I'm on my second pair of the NRS Boundary Shoes . The first pair lasted a good long time and I just replaced them because I do like them. My only complaint is that they could have put a thicker shank in them to protect your feet from sharp rocks. Otherwise I love 'em.

Now that I have a new pair, they come out with the Boundary Boot. Seems improved to me. They have a 2mm plastic shank that should help. Anybody have a pair and have any comments?

Joe

Thanks for posting this. I saw these last year and meant to get a pair, but then life happens and I forgot. These look like a great boot to keep you dry up there.

I like the shoes too but they provide no arch or ankle support which is why I won't trip in them.

It looks like good laces could improve the ankle situation on these at least.

I was just looking at the NRS Boundary Boots and about to ask if anyone has used them before. It seems too good to be true, but do you think your feet would actually stay dry if you stepped in and water went above the top of the boot?

I'd love to hear any more input as well as I have some really clunky hip waders I wear to stay dry in the cold seasons when I most enjoy visiting the BWCA. They do their job but I don't like walking more than a 100 rod portage in them as they don't provide the greatest traction and they're pretty sloppy.

If you are looking for more ankle support you might take a look at the NRS Workboot Wetshoe. I have not used them, but they look like an improvement to the old OTB Abyss boots which I have used for several years and can recommend.

Looking at their website, it looks like NRS is discontinuing the NRS Boundary Shoes and replacing them with the NRS Boundary Boots in their line up.

My trips are spring and fall, which is when the NRS Boundary Shoe should be worn, too hot in the summer for sure. being neoprene, it is no disaster if they end up leaking or if you go over the top, the water warms up nicely just like a wetsuit.
If you need real foot protection, heels, and an arch, these aren't for you. But they have been great for me.
Joe

My wife has used the boundary shoes for maybe 4 trips now. She loves them

I have both and use both in different applications. I like the shoes for the summer when it’s warmer. I like the boots for the BWCA. They are comfortable and provide sufficient protection from both elements on the bottom of the lake, portage trails, and pesky black flies. They also offer sufficient ankle support.

One downside to them is they are, like someone mentioned, like a dry suit. They are neoprene which doesn’t breathe well and is sometimes slow to dry. I wore mine to the BWCA in Augusta and when I put them on in October they were still wet! I’ll be the first to tell you I didn’t take care of them/store them properly. But worse than the wetness was the odor! Oh. My. Word! I don’t have foot odor issues but these smelled terrible.

However, I went on the NRS site and watched a video on how to remove the odor, clean the boots (and shoes) and dry them for storage properly. There is an enzyme you can buy that will clean the boots. Simply soak, scrub, and then stuff newspaper or set them on a boot dryer to dry.

Honestly, they were working great until I stepped in water over my calf. Then water seeped in and my foot got wet. And attempt to dry them by the fire was poorly executed and one of my heels melted a touch. I’ve learned; try not to go over the boot but if you do stuff a towel or something down the boot at night to dry it. Then when you are done with your adventure soak them in this enzyme, turn the boots inside out and scrub, and dry properly.

Or use the shoes lol. Both are good and this is just my two cents. Cheers!

WHendrix: "If you are looking for more ankle support you might take a look at the NRS Workboot Wetshoe. I have not used them, but they look like an improvement to the old OTB Abyss boots which I have used for several years and can recommend."

I've used the NRS Work Boot for two seasons now--bought them when a cheap pair of Rothco jungle boots died on their first canoe trip. The NRS boots have good grip on all surfaces but slick logs/roots. They have room for my SuperFeet arch supports, good ankle support, etc. The neoprene sock makes the boot a bit tough to get on when wet (which in Canoe Country is always!); wearing a liner sock makes that easier. I only have one complaint with them: after a few days of use and no dry-out time, they REEK!

TZ

I've never noticed a bad smell from my Boundary Shoes. If we get to camp early enough and they are wet on the inside, I lay them in the sun and sometimes, they dry out pretty good before the next day. I don't like to put on wet Shoes in the morning but the unpleasantness only lasts for a few minutes until they warm up again.

I always put them on a Peet boot dryer at the end of the trip. Those things are great.

Joe