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MM
  
04/18/2021 08:46AM  
Our 13 years old is going for 9 days trip at BW (first long, wilderness experience).
Any shoe and sock recommendations for mid June?
So far we tried Altama jungle boots (sizes is not a fit, either too loose or too tight, recurring blisters when tried to beak them in, issues even with thicker wool socks).
Now debating between 5.11 jungle boots (much lighter and softer than Altama, seems comfortable but not sure how suede and nylon will hold/dry).
Noticed NT used to recommend Moab 2 mid boots. Thoughts?
Socks options? Merino wool? Mid? Neoprane? Kids had bandage latex issues before.
In general kid is not used to heavy shoes and has temperamental feet.
Thanks in advance for recommendations.
 
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straighthairedcurly
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04/18/2021 09:36AM  
My son started with the Moab 2 Mid Ventilator when he was 13. The Ventilator drains fairly well and he likes the ankle support.

He has stuck with them every year since. He prefers to wear a very thin hiking liner sock inside whereas I prefer a thicker wool sock. He has sensory issues so he hates putting on thick, wet socks in the mornings. The thin socks dry overnight. He has never had blister issues with these boots (nor have I), but I don't know whether your child might be more prone to blisters. But these boots are designed for hiking and are free of rub points based on my experience.

They are getting harder to find. We always bought them at REI, but they have had a hard time getting stock this year so we had to order them online since we already knew his size.
 
04/18/2021 10:26AM  
I wear a light liner sock and a medium wool sock (or neoprene). It has worked well for me to prevent blisters. Footwear is all over the place as far as personal preference - people use everything under the sun and most survive. I prefer an ankle high boot that ties - it's harder to lose in deep mud. The neoprene boots fit tight too. I don't recommend flip flops.
 
04/18/2021 11:35AM  
Boots/Shoes: I hate boots :) So I know how your child feels...I think with scouts they might require some type of boot. Just for uniformity and to insure safety. I don’t know that 100%...

So knowing that I’d just keep trying hiking boots. Salomon makes some lighter weight ones that might be more comfortable. They don’t need to be waterproof he will get them soaked anyway. Seems like the waterproof ones dry out more slowly? The Moab Vent or Keen Tarhgee sp? Are good options to look at.

Socks I like merino wool hiking sock, 60% merino or higher. The liner suggesteion was a great idea too.

Sorry not adding a lot more adding agreement with the previous posts.

T

 
OCDave
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04/20/2021 04:43PM  
MM: "Our 13 years old is going for 9 days trip at BW (first long, wilderness experience).
Any shoe and sock recommendations for mid June?
... "


Any insight into their route? How many portages? How lomg are their portages?

Lighter is better. On a trip of few portages or short portages, teenagers perform well in whatever well fitting athletic shoe they wear for gym class. Alternatively, portages can be filled with rocks and roots so, if they are planning many, long portages or, if they really need new shoes, look for a trail runner with a bit of toe protection. Trail runners are still light and athletic shoe comfortable but, have thicker, stiffer soles with more aggressive treads.

If a hiking, rather than running shoe is required (some troop leaders are very specific with their packing lists) consider the Oboz Sawtooth It is light, offers decent sole and toe protection and will be a usable shoe beyond the 9 days in the BWCA.

I have lead Scout back packing trips nearly anually for more than a decade. Those scouts that show up with anything water-proof, anything leather or anything heavier than an athletic shoe tend to have less enjoyable experiences.
 
04/21/2021 07:50AM  
Some old running shoes with wool socks
 
Porkeater
distinguished member (225)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/21/2021 09:30AM  
AmarilloJim: "Some old running shoes with wool socks"


While that certainly works well for a large number of summer trippers, as the OP hints at, Northen Tier does not allow them:

"All participants are required to wear boots that have full ankle coverage, a rugged stitched or
vulcanized sole and drainage at the instep. Boots should not be waterproof. If you are unsure if
the boots you are planning to bring meet this requirement please feel free to contact us prior to
your arrival. Crews arriving with inadequate footwear will be asked to purchase boots in the
trading post prior to departure on water. The health and safety of our participants is of utmost
importance to us, for this reason there are no exceptions to the boot requirement."
 
04/21/2021 10:05AM  
I'm a big advocate for Keen Voyager Boots and mid weight to light weight Smartwool socks for summer wet footing. The boots drain well, are light weight, and hold up very well.
 
soundguy0918
distinguished member (113)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/21/2021 11:17AM  
I prefer a draining sneaker-style wet shoe with a medium smartwool sock and polypropylene liner. The liner really makes your foot "feel" dry within minutes of stepping out of the water into the canoe, and the shoes are very light even when submerged. I also pack a heavy smartwool in case temperatures are unseasonably low.
 
scramble4a5
distinguished member(586)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/21/2021 04:28PM  
MM: "Our 13 years old is going for 9 days trip at BW (first long, wilderness experience).
Any shoe and sock recommendations for mid June?
So far we tried Altama jungle boots (sizes is not a fit, either too loose or too tight, recurring blisters when tried to beak them in, issues even with thicker wool socks).
Now debating between 5.11 jungle boots (much lighter and softer than Altama, seems comfortable but not sure how suede and nylon will hold/dry).
Noticed NT used to recommend Moab 2 mid boots. Thoughts?
Socks options? Merino wool? Mid? Neoprane? Kids had bandage latex issues before.
In general kid is not used to heavy shoes and has temperamental feet.
Thanks in advance for recommendations."


What size does he wear?
 
portagedog09
distinguished member (159)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/22/2021 03:46PM  
MM, I am a Scoutleader and have led several Scout trips into Quetico/BW. First question is are they going through the Scout Base? If yes, then as Porkeater pointed out, it's gotta be a boot. And with the Scout Base, they WILL be wet-footing the portages. With kids, I'd insist on some kind of boot regardless. As Blatz suggested the Keen Voyager is a good option. I've not used them, but my good friend Magic Paddler uses those and gives them great marks. (He's done the Voyager and Kruger Challenge with them...200 plus miles) I have outfitted Scouts with Chota's and with Astral's. My current fav is the Astral TR1 Merge. It's a real boot with an insole shank, great grip, very light, superior drainage and dries pretty quickly. They are super comfortable and pretty rugged. A few years ago I contacted Astral to inquire if they might give the Scouts some kind of discount. The customer rep I worked with, Kevin, is an Eagle Scout and really took great care of us and we got a great deal on shoes for the entire crew. If your troop is looking to outfit the whole group, they may be a big help. Email me for specifics if you wish. Socks? Standard type medium wool/merino hiking socks. If they backpack, whatever they wear for that should work as well.

If your group is going with the Scout Base, you pretty much follow their lead. If the troop is going on their own, I may have additional advice or resources that could be helpful.

pd
 
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