Hi, I need a new pair of shoes that dry quickly and don't fill up with rocks. I would wear them portaging. I am looking for shoes, not boots. Also am looking for summer...it does not need to be a warm shoe. Any recommendations???

One suggestion is "RockSocks" (not sure of exact spelling.)

They are a low duty wet-foot shoe designed to drain water (through the sole vents) as well as woven uppers.

The are NOT made for tough portages. Short, flat, not boulder type portages would do fine. They do NOT grip any better than walking shoes, have thin, flexible soles, and do NOT offer enhanced ankle support.

But they drain water very well and dry quickly.

If that fits your need - look them up. I think I paid about $20-25 for a pair for me and my granddaughter when we went to the Q about 4 years ago. She loved them. Still have mine. Use them around camp and for fishing in the canoe.

Old Hoosier

Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport

These are the ones my wife has. She really likes them. Very light weight, and plenty of tread on the bottom. She bought them mainly for hiking. Have not had them in the BWCA yet, but lots of mountain trails in Arizona South Dakota (did not go "swimming" with them, but walked through a few streams, pretty much dried by the time the hike was done.)

They don't have an inner liner so the mesh is pretty much just to fill in the holes so they can call it a shoe instead of a sandal.

My wife likes the Salomon TechAmphibian
I use the men's version.

For quick-drying shoes that keep rocks out, try Teva Universal Sandals, Merrell Hydro Mocs, Columbia Drainmaker IV, or KEEN Whisper Sandals

Astral has a nice selection. Keep in mind that generally speaking, the lighter and faster drying a shoe is the less durable it will be. I have the TR1 Meshes which I like but only expect them to last a couple of years. Same goes for the soles. The grippiest ones won't last as long.

Only you can determine what the right compromise for you is.

I second the Astral shoes. I have a pair and absolutely love them. I only wear them for canoeing/portaging. I want them to last as long as possible.

This thread is so old Nojobro might be on her second or third pair of shoes by now :)

If you are still out there :) what did you end up with and how did they work?

T