Canoe footwear suggestions? - Canoeing / Kayaking

Table of Contents

Canoe footwear suggestions? - timothy585 - Jul-12-12 9:33 PM
- I like these... - PJC - Jul-12-12 10:12 PM
- How about river shoes? - guideboatguy - Jul-12-12 10:23 PM
- OTB (New Balance) Abyss II - hondafamily88 - Jul-12-12 11:53 PM
  - Ankle protection - shiraz627 - Jul-13-12 5:24 AM
    - That's the NRS I have - bex007 - Jul-13-12 2:01 PM
- New Balance 921 - eckilson - Jul-13-12 6:10 AM
- What about wading shoes? - goobs - Jul-13-12 6:28 AM
- Keen McKenzie - gnatcatcher - Jul-13-12 7:00 AM
  - I also recommend Keen's - bex007 - Jul-13-12 9:57 AM
- l.l.bean - antimony - Jul-13-12 9:40 AM
  - LL Bean sneakers and similar shoes - briansnat - Jul-14-12 11:13 AM
- Toe protection - mr_canoehead - Jul-13-12 10:14 AM
  - Toes - bex007 - Jul-13-12 12:18 PM
- NEW BALANCE Men's 921 Water Shoes - rebrumley - Jul-13-12 10:21 AM
- Teva sandals - TomD - Jul-13-12 11:42 AM
  - Thanks... - timothy585 - Jul-13-12 1:09 PM
    - H20 - briansnat - Jul-14-12 11:14 AM
- This is old school - waterbearer - Jul-13-12 2:55 PM
  - Second vote for Chuck's - FrankNC - Jul-13-12 3:49 PM
    - Yes Converse - waterbearer - Jul-13-12 3:53 PM
- NRS Kicker - jhb8426 - Jul-14-12 2:05 AM
- I use these from Bass Pro - Jbranch - Jul-14-12 9:46 AM
  - Shoes - Jbranch - Jul-14-12 9:47 AM
    - I enjoy my Five Fingers Flows - RedCrossRandy - Jul-16-12 12:44 PM
      - I second - jdb - Jul-16-12 9:19 PM

Messages in this Topic

  I like these...
  Posted by: PJC on Jul-12-12 10:12 PM (EST)

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2313&pdeptid=1169

They aren't "quick-drying" but otherwise fit your requirements and are nice, IMHO. Unlike our kayaking friends, sunburned insteps can be a problem. (Don't ask how I know.) Never been a problem since I switched to these. They offer enough protection so wading on sharp rocks is doable, they grip well enough for most portage trails, the instep straps keep them on your feet even when swimming hard, and are warm enough for me right into the late fall. I switch to Chota mukluks when it gets colder.

  How about river shoes?
  Posted by: guideboatguy on Jul-12-12 10:23 PM (EST)

There are a zillion different kinds, but unlike Crocs they are true "shoes" that fully enclose the foot and lace up in some way (usually a pull tab tightens standard zig-zag lacing), and they have a stiff sole with traction cleats so walking on sharp, jagged boulders is easy. I've used two different kinds so far, and they are just about as good for walking as lightweight hiking shoes (as long as you also wear socks), but unlike regular shoes, they are free-draining. Unfortunately, they don't completely keep out sand and fine gravel (even if the drain holes have screens, stuff still comes in around the ankle), so in some situations you might sometimes need to remove them and slosh the gritty matter out of there.

  OTB (New Balance) Abyss II
  Posted by: hondafamily88 on Jul-12-12 11:53 PM (EST)

My son and I wear these boots. We bought the 6" model. These boots have drainage holes, decent ankle support and lugged soles. They are sold online by military/police supply companies.

  Ankle protection
  Posted by: shiraz627 on Jul-13-12 5:24 AM (EST)

I prefer something with ankle protection. Nrs has several offerings.

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2307

  That's the NRS I have
  Posted by: bex007 on Jul-13-12 2:01 PM (EST)

But I find them too hot in the summer months. If my feet are wet then sitting in the boat (in those wetboots) - my feet feel like they are cooking.

LOVE them for non-summer months though. I've had mine for 3 seasons and they've held up very well.

  New Balance 921
  Posted by: eckilson on Jul-13-12 6:10 AM (EST)

I have a pair of these - kind of a weird lime green color, but the shoes are great. They Drain easy, and you don't end up with a lot of sand and rocks in the shoes.

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3890536

  What about wading shoes?
  Posted by: goobs on Jul-13-12 6:28 AM (EST)

Dear Timothy,

If you need ankle support and are looking for a shoe that is designed to get wet look no farther than wading shoes.

They are made to be worn over waders while fishing or working in the water. They come in a variety of styles, prices, and materials. Current trends find the shoes made with Vibram soles are very popular. They offer good traction on mud, rock, dry land, and while in the water wading.

Take a look at the Cabela's catalog on-line to get an idea of the brands, models, and prices. I'm sure you can find something that will work.

Regards,

Tim Murphy AKA Goobs

  Keen McKenzie
  Posted by: gnatcatcher on Jul-13-12 7:00 AM (EST)

Check out the Keen McKenzie. Light weight but great traction and support. Dries fast for a sneaker-like shoe, but not as fast as a croc. It seems to run a little wide in the forefoot with bare feet, but that makes for nice room for water socks in cooler weather. I recently bought a pair and really like them.

  I also recommend Keen's
  Posted by: bex007 on Jul-13-12 9:57 AM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Jul-13-12 12:26 PM EST --

There are many different styles - but the waterproof sandals (Kanyon) I just got are great. Extremely durable and I like that my toes are covered.

  l.l.bean
  Posted by: antimony on Jul-13-12 9:40 AM (EST)

I wear these:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63393?feat=630-CL1

L.L. Bean's "vacationland" sneakers. The link is for the gal's version, but the men's ones are basically identical except for color. They're super-light, they dry quickly, but they fit like sneakers. Not as much support as a hiking boot or a high-top sneaker, but some. And they're cheaper than a lot of water shoes.

  LL Bean sneakers and similar shoes
  Posted by: briansnat on Jul-14-12 11:13 AM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Jul-14-12 11:18 AM EST --

I tried sandals. Didn't like that there was no toe protection. Tried regular sneakers (Chuck Taylors), but they stayed too wet too long. Tried neoprene booties. Fine for in the boat, but sucked for walking. Tried light weight "swimmie shoes" but they had no support for walking on land. Tried toed sandals (similar to Keen H20) but didn't like that gravel and sticks seemed to find their way between my foot and the footbed. Finally I settled on LL Bean Summer Sneakers. Though now discontinued, thee Vacationland Sneakers in the post above are very similar. I've also seen similar shoes made by Saolmon (Techamphibian), Merrell (Waterpro), Columbia (Drainmaker), etc.

I think these are darn near perfect for paddling. They drain well, protect the feet, dry quickly and provide enough support for short portages, lunch on shore or walking on rocky river bottoms.

  Toe protection
  Posted by: mr_canoehead on Jul-13-12 10:14 AM (EST)

I think shoes, just like boats, have to be tailored to the location. Based on my experience, though . . .

Closed toed is a must. The original Teva sandals were made for rafters in canyons and such - no twigs and branches to jab in the toes.

Keen's treated me poorly when their product, the H2 I think it was called, pretty much disolved when I got them wet a couple of times. They were comfortable and worked well for a month or so, then completely broke down (stitching came out, glue in sole failed). As I had bought them at an end-of-season sale Keen told me they were more than a year old and thus had no warranty at all.

I use old athletic shoes. These break down eventually too, but not as fast as my new Keens did, and they are basically free as I buy new runners from time to time anyway.

No shoe dries fast enough to be comfortable wet/dry. I bring a pair of old sneakers for wet shoes, and something like crocs or moccasins for dry shoes around camp. If I'm in really rough country, I will replace the wet shoes with full hiking boots.

  Toes
  Posted by: bex007 on Jul-13-12 12:18 PM (EST)

I upgraded from my teva sandals because I wanted 'toe protection' as well. I have a pair of NRS short boots that are great - only they are a little too hot in the summer. Scratch that - WAY too hot.

I just picked up some Keen sandals for June, July & August paddling and they've been great. Here's hoping they've upgraded their product (a friend of mine has used hers for years now without problem) so I don't have the same experience as you did.

  NEW BALANCE Men's 921 Water Shoes
  Posted by: rebrumley on Jul-13-12 10:21 AM (EST)

After trying out several brands over the past 4 years, these really work. Very little gravel, drain quickly, and dry fast. They fit true to my size and have yet to "draw up" or get stiff like my Keens did. An overall great shoe for the price.

Rob

  Teva sandals
  Posted by: TomD on Jul-13-12 11:42 AM (EST)

Relatively inexpensive, drain and dry easily, straps can be quickly tightened up to minimize foot slippage for uneven terrain, add socks for additional protection/warmth, soles give good traction. Disadvantages: no protection for toes, pebbles & twigs can get caught between your foot and sandal, feet still susceptible to sunburn and bug bites (@$#&% deer flies!). I've worn them for portages (some lengthy) and have been surprised at how well they have worked.

  Thanks...
  Posted by: timothy585 on Jul-13-12 1:09 PM (EST)

Thanks for all the replies!

I think I will give the Keen Newport H2 a try. For years I have been getting all my shoes...dress, casual, hiking, etc through Zappos.com. They have GREAT customer service and a 1 year guarantee so I will see if the quality of the Keen line is up to par.

http://www.zappos.com/keen-newport-h2-brindle-orion-blue

  H20
  Posted by: briansnat on Jul-14-12 11:14 AM (EST)

Tried that style but didn't like that sticks and gravel kept getting caught between my food and the footbed.

  This is old school
  Posted by: waterbearer on Jul-13-12 2:55 PM (EST)

but I still wear hightop Chuck Taylor Allstars - basketball shoes - on warm to cool days. They are great for walking around in the water/shoreline.

Canvas uppers and a very flexible sole so kneeling becomes easy. Hightops provide great support for scounting, lining, etc. and keeps out loose gravel.

Hope they still make them.

  Second vote for Chuck's
  Posted by: FrankNC on Jul-13-12 3:49 PM (EST)

Or Converse High top sneakers or what ever you want to call them. I did modify mine by taking out the laces and putting in those bungee laces they sell for children.

They protect your feet. They are not hot. they support your ankle but are flexible enough to let you kneel or hike on rocks. They are durable and great oyster protection. If you find something that works better for the summer or works as well but dries faster I want to know about it. So far everything else has either torn up or let my feet get torn up, so then I have to break out the Chuck's again.

Croc are great for camp, no so great grip for hiking and not good for oysters.

  Yes Converse
  Posted by: waterbearer on Jul-13-12 3:53 PM (EST)

Converse is the sneaker company that makes CT Allstars. After my post I searched - still made today.

  NRS Kicker
  Posted by: jhb8426 on Jul-14-12 2:05 AM (EST)

I like these. Feet don't get hot like the ankle high ones.

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2327&pdeptid=1169

  I use these from Bass Pro
  Posted by: Jbranch on Jul-14-12 9:46 AM (EST)

http://www.basspro.com/RedHeadreg;-Chilled-Out-Canvas-Casual-Shoes-for-Men/product/10206940/143090?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL

I got these in a bargin bin at Bass pro for like 9.99 one day & I've found them to be great river shoes - lightweight, dry quickly, felt bottom, etc. Plus they're cheap!

  Shoes
  Posted by: Jbranch on Jul-14-12 9:47 AM (EST)

URL did not work - go to Bass Pro and search for: RedHead� Chilled Out Canvas Casual Shoes for Men

  I enjoy my Five Fingers Flows
  Posted by: RedCrossRandy on Jul-16-12 12:44 PM (EST)

They're great for both canoing and kayaking. They dry quickly, have good grip on wet rocks and other slippery surfaces, and best of all, they don't let in sand and gravel the way sandals or cheap water shoes do.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Flow-Mens.htm

  I second
  Posted by: jdb on Jul-16-12 9:19 PM (EST)

FF's rock! Best water shoe I've ever worn. However...(and its a big "however") you have to get used to walking barefoot to us them without hurting yourself. Short hikes, like down the put-in and back, aren't a big deal. But anything longer, especially on rough terrain, takes practice walking gently to avoid stepping on sharp pointy things and conditioning your leg muscles (especially your calves). Same deal as learning to run "barefoot". Once you learn how to hike "barefoot", it is SOOO much better than big clunky boots. Yes, I've drunk the barefoot/minimal shoe koolaide. In the canoe, the FF's are super compny - the next best thing to being barefoot for real.

	I like these... Posted by: PJC on Jul-12-12 10:12 PM (EST)
	http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2313&pdeptid=1169 They aren't "quick-drying" but otherwise fit your requirements and are nice, IMHO. Unlike our kayaking friends, sunburned insteps can be a problem. (Don't ask how I know.) Never been a problem since I switched to these. They offer enough protection so wading on sharp rocks is doable, they grip well enough for most portage trails, the instep straps keep them on your feet even when swimming hard, and are warm enough for me right into the late fall. I switch to Chota mukluks when it gets colder.

	How about river shoes? Posted by: guideboatguy on Jul-12-12 10:23 PM (EST)
	There are a zillion different kinds, but unlike Crocs they are true "shoes" that fully enclose the foot and lace up in some way (usually a pull tab tightens standard zig-zag lacing), and they have a stiff sole with traction cleats so walking on sharp, jagged boulders is easy. I've used two different kinds so far, and they are just about as good for walking as lightweight hiking shoes (as long as you also wear socks), but unlike regular shoes, they are free-draining. Unfortunately, they don't completely keep out sand and fine gravel (even if the drain holes have screens, stuff still comes in around the ankle), so in some situations you might sometimes need to remove them and slosh the gritty matter out of there.

	OTB (New Balance) Abyss II Posted by: hondafamily88 on Jul-12-12 11:53 PM (EST)
	My son and I wear these boots. We bought the 6" model. These boots have drainage holes, decent ankle support and lugged soles. They are sold online by military/police supply companies.

	Ankle protection Posted by: shiraz627 on Jul-13-12 5:24 AM (EST)
	I prefer something with ankle protection. Nrs has several offerings. http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2307

	That's the NRS I have Posted by: bex007 on Jul-13-12 2:01 PM (EST)
	But I find them too hot in the summer months. If my feet are wet then sitting in the boat (in those wetboots) - my feet feel like they are cooking. LOVE them for non-summer months though. I've had mine for 3 seasons and they've held up very well.

	New Balance 921 Posted by: eckilson on Jul-13-12 6:10 AM (EST)
	I have a pair of these - kind of a weird lime green color, but the shoes are great. They Drain easy, and you don't end up with a lot of sand and rocks in the shoes. http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3890536

	What about wading shoes? Posted by: goobs on Jul-13-12 6:28 AM (EST)
	Dear Timothy, If you need ankle support and are looking for a shoe that is designed to get wet look no farther than wading shoes. They are made to be worn over waders while fishing or working in the water. They come in a variety of styles, prices, and materials. Current trends find the shoes made with Vibram soles are very popular. They offer good traction on mud, rock, dry land, and while in the water wading. Take a look at the Cabela's catalog on-line to get an idea of the brands, models, and prices. I'm sure you can find something that will work. Regards, Tim Murphy AKA Goobs

	Keen McKenzie Posted by: gnatcatcher on Jul-13-12 7:00 AM (EST)
	Check out the Keen McKenzie. Light weight but great traction and support. Dries fast for a sneaker-like shoe, but not as fast as a croc. It seems to run a little wide in the forefoot with bare feet, but that makes for nice room for water socks in cooler weather. I recently bought a pair and really like them.

	I also recommend Keen's Posted by: bex007 on Jul-13-12 9:57 AM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Jul-13-12 12:26 PM EST -- There are many different styles - but the waterproof sandals (Kanyon) I just got are great. Extremely durable and I like that my toes are covered.

	l.l.bean Posted by: antimony on Jul-13-12 9:40 AM (EST)
	I wear these: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63393?feat=630-CL1 L.L. Bean's "vacationland" sneakers. The link is for the gal's version, but the men's ones are basically identical except for color. They're super-light, they dry quickly, but they fit like sneakers. Not as much support as a hiking boot or a high-top sneaker, but some. And they're cheaper than a lot of water shoes.

	LL Bean sneakers and similar shoes Posted by: briansnat on Jul-14-12 11:13 AM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Jul-14-12 11:18 AM EST -- I tried sandals. Didn't like that there was no toe protection. Tried regular sneakers (Chuck Taylors), but they stayed too wet too long. Tried neoprene booties. Fine for in the boat, but sucked for walking. Tried light weight "swimmie shoes" but they had no support for walking on land. Tried toed sandals (similar to Keen H20) but didn't like that gravel and sticks seemed to find their way between my foot and the footbed. Finally I settled on LL Bean Summer Sneakers. Though now discontinued, thee Vacationland Sneakers in the post above are very similar. I've also seen similar shoes made by Saolmon (Techamphibian), Merrell (Waterpro), Columbia (Drainmaker), etc. I think these are darn near perfect for paddling. They drain well, protect the feet, dry quickly and provide enough support for short portages, lunch on shore or walking on rocky river bottoms.

	Toe protection Posted by: mr_canoehead on Jul-13-12 10:14 AM (EST)
	I think shoes, just like boats, have to be tailored to the location. Based on my experience, though . . . Closed toed is a must. The original Teva sandals were made for rafters in canyons and such - no twigs and branches to jab in the toes. Keen's treated me poorly when their product, the H2 I think it was called, pretty much disolved when I got them wet a couple of times. They were comfortable and worked well for a month or so, then completely broke down (stitching came out, glue in sole failed). As I had bought them at an end-of-season sale Keen told me they were more than a year old and thus had no warranty at all. I use old athletic shoes. These break down eventually too, but not as fast as my new Keens did, and they are basically free as I buy new runners from time to time anyway. No shoe dries fast enough to be comfortable wet/dry. I bring a pair of old sneakers for wet shoes, and something like crocs or moccasins for dry shoes around camp. If I'm in really rough country, I will replace the wet shoes with full hiking boots.

	Toes Posted by: bex007 on Jul-13-12 12:18 PM (EST)
	I upgraded from my teva sandals because I wanted 'toe protection' as well. I have a pair of NRS short boots that are great - only they are a little too hot in the summer. Scratch that - WAY too hot. I just picked up some Keen sandals for June, July & August paddling and they've been great. Here's hoping they've upgraded their product (a friend of mine has used hers for years now without problem) so I don't have the same experience as you did.

	NEW BALANCE Men's 921 Water Shoes Posted by: rebrumley on Jul-13-12 10:21 AM (EST)
	After trying out several brands over the past 4 years, these really work. Very little gravel, drain quickly, and dry fast. They fit true to my size and have yet to "draw up" or get stiff like my Keens did. An overall great shoe for the price. Rob

	Teva sandals Posted by: TomD on Jul-13-12 11:42 AM (EST)
	Relatively inexpensive, drain and dry easily, straps can be quickly tightened up to minimize foot slippage for uneven terrain, add socks for additional protection/warmth, soles give good traction. Disadvantages: no protection for toes, pebbles & twigs can get caught between your foot and sandal, feet still susceptible to sunburn and bug bites (@$#&% deer flies!). I've worn them for portages (some lengthy) and have been surprised at how well they have worked.

	Thanks... Posted by: timothy585 on Jul-13-12 1:09 PM (EST)
	Thanks for all the replies! I think I will give the Keen Newport H2 a try. For years I have been getting all my shoes...dress, casual, hiking, etc through Zappos.com. They have GREAT customer service and a 1 year guarantee so I will see if the quality of the Keen line is up to par. http://www.zappos.com/keen-newport-h2-brindle-orion-blue

	H20 Posted by: briansnat on Jul-14-12 11:14 AM (EST)
	Tried that style but didn't like that sticks and gravel kept getting caught between my food and the footbed.

	This is old school Posted by: waterbearer on Jul-13-12 2:55 PM (EST)
	but I still wear hightop Chuck Taylor Allstars - basketball shoes - on warm to cool days. They are great for walking around in the water/shoreline. Canvas uppers and a very flexible sole so kneeling becomes easy. Hightops provide great support for scounting, lining, etc. and keeps out loose gravel. Hope they still make them.

	Second vote for Chuck's Posted by: FrankNC on Jul-13-12 3:49 PM (EST)
	Or Converse High top sneakers or what ever you want to call them. I did modify mine by taking out the laces and putting in those bungee laces they sell for children. They protect your feet. They are not hot. they support your ankle but are flexible enough to let you kneel or hike on rocks. They are durable and great oyster protection. If you find something that works better for the summer or works as well but dries faster I want to know about it. So far everything else has either torn up or let my feet get torn up, so then I have to break out the Chuck's again. Croc are great for camp, no so great grip for hiking and not good for oysters.

	Yes Converse Posted by: waterbearer on Jul-13-12 3:53 PM (EST)
	Converse is the sneaker company that makes CT Allstars. After my post I searched - still made today.

	NRS Kicker Posted by: jhb8426 on Jul-14-12 2:05 AM (EST)
	I like these. Feet don't get hot like the ankle high ones. http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2327&pdeptid=1169

	I use these from Bass Pro Posted by: Jbranch on Jul-14-12 9:46 AM (EST)
	http://www.basspro.com/RedHeadreg;-Chilled-Out-Canvas-Casual-Shoes-for-Men/product/10206940/143090?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL I got these in a bargin bin at Bass pro for like 9.99 one day & I've found them to be great river shoes - lightweight, dry quickly, felt bottom, etc. Plus they're cheap!

	Shoes Posted by: Jbranch on Jul-14-12 9:47 AM (EST)
	URL did not work - go to Bass Pro and search for: RedHead� Chilled Out Canvas Casual Shoes for Men

	I enjoy my Five Fingers Flows Posted by: RedCrossRandy on Jul-16-12 12:44 PM (EST)
	They're great for both canoing and kayaking. They dry quickly, have good grip on wet rocks and other slippery surfaces, and best of all, they don't let in sand and gravel the way sandals or cheap water shoes do. http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Flow-Mens.htm

	I second Posted by: jdb on Jul-16-12 9:19 PM (EST)
	FF's rock! Best water shoe I've ever worn. However...(and its a big "however") you have to get used to walking barefoot to us them without hurting yourself. Short hikes, like down the put-in and back, aren't a big deal. But anything longer, especially on rough terrain, takes practice walking gently to avoid stepping on sharp pointy things and conditioning your leg muscles (especially your calves). Same deal as learning to run "barefoot". Once you learn how to hike "barefoot", it is SOOO much better than big clunky boots. Yes, I've drunk the barefoot/minimal shoe koolaide. In the canoe, the FF's are super compny - the next best thing to being barefoot for real.