So far for my trips footwear has not been a problem, other than my first ever trip when I used some sandals that fell apart. I have a sturdy pair of Cabela’s wading boots which have served me well though they’re getting old. I have brookies and I have the caney fork things as well. But I want something different for summer hot weather. I was thinking lightness and agility as well as traction. So last winter I purchased what looked like the ideal shoe: Merrell Choprocks. Grippy, fast-draining, not heavy. Great looking too.

Well, I tested them out on a March family trip to Sanibel island. Though I purchased on the high end of my size spectrum, and I did not wear socks as I intended to on my canoe trip, within 20 minutes on the beach I had nasty blisters on the backs of my feet. The material inside sort of bunched up when i put them on (i don’t care for the tight-fitting sleeve thing vs a tongue, but thought it’d be ok with these.). Tried to cut it open and remove stuff, but no dice/improvement. My conclusion is that despite the looks and specs, the Merrell Choprocks suck.

So now I’m looking for something else that I could obtain within a week. I prefer something light, quick draining or at least quick drying, not heavy like I use at other times of the year. I want to feel agile.
I know there are other threads to read through, but any current suggestions?

Pictured: pretty shoes en route to garbage can.

Very light & fast drying; agile?

Astral Brewers.

Thanks! That's along the lines of what I was thinking. On their site they also have the Rassler 2.0 which looks good too. Either of those might be just what I need.

Gracias, sns!

I have and love these. They for the bill for what you describe and REI can expedite shipping for you.

https://www.rei.com/product/147068/salomon-crossamphibian-swift-2-water-shoes-mens

If you’re relatively sure footed, an old pair of running shoes is tough to beat for portaging. There are plenty of reasons why something more technical makes sense (multiple trips per year, bad ankles, you’re just a gear head, etc). I portaged in running shoes for over 15 years and, if I’m being honest, I can’t say the Chaco portage shoes that I picked up a couple years ago are that much better. Have a great trip.

I use Merrell Choprocks. I read reviews AFTER I ordered my 1st pair. Many had the same complaint as you. Fortunately, they worked fine for me and I used them on a 250 mile border trip with only 1 problem. I wear an NRS wet sock in mine and my right foot is longer than my left, causing me to lose my right big toenail after the Grand Portage. I then ordered a size larger and the problem was solved. I do highly recommend this type of footwear, if you can find a brand that works for you. They are so light on the portages and the Vibram sole has great traction.

Glad they worked well for you. I guess I should’ve been more specific, that the shoes sucked in my situation for me. I guess I could’ve tried another half size larger. On paper they looked like the perfect shoe.

HS....you might consider the Astral TR1 Merge vs. the Brewer or Rassler. The Merge is a semi-high top. Sort of like the Rassler, but with an aggressive tread and thicker sole. The Rassler has a pretty thin sole and the tread is very flat and has a lot of siping for traction. I have used the Rassler and traction is great on smooth surfaces, but get into something slick and it's no good. The thin sole also lets you feel every sharp rock point and I had reservations about something poking through. The Brewer is a low top with basically the same sole/tread. Rutabaga has the Astrals or go direct to their website. Availability may be the issue this late in the season. For a portage boot, the TR1 Merge is a better choice - and still fits the light weight/fast drying requirement. My $.02 - FWIW

What about the Keen Newport H2?

I have Keen Newports for in camp, I just don't want to use them for portaging.

I can’t imagine going in anything that isn’t ankle high and a boot. I cringe when I see people portaging in open sandals. The Chota super lite portage hiker is a great boot. I like the quick lace system. Super easy on and off for being wet. Protects your ankles.

I just bought a pair of Astral TR1 Merge boots. The traction is incredible and they drain well and dry fast. I got them from Rutabaga. For me they are the perfect portage boot ,especially for wet footing.

sns: "Very light & fast drying; agile?


Astral Brewers."

Sns, do you have these? If you do, do you wear socks?

Lawnchair107: "

sns: "Very light & fast drying; agile?


Astral Brewers."

Sns, do you have these? If you do, do you wear socks?"

Yes and yes.

I use basic dr scholls insoles for some extra cushion, and wear a synthetic wigwam sock (ultra cool-lite). At night I put on dry socks and then goretex socks, and the astrals are a comfortable camp shoe, even when wet.

Lawnchair107: "

sns: "Very light & fast drying; agile?


Astral Brewers."

Sns, do you have these? If you do, do you wear socks?"

Yes and yes.

I use basic dr scholls insoles for some extra cushion, and wear a synthetic wigwam sock (ultra cool-lite). At night I put on dry socks and then goretex socks, and the astrals are a comfortable camp shoe, even when wet.

The grippiness isn't quite as good as Chota's, but I really like the Altama Maritime Assault mid boots. Used with a pair of wool liner socks, they are very comfortable when wet and the boots dry out relativel quickly. Durability has been good. I have a pair I have been using for two seasons in good shape.
https://originalfootwear.com/collections/altama/products/altama-maritime-assault-mid

I have been using Loyak by Astral for several years. Lightweight, quick-drying and drain water well. They have super soft, grippy bottoms. Best portage shoes I have ever used.

Salomon Amphib is my go-to. Sturdy sole with good traction, speed-lock laces, open mesh for drainage and drying quickly, and they fit me well. I wear them either no socks, or thin nylon liner socks. R EI carries several models in this family.

portagedog09: "HS....you might consider the Astral TR1 Merge vs. the Brewer or Rassler. The Merge is a semi-high top. Sort of like the Rassler, but with an aggressive tread and thicker sole. The Rassler has a pretty thin sole and the tread is very flat and has a lot of siping for traction. I have used the Rassler and traction is great on smooth surfaces, but get into something slick and it's no good. The thin sole also lets you feel every sharp rock point and I had reservations about something poking through. The Brewer is a low top with basically the same sole/tread. Rutabaga has the Astrals or go direct to their website. Availability may be the issue this late in the season. For a portage boot, the TR1 Merge is a better choice - and still fits the light weight/fast drying requirement. My $.02 - FWIW
"

Well, maybe a few hours before I read portagedog’s post, I ordered the Astral Rassler 2.0.
I ordered 10.5’s, as I’d read they run a little small and I knew I’d wear wool socks with them. I normally wear 9.5 to 10’s.
Very happy after using them on the Moose-Wind portage several times. Comfortable, good traction on the rocks (albeit I wasn’t in muddy conditions), and fast drying. Satisfied with my purchase.