Never too early to talk gear, right?

We’re taking our first September trip this year. I’m planning to bring a pair of waterproof boots for camp. I’m wondering the community’s thoughts on portage footwear. I’ve always wet footed (keens) during early May trips so I’m ok with chilly, wet feet and a few pebbles. I was thinking about picking up a pair of neoprene socks to couple with my keens and wondering if/how that’s worked for others. I believe the water temp could be much cooler mid September (14th - 19th). Last thing is we plan to do the 1 mile portage on the basswood river.

Thoughts or suggestions?

First I don't think waterproof boots are necessary in camp . As far as Fall trips go. That's the only time I wear knee high waterproof boots. I used Muck Wetlands the last time with very good results. I've never used neoprene socks, but the word is you're going to get sweaty feet.

I’m sure it varies from year to year, but I don’t think you will have a big problem with the water being too cold. Low 60’s or high 50’s?

Agree that temps are less of a concern. Water should be much warmer than your May trips.

+1

I still use Chaco’s paddling and portaging. My Xeroshoes if it cool and chacos if it is still warm.

I tried neoprene socks in Canada in September once and found them unnecessary. I gave them away when I got home. Now I use water shoes, Salomon Techamphibians sometimes but Chota Quetico Trekker boots (replaced with a newer model) which provide more support and foot protection in Canada. I learned that for me cold water was not an issue.

I wear the NRS 3mm neoprene Boundary socks in an oversized trail shoe. I trip in May and September/October. I have had a very late September in quetico when I just did the wool sock wet footing it, and it was brutal one morning. I now wear the NRS socks for both May and September, but typically its more necessary in May in my opinion and we just had some real cold weather that one year. I wear a thin wool minus33 sock under the boundary sock.
The other reason I like them though, I have always wet foot and I hated when I get small rocks/sand in my shoes on portaging, I never feel these anymore with the neoprene socks on. I'm doing a July trip for the first time in years this summer and already know I will be taking my shoes off all the time to get them out.

Thanks guys!

I think I'll go with wet footing during portages which is great because I don't need to buy anything new.

We wet-foot well into September. Lake water is chilly for swimming but not terrible for smartwool socks + polyprop liners. If the forecast called for daytime lows in the 40s I would probably double up on smartwools.

In my opinion, water temps are colder in May than they are in September. If you wet foot in May, you’re going to have no problem wet footing in September. I would simply wear some wool socks and you’re good to go. Neoprene socks are ok, but wool will keep you warm when wet and is much more comfortable than neoprene. For the Horse Portage, it’s just long, the tread is incredibly easy. There’s a couple of natural stopping points along the way for a quick break or to leap frog your gear. That’s a really pretty stretch of river. Enjoy your trip!

Tony

In fall I wear a NRS neoprene sock (the hydroskin) and a "light" hiking shoe. I prefer wetfooting, and the neoprene sock (0.5 mm) is just enough to keep my feet warm. Even on a chilly fall day. If it's May or it's colder weather on my fall trip, I would use a 2mm NRS "wet sock." For me, a waterproof boot isn't as good on a portage trail, and I'm too likely to overtop it.

I agree that waterproof boots are not needed for camp in Sept. But if you're going to have any kind of rain or muck around hunting wood in wet conditions I recommend a waterproof pair of sneakers.

It might work for others, but wool socks don't work for me on cool cloudy late or early season days. They really don't insulate, like even a thin neoprene sock will, because they don't trap warmed water next to your skin. Cool water ends up circulating and replacing the water your foot already warmed. I'm prone to cold feet, so I can see why wool might cut it for others, but not for me.

We always wet foot. September trips have not seemed to have cold water at portages — actually warmer water than May as some have noted here. I’ve tried all kinds of boots and socks. Here’s my ratings, from best to not best.
1. Astral Rassler. favorite. They are barely high top. Have good drainage. Good traction on their soles. And are comfortable. Hold up well. I wear thin, polyester (old man) socks with all the boots. They dry really fast, but still protect your feet from blistering.
2. OTB (over the beach, by new balance) boots in black or coyote color. More rugged sole. 8” high. Very good drainage. Good traction. Mine lasted 6 years of use/abuse. They are discontinued but can still be picked up on eBay, sometimes new. If you can find a pair, they’re worth a try. I’ve always liked them.
3. Keen. These are comfortable and obviously have the best drainage ( because they’re sandals), and have good traction. You will get pebbles in your feet during portages. That was a deal breaker for me.
4. Chota. I had one pair and they fell apart on the first use trip. I got a refund. I know others swear by them.

In camp we put on thick, soft wool socks and crocs. Crocks are light and dry instantly.

Have been a wet footer since the days we wore Converse All-stars and wool socks. One of the most obnoxious sounds in the BW is of someone grinding an aluminum canoe into rocks or sand because they don't want to get their feet wet. As the equipment improved I would not be without neoprene socks. No matter what shoe you use they keep stuff from rubbing on your feet. In camp sometimes you can just wear them also, although it depends on the campsite and the weather. Most of the time for camp we have always used LL Bean mocs which have the Bean rubber sole. They are nice to have for rainy days and the lugs on the sole are good to prevent slipping on rocky sites. Although they look bulky, the Bean mocs actually pack quite nice. Choice of shoes for tripping is really a matter of individual preference and fit. Lots of threads on that here.