Hey Folks,

Planning a Trip for this Friday (May 21st) Wondering what kind of footwear my crew will need to be comfortable and properly equipped. I've done a bunch of midsummer trips wet-footing in my hiking boots or Chacos, but I'm wondering if waters will still be too cold for that to be safe/comfortable.

Do we need muck boots, or can I get away wet-footing without much trouble?
Thanks

JS

Just as a point of reference, the St. Croix river at St. Croix Falls was 61 deg. today. And that is well south of any BWCA lake, so it will undoubtedly be colder than that. Might be worth a call to an outfitter or a ranger station in the area of interest.
St. Croix River

The St. Louis River near Skibo, MN was 62 deg. today.
St. Louis River

Surface water temps around 57 degrees this morning out near Ely.

egknuti: "Surface water temps around 57 degrees this morning out near Ely.
"

Thanks, this is helpful. Thats still pretty cold.

So how does this translate to footwear getting in and out of the boat on portages. What are you all wearing?

justspoon: "

egknuti: "Surface water temps around 57 degrees this morning out near Ely.
"

Thanks, this is helpful. Thats still pretty cold.


So how does this translate to footwear getting in and out of the boat on portages. What are you all wearing?"

I wear a closed toe Tiva water shoe with a dress sock thin wool sock and a neoprene water sock over that. Keeps my feet from being uncomfortably cold in the shoulder seasons. If you have ankle concerns, I’d recommend a hiking boot with a thick wool sock.

About all I can tell you is that it varies a lot from person to person and depends on other factors than just water temperature. Sometimes I wet foot with wool socks and a portage boot that drains, sometimes warm waterproof knee-high boots.

I got myself a pair of knee high boots from La Cross last year and am very happy. Used to wet foot, which I didn't mind, but it does get a bit cold being wet this time of year.