Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Shoe Quandry
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toopoopedtopaddle |
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Flying-Finn |
Last year I watched bunch of girlscouts get out of their canoes in waist high water and unload. It looked miserable. If you take your time and be careful, I really do not think you will need knee high boots and the like. |
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canoehat |
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dagminn |
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bogwalker |
Here are what I use-and it depends on time of year and water and air temps-mainly water temps. Portage boots: Early and late year when water temps are cold and air temps are not real warm yet I use a Chota Nunavut Mukluk. This is a neoprene lined boot that goes more than half way up your calf allowing you to go into water a little over a foot deep without getting wet. It alse seals fairly well around your leg so even if you go over top of boot not much water gets in. I tend to use these in colder months as they are hot and in warmer weather your feet will get wet from sweating. In warmer months I use a Merrill Hiking boot and I expect to have wet feet. This time of year its not a big deal as many nights the boots will come close to drying by morning and they are not as hot. Camp Shoes Used to bring a pair of tennis shoes, but last year bought a pair of Keen sandals. These are very comfortable and work even in cold weather for me. They would not be good in snow, but with a good pair of socks they are fine in cold temps. Good Luck-Your portage boots are way more important than camp shoes. Bring what you have for camp shoes and with the time of year you are going a nice Hiking boot will be plenty. |
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fireupthespam |
For Portages: For Camp: A Goretex mid-Hiking boot.... I am overly cautious after the first day of a weeklong trip a few years ago I melted my hiking boots when trying to dry them on the fire.....the entire week it was rainy and very cold and I spent it in a poor pair of sandals....below is the result I am hoping to avoid |
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Mad_Angler |
One option: - portaging: neoprene socks and old hiking boots that will drain - camp: dry boots or shoes that will stay dry Another option: - portaging: good, 8-10" waterproof boots. Work to keep water from going over the top. - camp: use the same boots as portaging Other options: ??? |
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dedgrass |
I think we've all been through the 'what's the right footwear for me' question. For me, Keen water sandals work terrific. They have good drainage, comfort and toe protection- very important, take it from me on this one. I lost a big toenail second day out three years ago ! Couple them with sealskinz waterblockers (over the calf waterproof socks) with a liner sock and thin merino wools socks and you are good to go for warm, dry entry/exit and portaging. If you watch your step and take your time, you'll do fine. Now if you are into rock climbing while carrying a canoe, you may want to consider something with ankle support. I take one pair of socks (wool, Smartwool- don't skimp) for every two days and that's worked out for me. In camp this year I'm bringing in 'duck shoes' from Rural King. They are a farmboy's version of what LL. Bean carries. Good luck to ya! |
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overthehill |
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Buck47 |
I like my leather Red Wings with Merino Wool socks. I like the leather support and protection from sticks and rocks rubbing against ankles. They get wet and dry and get wet again. I will try to keep them dry, but if they get wet the socks are key. My 10 year old believes you have to have wet feet in a canoe :) Camp shoes: are sandles, but I have been waiting for a sale or present, on Keens. I want shoes around camp that are light and I can walk around in the water at the shore, swim, and fish in. They dry quick and are light. Size 13-14 tennis shoes are kind of big and bulky to pack around and don't dry well. Key Merino Wool Socks.. |
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Beemer01 |
If you are staying in the BWCA in July and August - and plan easy trips, or base camp on Lake Three, and know your route - wear whatever is comfortable - the portages are short, easy, flat and well worn. Go barefoot if you want. If you are venturing to points North.... Quetico, Wabakimi, Caribou or rivers that flow into Hudson Bay... or if you are travelling during the cold spring or fall in the BWCAW, you would be an idiot not to wear protective foorwear such as boots or even sneakers. Sandals are not suggested for this portage. |
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mike |
How can anyone hate having wet feet in the BWCA? It's practically one giant puddle... I mean, you have no choice but to step into water at some landings. Additionally, it's really annoying to have the bow or stern position be concerned with the wetness of his/her partner's feet. If it's your wife, girlfriend, fiance, or child, go ahead and help them keep their feet dry if they have a phobia. If it's just a partner, tell them to suck it up. Bring two pairs of shoes. One should be used for canoeing and portaging. These should drain well and have, if you really need it, support. Sandals and aqua socks aren't the best idea, but I've done it and survived. The other pair of shoes should be kept dry so you don't get some sort of WWII era fungal infestation. That's just gross, although highly unlikely. Regardless, you're going to have a great trip if that's what you set out to have. Love, peace, and chicken grease, Mike I have one more thought. I always wear shoes when swimming or cliff jumping to avoid sharp rocks or nasty, hidden things. Yep, those are the same as my portaging/paddling shoes. |
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Davidm |
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Merganser |
Trekkers in July too, but this time with the gaiter socks becuase the brookies are just too hot. I like the fit better with the neoprene liner. Smartwool again. |
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Blackstick |
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points |
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Irishstone |
I think it is more important to find something that fits your style well and keeps you happy. I love the teva's the dry fast are fine in the water and when I take my time and portage with care, they are great portage shoes. I always bring a pair of flip flops or tennis shoes for camp. Hope that helps some people out |
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davidm |
1 pair of real hiking boots for portaging. I need the ankle support, and I rarely get me feet wet getting into or out of a canoe. Gortex socks will keep your feet dry if you do get your boots wet. Store them in a Duluth pack at night. 1 pair of tevas. I wear them into the water, and around camp at night with socks. They can be velcroed or buckled to the thwarts of the canoe when they are too wet to pack, but mine dry instantly. |
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Dean |
Hip boots, knee boots, water shoes, tennis shoes....? Just a bit confused. Thanks again. Dean |
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ekffazr |
this has done me fine for the last god knows how many years, on both short and easy trips and long and arduous trips. Although I have to add I have only been there once outside of mid-June to Mid-August so warmth is rarely an issue with me but, thats just me, someday I may pay the price but until then thats what I bring |
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ernie21e |
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Mad_Angler |
With the water being so very cold right now, the waders don't sound like a bad idea. I'd have to work pretty hard to find a landing that I couldn't negotiate with my waders... I'd definitely wear a good wading belt to keep from filling them up if the canoe flipped... |
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Traveler |
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Beemer01 |
I like to cover more than 8 miles a day! |
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Traveler |
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Beemer01 |
The 'wetfoot feeling' doesn't bother me, but perhaps because I always wear Smartwool or similar REI or Woolrich wool blend socks in my boots. Comfortable when cool or warm when wet. I agree that many BWCA portages are easy, and I'll also point out that many Quetico portages are decidedly not. My youngest son insisted on wearing sandals on a 100 mile Quetico trip, and though he didn't twist an ankle, he did get some chaffing, bleeding and blisters from his Tevas sandals. (After the second day he wore my Smartwools in the sandals, even though he viewed this as a very serious wilderness fashion infraction.) Yum-Yum or Have-a-Smoke will do that to any sandal wearing portager, they will rip your unprotected feet to shreads. |
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mgraber |
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schweady |
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HansSolo |
quote Merganser: "We're going in early June. For that trip I will wear my Chota Trekkers with brookie waders. The trekkers have good wet surface traction and with the brookies keep the water out. Only downside is they keep sweat in. Smartwool liner is a must. +1 The Chota Trekkers have great ankle support, and as Merganser stated, the wet surface traction is also very good. My only complaint is that the insoles leave something to be desired. After one portage' with my new Trekkers, I yanked out the insoles and never used them again. Can't say I miss the insoles, but some users replace them with something else. Hans Solo |
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curtash |
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Presto |
I use generic sandals that rip-off the waldies design for in camp and nightly fishing excursions. They are really nice, cause they let your feet breathe, are lightweight, and have protection for the toe box when you are stumbling to the privy in the dark. |
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fishguts |
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=11415773&parent_category_rn=4501262&vcat=REI_SEARCH |
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nolanbunch |
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Beemer01 |
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Beemer01 |
(Cringe) Please do this only if the name on the canoe is Grumman or Alumnicraft... and even then you'll be signaling your arrival to folks within a 1/2 mile radius. |
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fishguts |
There is nothing worse than being stuck with wet boots day after day on a long trip. And paddling with a Kevlar means you will get wet, no matter what. I used to wear tennis shoes, but have switched to "Salomon Tech Amphibian Water Shoes ". They are great...the water drains out instantly. All the hype about "Ankle Support" has no meaning for me, I have never spained an ankle on a canoe trip. The worst ankle sprain I ever had was while wearing High top football Check them out! shoes.http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=11415773&parent_category_rn=4501262&vcat=REI_SEARCH |
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knothead180 |
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Bannock |
Knee boots (if you mean rubber "barn" boots) - no. Water shoes - no. Tennis shoes - yes, but just for changing into in camp. Your travel (canoe and portage) shoe/boot should be water proof (or nearly so) and high enough that the water won't be above them. This can mean fairly low if you ram your canoe onto shore and get out without standing in the water and you avoid walking through puddles on the portages, etc. Most people will be better off with something that goes to calf or knee. Remember to check the tongue. The boot will be water proof/resistant only as high as to where the tongue is attached to the shoe/boot. So a boot may be 12" but if the tongue is open the upper 4" it is really only water proof 8". You'll be good with a 12" boot with the tongue sewn in to near the top. Use mink oil or Sno Seal to treat any leather parts. Don't stand in the water too long and don't let the water go over the tops. That should work for ya. |
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marc bates |
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walleyeyedtexan |
http://www.columbia.com/Product/5/Footwear/510/Mens/8233/Cayman-II.aspx?viewAll=False we will see how they work this year, i plan on wearing them in the canoe and on portages and then have a pair of light hiking shoes for around camp and once most heavy traveling is done. |
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Rock1 |
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Xand |
Then again your mileage may vary depending on water temp and your setup. I had a kevlar canoe that made getting out in 1-2 feet of water mandatory but also did away with the need for serious ankle support. If you're in an 80+ lb Alumabeast that you can ram into shore or if you have weak ankles/are going on nasty portages you may want to reconsider. |
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Beaverjack |
quote fishguts: "I am an Anti-Boot person! My footing slipped once and I came down odd, my ankle buckled, and because I was on a big slanted rock, my knee buckled. Twisted not only my ankle, but my knee too. Would have been much worse had I not had boots on. I was up on an outcropping elk hunting. I could be dead now, but because I had good boots, I was able to catch my footing and control my fall to the ledge below. In the BWCA, I stepped off a rock with a canoe on my head and landed on a smaller rock I didn't see. I had Chota mukluks on and the pain was intense, right from my heel to my knee. My ankle swelled that night and sore for a couple days. There's a reason the military isn't issued combat loafers. I'll stick to boots, thank you. In fact, I'm swearing off 6" boots, going for 8" minimum from now on. |