Just got back from a solo trip and it is apparent to me that I need to invest in some really good portage boots. The portages were completely mud, extremely
deep mud at that, and I need a boot to handle the extremes.

If money was unlimited, what boot would you all recommend?

You will get every answer under the sun on this forum because footware can be a very choose-what-works-for-you department. You will also find tons of different recommendations discussed on this forum previously.

That said, the main watershed divider in this conversation is whether you want wet feet or dry feet.

I do not know the dry foot realm super well. You kind of have the choice between calf-high boots such as a muck boot or, less commonly, applying waterproof socks. Both options are pretty warm in the summer. A hip wader is even warmer and likely overkill in the majority of applications.

In the wet boot realm, there are very few boots that I know of specifically designed for portaging since it's a relatively obscure niche in the outdoor industry. There are a bunch of semi-related activities, though, that make great footwear that also works for our activity.

The whitewater crowd makes great lightweight footwear that drains and dries quickly. NRS or Astral are a couple of options.

The flyfishing crowd makes wading boots that don't dry quickly and are very heavy. They do grip well underwater and provide decent ankle support. Someone like Simms or Orvis make boots here. Chota has also though some of theirs are targeted at portaging!

The canyoneering crowd makes fantastic footwear that grips remarkably well and is more akin to a hiking or mountaineering boot. They are definitely more technical than a wading boot and have more weight and support than a whitewater shoe. That said, they are also a niche, and a few of the companies that have made them in the past have left the market. La Sportiva makes nice ones that I personally use.

And then there's the hiking crowd that's far more common and has far more options from big and bulky and waterproof to hiking sandles. Keens or Merrels can be popular here.

As a subset of the hiking realm, trail running shoes can also be nice as they are lightweight and tend to dry quickly. Also not a ton of ankle support and can be tougher in deep mud. Lots of options. I do like my Scarpas. I owned a pair of Columbias for like ten years that were the best I've ever owned.

It's sort of up to what attributes in a shoe you most value. I have owned Chota's that came apart after two years both times. Now I have La Sportivas that I'm fond of.

Good luck!

I have used 2 brands over the years:

Chota and Simms.

By far I like the Simms the best. Simms are boots sold for fly fishing wading. But, they work great for portaging also. Just don't buy the felt sole variety. They carry invasive species in them.

I just wore my pair on a 5 day trip on the Louse River. They were great.

Because of past injuries/surgeries, I need lots of high ankle support. These are wonderful for my ankles. The Louse River has some of the rockiest, meanest portages anywhere in the BW. They protected my ankles very well.

I have had them for a few years so the models may have changed. I was just to the website and I think that either the Freestone or Freesalt are likely equivalents to my boots.

I would never wear a boot on a trip. This isn’t the 1950’s… :)

It’s really personal comfort. That’s what the research shows and it’s highly personal—there isn’t one best answer.

I prefer a water shoe with good grip in wet conditions, at least a Virbram sole but there are probably other better alternatives, but my biggest factor is good grip under wet conditions.

T

Not common I know, but my favorite and IMO the best option is the rubber overshoe worn over my light hikers. I have a pair of Tingley tall, the classic black rubber, but there are other types out there. They have a number of advantages:

1. Comfort. You are wearing what ever light hiker or running shoe you normally wear. No blisters because you are wearing a rubber boot you don't normally walk in. On long portages you can fold the top down for more comfort.

2. Versatility. If it turns hot and you'd rather wet foot, you can roll them up and carry them in your pack.

3. Repairability. I just carry a tube of Amazing Goop, but you can also use inner tube patches for a like new repair.

4. If you do step too deep, minimal water gets in because they are so flexible, the water pressure presses the boot against your calf.

5. Dryable. If you get them wet inside, you can turn them inside out and they dry quickly.

In my early years Chota made a rubber/wader type boot that was knee high (now discontinued). I loved those boots, allowed me to wet foot any landing or walking up creeks. Very rare I would get water over the top

It’d been 17 years since I last wore those and that idle time folded over in the closet didn’t do them any good. My guck test in the pond resulted in immediate wet socks.

The closest thing I could find to them was the NRS Boundary Boot. I wear a 13, many reviews said to order a size or 1/2 size up. With an upcoming fall (Sept) trip coming up I expected cool temps so I figured count on wool socks so I ordered 14s. Way too big, sent them back and found 13s which were a perfect fit.

Just got out after having a chance to put them through the paces. I’d give them an 8/10. In wetfoot landing they get a 10/10. When I took the 220 rod portage in it was 85 degrees so I wore my Skechers Slip Ins sandals instead. Thought I’d change them out before launching but just went with it. These really worked pretty well but if it was cooler like I anticipated it wouldn’t have been good.

The next day I switched over to the NRS boots. It was a good move, refreshing not to get my feet wet, seemed to handle the slippery rocks ok. The one thing they didn’t have was a whole lot of ankle support but as good or better than my old Chotas.

I did portage out with them on and it was not a problem at all though on the second trip I did switch to the sandals just because the were a little lighter and a bit more snug, secure fit.

I’m very happy with them. I prefer early and late season trips when the water is cooler so these will be perfect and my sandals can stay dry for around camp.

My go-to these days is the Merrell Moab Mid (not waterproof version). There are not the lightest out there by any means, but I need sturdy boots with rugged soles. Note, these are also the boots that the Scouts wear.

How on earth anyone does the sharp rocky portages in water shoes or thin trail runners is beyond me. Maybe if I stuck to the "highway" type portages near EPs.

I am a wet footer, but in the cold months (early May or mid-October) I have been known to wear Neos over my boots.

. Favorite portage and paddle shoe ever. Astral TR1 Merge

Just get what most locals and I use. Some calf high rubber boots be it Lacrosse or other. With a good lug sole. Otherwise get the neoprene versions.

Look at NRS
the boundary boot or the SAR boot

After much consternation, I changed my footwear game for a recent (came out one week ago, on 5/21/26) trip doing the Frost River loop. Given my propensity for the shoulder seasons, I know that I'll be dealing with cold water and cold temps. I also know that my "partial dryfoot" past option of hopping rocks at portages to keep the boat from getting thrashed and my feet from getting submerged likely wasn't workable on the frost (I was right).

I liked the idea of the NRS boundary boots, so I tried two pair from REI. Alas, the 11s were too small and the 12s too big. I also found them just a step up from a sock, the sole was fairly thin & flexible.

I moved on to LaCrosse and Muck boots. The Muck Wetland boots looked good, but didn't fit as well as LaCrosse Alpha Lite II (size 11, I usually wear an 11.5 Wide), so I went with those. Interestingly, I found a fit difference b/n the camo and black version of the boots, with the black a little tighter across the bridge of my foot. They seemed to break in more than I expected for solid rubber, so I think they tighter ones would have been fine (and I would have preferred the black), but I wasn't going to risk it - Camo for the fit!

They worked great. I did not envy the fully wet foot groups I saw wearing lite hiking shoes, that water is cold and the air isn't much warmer! I think I would still go simple Keens in the summer, but for shoulder season I'm now all in on calf length boots and have found a good fit in the LaCrosse Alpha Lite IIs.

All that "for what it's worth"!

Pinetree: "Just get what most locals and I use. Some calf high rubber boots be it Lacrosse or other. With a good lug sole. Otherwise get the neoprene versions. "

I have a nice pair of Cabela's neoprene (Muck/Lacross style) and just can't get a snug enough fit on them. Great around the yard, but they are not a good option for distance walking that features off camber or undulating terrain. Blister city.

I currently wear a pair of La Sportiva hiking boots that are non-leather and Gore-Tex. They are very light and have worked well. I don't mind if my feet get wet, it's part of the deal.

Now, my son (13) is going on his second trip, and doesn't have good footwear as he outgrew his Bogs (which gave him blisters BTW). I'm trying to find him something that's not costly, but effective.

I got a pair of Altama Maritime 8s, they've been on 2 short trips this year, and have another 3 to go. So far they've help up well for everything I've thrown at them. I've stepped in knee deep mud, wet rocks, leech ponds, etc. with no issues. They dry out well enough, and the mesh at the foot end of the toe box means no squishing around in water (but also no leeches).

Only complaint with them is that the standard laces they come with are garbage, so it would be worth investing in a better pair of laces (who ships boots with aglet-less laces?) I went with Lawson Technora laces so I wouldn't ever need new ones

Obviously the non-waterproof boots with a mesh port on the side means you are fully committing to the wet foot gang, but so long as you've got dry socks and different shoes for camp its a pretty small issue.

IBFLY: "Look at NRS
the boundary boot or the SAR boot
"

For several years I wore the NRS Workboot Wetshoes, and if you compare their lower construction with that of the NRS Boundary Boot, you'll probably agree that they're very similar. As noted by CanoeCos, the soles are thin and flexible. I wear SuperFeet insoles in all my footwear, so the thin sole was not an issue for me, but the neoprene sock makes the boots reek after a few days on the water. To tolerate the shoes for the two-day drive home, I dumped about a half-cup of baking soda into each boot and filled each with water and left them under my car the night before our return drive. Our last couple trips I've worn Oboz Arete Mid NON-WATERPROOF boots, which are comfortable and quick drying. They'll be on my '26 trip.

TZ

For me personally I have 2 footwear options I use.

Wet feet: enclosed toe keen sandels. Works great for warmer months, you do get some dirt/grime in them but I just wash them at the end of each port or once I’m in the boat again.

Dry feet(ish): knee high neoprene socks (backcountry skins)+merino/wool socks and simms wading boots. Keeps my feet dry and warm during the colder months and water temps. Only thing is your feet will sweat. Rotate with 2 pairs of wool socks and if the conditions allow I will air them out on longer paddle stretches

New option out from Astral: Astral Pushas

Wide toe box, mid-to-high-top. Heavier than their other offerings; likely more durable than the TR1 Merge 2.0s, which are not built for contact with rocks.

Interesting.

sns: "New option out from Astral: Astral Pushas


Wide toe box, mid-to-high-top. Heavier than their other offerings; likely more durable than the TR1 Merge 2.0s, which are not built for contact with rocks.


Interesting."

Edit: added photos
A pair arrived at our house today, will compare with Tr1 merges. Both pairs for the wife showed up today. 1/2 size larger than normal shoes and fit ok with 3mm neoprene socks, too small for a chota wader. Was suprised in the overall stiffness of both soles. I was expecting something very flexible like a typical thin water shoe. These are much more similar to a trail shoe or boot - very happy with that. Was suprised to see the difference in the tread pattern on bottom, clearly geared to different uses. The Pusha was slightly wider and not as raised off the ground when worn. Think she is leaning towards the pusha for the sewn construction of the sole to the boot. Both seem great, although the drain holes are tiny. Hopefully I will like the rasslers...

For 13 years of trips right after Memorial Day and in September after Labor day, I found NRS Boundary Boots and NRS Boundary Shoes to be the ticket. Try to dry foot but usually end up going over the top or one might spring a leak, but it doesn't matter because they are neoprene and my feet stay warm. What I DO like about them is 1) No heel. No heel=much less chance of rolling an ankle 2) thin grippy sole. Maybe too thin for some people. You can find semi-stiff plastic insoles that will help.

Last summer I went twice and tried a different approach. 1st time I used some river shoes--cheap Magellans from Academy if I remember. Somewhat minimalist in that they also have no heel. The only problem is that the soles have holes in them for drainage. Not good in sand, muck, and pebbles. So 2nd trip I used a pair of Bearefoot shoes. Very light and minimalist. All they accomplish is to NOT let your feet get cut on sharp rocks and make it possible to walk on gravel. I really liked the minimalist approach. I bought a different brand that fit better and will wear them next time I go in the warmer months. The Bearefoot pair I bought was too big and the toe box was a bit too wide as well.

I think there is a growing movement of folks that feel barefoot is best, but it's not practical. Ankles shouldn't need support if you don't baby them in boots that provide so much support that ankle strength doesn't matter.

DO NOT wear any kind of running shoes, or low-cut "hiking" shoes with a heel. Combining a heel with no ankle support is only asking for disaster. Don't do it!

You really need to decide Wet or Dry, as stated earlier. Also support or no support.

Maybe a pair of high-top old style Converse is the best bet! the soles may not be right. I've seen "tactical" boots that looked almost identical that could be the ticket.


Joe

I purchased the Astral TR1 Merge 1.0 and am 1,000,000% satisfied with them after my recent solo trip. Loved them and am so glad I purchased them.

I bring knee high neoprene rubber boots made by Muck or LaCrosse. If it’s muddy on the trails you will need more than just a regular boot. They are not made for comfort, they are made for walking in deep mud and keeping your feet dry. Yes they are hot but they do the job they were designed to do. Keep your feet dry. Only suggestion is to get thick wool socks with these.

Another suggestion is to find a spot deep in the woods upwind when in camp to store those stinky knee high rubber boots. Those get gnarly quick. My buddy had a pair last trip.

Can the NRS Boundary Boots and discontinued Chota's be turned inside out when in camp?

I've often wondered about cool weather canoe travel and boots. My trips have always been in August and I wear Chaco water sandals on portages and in the canoe. I wear running shoes in camp when I don't have to get my feet wet. Does anyone wear LL. Bean boots when traveling BWCA?