Looking for some advice on the BEST water shoes for the BWCA. I seem to have lost my Keens. I'd like to invest in the BEST for this year's trip. Hopefully they will last the next 10 years. Ones that have great tread and dry overnight is optimal.!

I have used Chota's. However, I don't seem to be able to get that 10 years out of those.

I have a pair of Simms now. These are used mostly by the flyfishing crowd. I think I am on year 4 with these. No signs of these giving up.

I purchased NRS Boundary Boots three years ago. SOLID. Other friends purchased after trying mine. A+ for getting canoes in and out of water and staying dry, even if water briefly goes above the top of the boot. Good for warm and cold conditions. Traction is great on wet rocks. Seem durable so far.

Downside...They have little side ankle support/padding for a person carrying 50-100 lbs on those rocky BWCA portages. If the portage is over 200 rods, I take them off.

There's a good related post on the Gear Forum message board titled "Latest Water Shoes" by BonzSF. It's had a post added recently, 2/5/25 , so it's up near the top of the forum. Gave me some ideas for water shoes I never knew about.

A good trail running shoe that drains well. Astrals are a good brand. I find that drying over night isn't really something necessary, since loading your canoe in the morning is usually a wet foot experience.

Thanks so far! I had never heard of any of these brands! I'll do some more research, but great to hear from people that have experience with certain gear. When I say 10 years, I mean 10 trips. So durability isn't the #1 factor. I've seen several people in my groups over the years buy something that breaks down ON THE TRIP. Definitely can't have that...

NRS Boundary Boots are the way to go in the shoulder season. Summer months - I'm a sandal guy. Merrill are my favorite.

I wear Korkers wading shoes paired with Chota knee-length stocking foot waders. No complaints about either one of them. The Korkers probably won't dry overnight in most conditions, but since the waders are waterproof it doesn't matter. I hate wet feet, hence the waders.

Agree on the NRS Boundary Boot. They are great but in the summer when it’s hot you will get wet feet inside from your own sweat. You will think there is a hole in the bottom but it’s your own moisture. Best to leave these for the shoulder seasons.

Definitely look into the Chaco Odyssey or the Salomon Techamphibian.

Most in my group bought and wear Nike combat boots from Sierra trading. Im on year 5 with mine and they work great.

Does anyone know if there are any of these Water Shoes for Wide feet? I wear a 4E for width and don't see that as an option on any of these.

Wilderness56587: "Does anyone know if there are any of these Water Shoes for Wide feet? I wear a 4E for width and don't see that as an option on any of these."

I’ve got wide feet and tried the Hoka Hopara 2 last year. They worked great but sucked in a lot of smaller debris through the back

Wilderness56587: "Does anyone know if there are any of these Water Shoes for Wide feet? I wear a 4E for width and don't see that as an option on any of these."

I have wider feet - 2E+. 4E's are usually too sloppy on me.

Through my 20+ years of paddling the BW, I have done the Keen sandal thing, the old hiking boots thing, and I have owned 2 or 3 pairs of Chotas. None have been as good as what I am using now.

I have been wearing the Simms fly-fishing boots the last four years in the BW. I also wear a pair of Smart Wool socks in them, so there is still plenty of space. They are great. I have weak ankles. I had surgery on the right one 3 years ago now. I have to have the high top boots for support. (No sandals for me anymore.). The Simms boots have wonderful support and I have never had a hot spot in them.

If you buy a fly-fishing boot, please do not buy the felt soles. Supposedly they have better grip on rocks, but they also spread invasives. If you stick to one or two waterways for your fly-fishing, the felt might make sense. But we travel through many different water sheds as we travel the BWCAW.

Do you know Piragis Northwoods Company?
The link is to their "Portage Shoes" page. Many of the brands mentioned here can be found at their store. If they stock it, it is because they have found it works in the BW.

Hope you find what works for you.

BonzSF: "

Wilderness56587: "Does anyone know if there are any of these Water Shoes for Wide feet? I wear a 4E for width and don't see that as an option on any of these."

I’ve got wide feet and tried the Hoka Hopara 2 last year. They worked great but sucked in a lot of smaller debris through the back "

Do you normally wear a 4E shoe?

Michwall2: "

Wilderness56587: "Does anyone know if there are any of these Water Shoes for Wide feet? I wear a 4E for width and don't see that as an option on any of these."

I have wider feet - 2E+. 4E's are usually too sloppy on me.

Through my 20+ years of paddling the BW, I have done the Keen sandal thing, the old hiking boots thing, and I have owned 2 or 3 pairs of Chotas. None have been as good as what I am using now.

I have been wearing the Simms fly-fishing boots the last four years in the BW. I also wear a pair of Smart Wool socks in them, so there is still plenty of space. They are great. I have weak ankles. I had surgery on the right one 3 years ago now. I have to have the high top boots for support. (No sandals for me anymore.). The Simms boots have wonderful support and I have never had a hot spot in them.

If you buy a fly-fishing boot, please do not buy the felt soles. Supposedly they have better grip on rocks, but they also spread invasives. If you stick to one or two waterways for your fly-fishing, the felt might make sense. But we travel through many different water sheds as we travel the BWCAW.

Do you know Piragis Northwoods Company?
The link is to their "Portage Shoes" page. Many of the brands mentioned here can be found at their store. If they stock it, it is because they have found it works in the BW.

Hope you find what works for you. "

Is this the style you wear? Simms wading boots

No these are not the exact style of mine. Mine were purchased 4+ years ago. I don't see my exact model even at the Simms website. The closest I see there are the G3 Guide boots.

For wet-footing Astral Rassler 2.0, hands down.

I don’t know but I can’t wear Keens.

EddyTurn: "For wet-footing Astral Rassler 2.0, hands down."

I have some REI credit. They sell Astral

I use Mucks for portage and exit/entry from my canoe. Otherwise, basically barefoot in the canoe and around camp unless it’s a wet day. Less to pack in and out…

Basketcase: "I use Mucks for portage and exit/entry from my canoe. Otherwise, basically barefoot in the canoe and around camp unless it’s a wet day. Less to pack in and out…"

I am not a fan of barefoot anywhere in the BWCAW. There are too many loose fishing hooks and other sharps everywhere. I wear some sort of footwear all the time - even swimming. There is a great deal of lost fishing tackle immediately in front of campsites.

Michwall2: "

Basketcase: "I use Mucks for portage and exit/entry from my canoe. Otherwise, basically barefoot in the canoe and around camp unless it’s a wet day. Less to pack in and out…"

I am not a fan of barefoot anywhere in the BWCAW. There is too much loose fishing hooks and other sharps everywhere. I wear some sort of footwear all the time - even swimming. There is a great deal of lost fishing tackle immediately in front of campsites."

Valid point. Although, I try not to lose any fishing items inside my canoe. ;)

Wilderness56587: "

BonzSF: "

Wilderness56587: "Does anyone know if there are any of these Water Shoes for Wide feet? I wear a 4E for width and don't see that as an option on any of these."

I’ve got wide feet and tried the Hoka Hopara 2 last year. They worked great but sucked in a lot of smaller debris through the back "

Do you normally wear a 4E shoe?"

No I think E or EE usually. And most of the wide is up front, just ahead of the arch.

Check eBay for a new pair of OTB 6" tall boots (owned by New Balance). They are long since discontinued, but are worth picking up if you can find a pair. They drain especially well, have aggressive tread and are tough. They come in black or coyote color. I highly recommend them. Still some new pairs out there if you look. I think they were used by Navy Seals at some point, hence the name Over the Beach. I love Keens, but hate getting little rocks under my feet on portages.

Basketcase: "I use Mucks for portage and exit/entry from my canoe. Otherwise, basically barefoot in the canoe and around camp unless it’s a wet day. Less to pack in and out…"

I don't know if you posted this comment in jest or if you're serious, but going barefoot on a wilderness canoe trip is irresponsible and, frankly, stupid. You're putting yourself at risk of injury for no reason and your behavior also risks ruining the trip of your crewmates who would have to take care of you if the injury was bad enough.

We don't have a list of rules for our group, but we've all done this long enough that we all know what's expected and how things are done. I'm glad you wear proper footwear on the portages, but going barefoot in camp or wherever when we're miles from help won't fly with us.

Jackfish: "

Basketcase: "I use Mucks for portage and exit/entry from my canoe. Otherwise, basically barefoot in the canoe and around camp unless it’s a wet day. Less to pack in and out…"

I don't know if you posted this comment in jest or if you're serious, but going barefoot on a wilderness canoe trip is irresponsible and, frankly, stupid. You're putting yourself at risk of injury for no reason and your behavior also risks ruining the trip of your crewmates who would have to take care of you if the injury was bad enough.

We don't have a list of rules for our group, but we've all done this long enough that we all know what's expected and how things are done. I'm glad you wear proper footwear on the portages, but going barefoot in camp or wherever when we're miles from help won't fly with us. "

I think that's a bit harsh. I've known some people who are probably less likely to injure themselves barefoot than many people who wear heavy boots. It depends on how well conditioned your feet are. Some folks run marathons and do trail running regularly barefoot and I'd day they're less likely to injure themselves than a couch potato in heavy hiking boots in the BWCA.

I don't do it around camp much, but I also go barefoot in my canoe all the time. Sometimes it's the only opportunity I get on a long tripping day to dry my feet out.

It might be harsh, but correct it is. It's plain "unwise" to walk barefoot on a wilderness trip. If I have to list the reasons then there's no need to list the reasons.

Footwear is highly personal. The old adages are quickly fading.

You don’t see “high tops” in sports as much anymore and the rate of ankle sprains has gone down as an example.

Although I agree with the comment that a couch potato who wears heavy hiking boots is a higher risk for an injury than the barefoot options presented, in my opinion (which means nothing :) ) barefoot in camp is an extra risk. I’ve slipped and got my foot stabbed into a rock or branch and the sandal or shoe saved me a serious injury. It’s just an extra layer of protection, in an area where we are far from any help.

Food for thought, far be it to tell someone else what to do.

T

Astral TR 1 Mesh
They drain well and have CRAZY traction wet or dry. Take out the inserts and rinse them along with the shoe once at camp and the are dry the next day.

i think the answer to the original question depends on what you plan on doing on those "water shoes" and which season it is when you are in the bush.

if it is summer, and you only want something to wear in the canoe, and use to get in and out of that canoe, then you could use just about any synthetic sandal or even crocs.

these both will obviously dry easily and wont suffer any damage due to water use. they are also great to wear around camp.

but if you will be traveling in early spring and / or late fall, you may want something with some protection from the cold water.

many use the knee high neoprene boots that have already been suggested, or you could use any synthetic shoe / boot with good drainage (not a waterproof shoe) paired with neoprene dry socks, or even hip waders.

but if you intend on using your "water shoes" to also portage your gear, then that changes things imho.

some people will wear crocs in the boat and on a portage. this is not ideal to me. so the search for a supportive shoe / boot should be about finding something that also has an appropriate tread so you are not slipping on wet rocks or on the trail. (i have made that mistake) but also allows good drainage (again....not a waterproof shoe/boot)

i have a pair of Sea-doo mid hi shoes that are fantastic in the boat and in the water but not the best tread for portaging. i have a pair of merrel trail shoes that work great on trail, are mostly mesh so they drain well. they also pair well with my neoprene socks if i remove the inner sole. i also have rubber boots that allow me to wear hip waders. they keep me 100% warm and dry, are grippy enough for a trail, but are the heaviest option.

since my merrels are now starting to fall apart, i just recently picked up a shoe i never heard of til the other day. they are not waterproof, look like they should drain well and may dry fairly quickly, and have a very grippy tread made for various conditions. only possible downside is they are a low top and not a mid hi shoe. but since i typically have used my low top merrels for so long, i figure this is not a big deal.

shoe link

so many options out there. and everyone will have their favorite options depending on the conditions and how they intend to use them.

Michwall2: "

Basketcase: "I use Mucks for portage and exit/entry from my canoe. Otherwise, basically barefoot in the canoe and around camp unless it’s a wet day. Less to pack in and out…"

I am not a fan of barefoot anywhere in the BWCAW. There are too many loose fishing hooks and other sharps everywhere. I wear some sort of footwear all the time - even swimming. There is a great deal of lost fishing tackle immediately in front of campsites."

this deserves a "like" button

Interesting. Call me thick, but I have never considered having separate footwear for the canoe and then changing into another for portaging. On days where we do 6-7 portages, I wouldn't want to lose all that time swapping shoes/boots. That's why I've always sought a shoe or boot that could go right from the canoe to the portage trail, and has good drainage and drying. Is that a pain for those of you who make these footwear changes?

billgkna11: "Interesting. Call me thick, but I have never considered having separate footwear for the canoe and then changing into another for portaging. On days where we do 6-7 portages, I wouldn't want to lose all that time swapping shoes/boots. That's why I've always sought a shoe or boot that could go right from the canoe to the portage trail, and has good drainage and drying. Is that a pain for those of you who make these footwear changes?"

i have done this at times but i agree if there is a lot of portaging it would become a pain in the butt.

One has to expect wet feet when portaging. They will either get wet at the landings or you'll be trudging through mucky stretches on the portage trail (or both). Wear good fitting boots or footwear that drain and change into dry socks and footwear when you get to camp. Dry socks... one of life's little luxuries. :)

Ok I ordered some new boots. I’m a wet footer and on my last trip slipped on wet rocks and hurt myself pretty bad. So I wanted a better boot than the Chota hybrid lightweight boot I was using. Not a grippy sole on those.

I watched a video trip report from a YouTube channel called Eze Adventurer from his latest trip to Patagonia where he paddled and did some long heavy duty portaging. I noticed his boots and contacted him for his thoughts. It’s called a Palm Gradient 3.0 and Eze has used them on many trips and loves them.

The only place in the US to get them is from water sports Outlet in California. You get a 15% discount on your first order. Shipping is $7.95 to Illinois. My total was $172

Here’s a video review of the boot.

Palm Gradient 3.0 review

I want to add that this outlet does not have all sizes available. But, they didn’t have my size when I first looked. I checked a day later and they did. So if need be maybe contact them about your size availability. The only other place to get these is a store in Dublin Ireland called Canoe Centre. But they want $50 to ship to the US.

Altai boot site

I have used these boots for years and they excel. Check the Outlet store for half price seconds. I bought several pair of the seconds when they had the seconds in a 2 for 1 special so just $40 us with shipping. Never have seen the defect on the boots. They say waterproof but they drain out. Synthetic so they remain lightweight. Vibram soles great for rough portages. Even 8 inch come off easily. Three months of wet footing over the years and they are still the same rugged boot.

rick00001967: "i think the answer to the original question depends on what you plan on doing on those "water shoes" and which season it is when you are in the bush.


if it is summer, and you only want something to wear in the canoe, and use to get in and out of that canoe, then you could use just about any synthetic sandal or even crocs.


these both will obviously dry easily and wont suffer any damage due to water use. they are also great to wear around camp.


but if you will be traveling in early spring and / or late fall, you may want something with some protection from the cold water.


many use the knee high neoprene boots that have already been suggested, or you could use any synthetic shoe / boot with good drainage (not a waterproof shoe) paired with neoprene dry socks, or even hip waders.


but if you intend on using your "water shoes" to also portage your gear, then that changes things imho.


some people will wear crocs in the boat and on a portage. this is not ideal to me. so the search for a supportive shoe / boot should be about finding something that also has an appropriate tread so you are not slipping on wet rocks or on the trail. (i have made that mistake) but also allows good drainage (again....not a waterproof shoe/boot)


i have a pair of Sea-doo mid hi shoes that are fantastic in the boat and in the water but not the best tread for portaging. i have a pair of merrel trail shoes that work great on trail, are mostly mesh so they drain well. they also pair well with my neoprene socks if i remove the inner sole. i also have rubber boots that allow me to wear hip waders. they keep me 100% warm and dry, are grippy enough for a trail, but are the heaviest option.


since my merrels are now starting to fall apart, i just recently picked up a shoe i never heard of til the other day. they are not waterproof, look like they should drain well and may dry fairly quickly, and have a very grippy tread made for various conditions. only possible downside is they are a low top and not a mid hi shoe. but since i typically have used my low top merrels for so long, i figure this is not a big deal.


shoe link

Great answer. We are going Labor Day week thru Moose River North. Lots of portaging to Tiger Bay. I do bring a campsite pair of Keen Boots that I wear in Camp. Getting into the canoe at 5 am when it's cold in wet shoes is annoying. Plus, getting older, so good traction is important
so many options out there. and everyone will have their favorite options depending on the conditions and how they intend to use them."

Replying to Tomcat

Those are the same ones Eze uses. It’s an earlier version. I had my chota hybrids have the sole separate and I used a glue called Aqua Seal generously on them and did several more trips before I wore out the sole. So I always carry that glue on trips. That’s not a dealbreaker for me and I hope they upgraded the issue with the 3.0

I keep it in the freezer until I leave for the trip. I haven’t experienced it hardening in the tube.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/296934495022?_skw=otb+new+balance+abyss+boots&itmmeta=01JRBGBY78ZG1TVDECN1J5W16T&hash=item4522acd32e:g:eTgAAOSwxxNngAdb&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1frvlSf4tk9N%2BMJh0Z2veeWFuq0Ltk4qrqFDco2oabqv--HTxsuUvgyyVj2TXQU0h0I7i8rGf42yxgJxLQQWqsqSA8fQWyISPMtap4fEr3zO0rgS0c1TsZPWnaKJInMe5hyZExosRVqZN22uW4xoSdLd%2F5rlimy0p%2BmXnR8q%2B88EujQrXTHSrFzCaLobL0r8gILBpttsj1d3yDfl%2FTGi3O7meOidu6PyaL5LxBXv37XDPsmrw9fezNAdNHln2UgmAeQfk3RXR2wVT%2BNcsibCsqK%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-Ljr_DCZQ

TomT: "Ok I ordered some new boots. I’m a wet footer and on my last trip slipped on wet rocks and hurt myself pretty bad. So I wanted a better boot than the Chota hybrid lightweight boot I was using. Not a grippy sole on those.

I watched a video trip report from a YouTube channel called Eze Adventurer from his latest trip to Patagonia where he paddled and did some long heavy duty portaging. I noticed his boots and contacted him for his thoughts. It’s called a Palm Gradient 3.0 and Eze has used them on many trips and loves them.

The only place in the US to get them is from water sports Outlet in California. You get a 15% discount on your first order. Shipping is $7.95 to Illinois. My total was $172

Here’s a video review of the boot.

Palm Gradient 3.0 review


"

My new boots arrived. First impression is they are extremely well thought out and feel very durable. Something to get used to is the opening for the foot is kinda small. It’s designed this way to be able to use a Velcro closure around the lower leg to make a seal. Using the pull loop it’s easy enough to get the boot on but very different than a traditional boot.

There’s nice drainage on the sides wrapping around the front. Also they provide 2 different thicknesses of sole insert. For me with thick socks the narrow insert creates a perfect fit.

In hindsight I wish I ordered a 1/2 size larger boot. Not sure if the sell 1/2 sizes though.

Anyway, I’m very impressed. I bought these because I’ve hurt myself slipping on wet rock twice over the years. These are made for river kayakers who portage on wet rocks a lot. The sole is very well thought out and grippy. I can’t wait to use them in Quetico soon.

Astral Rassler 2 paired with NRS Boundary Sock. Just get a size or two larger to fit the sock. This is the best overall system I have found. I have a total of over 50 wilderness canoe trips, many of which are across all kinds of terrain (soil, mud, rock, underwater, bog, steep slopes, downed tree riddled, wetlands, lining river rapids, beaver dams, etc.) and I always wet foot. The tread does not look like much but it works very well.

And Astral’s customer service is excellent. I had pairs in the past that had started to unglue in a spot or two. I told the rep and they found that unacceptable and gave me a brand new pair each time. Note I shoe gooed the minor deglued spot and have kept using them, saving the new pair.