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golds009
member (35)member
  
01/27/2023 11:09PM  
I have not been a “wet footer,” instead choosing to balance on rocks and other solid objects. Last year I broke my foot (not on a trip) and have decided that solo tripping at age 74 may require some adjustments. So, this year, I plan to wet foot without getting my feet wet. Voila, portage boots. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you in advance for your comments.
 
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tumblehome
distinguished member(2912)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/29/2023 08:04AM  
Last year in Quetico I met two guys on a wet and muddy portage wearing tennis shoes, soaked past their ankles and it was their first day out. That had to be extremely uncomfortable for them and I knew that they were not experienced or prepared.

I have worn quality mud boot for many years because I don’t like wet feet. There are many brands out there and any outdoors store will sell you some. Unlike the fairer sex, I prefer to try them on in the store and not buy them online. If they don’t fit right… well…

There are too many out there to recommend one particular pair. But plan on spending $100 for starters and don’t buy the $20 type that are just rubber galoshes.

Here’s an example to start. Now go shopping and get a pair and you will be the happiest geezer, besides me, on the portages next summer.

Neoprene boots

Tom
 
01/29/2023 09:01AM  
I second the above noted boots. I have a pair and they work out very well. Previously, I had some cheaper versions that did not hold up well. I got mine a couple years ago at Farm & Fleet and they get a lot of use because I wear them at the local nature center where I volunteer as well as for spring and fall trips.

In terms of portage boots I have settled on Quetico Trekkers (no longer available but an updated version is at Piragis). For 15 years I tripped in Canada and although I really liked Salomon Techamphibian water shoes they did not provide enough ankle support and protection so I switched to the Trekkers. I have had 2 pair of the Techamphibians as well as other water shoes but they did not hold up well to tripping in NW Ontario. I am 75 and I have one unused pr of the Trekkers so I am all set for the remainder of my tripping days.
 
01/29/2023 03:40PM  

I love my NRS Portage boots. They are not cheap, but they are well made and keep me dry.

NRS Boundary Boot
 
01/29/2023 07:10PM  
Keen Voyagers. Light weight and drain great
 
YetiJedi
distinguished member(1449)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/29/2023 07:50PM  
wxce1260: "I love my NRS Portage boots. They are not cheap, but they are well made and keep me dry. NRS Boundary Boot
"

I think my question is in the spirit of the original post...How do the NRS Boundary Boots do on portages? Ankle support? Sweat or just wear them in May/September? Ample room in the toe box?
 
01/29/2023 11:38PM  
The age ole question of footwear :)

Ankle support or no ankle support? It really depends on what you like. You can find studies that show increased risk of Achilles injuries or fractures with more ankle support, and more knee injuries and you can find individuals that swear by more support and vice versa…in the NBA the trend now is less support vs. 20 years ago where everything was high tops. You can also find studies that show braces reduce sprains.

What does this mean? It depends…

If you like ankle support then use boots with support…if you hate support and find it restricting don’t wear boots with support.

Personally I use Salomon Tech amphibians…they have good wet traction. With no support my ankle can flex more and put more traction on wet rocks. I’ve tried high top “supportive” boots and they SUCK for me. I can’t get the same traction on wet rocks, they limit how I angle down or up a wet rock. The difference is significant to me. There just isn’t one perfect shoe/boot.

T
 
01/30/2023 12:02AM  
tumblehome: "Last year in Quetico I met two guys on a wet and muddy portage wearing tennis shoes, soaked past their ankles and it was their first day out. That had to be extremely uncomfortable for them and I knew that they were not experienced or prepared.

Neoprene boots

Tom"

I think that is a really big assumption on your part. The boots you link would be torture for me to wear. I’d assume you were rookie wearing those (I guess we’d both be wrong :) )

Getting wet to my ankles or knees is no big deal to me…you just get wet and then ya don’t worry about it…I swim every day usually. I couldn't care less…the first five seconds is uncomfortable, then you move on…

I’ll just go back to my previous post…it really depends on the individual.

T
 
01/30/2023 03:18PM  
I've had several years of good service from the NRS Workboot Wetshoes . They're currently listed as a $64 closeout on the NRS site and and a $55 sale price on Moosejaw. I've always wet-footed, and expect everything below my knees (and sometimes below mid-thigh) to be wet before, during, and for a while after portages. The sole of this boot is very grippy, and the boot has decent ankle support/protection. The boots often don't dry out overnight, and may reek at the end of a 10-day trip, but have proven durable and comfortable. Order at least one size larger than your usual size, as they run small.

TZ
 
BrianDay
distinguished member (136)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/31/2023 08:13AM  
For many years I used a pair of surplus jungle boots for wet footing. Bought these at the army surplus store in Ely when I worked for Outward Bound. They lasted for years and worked well for me.

Recently have switched to Astral Rasslers which are excellent.

If you're dead set on keeping your feet dry you might try lining boots like these with a waterproof/breathable sock.

Or you could go the rubber boot route. I've found XtraTufs to be outstanding. Have had a pair for nearly 20 years.

XtraTuf Boots

I prefer to wet foot and like the option of going in as deep as necessary to safely load and unload the canoe. I wear quick dry pants and boots that drain. As always, your mileage may vary.

Brian
 
AlexanderSupertramp
distinguished member (348)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/31/2023 11:55AM  
golds009: "I have not been a “wet footer,” instead choosing to balance on rocks and other solid objects. Last year I broke my foot (not on a trip) and have decided that solo tripping at age 74 may require some adjustments. So, this year, I plan to wet foot without getting my feet wet. Voila, portage boots. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you in advance for your comments."


Maybe anecdotal advice, but at your age and given the foot injury last year, support should be your number 1 priority. So I'd pick your favorite hiking boot in a size or so larger, then get some waterproof socks and a thin pair of wool socks under that.

If you dont want water on your legs at all, then get some hippies and pair those with a good supportive boot.



 
02/01/2023 10:19AM  
I also started off with the jungle Boots that I got from the army for warm water wet footing but I used rubber knee boots in May on my solo trips with a cold water

Then I invested in a pair of chota trackers which replace my jungle Boots but I still use the rubber knee boots in May and September I have a pair of insulated rubber knee boots that I wear in May in a non-insulated pair that I wear in warmer weather
I also just picked up a pair of chota hippies that'll fit inside my chota trecker boots kind of like a fabric hip boot that rolls down out of the way when it's warm out

Tony
 
Minnesotian
distinguished member(2309)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/02/2023 08:53AM  

Used to wet foot. Used to use the waterproof socks too. Didn't really like either method because my feet hated being slightly wet/damp all day or the socks trapped so much of my perspiration I might as well have been wet footing it.

So, I use Dryshod Boots year-round now. For me they breath excellent, no buildup of perspiration and yet are warm enough for shoulder seasons. Also, they are tall enough and tight enough I haven't had any water slop over the top. Used to use MuckBoots, these are better.
 
scramble4a5
distinguished member(586)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/12/2023 07:28PM  
I’m a big fan of Salomon boots. They drain well, dry quickly, and have great ankle support. A bit spendy but the support they give my ankles is well worth it.
 
NikonF5user
senior member (73)senior membersenior member
  
02/13/2023 10:29PM  
Not quite understanding why more paddlers are not using water shoes to wet foot in and out of the boat, then changing into hiking boots for the actual portage, especially for longer carries...
 
YetiJedi
distinguished member(1449)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/13/2023 11:12PM  
NikonF5user: "Not quite understanding why more paddlers are not using water shoes to wet foot in and out of the boat, then changing into hiking boots for the actual portage, especially for longer carries..."


For longer carries, yes, I have changed into dry shoes and socks but I suppose "longer portage" is a matter of individual paddler perspective. For me, most portages under a mile one way aren't worth changing into dry shoes and socks. The other issue is that some of the longer portages have water along the trail in the form of puddles, stream crossings, bogs, mud, weather, wet undergrowth, etc. and I would much rather have dry foot gear in camp. Besides, on the shorter portages, my feet are fine hiking while wet. The portage from Burntside into Crab - dry feet for me. The portage from Cap to Boulder - I keep my wet shoes on. Suum Cuique.
 
02/14/2023 07:18AM  
NikonF5user: "Not quite understanding why more paddlers are not using water shoes to wet foot in and out of the boat, then changing into hiking boots for the actual portage, especially for longer carries..."
I did this for a few years but found it to be a pain. Plus many portages have their own water features, thus getting your dry portage boots wet anyways.
 
BrianDay
distinguished member (136)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/14/2023 07:54AM  
NikonF5user: "Not quite understanding why more paddlers are not using water shoes to wet foot in and out of the boat, then changing into hiking boots for the actual portage, especially for longer carries..."


One of the keys to skillful travel in canoe country is making your transitions from paddling to the portage trail as efficient as possible. You can waste a lot of time at portages and it really adds up over the course of the day.

Changing shoes at every portage might eat up five minutes per portage. Maybe more.

Over the course of an average travel day this could easily add up to an hour of wasted travel time. That's an hour that might be better spent getting to your favorite campsite, fishing, or relaxing by the fire.

Brian
 
MDVancleave
member (31)member
  
02/14/2023 10:04AM  
+1 to points mentioned above.

Many portages have multiple sections you'll need to get your feet wet for. Variable water levels and beaver activity make this difficult to predict. Unloading your packs/canoe to change shoes multiple times on the trail is a major time suck and obstacle for those around you.

Finding a stable footing without worrying about flooding my footwear is a priority for me. I wet foot in the summer and use sock-foot hip waders with Chota boots in cold weather (if/when I manage to flood them, they're easy to reverse and dry overnight).
 
02/14/2023 10:54AM  
Like others, I can't imagine doing that. It would double my transition time at portages. It would be especially problematic on days with multiple short portages. Occasionally portages are flooded. What then? I have not found it problematic wearing the same footwear all day, so for me it would be a solution without a problem. YMMV
 
02/14/2023 11:29AM  
golds009: "I have not been a “wet footer,” instead choosing to balance on rocks and other solid objects. Last year I broke my foot (not on a trip) and have decided that solo tripping at age 74 may require some adjustments. So, this year, I plan to wet foot without getting my feet wet. Voila, portage boots. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you in advance for your comments."


I was in the same boat. I always avoided getting my feet wet and liked having dry boots. I'm only 35, but I realized I was wasting time and energy on pointlessly trying to keet my feet dry.

I switched over to the Keen Voyageur II Mid and love them. They are light, even when wet, fit my feet, and don't take a week to dry. I am also much faster on portages and burn less energy in the process. Rock hopping and watching your footing so carefully slows you down and requires much more effort.

It doesn't seem like much, but after a day of portaging, I could feel the difference. Especially when my tripping buddy, who has always been much more fit than me, was slowing down and wearing out faster than me when he was trying to keep his feet dry.
 
02/14/2023 12:13PM  
boonie: "Like others, I can't imagine doing that. It would double my transition time at portages. It would be especially problematic on days with multiple short portages. Occasionally portages are flooded. What then? I have not found it problematic wearing the same footwear all day, so for me it would be a solution without a problem. YMMV"


Same - would abhor extra time at the beginning and end of portages. Also, I would feel super uncomfortable if I were holding up another group because I am changing footwear.

Regardless, this is always a fun topic - and possibly the most divisive one of all.
 
scottiebaldwin
distinguished member (193)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/14/2023 12:17PM  
YetiJedi: "
wxce1260: "I love my NRS Portage boots. They are not cheap, but they are well made and keep me dry. NRS Boundary Boot
"

I think my question is in the spirit of the original post...How do the NRS Boundary Boots do on portages? Ankle support? Sweat or just wear them in May/September? Ample room in the toe box?"


They are true to size. I'm a 9.5 and I have a 10 and they're comfortably roomy. Be aware: there is almost no ankle support! You absolutely WILL sweat in these to the point that you'll think that they are leaking or that water got in. It hasn't but you'll feel that way. I've gotten this feeling even while wearing them on dry land after a couple hours or so. Get used to your feet being clammy. Just wear Darn Tough wool socks in the NRS Boundary Boots and you'll be happy. I love mine early and late in the season. Just wet foot in the summer. It feels good. Bring comfy camp slippers for the evening/morning. Enjoy!
 
RedLakePaddler
distinguished member (263)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/14/2023 05:06PM  
I just got a pair of NRS Storm Boots. I have the NRS Boundary Water boots which I like but felt I should have more support. They feel good and have good support. Waiting to give them a try out. Was optimistic but now the temps are heading to the basement, Monday night’s forecast is for -11*
Carl
 
LaVirginienne
distinguished member (123)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/17/2023 09:32AM  
Tom’s comment up too can’t be bested! I’m adding nothing except a thumbs up on the NRS Boundary Boots. Size up. Quick comment about “support.” The art of not skipping on deck or on shore depends on flexible flat soles with traction designed for the terrain. This precludes stiff boots of any kind if you want to feel truly confident on slippery rocks. Wading in rocks poses the ankle turning problem or bad scrape on a slip and fall. So yeah, I can see why folks want a little more boot. But after rehab and recovery from ACL cadaver surgery, I have become a big fan of strength training. Train your legs and ankles, and you’ll love the performance you’ll get from NRS Boundary Boots in winter, and water shoes like Astral Brewers/Brewesses in summer. Admire you for getting back out there!
 
LaVirginienne
distinguished member (123)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/17/2023 09:42AM  
They’re made to be worn with v thin socks and keep me warm into Oct. wetness will happen from the inside, as with all Neoprene. These boots are part of your survival strategy in cold water. If you want thick socks, size up. They portage great. Roll em down if you need to.
 
OldGuide2
distinguished member (119)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/19/2023 12:16PM  
I have never understood why folks continue to insist on not wet-footing. Have seen too many accidents from folks trying to pick up a canoe who did not want to get their feet wet. The worst sound for me is the grinding of a canoe on shore. Long before most of you were born the folks I worked with preferred Converse All Stars. That would be ridiculous today when there are dry socks and so many really good water shoes. There are tons of posts on wet footing, but in the end it is the safest for you and your gear. Picking up a canoe in the water is so much easier at many sites but where the rocks make it difficult wet footing is still better. I use a wood canvas Old Town a lot and even a scratch on it is to me a bad sign.
 
YetiJedi
distinguished member(1449)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/19/2023 12:42PM  
OldGuide2: "Long before most of you were born the folks I worked with preferred Converse All Stars."


Hey OldGuide, Love this! My teenage daughter wore an old pair of converse all-stars last July on our week-long trip! It's what I wore wading as a kid to fly-fish the small mountain streams of north Idaho. Classic shoe. Thanks for the good memories!
 
iCallitMaize
distinguished member (203)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/22/2023 10:24AM  
I prefer my gortex trail runners, lock laces and waterproof socks.
 
02/22/2023 04:17PM  
iCallitMaize: "I prefer my gortex trail runners, lock laces and waterproof socks. "

Out of curiosity, why Gore-tex? That seems redundant.
 
iCallitMaize
distinguished member (203)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/22/2023 08:29PM  
dschult2: "
iCallitMaize: "I prefer my gortex trail runners, lock laces and waterproof socks. "

Out of curiosity, why Gore-tex? That seems redundant.
"


I’ve never really thought about it being overkill, honesty. Haha The gortex runners seem tougher than other materials. The socks nor the shoes are 100% but the combo keeps the feet pretty dry.
 
NikonF5user
senior member (73)senior membersenior member
  
02/23/2023 10:38PM  
dschult2: "
iCallitMaize: "I prefer my Gore-tex trail runners, lock laces and waterproof socks. "

Out of curiosity, why Gore-tex? That seems redundant. "

GORE-TEX can actually increase drying time; the GORE-TEX membrane does let water vapor through, but it does not allow liquid water, meaning liquid water within the shoe is trapped.

I've always felt one of the more foolish shoe designs is a low-top trail hiker with GORE-TEX (or any full-size GORE-TEX boot that features a detached tongue above the lacing rings / eyelets. The insides of these boots are bound to get wet in all but the shallowest puddle, and then the water is trapped within, causing the GORE-TEX show to dry far more slowly than a non-GT equivalent.
 
MDVancleave
member (31)member
  
02/26/2023 01:31PM  
I’ve never really thought about it being overkill, honesty. Haha The gortex runners seem tougher than other materials. The socks nor the shoes are 100% but the combo keeps the feet pretty dry. "


The Goretex membrane is generally not used on the outside of clothing-especially not with shoes. It is relatively delicate and often sandwiched between layers of other more durable materials. Rain jackets made this way typically have a DWR coating on the outer later that needs to be reapplied regularly to keep repelling water. A waterlogged outer layer prevents the Gortex from working effectively.
 
MossBack
distinguished member (158)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/01/2023 08:07PM  
Apologies for my whining....I wish someone made wet footing shoes to fit those of us who have duck feet......like 5E or even 6E width. OK whining over.
 
Barca
member (36)member
  
03/02/2023 08:46AM  
A number of years ago I bought a pair of snake boots for portaging. While they've since grown too small, the ones I had (Cabelas I think) worked very well. 15 inches of waterproof with good hiking support. Hard bottom soles which some aren't a fan of, but certainly another option to consider.


Random selection to illustrate.

https://tacticalgear.com/rocky-prolight-snakeproof-waterproof-mossy-oak?sku=1570-4m&ft=e3f7bec5-8df6-438f-88ce-592a9bedc97a&gclid=CjwKCAiAr4GgBhBFEiwAgwORrZPMKYNz7ibFtGrXyLT1dnWZlfYc2I5y0xynpIDefLqw-fy0pQyRRxoCjGwQAvD_BwE#/5230/5129,23540,760/1&dl=b&catr=1

 
BrianDay
distinguished member (136)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/02/2023 10:14AM  
MossBack: "Apologies for my whining....I wish someone made wet footing shoes to fit those of us who have duck feet......like 5E or even 6E width. OK whining over."


Jungle boots might be an option. They come in wide sizes. Although maybe not wide enough...

Brian
 
Jackfish
Moderator
  
03/02/2023 10:48AM  
Barca: "A number of years ago I bought a pair of snake boots for portaging. While they've since grown too small, the ones I had (Cabelas I think) worked very well. 15 inches of waterproof with good hiking support. Hard bottom soles which some aren't a fan of, but certainly another option to consider.

Random selection to illustrate.

https://tacticalgear.com/rocky-prolight-snakeproof-waterproof-mossy-oak?sku=1570-4m&ft=e3f7bec5-8df6-438f-88ce-592a9bedc97a&gclid=CjwKCAiAr4GgBhBFEiwAgwORrZPMKYNz7ibFtGrXyLT1dnWZlfYc2I5y0xynpIDefLqw-fy0pQyRRxoCjGwQAvD_BwE#/5230/5129,23540,760/1&dl=b&catr=1 "


Hey Barca... check out this tutorial. It's very easy.
 
JohnGalt
distinguished member (392)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/08/2023 12:07AM  
wxce1260: "
I love my NRS Portage boots. They are not cheap, but they are well made and keep me dry.

NRS Boundary Boot
"


Met a guy at the Ely Steakhouse last year who was raving about the NRS boots, he couldn't recommend them any more highly & he was wearing them at the bar he liked them so much. I'm a wet-footer so I'm out of my depth with all of this dry foot talk haha
 
03/08/2023 11:51AM  
After the last 15 years canoe camping using Keens and similar sport sandals paired with wool socks, ahead of this summers' trip with the Scouts I switched to non-waterproof hiking boots. Not nearly as much crap and crud between my toes and under my feet as with sandals, and after a little while out of the water they don't feel wet on my feet any longer. I also especially appreciate the extra grip of the tread pattern on the soles, but probably where they really shine is I know they are firmly attached and won't be going anywhere.... Wet sandals with bungee straps and neoprene trim have enough stretch to slip and rotate on your feet.
 
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