Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Shoe Review
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MossBack |
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butthead |
MossBack: "Mr. Butthead, Some time ago you posted about wearing a pair of Russells for wet foot loading and unloading. I tried to find the post, but failed. Could you offer up those details again. At least which model and the waterproof info. Thanks for your help. MB" Simple lower case butthead does me fine! Minimalist Thula Thula is my most often worn pair of shoes/boots, ordered with full weatherproof leather, 1/4 heel counter 6 inch height. Read the article detailing the Munson Last, my boot size is 8 1/2 EEEE with a medium high arch. Also have a pair (my first custom boots) of 20+ year old Mohican Stalkers now just called Trackers. A pair of Heavy Hikers. Insulated with a 200 gram Thinsulate liner, Airbob Claw soles, and 5 inch height. The Minimalist and Mohicans get twice a year Pecard silicone waterproofing, frequent in sink saddle soap wash inside and out, cream polish as needed. Heavy Hikers get twice a year treated with Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP Leather Preservative, frequent sadle soap wash inside and out, polished as needed. I do have a pair of Country Chukka boots in chamois leather. The Mohicans (20+ yeas old) and Minimalist (8 or9 years old) were/are used on canoe trips (they dry almost fully overnight) and warmer weather hikes, Heavy Hiker in fall/winter. They all get wet and muddy often. Secret to long boot life, functionality, water resistance, is in regular care as recommended by the maker. They know the leathers used and how to treat different tanning methods. Good example is weather resistant or chrome tanned that responds best to liquid silicone treatment and a cream polish, oil tanned leathers get treated with a natural oil or paste for conditioning and water resistance. Regular washing to keep sweat salts and foot oils cleaned out, polishing and brushing to finish. 2011 thread butthead |
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MagicPaddler |
THE SHOES I LIKE SO WELL ARE THE KEEN MEN'S VOYAGEUR MID |
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Sheepdogged |
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dogwoodgirl |
moustachesteve: "dogwoodgirl: "Just broke down and ordered a pair of baffin swamp buggies....I'm intrigued by the drainage in the sole. If it works and they fit my feet, I may convert from my tevas back to a shoe/boot." I'll let you know what I think! |
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MagicPaddler |
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BobDobbs |
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dogwoodgirl |
Now if only it wasn't hardwater season! |
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MagicPaddler |
The pair of Keens I have to openings on the sides covered with a tightly woven cloth so stones can’t get in. I put a flashlight inside the shoe and can only get a glimpse of light through the cloth. It looks like more than one layer. Moonpath & hooky Bad news about the sole warring through. Walking in water is hard on stitching which ends lots of shoes but I do not think it would cause increased ware on the sole. Sounds like they would last me through many Q trips. If they work out well I may save them just for tripping. |
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hooky |
quote Moonpath: "I bought a pair of keen hikers last spring. I really agree they are comfortable. My only complaint is that the rubber part of the sole has worn out very fast. It is not as durable as vibram and underneath the rubber sole is a kind of spongy material and does not last. So, comfortable, but I do not think they are cost effective if they only hold up for about 10 months. I should note that I wear my shoes hard and average 4 miles per day walking or more. " I've noticed the soles of mine have a spot at the ball of both feet that has just worn through. It was a disappointment to see that. |
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nctry |
quote BnD: "I think I have a different perspective on this topic. As a life long stream trout fisherman with Simms and Patagonia wading boots, I fail to see the difference on "portage" boots vs. "wading" boots. Both must have good traction and ankle support. Both should dry fast and withstand continuous saturation. Why is it this forum seems limited discussion and consideration to Chota Portage Boots? Personally, I own Simms and Patagonia wading boots that I think are superior to any Chota boot made. Chota s are fine but, IMO there are other options not labeled "Portage Boots". My 0.02" The chota was originally if not still a wading boot. We just have labeled them portage boots. Pretty much the same thing. Kinda why they don't drain as mp suggested they should. Mp, I have the same Keene in the waterproof version. They are wore out but I love them. Maybe I should have both the waterproof and the mesh. |
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BnD |
quote nctry: "quote BnD: "I think I have a different perspective on this topic. As a life long stream trout fisherman with Simms and Patagonia wading boots, I fail to see the difference on "portage" boots vs. "wading" boots. Both must have good traction and ankle support. Both should dry fast and withstand continuous saturation. Why is it this forum seems limited discussion and consideration to Chota Portage Boots? Personally, I own Simms and Patagonia wading boots that I think are superior to any Chota boot made. Chota s are fine but, IMO there are other options not labeled "Portage Boots". My 0.02" Exactly! It's just a marketing thing labeling them "portage boots" and I contend there are much better options than Chota. It's not even close. |
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Moonpath |
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MagicPaddler |
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boonie |
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dogwoodgirl |
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Moonpath |
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butthead |
Weight dry 27.7 ounces. Soaked in hot tap water for 15 minutes, let drain for 5 minutes. Weight wet 34.3 ounces. a gain of 6.6 ounces. After 20 hours the boot weighed 30.0 ounces, within 2.3 ounces. In an all leather constructed custom boot, Minimalist Thula Thula That was a single boot but the heaviest of the pair, tap hot is 115 measured fresh out of the tap. No sunshine indoors. butthead |
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MagicPaddler |
The Keens held water like a cup. If I turned the shoe over water would port out. I think they were the Voyageur model. I got them at REI |
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MagicPaddler |
Label____Dry _______5 minutes____10 minutes____15 minutes___20 Hours OBT____42.56 Oz____56.40 Oz_____55.80 Oz_____55.44 Oz____47.21 Oz NRS____37.89 Oz____47.40 Oz_____47.00 Oz_____46.48 Oz____39.86 Oz Chota___37.05 Oz____65.57 Oz_____59.95 Oz_____57.99 Oz____47.85 Oz Keen____33.95 Oz____51.90 Oz_____49.70 Oz_____47.17 Oz____40.92 Oz I have not worn the Keen on a trip yet but plan to this summer. They are getting broke in on daily walks and are more comfortable than any of the others. I have added a few (about 5) ounce of arch support to them although they started off better than any of the others. |
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boonie |
It seems that the NRS dry the best and the Chotas the worst based on percentage of dry weight at 20 hours. What model of Keen boot is that? |
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boonie |
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dogwoodgirl |
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loongoingdeep |
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TheBrownLeader |
I like them both, the NRS was hard to get on and off because of the Neoprene. So I switched to the OTB. both in Black, and they both dried very quickly in the sun. I prefer the NRS for portaging as it is a really sturdy boot. But all in, if I could have one or the other I'd take the OTB. I wear it with a tennis length, thin, smartwool sock to save my foot from the rocks and sticks and things that get in there. the socks and the boots dry in no time out in the sun. |
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PineKnot |
I purchased some Baffin Swamp Buggy shoes this winter and they are much more comfortable than the Abyss and appear to have similar drain/drying ability...we'll see how durable they are this summer.... |
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EddyTurn |
dogwoodgirl: "Baffin Swamp Buggies just got off a 2 wk trip and performed very well! Did not get sucked off my feet in knee deep sucking mud, and were not full of silt and twigs at any point. Drained beautifully....5 stars! "Thank you for your review! I wonder why no one talks about toe protection, which in my opinion is a necessary feature for portaging shoes. Do the Buggies have any? |
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dogwoodgirl |
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EddyTurn |
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soundguy0918 |
FireGuy524: "I have Merrell Ventilators that I wear with lightweight smartwool socks. They work well and dry quickly. I use the mid boot style but they also come in a hiking shoe. I like the ankle support of the boot. After wetfooting portages all day I put them out to dry at camp and wear a pair of camp shoes so they are good and dry in the morning." +1 for Merrell. I have Capra Rapid Hiking Shoes that have all of the support and comfort of a NB walking shoe but they drain instantly and "feel" dry almost as fast. |
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MagicPaddler |
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BigCurrent |
quote Sheepdogged: "In my opinion the only way to go is to accept the fact that your feet are going to get wet. If you need support between lakes then wear your hiking boots or camp boots but in the canoe and at landings wear sandals and dry your feet off when you get to the next landing or camp. I wear Chaco Men's Outcross Evo 1 Sport Water Shoe and they rock. Great traction and enough holes to drain water yet keep the sticks out at muddy landings. #2cents +1 . I gave up trying to keep my feet dry years ago. Now I just wear Chaco sandals. If it's cold I'll throw on a pair of wool socks. I trust their grip and they are more comfortable than anything else I own. |
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jfinn |
For years I used different sandals, being happy in all but cold water (cold feet). Sometimes with a neoprene sock or barefoot, I enjoyed the ability to rinse my foot after launching a canoe and the lightweight and freedom my feet felt. But with an early season April trip last year I tried Merrell Moabs (non waterproof) with the Chotta hippies. It worked so well, I switched to wool socks and the Moabs for summer trips and love it. The ability to stick my foot anywhere, especially when exiting the canoe in murky water or bolder gardens is a plus. I would give them a solid B on drain-ability. I tested fit of all the drain-able boots at Cabalas and REI and found these to be best for the hippies without insole, one size bigger than usual. The fit is OK, blister free with the insole and a quality sock. I would recommend a look at these shoes. The one downside, is that I will get some small stones inside the shoes. This is likely an issue with all boots and their padded upper causing less than a form fit at the top. I guess that is where gaiters come into play. John |
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jfinn |
For years I used different sandals, being happy in all but cold water (cold feet). Sometimes with a neoprene sock or barefoot, I enjoyed the ability to rinse my foot after launching a canoe and the lightweight and freedom my feet felt. But with an early season April trip last year I tried Merrell Moabs (non waterproof) with the Chotta hippies. It worked so well, I switched to wool socks and the Moabs for summer trips and love it. The ability to stick my foot anywhere, especially when exiting the canoe in murky water or bolder gardens is a plus. I would give them a solid B on drain-ability. I tested fit of all the drain-able boots at Cabalas and REI and found these to be best for the hippies without insole, one size bigger than usual. The fit is OK, blister free with the insole and a quality sock. I would recommend a look at these shoes. The one downside, is that I will get some small stones inside the shoes. This is likely an issue with all boots and their padded upper causing less than a form fit at the top. I guess that is where gaiters come into play. John |
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Savage Voyageur |
Start with your choice of a soaking wet boot and put them on just like you would be doing at a portage wet footing. Then walk around and measure the moisture levels every so often. Here's my point, (waterproof) boots take forever to dry once wet inside. But boots with drain holes or mesh dry fast. As you walk in the wet boots the water is pumped out the holes or mesh. Depending on the breathablity of the boot some brands will dry at faster rates. |
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BnD |
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BigCurrent |
quote BnD: "I think I have a different perspective on this topic. As a life long stream trout fisherman with Simms and Patagonia wading boots, I fail to see the difference on "portage" boots vs. "wading" boots. Both must have good traction and ankle support. Both should dry fast and withstand continuous saturation. Why is it this forum seems limited discussion and consideration to Chota Portage Boots? Personally, I own Simms and Patagonia wading boots that I think are superior to any Chota boot made. Chota s are fine but, IMO there are other options not labeled "Portage Boots". My 0.02" I think the main difference is the idea of hiking a long trail vs casually wading along a river. In my experience the wading boots that I have worn are not footwear that I would want to wear for hiking over rocks, roots, up and down hills, etc. They seem to be much bulkier than an average shoe. |
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BnD |
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Blatz |
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OldGuystilltripping |
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FireGuy524 |
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Seriously these are canoe shoes that are going to be trashed after the first trip, why complicate things. |
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em8260 |
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quote PineKnot: "I've used the OTB Abyss for several years and been satisfied with their portage and quick dry performance....wasn't overly enamored with their comfort on long portages (sorta hard soles even with inserts for those longer portages) and my first pair literally came apart on a trip after about 75 nights in Quetico. |
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Blatz |
MagicPaddler: "In 2016 I wore the Keens on 3 trips totaling 30+ days. One trip included the trousers to Cache portage. The shoes are the most comfortable portage shoe I have owned. 2 of the trips would have put blisters on my feet with any of my other shoes. Yup these are my go to BW boots. I wear them almost every day |
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soundguy0918 |
FireGuy524: "I have Merrell Ventilators that I wear with lightweight smartwool socks. They work well and dry quickly. I use the mid boot style but they also come in a hiking shoe. I like the ankle support of the boot. After wetfooting portages all day I put them out to dry at camp and wear a pair of camp shoes so they are good and dry in the morning." +1 for Merrell. I have Capra Rapid Hiking Shoes that have all of the support and comfort of a NB walking shoe but they drain instantly and "feel" dry almost as fast. |
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moustachesteve |
dogwoodgirl: "Just broke down and ordered a pair of baffin swamp buggies....I'm intrigued by the drainage in the sole. If it works and they fit my feet, I may convert from my tevas back to a shoe/boot." I hadn't heard of these before but Baffin makes great boots for snow/ice. I'd be interested to hear your report after using them a few times. |
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MossBack |
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BB |
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bentshaft |
dogwoodgirl: "Baffin Swamp Buggies just got off a 2 wk trip and performed very well! Did not get sucked off my feet in knee deep sucking mud, and were not full of silt and twigs at any point. Drained beautifully....5 stars! Do these provide decent ankle support? |
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dogwoodgirl |
bentshaft: "dogwoodgirl: "Baffin Swamp Buggies just got off a 2 wk trip and performed very well! Did not get sucked off my feet in knee deep sucking mud, and were not full of silt and twigs at any point. Drained beautifully....5 stars! They just went just above my ankles, but can be cinched tight to help with that. My knees are my weak spot, so not sure about that. They were like a low hiker or high tennis shoe. |
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DownStrm |
dogwoodgirl: "Baffin Swamp Buggies just got off a 2 wk trip and performed very well! Did not get sucked off my feet in knee deep sucking mud, and were not full of silt and twigs at any point. Drained beautifully....5 stars! Your review sold me. I just tried to order the men's version from Baffin and Amazon. Both sites showed no men's shoes available in any size. |
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dogwoodgirl |
DownStrm: "dogwoodgirl: "Baffin Swamp Buggies just got off a 2 wk trip and performed very well! Did not get sucked off my feet in knee deep sucking mud, and were not full of silt and twigs at any point. Drained beautifully....5 stars! That is sad news - hope they are not discontinued. |
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dogwoodgirl |
EddyTurn: "dogwoodgirl: "Baffin Swamp Buggies just got off a 2 wk trip and performed very well! Did not get sucked off my feet in knee deep sucking mud, and were not full of silt and twigs at any point. Drained beautifully....5 stars! "Thank you for your review! I wonder why no one talks about toe protection, which in my opinion is a necessary feature for portaging shoes. Do the Buggies have any?" They are a completely closed toe low hiking/portaging shoe, so yes. Unless you mean do they have steel toes- they do not. Unfortunately Baffin got back to me and they are discontinued. |
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dogwoodgirl |
EddyTurn: "Thanks! I still see almost all sizes available at the US Amazon." They were out of 14 mens, but did still have the baffin amazon in 14, so if a larger size is needed it's still out there. Baffin says they are not planning to bring them back, so when they're gone, they're gone. I got a pair for my son, hope they fit. |
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EddyTurn |
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dogwoodgirl |
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