene in cold weather. Sole grips as well or better than the other boots, in my experience. Like em better than Chotas or OTB's, which I had used in the past. And they have held up so far for two summers, which I rate pretty good for a wetfoot boot.
 
BlackSwanAdventures
distinguished member (110)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/28/2018 03:03PM  
timatkn: "Which show is right? Depends on what you like.



Currently I like these Salomon Tech Amphibian With wool socks. I really like them due to their wet traction, but many would find the ankle support lacking.



T"


we both use these same ones as well, feel the same. The traction is superior to other shoes we have tried including various keen's.
 
02/28/2018 04:17PM  
OldFingers57: "I use OTB Abyss boots. They drain the water well and have good traction. They are no longer made but you can still find new ones on eBay l. "

+1 I got mine as a close deal a few years back.
Siped soles really hold well on wet surfaces.
 
nooneuno
distinguished member(633)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/28/2018 07:54PM  
Any shoe that will allow an object larger than a grain of sand to become lodged between the sole and my foot is off the table as far as I am concerned. I would rather portage two feet of solid mud for 50 rods than have to deal with that one damn pebble, you know the one, the one that makes you drop the canoe, throw off your pack, and remove the offending shoe before you go even further insane than you already were....
 
BuckFlicks
distinguished member(628)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/01/2018 04:30PM  
I've told this story here before, so I'll just give the cliff's notes version:

First trip, I wore old Merrell hiking boots. They got wet putting the canoe in at the very first launch on the first day and my feet were wet the entire trip, and I was miserable. They were also terribly heavy. I hate walking with wet feet.

Next trip, I got tall Bean boots from LL Bean. I've only gotten a wet foot once on subsequent trips, and that's because we beached at a portage where the water got deep quickly, and as I was about to step out of the boat, my partner tipped it and I had to throw a foot out to keep from falling in entirely.. .and instead of stepping where the water was 7 inches deep, I stepped where it was about a foot deep and got a little water in the boot.

I like that they lace up and give great ankle support, something I desperately need while portaging. They do get hot in warm weather, but we generally only go in September, so that's not a terrible problem. They are not the stiffest of soles, so you may feel rocks while walking, but they're not flimsy by any means.

I will second the Salomon Techamphibian for river trips or local lake paddling. If I don't have to portage, I am wearing those. They dry almost instantly and are very comfortable.
 
03/01/2018 09:45PM  
I've settled on Abyss Boots for travel days with portaging heavy loads and Salomon Tech amphibians for just out fishing or taking day trips and light portages. I take 3 pair of medium weight smartwool socks and one pair never gets wet. I rotate the other two pair.

Last year I used a very light pair of moccasin hard bottomed slippers for around camp and they were well worth bringing along. There's nothing worse than putting on cold wet boots first thing in the morning and these slippers really solved that problem. Kudos to Pine Knot from this board for the inspiration.

Moccasins

 
Fizics
distinguished member (145)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/02/2018 09:49PM  
There's a lot of opinions, and only 1 true answer. Salomon GTX Ultra hiking shoes. That's all you need to know. I'm on my 3rd pair over 6 years. I wear them every day. All other hiking brands are frankly shit. I've had merrel, they glue their shoes together and you'll know exactly where that glue joint is once it fails in 6 months.

Salomon GTX. End of thread, lock this ***** and go buy a pair.
 
03/03/2018 07:06AM  
Best shoes is a very individual issue. I wore Keen H2O's for some time and raved about them, then my feet started getting sore. I learned the wide foot box was contributing to flat feet, just one more issue about getting older. Not only the boot, but the fit is critical. I wear boots now.
I use OTB when the water is tolerable as they dry much faster. When the water is cold I switch to Chota's with the Chota hippie. Changing liners/socks gives me transition. I also use the Chota's when I winter paddle in the kayaks. Chota gives a little more support, especially in the sole.
 
03/03/2018 08:57AM  
I always wet foot, so waterproof boots really make no sense for me. Used to wear Merril Moabs, but the traction was horrible and the boots really did not last that long. I have tried a couple of different Chota models and did not care for the fit. Last year I picked up some Keen Voyagers, and while I like the fit and traction, on one of the boots the sole is already coming apart. Not really sure what I will wear this summer.
 
03/03/2018 09:17AM  
Frenchy, this may be something to look at. I'm gonna be trying these on at Copia soon. Chota Hybrid High top

I haven't seen these in person yet but I kind of wish they had a more aggressive vibram sole. That combined with bottom drain ports like the Abyss boots and I'd be ordering asap. Hear that Chota?? :)



 
03/03/2018 09:28AM  
I've got a question for this thread. Has anyone ever tried drilling drain ports in the bottom of their hiking boots? I really would like these Salomon GTX lite and wonder how they would perform if I took a small diameter drill bit between the lugs.



 
MagicPaddler
distinguished member(1495)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/03/2018 10:10AM  
TomT: "I've got a question for this thread. Has anyone ever tried drilling drain ports in the bottom of their hiking boots? I really would like these Salomon GTX lite and wonder how they would perform if I took a small diameter drill bit between the lugs.
"

All of the fast draining shoes are designed to hold water if you are getting in a canoe. If you are standing in water and you want to get your shoes to drain you need to pick them up out of the water. There are 2 ways to do that you can hold your foot out in front of you which means your heal is down and there are no drain holes in the heal. It is easier to bend your knee and lift your foot out of the water behind you. This means your tow is down and there are no drain holds in the tow. If you are seated in a canoe your heals are down and there are no drain holes in the heal making a cup to hold water. While seated in a canoe you can place your heals on the gunnels which is high enough to have your shoes drain out the top. This will help get the water out of your shoes but it will run down your leg all the way to your crotch. Solution is to drill ¼“ holes in the back of the shoe at the bottom.
 
03/03/2018 12:58PM  
Sounds like yoga at the landings. :)

My abyss boots are full of holes in the sole of the boot. They really drain great. I might give it a shot.
 
03/03/2018 01:44PM  
TomT: "Frenchy, this may be something to look at. I'm gonna be trying these on at Copia soon. Chota Hybrid High top

I haven't seen these in person yet but I kind of wish they had a more aggressive vibram sole. That combined with bottom drain ports like the Abyss boots and I'd be ordering asap. Hear that Chota?? :)



"


Will look into those at Copia as well. Boots/shoes are the one item on my shopping list.
 
03/03/2018 04:44PM  
I always wet foot it in "Canoe Country". For me, the Chota Trekkers have worked great. Good ankle support and great grip as well.

A few years ago when the Chota Lost Creek boots were introduced I purchased a pair. I like the fact that they are synthetic and dry faster than the Chota Trekkers, but the soles don't seem to have as good of grip as the Trekkers. Ankle support is good for the Lost Creek boots, and the grip is adequate, just not as good as the Trekkers in my opinion.

I generally use the Chota breathable socks and/or their "Hippies" with the Trekkers and the Lost Creek boots also, especially in the colder months.

Hans Solo

 
printing
member (49)member
  
03/03/2018 06:16PM  
Last summer and the summer before I hiked exclusively in Chacos and also wore them on my boundary waters trip. Love them, when the mosquito are out I just cover my feet in mud before the portage then wash them off at the other side.
 
03/09/2018 08:33PM  
TomT: "Frenchy, this may be something to look at. I'm gonna be trying these on at Copia soon. Chota Hybrid High top

I haven't seen these in person yet but I kind of wish they had a more aggressive vibram sole. That combined with bottom drain ports like the Abyss boots and I'd be ordering asap. Hear that Chota?? :) “

Tried them on earlier at Copia. Very lightweight, but like all of their products, for me at least, just could not find a good fit. Too much lateral movement, and my foot felt like it was swimming in the boot. Maybe if they made 1/2 sizes I could find something that does not feel like I am wearing a gallon size zip lock bag on my foot.
 
FLATLINER
member (28)member
  
03/09/2018 10:37PM  
I am sort of cheap. I wear a pair of wellies from Tractor supply and then change into hiking boots (Hoka) that I love at portages. Yes it is a little extra work but I am rarely in a hurry in the BWCA.
 
FatLunker
member (13)member
  
07/24/2018 06:23AM  
Just ordered terrafins. My first time up First week of September. Hope they rule. Debating neoprene socks, probably going to. I'm a rookie, but going with two veterans.
 
07/24/2018 05:51PM  
Keen Voyagers boots. Light weight, dry fast, very durable
 
07/25/2018 08:16AM  
I pretty much live in sandals 7 months a year as I run a canoe and kayak livery in NC. I have worn keens, tevas, astrals, and chaco's... nothing lasts me more than one season except my chaco's. My first pair made it 5 years before the glue gave. I glued them back together and they are the backups now. Astrals are second, as when the stitching busted after a few months, they sent me a new pair asap. Astral is a great company, and have been expanding their footwear offerings. I know folks that have been guiding rafting trips in Brewers for a few years and the shoes are going strong.

I have always wet footed, wearing sandals and bringing a pair of hiking boots for cold mornings or real hikes. Of all the sandals I have worn up there, the Chaco's are far and away my favorites...

I just got a pair of tevas from one of their reps to test out. Back when I wore tevas, the glue always gave out fairly quickly, so I hope they have made some improvements as it would be nice to have a reliable sandal for less than a hundred bucks.

I guess this has been a long way of saying that for wet footing, I like chaco's, but would not be afraid to try Astrals if you want more of a shoe.



 
Driftless
distinguished member (361)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
07/25/2018 08:51AM  
I also love my Chaco's in warm weather. When it gets cold I have some LaCrosse neoprene knee highs.
 
Taasor
  
07/25/2018 09:42AM  
Baffins shoes are fantastic. I tried them all sandals, draining boots, and old tennis shoe. Baffins can be purchased at Prigas. They are cross between closed toe sandal, tennis shoe and draining hiking boot. Hope this helps.
 
BAWaters
distinguished member (123)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
07/26/2018 02:25PM  
timatkn: "Which show is right? Depends on what you like.


I have friends that can not hike or portage in anything other than a sturdy hiking boot...that would be their ideal. I hate high top shoes or boots.


I used to use sandals like Tevas and never had a problem but I was young and nimble. I wouldn’t use them now.


Currently I like these Salomon Tech Amphibian With wool socks. I really like them due to their wet traction, but many would find the ankle support lacking.


There is a lot of personal preference to shoes.


T"


+1 on the Salomon Tech Amphibians for warm season tripping. Wore the Keen H2s for years. They are solid, and offer adequate foot protection, but I didn't like how frequently debris found its way into them. The netting material in the Salomons keeps most of the rocks and twigs out, and they still have a closed toe box. They are kind of like a quick draining trail running shoe.
 
awdriven
member (20)member
  
07/27/2018 07:58AM  
Another data point to put out there - I have a pair of the Chota Caney Fork boots and like them, but was frustrated with how much moisture they retained. The grip and support are good, but they seem to remain squishy and boggy for a long time. On a seven day trip, with daily use, it felt like the Chotas never really dried out that much overnight.

This year I tried some Altama Maritime Assault 'boots'. They're not as grippy as the Chotas, but dry out MUCH better and are more comfortable to wear when wet. I wore them with a pair of Woolpower merino liner socks and the two together were great. If you changed to camp shoes after paddling, they felt pretty dry the next day, especially if you have a new pair of nice dry socks to wear. If you just kept wearing them, they were frankly pretty comfortable. They dry out sufficiently while on your feet to not feel nasty once you're off the trail/water.

https://www.amazon.com/Altama-333051-R-110-MultiCam-Maritime-Assault/dp/B07B19H173/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1532696348&sr=8-4&keywords=altama+maritime+assault

There is a low-top and mid-height version. I have the mids.
 
07/28/2018 07:11PM  
Best? I just go barefoot. Try it, works great.
 
GearJunkie
distinguished member (159)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
07/29/2018 08:30AM  
Vasque Saga GTX.

The venting worked so well I actually thought my feet were wet. It was just the air cooling my toes down.

Awesome ankle support and super light.

Also used Tingleys for short portage’s. They weigh about a pound and are worth every dime.
 
Bentrac
  
12/18/2021 10:15PM  
Go ruck Macv1. These are modeled after the jungle boots worn in Vietnam for wet conditions. They're vented on the bottom and dry easily overnight with the insoles out. Camp shoes are Crocs with a good wool sock, but I'm not out hiking around in them. When the Crocs go on I'm in full lounge mode.
 
scottiebaldwin
distinguished member (193)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/19/2021 01:06AM  
BearBurrito: "I have a pair of NRS boundary shoes which I love. I only trip in early spring or late fall though when the water is cold. They don't have a lot of support but luckily I have strong ankles so have never needed ankle support. I wear them all day with a pair of merino wool socks, and change into dry sandals at camp."


It’s as if I had written BearBurritos quote myself! I love the NRS Boundary Boots! I always wear Darn Tough socks (which are magnificent and easily my favorite socks). The NRS have little support but are great at keeping feet dry without the clammy nature over time of Muck boots. They are around $100 but ALWAYS go on sale at REI for $50 before paddling season every year. Totally worth picking up a pair.

For wetfooting I use Darn Tough low socks with the Chaco Odyssey sandals. Great for the summer days!

And for camp slippers, North Face Thermoball in plaid. Comfy and great grip.





 
OutThere
member (21)member
  
12/19/2021 08:25PM  
Still stuck on 3 eyelet Bean boots, one pair for daytime and another pair after camp is set up. Pretty quick easy on/off for nighttime pee breaks and dry during evening rains and morning dew. Good traction on underwater rocks, protective and very easy to clean mud off the bottoms. Or 12" high for daytime if it's cooler or ticks and mosquitos really hungry. Downside: getting expensive.
 
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