I just finished a week in Quetico and used a new pair of NSR Boundary Boots.

I bought these boots on-line direct from NSR for $84, which seemed like a great price. Having heard that the boots run small in size, I ordered a size 13. When they arrived, they were much too big and I was able to exchange them for a size 12 at no charge and no postage! The customer service people were easy to work with on the exchange. The size 12 arrived quickly and fit perfectly with light wool socks.

The Boundary Boot does have a flexible sole that feels thin. And you do feel portage rocks more through the bottom, but I don't think it is a safety issue. The tread on the bottom seems to be grippy enough and I never slipped on any surface.

I found the ability to tromp thru mud and step out into the water at canoe landings to be great compared to trying to keep water-resistant boots dry. The boots do not breath at all, and your feet will get damp from perspiration. I took my boots off each day at camp and they seemed dry and ready each morning.

The fit seems true to size. They go on and come off easily enough. The boot laces are an elastic tension-type lace that seems secure. and the boot provides a storage pouch for the extra length of lace.

I've read lots of comments and concerns about "ankle-support" with these boots. Never having had a problem with ankles I don't know what ankle-support means.

I really like the light weight of these boots. We came out of Q on Dickie's Portage and that involved just over 5 miles of walking. I was real pleased with how the boots performed.

I've had a pair (older model) for several years and like them. I find it helpful to put an insole in mine. NRS is a great company to deal with.

I got a pair last year and tripped twice in them. I find them very comfortable and like you said they’re great for loading and unloading. I do have “weak” ankles so I use a support wrap and have had no problems.

My husband and I tried them on at Canoecopia but my husband had trouble getting them over his calves and they were tight on his ankles (the straps on most sandals are usually short).

We ended up ordering Level Six boots which were easier to get on, seemed stretchier. We wore them for a week in the bw. And my husband loved them. For me the biggest issue was the ankle strap didn’t tighten enough (Velcro overlap issue). Like the NSR boots, sometimes you could feel the rock edges and I may add an insert.

moray: "I got a pair last year and tripped twice in them. I find them very comfortable and like you said they’re great for loading and unloading. I do have “weak” ankles so I use a support wrap and have had no problems. "

It took me a minute to figure out what type of trip you meant here when you were talking about ankle support...

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A1t2o: "

moray: "I got a pair last year and tripped twice in them. I find them very comfortable and like you said they’re great for loading and unloading. I do have “weak” ankles so I use a support wrap and have had no problems. "

It took me a minute to figure out what type of trip you meant here when you were talking about ankle support..."

This message has had HTML content edited out of it.

moray: "

A1t2o: "

moray: "I got a pair last year and tripped twice in them. I find them very comfortable and like you said they’re great for loading and unloading. I do have “weak” ankles so I use a support wrap and have had no problems. "

It took me a minute to figure out what type of trip you meant here when you were talking about ankle support...""

Not sure what happened there? After looking back at my post I guess I should’ve worded that a bit differently!

I've been on 3 trips with mine. Overall I like them and will continue to use! I find I'm more likely to slip on wet rocks than I am in my hiking boots. My feet froze on late April daytrip - my calves don't leave much room for a warmer sock.

I use Chota Hippies which allow me to navigage some of the deeper/rockier landings without the worry of going above my knees with the water level.

Having used knee high boots in the past I will not be going back to them anytime soon for cold water tripping.

I love using mine. Yes, they're a little less substantial than a hiking boot. Yes, they keep in the sweat, but the advantages for me to be able to plod through the mud or into the shallow water is a game changer. I know there are lots of folks who don't care getting their regular boots soaked, but I don't like that. Trying to keep my landings so that I could keep my feet dry was nearly impossible. So, the boundary boots saved the day!

I bought a air of NRS Paddle Wetshoes a number of years ago when I began kayaking. I decided to take them on a canoe trip to use as a portage/paddling boot to handle the many wet foot landings. They held up well until the middle of the trip. My feet bgan to get sorer because of the weak arch support. By the end of the trip I could barely get across short, easy portages. At Canoecopia this year, I bought a size larger, and used my shoe inserts my foot doctor recommended for my plantar fasciitis along with the merino wool hiking socks I always wear. It made a great difference. No pain whatsoever. They also work great as a swimming shoe with good traction on slippery rocks.

The NRS Boundary Boot has a grippy, but thin sole. I recently wore the boot and injured my arch on an underwater rock. Never again. I will wear boots with some integrity and deal with the wet.