When I kayak, I use Crocs because they're comfortable to walk in and I can easily go in and out of the water. However, I'm going up in early June, and it might be a little chilly for Crocs. Any suggestions for a good boot or shoe that would meet my requirements and keep me warm?

I've always used Keen Voyagers with smart wool medium weight socks while wet footing . They dry almost completely by the next day. My camp shoes are very light weight running shoes. Keen Voyagers are great light weight boots.

Muck Boots.. . Wetlands. Keenes for in camp.

ockycamper: "Muck Boots.. . Wetlands. Keenes for in camp."

Much Wetlands are great as well. I used those last October. No wet footing with those

I wear Merrell boots in camp and neoprene knee high boots for getting in and out of canoes.

I would be more concerned about hurting myself than cold temperatures wearing crocs.

As long as you wear wool socks you will be fine temp wise that time of year. You need to find something more substantial for portaging, IMO. Old tennis shoes will get the job done but there are dozens of specialized options designed for this use. I use otb boots and am happy with them.

I wear Keen McKenzie shoes with merino wool socks (or not if it's warm enough) and crocs only in camp. I would not travel/portage with crocs. I do like them in camp though.

Drainmakers With a pair of smartwool socks. Good to go any time of year.

Muck Woody Max. Warm and great on portages.

I am an New Balance OTB Abyss II fan - adds support for portages and drains well for wet footing. Link

Another vote for the OTB Abyss II.

They are a bit heavy, but drain well and have a tough sole that doesn't flex too much when walking on (or stepping between) rocks...especially sharp ones. I've worn mine for the last 3 years. Always with medium weight wool socks.

-RW

Are the Abyss/Odhin shoes still being manufactured by New Balance? Seems like they have been discontinued. My favorites though. I bought two pairs after New Balance took over. Still have one pair new, in box.

I like the new Chota hybrids.

I've tried a few different options - old running shoes, OTB boots, and trail running shoes with a moderately stiff sole. My strong preference is for the trail running shoes. I use LaSportiva Wildcats. I also used to trail run in them, so I've had I think five pairs over the last 7-8 years.

LL Bean, bean boot. 10". Keep yo' feets dry and warm, keep deep muck and mud from pulling them off on portage, and also give you ankle stability on the portage.

jeroldharter: "Are the Abyss/Odhin shoes still being manufactured by New Balance? Seems like they have been discontinued. My favorites though. I bought two pairs after New Balance took over. Still have one pair new, in box."

I'm pretty sure they are not. Someone here purchased a boot a while back from Altama , but I don't remember hearing anymore about them.

boonie: "

jeroldharter: "Are the Abyss/Odhin shoes still being manufactured by New Balance? Seems like they have been discontinued. My favorites though. I bought two pairs after New Balance took over. Still have one pair new, in box."

I'm pretty sure they are not. Someone here purchased a boot a while back from Altama , but I don't remember hearing anymore about them. "

The OTBs are only available in a few sizes at a few retailers because they are no longer made. When my OTBs wore out, I purchased Chota Quetico Trekkers. They work for me.

Muck boots in cold, Chacos in warm. Crocs for in camp.

I will look into those Columbia quick draining sneakers. Look good.
I am a flyfisherman and have used felt soled wading boots with neoprene socks for my canoing, portaging. I get right into the water with those, get great traction slippery rocks. They are basically amphibious hiking boots. Great ankle support for carrying portage loads. I take them off at camp. Only used for canoeing. In cooler, wet weather, full on waders may be an option worth considering.

ockycamper: "Muck Boots.. . Wetlands. Keenes for in camp."

So in the unlikely event one dumps in deep water, do you think you can kick you way to shore???

I know I can do that, more or less, with my low-cut Keens?

I'd like to bring my great Keen Hiking Shoes, with me in two weeks for some deep woods portage clearing I'll be doing, but I keep asking myself, what if? We dump in deep water? (However unlikely)

Not sure. Hasnt happened to me yet. This early in the season...Ice just out now...that water will be cold. Hypothermia will be a risk if you are dumped, far from shore.
I just know I like to have some good ankle support when carrying heavy loads. My thinking is that an ankle sprain/fracture is a bad thing being in the wilderness.

Here's a boot that looks like it might be a pretty good replacement for the Abyss.

NRS Boot

I am not a wetfooter. I have always used waterproof boots and have been able to keep my feet mostly dry. I have muck boots but dont bring those bc you will end up wet anyways. Just from the inside bc of much you will be sweating wearing them.

I recently upgraded footwear system and I still keep my feet dry. I wear Chota hippies and just got the Chota Hybrid 800 wading boot. It is more of hiking boot designed for hiking in vs a fly fishing boot. Its half mesh so they drain fast. The boots are great and really light and comfortable. You dont tie them, you put more tension on the material that is used instead of shoestring. Its different but it is way faster than lacing up hiking boots.

I wear Merino wool socks. Put the hippies on which keep my feet dry and then put on the boots. (the boots also have 2 removable liners to help with the sizing and the extra space needed to accommodate the sock on the Hippie.)

I can roll the Hippies at whatever height I need or not at all. This also allows me to "wade" fish around camp more if doesnt drop off real fast. That is an added bonus.

I wear Sorel slippers as camp shoes. Cant recommend those slippers enough.

I have been in water over the top of the Muck Wetlands. I wear synthetic pants and tuck them inside the boots. Makes for a tight seal at the top. Very little water got in the boots. Also wear wool socks which displace much of the space in the boots. I wear a PFD, secured, every time I am on the water. No exceptions. Yes, I can swim to shore in the Mucks using mostly my arms to move me through the water. Water inside the Mucks, causing additional weight, is not an issue due to the above.