Well,

My OTB Odhin's finally bit the dust after this last trip. They got me through 10+ BW trips and were in my opinion the finest boot designed to be submersed. Unfortunately they are no longer made.

I know a lot of use Chota. What else is out there?

I bought some Solomons last year. Similar to Merrill’s but with better ankle support. Did quite well and dried reasonably quickly.

Keen Voyagers are a very solid option. I've used them for over a decade. Light weight and good draining

My OTBs are 12 yrs old. I love the siped soles. I hope they last thru my next trip.
I have been looking at these...Altama OTB Maritime Assault Fin Friendly Mid Cut Operators Boots

Merrel Moab

Kendis: "Merrel Moab"

+ 1

I've been wearing Danner Pronghorns. For the price, I think they lack something in durability, but they are quite comfortable and lightweight. I find the taller boots give so much better ankle support than the typical "mid" height hikers. Plus they do a good job of keeping debris off my socks and out of my pants.

I'd advise against Merel Moab - they absorb and keep water and their wet weight is a pound more than dry weight. Extra pound doesn't sound like a lot when you carry it on your shoulders, but weight carried on ankles has to be swung with each step. Common formula is: load carried on shoulders is equivalent to ankle weight multiplied by four or five.

jcavenagh: "My OTBs are 12 yrs old. I love the siped soles. I hope they last thru my next trip.
I have been looking at these...Altama OTB Maritime Assault Fin Friendly Mid Cut Operators Boots
"

Interesting.

It just seems nothing compares to the OTB

They are excellent canoeing.
I have also found them to be superb for shoveling the driveway here at 41.75 north.
Very little slipping on ice.
I wish they were still made.

RunningFox: "

Kendis: "Merrel Moab"

+ 1"

+2

I love my 1968 issue Vietnam combat boots. You can still get them online. Have used them for about 10 years. They have great traction, drain water and are indestructible.

prizes14: "I love my 1968 issue Vietnam combat boots. You can still get them online. Have used them for about 10 years. They have great traction, drain water and are indestructible. "

For many years I used military surplus 'jungle boots' and loved them. Then I found a couple alternatives I used for several years. For my 2017 trip, I found some jungle boots online. They looked good, felt good, but THREE days into a 10-day Quetico trip the soles started to delaminate from the uppers, and the uppers were cracking over the toes. I was able to do a MacGyver to use them for the rest of the trip, but anyone considering jungle boots should be aware that there are huge quality differences in the available brands. Avoid ROTHCO--they're not worth the manure required to bury them.

TZ

I have had good luck with the Chota Hybrids on travel days and Keen Newports on non-travel days.

TrailZen: "

prizes14: "I love my 1968 issue Vietnam combat boots. You can still get them online. Have used them for about 10 years. They have great traction, drain water and are indestructible. "

For many years I used military surplus 'jungle boots' and loved them. Then I found a couple alternatives I used for several years. For my 2017 trip, I found some jungle boots online. They looked good, felt good, but THREE days into a 10-day Quetico trip the soles started to delaminate from the uppers, and the uppers were cracking over the toes. I was able to do a MacGyver to use them for the rest of the trip, but anyone considering jungle boots should be aware that there are huge quality differences in the available brands. Avoid ROTHCO--they're not worth the manure required to bury them.


TZ






"

That's why I say get the original 1968 Vietnam issued combat boots. I'm talking about ones that are actually 54 years old. The modern "combat boots" are junk. I wear the same kind the soldiers wore in 'Nam and they are indestructible.

TrailZen: "

prizes14: "I love my 1968 issue Vietnam combat boots. You can still get them online. Have used them for about 10 years. They have great traction, drain water and are indestructible. "

Avoid ROTHCO--they're not worth the manure required to bury them.
TZ
"

+1

I received a ROTHCO product once when ordering from a military surplus website. I returned it for a refund. In that case it was a knock off Alice pack.

Just FYI, there have been efforts to make jungle boots that are worth while. These boots cost more than if you were able to find surplus in your size.

The one that seems the most interesting to me is the MACV-1 from Go Ruck.

Has anyone tried NRS Workboot Wetshoes? Seems like they would make a great wet footing boot

ockycamper: "Has anyone tried NRS Workboot Wetshoes? Seems like they would make a great wet footing boot"

Sure have-- These are what I bought after the Rothco issue described above. I've been using the same for paddling adventures (BWCA/Quetico, Algonquin, Suwannee River, Lake Jocassee, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, etc). I've been using the same pair for four years now, and they're ready for my late-August Quetico trip. Be warned that they run small--I usually wear an 11.5 and ordered size 12 (they only offer even sizes). My boots have room for liner socks, but I'd prefer room for wool socks and if I need to replace mine I'll order size 13.

TZ

I ordered a size 12. I wear an 11.

Since these have a neoprene interior, are they worn bear feet?

ockycamper: "I ordered a size 12. I wear an 11.


Since these have a neoprene interior, are they worn bear feet?"

Bears wet foot with bare bear feet.

ockycamper: "I ordered a size 12. I wear an 11.


Since these have a neoprene interior, are they worn bear feet?"

You've sized right, then. I've always used a liner sock with them, because I need the arch support of SuperFeet and would blister the balls of my bare feet against those insoles. And I should have warned you that the soles feel a bit thin, and the SuperFeet make the soles feel thicker & stiffer. I hope you new boots serve you as well as mine have served me.

TZ

Banksiana: "

ockycamper: "I ordered a size 12. I wear an 11.



Since these have a neoprene interior, are they worn bear feet?"

Bears wet foot with bare bear feet."

:)

scramble4a5: "I bought some Solomons last year. Similar to Merrill’s but with better ankle support. Did quite well and dried reasonably quickly."

Which model Salomons do you like the ankle support in? I prefer to wear boots for the ankle support, but have never found a pair of Salomons designed for water that I thought would have enough support. I wish I could since I like their hiking boots so much.

Related question: I suffered a partial ankle dislocation about 8 weeks ago - basically a REALLY bad sprain. It's healed well, I've been walking comfortably for 6 weeks, biking a lot and even rock climbing.

My usual BWCA shoes are low rise Salomon water shoes - something like this: Normal Shoes

However with the ankle, I'm a bit worried about support on portages, and am considering bringing boots for the first time. Wish I would have seen this thread a bit sooner. I picked up a pair of La Sportiva Ultra Raptor - they have fantastic ankle support and I've taken them on a few brief hikes. No idea how they'll perform when wet though - they're supposedly waterproof and Gore-tex lined but I'm under no illusion that they'll be dry after being fully submerged a couple times.

I guess the question is - do people think strong boots beats my water shoes plus a light ankle brace? Will I regret these waterlogged boots? If I re-sprain it again our trip could come to screeching halt. Thanks.

exemplaria: "Related question: I suffered a partial ankle dislocation about 8 weeks ago - basically a REALLY bad sprain. It's healed well, I've been walking comfortably for 6 weeks, biking a lot and even rock climbing.


My usual BWCA shoes are low rise Salomon water shoes - something like this: Normal Shoes


However with the ankle, I'm a bit worried about support on portages, and am considering bringing boots for the first time. Wish I would have seen this thread a bit sooner. I picked up a pair of La Sportiva Ultra Raptor - they have fantastic ankle support and I've taken them on a few brief hikes. No idea how they'll perform when wet though - they're supposedly waterproof and Gore-tex lined but I'm under no illusion that they'll be dry after being fully submerged a couple times.


I guess the question is - do people think strong boots beats my water shoes plus a light ankle brace? Will I regret these waterlogged boots? If I re-sprain it again our trip could come to screeching halt. Thanks. "

Ouch! Sounds like you are healing well, though, and that's good.

My $.02 worth...Injuries in the wilderness are nothing to mess around with. As you probably know, overcompensating for an injury usually leads to other accidents. For your situation, I suggest the boots, the shoes, and the brace. I'd start by wearing the shoes and the brace and if that works, great. If you find you need more support, use the boots with the brace. You'll always be able to have a dry pair of footwear and options to adapt to however your ankle responds to the rigors of your trip. You are correct, water-logged boots are no fun and if they are not designed for wading...they get heavy adding more pressure on your ankle.
Have the medicine that works best for you to manage pain and swelling and you'll be ahead of the game too. And, if it comes to it, you may have to alter your route.

Hope that helps. Safe travels and enjoy your trip!

Exemplaria,

Which feels better now walking around? The shoes with ankle brace or the boots? Shoe wear is totally subjective…it’s more about what feels like the best support for you. I think you just need to try them and see what you like.

T

I am 66 and most of the guys in our group are 55-upper 60's. None of us would wear shoes for wet footing or portaging that did not have strong insoles, a snug fit and good akle support. Bottom of the list would be crocs.

A twisted ankle is pretty much game over for a trip.

Thanks all - very helpful!