My 20 year Chota Caney Forks are failing and no longer available. And recommendations in previous threads are not always still available.

My best find so far seem to be the Astral Rassler. Available and in wide.

Wondered about Keen Voyageur Mid but not sure they drain and no wides.

The favored NRS seems to keep feet dry and I like wet. My feet never feel so good as after a week of being wet all day.

Merrel is not clear.

Wet foot boots may be a dinosaur product.

Bill,

The Rassler is a poor choice for its rather slick tread and thin footbed (8-9mm). I've used them in the past and while they work, I was not pleased with them and there's better out there. Magic Paddler wears the Keen Voyagers, likes them, drain pretty good for not being designed as a portage boot. If you can wait or will wait until August, Astral is re-releasing the TR1 Merge with some updates. I did a review with pics here in the Gear Forum just after 'Copia where their reps showed me the latest version, said it would be available in August. I see a lot of Merrill treads on the trails and have heard decent things about them. Not sure which model. Good luck with your search.

BTW, I do have an older but brand-new pair of Rassler's in black, size 11.5 that I'd happily part with if you're stuck on those, they're your size and/or you're looking for an interim solution. (or to anyone else out there looking at the Rassler....)

pd

I heard complains about Rassler 2.0 being not too hardy and having thin footbed, but it's not my experience. So far I put about 40 days on these shoes and they are still as good as new and my feet are well protected. For a reference my portaging weight averages at 300 lbs and I travel mostly rocky terrain.

Portage dog - sent an email.
Worry about the thin soul but like the higher boot. Loved my caney forks.

Size wise - candy forks are 11 and my oboz hiking shoes - which I love - are 13 W. Don't know where Astra sizes are.

Also through a bunch more glue on my Caney Forks. A short trip in 10 days - canoe trail work weekend.

Thank you all for posts!

Reply with pics sent. Let me know if you don't get that.

pd

If you are looking for water boots they are definitely getting tougher to find.

If you want ankle support what about using an ankle brace with a water shoe? Better support than a high top shoe/boot. The current ankle braces are pretty easy to adjust and put on. I’d suggest a Trilok brace.

That would also give ya options on water shoes, I’d try to find one that is the most comfortable and has the best wet traction. Usually you can tell by the softness of the rubber. High volume road shoes have a more dense/harder rubber and water shoes will be softer, but if you use them for road work they wear quickly. Sort if liek if ya used winter/snow tires year round.

The other option is just use hiking shoes/boots. Won’t drain as well, but has everything else ya want.

T

These are great, as I have said many times. Just drill a few holes. Half price in the Outlet Store. altaigear.com

Marten: "These are great, as I have said many times. Just drill a few holes. altaigear.com "

https://altaigear.com/

I found these work great good traction and drains well. Solomon jungle boots

I've used the Keen Voyagers for many years. They drain well and come wide. I Usually get a EE width for my shoes and the Voyagers fit fine.

My initial impression of the Astral Rasslers is positive, though I would say they run just a hair small. With very thin socks they are still slightly snug in my normal size (10.5). I would likely be happier in an 11. My Astral brewers are 10.5s and those fit much better.

Just FYI.

Hey Bill,

Check out the Orvis Ultralight Wading boots. I posted a note about them about 3 weeks ago. I have used about every footgear option available and I think I finally found an excellent solution with the Orvis boots. I wear Sealskinz socks with them and it is a great combination.

The boots are sturdy as heck, have great grip, and drain well. They provide great ankle support as well.

I will still probably go with something like Muck boots late in the season because of the warmth they provide, but the Orvis boots are hard to beat otherwise.

Mike

northerncanoe: "Hey Bill,


Check out the Orvis Ultralight Wading boots. I posted a note about them about 3 weeks ago. I have used about every footgear option available and I think I finally found an excellent solution with the Orvis boots. I wear Sealskinz socks with them and it is a great combination.


The boots are sturdy as heck, have great grip, and drain well. They provide great ankle support as well.


I will still probably go with something like Muck boots late in the season because of the warmth they provide, but the Orvis boots are hard to beat otherwise.


Mike"

They drain well? I have just worn smart wool type socks under my Caney Forks - April through October.

Not sure what you mean by "Merrill is not clear" but these Merrell boots have been my go to for wet footing for years now. I tried Keens but they fell apart too fast.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid

straighthairedcurly: "Not sure what you mean by "Merrill is not clear" but these Merrell boots have been my go to for wet footing for years now. I tried Keens but they fell apart too fast.


Merrell Moab 3 Mid "

Sorry. It was not clear to me they drained well. A lot of Moab models were advertised as waterproof.

DanMN: "I found these work great good traction and drains well. Solomon jungle boots "

I use these and they work extremely well. If I’m too early in spring I’ll add a Sealskinz, but if true wet-footin they can’t be beat IMHO

Tropicfeel is my new go-to for wilderness canoeing footwear. They have many styles and I have positive first-hand experience with the Lava.

billconner: "

straighthairedcurly: "Not sure what you mean by "Merrill is not clear" but these Merrell boots have been my go to for wet footing for years now. I tried Keens but they fell apart too fast.



Merrell Moab 3 Mid "

Sorry. It was not clear to me they drained well. A lot of Moab models were advertised as waterproof."

Moab are what the YMCA camp recommends for kids who will be getting their feet wet. When we went to REI they were one of the only boots they recommended for draining well.

The Merrill Moab shoes come in different versions. There is a waterproof version and one called the Ventilator. It's part mesh and drains well.