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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Need new boots
 
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Corsair
08/01/2022 03:19PM
 
jcavenagh: "My OTBs are 12 yrs old. I love the siped soles. I hope they last thru my next trip.
I have been looking at these...Altama OTB Maritime Assault Fin Friendly Mid Cut Operators Boots
"



Interesting.


It just seems nothing compares to the OTB




 
ThePeregrine
08/12/2022 06:13PM
 
scramble4a5: "I bought some Solomons last year. Similar to Merrill’s but with better ankle support. Did quite well and dried reasonably quickly."


Which model Salomons do you like the ankle support in? I prefer to wear boots for the ankle support, but have never found a pair of Salomons designed for water that I thought would have enough support. I wish I could since I like their hiking boots so much.
 
straighthairedcurly
08/03/2022 05:25PM
 
RunningFox: "Kendis: "Merrel Moab"



+ 1"



+2
 
jcavenagh
08/03/2022 12:44PM
 
They are excellent canoeing.
I have also found them to be superb for shoveling the driveway here at 41.75 north.
Very little slipping on ice.
I wish they were still made.

 
JN
07/30/2022 05:58AM
 
I've been wearing Danner Pronghorns. For the price, I think they lack something in durability, but they are quite comfortable and lightweight. I find the taller boots give so much better ankle support than the typical "mid" height hikers. Plus they do a good job of keeping debris off my socks and out of my pants.
 
Blatz
07/25/2022 07:36PM
 
Keen Voyagers are a very solid option. I've used them for over a decade. Light weight and good draining
 
TrailZen
08/10/2022 11:52AM
 
prizes14: "I love my 1968 issue Vietnam combat boots. You can still get them online. Have used them for about 10 years. They have great traction, drain water and are indestructible. "


For many years I used military surplus 'jungle boots' and loved them. Then I found a couple alternatives I used for several years. For my 2017 trip, I found some jungle boots online. They looked good, felt good, but THREE days into a 10-day Quetico trip the soles started to delaminate from the uppers, and the uppers were cracking over the toes. I was able to do a MacGyver to use them for the rest of the trip, but anyone considering jungle boots should be aware that there are huge quality differences in the available brands. Avoid ROTHCO--they're not worth the manure required to bury them.


TZ







 
StLouisPaddler
08/10/2022 12:59PM
 
I have had good luck with the Chota Hybrids on travel days and Keen Newports on non-travel days.
 
exemplaria
08/14/2022 07:08PM
 
Related question: I suffered a partial ankle dislocation about 8 weeks ago - basically a REALLY bad sprain. It's healed well, I've been walking comfortably for 6 weeks, biking a lot and even rock climbing.


My usual BWCA shoes are low rise Salomon water shoes - something like this: Normal Shoes


However with the ankle, I'm a bit worried about support on portages, and am considering bringing boots for the first time. Wish I would have seen this thread a bit sooner. I picked up a pair of La Sportiva Ultra Raptor - they have fantastic ankle support and I've taken them on a few brief hikes. No idea how they'll perform when wet though - they're supposedly waterproof and Gore-tex lined but I'm under no illusion that they'll be dry after being fully submerged a couple times.


I guess the question is - do people think strong boots beats my water shoes plus a light ankle brace? Will I regret these waterlogged boots? If I re-sprain it again our trip could come to screeching halt. Thanks.
 
ockycamper
08/15/2022 08:33AM
 
I am 66 and most of the guys in our group are 55-upper 60's. None of us would wear shoes for wet footing or portaging that did not have strong insoles, a snug fit and good akle support. Bottom of the list would be crocs.


A twisted ankle is pretty much game over for a trip.
 
exemplaria
08/16/2022 02:04PM
 
Thanks all - very helpful!
 
YetiJedi
08/14/2022 08:46PM
 
exemplaria: "Related question: I suffered a partial ankle dislocation about 8 weeks ago - basically a REALLY bad sprain. It's healed well, I've been walking comfortably for 6 weeks, biking a lot and even rock climbing.



My usual BWCA shoes are low rise Salomon water shoes - something like this: Normal Shoes



However with the ankle, I'm a bit worried about support on portages, and am considering bringing boots for the first time. Wish I would have seen this thread a bit sooner. I picked up a pair of La Sportiva Ultra Raptor - they have fantastic ankle support and I've taken them on a few brief hikes. No idea how they'll perform when wet though - they're supposedly waterproof and Gore-tex lined but I'm under no illusion that they'll be dry after being fully submerged a couple times.



I guess the question is - do people think strong boots beats my water shoes plus a light ankle brace? Will I regret these waterlogged boots? If I re-sprain it again our trip could come to screeching halt. Thanks. "



Ouch! Sounds like you are healing well, though, and that's good.


My $.02 worth...Injuries in the wilderness are nothing to mess around with. As you probably know, overcompensating for an injury usually leads to other accidents. For your situation, I suggest the boots, the shoes, and the brace. I'd start by wearing the shoes and the brace and if that works, great. If you find you need more support, use the boots with the brace. You'll always be able to have a dry pair of footwear and options to adapt to however your ankle responds to the rigors of your trip. You are correct, water-logged boots are no fun and if they are not designed for wading...they get heavy adding more pressure on your ankle.
Have the medicine that works best for you to manage pain and swelling and you'll be ahead of the game too. And, if it comes to it, you may have to alter your route.


Hope that helps. Safe travels and enjoy your trip!
 
timatkn
08/15/2022 07:13AM
 
Exemplaria,


Which feels better now walking around? The shoes with ankle brace or the boots? Shoe wear is totally subjective…it’s more about what feels like the best support for you. I think you just need to try them and see what you like.


T
 
EddyTurn
07/31/2022 11:57AM
 
I'd advise against Merel Moab - they absorb and keep water and their wet weight is a pound more than dry weight. Extra pound doesn't sound like a lot when you carry it on your shoulders, but weight carried on ankles has to be swung with each step. Common formula is: load carried on shoulders is equivalent to ankle weight multiplied by four or five.
 
ockycamper
08/12/2022 09:47AM
 
Has anyone tried NRS Workboot Wetshoes? Seems like they would make a great wet footing boot
 
TrailZen
08/12/2022 01:48PM
 
ockycamper: "Has anyone tried NRS Workboot Wetshoes? Seems like they would make a great wet footing boot"


Sure have-- These are what I bought after the Rothco issue described above. I've been using the same for paddling adventures (BWCA/Quetico, Algonquin, Suwannee River, Lake Jocassee, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, etc). I've been using the same pair for four years now, and they're ready for my late-August Quetico trip. Be warned that they run small--I usually wear an 11.5 and ordered size 12 (they only offer even sizes). My boots have room for liner socks, but I'd prefer room for wool socks and if I need to replace mine I'll order size 13.


TZ



 
ockycamper
08/12/2022 02:32PM
 
I ordered a size 12. I wear an 11.


Since these have a neoprene interior, are they worn bear feet?
 
Banksiana
08/12/2022 03:10PM
 
ockycamper: "I ordered a size 12. I wear an 11.



Since these have a neoprene interior, are they worn bear feet?"



Bears wet foot with bare bear feet.
 
TrailZen
08/12/2022 04:07PM
 
ockycamper: "I ordered a size 12. I wear an 11.



Since these have a neoprene interior, are they worn bear feet?"



You've sized right, then. I've always used a liner sock with them, because I need the arch support of SuperFeet and would blister the balls of my bare feet against those insoles. And I should have warned you that the soles feel a bit thin, and the SuperFeet make the soles feel thicker & stiffer. I hope you new boots serve you as well as mine have served me.


TZ
 
YetiJedi
08/12/2022 05:59PM
 
Banksiana: "ockycamper: "I ordered a size 12. I wear an 11.




Since these have a neoprene interior, are they worn bear feet?"




Bears wet foot with bare bear feet."



:)
 
prizes14
08/10/2022 08:24PM
 
TrailZen: "prizes14: "I love my 1968 issue Vietnam combat boots. You can still get them online. Have used them for about 10 years. They have great traction, drain water and are indestructible. "



For many years I used military surplus 'jungle boots' and loved them. Then I found a couple alternatives I used for several years. For my 2017 trip, I found some jungle boots online. They looked good, felt good, but THREE days into a 10-day Quetico trip the soles started to delaminate from the uppers, and the uppers were cracking over the toes. I was able to do a MacGyver to use them for the rest of the trip, but anyone considering jungle boots should be aware that there are huge quality differences in the available brands. Avoid ROTHCO--they're not worth the manure required to bury them.



TZ








"



That's why I say get the original 1968 Vietnam issued combat boots. I'm talking about ones that are actually 54 years old. The modern "combat boots" are junk. I wear the same kind the soldiers wore in 'Nam and they are indestructible.
 
rdgbwca
08/11/2022 09:51AM
 
TrailZen: "prizes14: "I love my 1968 issue Vietnam combat boots. You can still get them online. Have used them for about 10 years. They have great traction, drain water and are indestructible. "


Avoid ROTHCO--they're not worth the manure required to bury them.
TZ
"



+1


I received a ROTHCO product once when ordering from a military surplus website. I returned it for a refund. In that case it was a knock off Alice pack.


Just FYI, there have been efforts to make jungle boots that are worth while. These boots cost more than if you were able to find surplus in your size.


The one that seems the most interesting to me is the MACV-1 from Go Ruck.
 
scramble4a5
07/25/2022 06:57PM
 
I bought some Solomons last year. Similar to Merrill’s but with better ankle support. Did quite well and dried reasonably quickly.
 
Corsair
07/25/2022 03:30PM
 
Well,

My OTB Odhin's finally bit the dust after this last trip. They got me through 10+ BW trips and were in my opinion the finest boot designed to be submersed. Unfortunately they are no longer made.

I know a lot of use Chota. What else is out there?

 
Kendis
07/29/2022 10:15AM
 
Merrel Moab
 
prizes14
08/09/2022 08:19PM
 
I love my 1968 issue Vietnam combat boots. You can still get them online. Have used them for about 10 years. They have great traction, drain water and are indestructible.
 
RunningFox
07/29/2022 11:51PM
 
Kendis: "Merrel Moab"


+ 1
 
jcavenagh
07/28/2022 05:08PM
 
My OTBs are 12 yrs old. I love the siped soles. I hope they last thru my next trip.
I have been looking at these...Altama OTB Maritime Assault Fin Friendly Mid Cut Operators Boots