Im looking for some shoes I can wear all day.  Not just in the canoe, and not just on portages.  Im wanting something that I can wear from sun up to sun down.  I've been looking at the Teva water shoes, and the Chota's.  On my last trip I tried the hiking boot thing and I dont like the constant soaked feet.  I've also tried the cheap open toed sandal and that worked pretty good except for the busted toes.  By the way I have sized 15 feet so they have to be big.  any suggestions or info is appreciated.
Thanks
Ryan......

see the "Portage Boot Recommendations" thread below


I wear my OTB boots all day - they drain well and dry reasonably quickly

has anyone tried LL Bean Explorer?
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at 59.00 was just about to pull the trigger on em.

I'm another OTB guy - Abyss - but in any case, I would strongly advise a second pair to wear in camp which lets your primary pair dry and gives your feet a breather.  I love Keen Newports as a second shoe.  With the toe protection and sturdy soles they can double as a portage shoe in a pinch.

I need a pair of boots too.
so many have the OTB Abyss and I wonder how they compare to Chota Q Trekkers. Looks like the OTB drain much better and the sole looks like it might have better grip on terrain.

Any kind of neoprene shoe, like Chota mukluks, would be wet feet.

Not sure you can avoid wet feet.  Anything that's going to protect you from a soaker stepping in water is going to soak you with sweat.

Your best bet is sandals.  Keene makes good ones that protect your toes.

I might be the only one but I still really like the chota Mukluks. Up to the top of your shin soaker protection and very light and comfortable. I will always wear them to the Quetico. I have never really felt baked in them either.

I'm going to give the OTB boots a go in WCPP due in large part to Mat suggesting them. Some folk said they basically fell apart. This should be a good test. I have seam sealed the stitching already but might consider bringing some cable ties just in case.

The two easiest ways to crash and burn on portage trails IMO is to front pack or wear sandals. Sandals are good for camp or all day paddling only. Although I must confess I would be tempted to run the hydro guides I picked up recently. Very solid for a sandal..........good back up shoe in any event should the much touted OTB boots disintegrate.

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Salomon Techamphibian 2

I have a pair wear them all summer and they have been to QT 3 times and have taken everything I have thrown at them. Light Dry fast comfrotable. I wear socks whenwith them when portaging and with out socks the rest of the time.  

3 years for any shoe in extreme conditions for me is fantastic. 250  and over 6' .  Check these out before you make your final decision.

mastertangler wrote on Feb 16^th, 2011 at 7:25pm:

I might be the only one but I still really like the chota Mukluks...

I've been thinking of them for my May trip. I think DD wears them too for cold water trips. I was looking for them and there are I believe three styles... I'm wondering which style you all wear. And it doesn't appear 'copia has chota products... Am I wrong? They have some but it's like they are clearing em out.

I know it is innevitable to get wet feet. pulling the canoe in and such, but I want to avoid the complete all day soaking that ya get from hiking boots.  Im diggin those shoes that Salted leech posted.  Thats similar to what im looking for.  I tend to go barefoot in camp, I know I shouldnt but I do.
Thanks for all the input
Ryan......

I was checking options today for in-camp shoes, that I would probably use at home in warmer months also. I have NRS Storm Boots for portaging. Right now, I'm giving a heavy lean toward Keen sandals. If anyone at Copia has 'em, and the price is right, I will likely pull the trigger. Very comfy.

nctry_Ben wrote on Feb 16^th, 2011 at 10:04pm:

mastertangler wrote on Feb 16th, 2011 at 7:25pm: I might be the only one but I still really like the chota Mukluks... I've been thinking of them for my May trip. I think DD wears them too for cold water trips. I was looking for them and there are I believe three styles... I'm wondering which style you all wear. And it doesn't appear 'copia has chota products... Am I wrong? They have some but it's like they are clearing em out.

Ben -

Actually, I have Chota Mukluks (Nunavut II ... OD Green foot box, Tan Upper).  I love these boots for cold weather (e.g., May) travel.  But they are so warm, that down here I only get to wear them in the winter.  My paddling partner had the black version and tried for a couple of years to find them to replace his set that got a puncture.  He finally gave up on finding them.

I also have the Salomon Tecamphib's ... I'm a bit surprised they stay on in knee-deep or better muck.  

I also have the OTB Abyss (OD Green) and the OTB Odhin (OD Green).  I pick lighter color footwear for warmer weather use.  I've worn the Odhin (the high-top equivalent to the Abyss) on a both a WCPP and Quetico (shortest one was 10 days).  They did very well ... but they do let water in (as well as out).  So, if you step in a puddle on the portage trail, the bottom of your foot will get wet.  Then its a matter of how well your sock sheds water as to how wet your foot will be.

BTW:  I'll soon be listing for sale the Abyss boots (size 11, never worn) on the "for sale" thread soon.  They came in before the Odhin's and I managed to loose the receipt before I shipped them back.  NRS (current owner of the OTB line) currently has then listed for $125 and Rutabaga has them on sale for $75.  (I was thinking $60 plus shipping.)

dd

ADDENDUM:  Just so I don't get any more PM's ... the Abyss boots are spoken for.

I wear the Chota Quetico Trekkers, and have great success with them. They drain well, and I wear them on the trail, and in camp. I do have dry camp shoes I use, but I like the Trekkers.

DD, bring 'em to Copia, and you can probably sell them there, after you post them.

Old Salt wrote on Feb 17^th, 2011 at 4:59am:

DD, bring 'em to Copia, and you can probably sell them there, after you post them.

Packin' lite, using the overhead and its a smallish plane (2 X 2 seating if I remember correctly).  I can mail them cheaper than stuffing it in the hold.

dd

mastertangler wrote on Feb 16^th, 2011 at 7:25pm:

I might be the only one but I still really like the chota Mukluks. Up to the top of your shin soaker protection and very light and comfortable. I will always wear them to the Quetico. I have never really felt baked in them either.

I'm on my third pair of chota mukluks and this will be my last pair.  Chota seems obsessed with fiddling with a good thing, and they've gone downhill with each new model.  The current model has the world's crappiest cinches at the top of the gaiter.  I replaced them with some thick shock cord and crimps and at least now the gaiters stay up.  

I'm thinking about using my Muck boot for my spring trip.  This is the same boot I use for pheasant hunting.  I bit heavy, but I think it'll work for Spring and Fall.  Also has much better support and sole than the chotas.

prouboy

Size 15 dogs are going too limit your choices but if and when you find something you like -  buy a few pair.

I bring two pair of the same (discontinued) boot. They work well for me plus they are comfy. I change into the dry pair at camp when possible. In any case, I try to keep one or the other dry. Wet or cold and wet feet are not happy feet.

I take two pair for other reasons as well. One could blow out which has happened to me a few times over the years. Another is, if I'm stuck in boot sucking mud, I'll sacrifice a boot or both just to get out.

"so many have the OTB Abyss and I wonder how they compare to Chota Q Trekkers. Looks like the OTB drain much better and the sole looks like it might have better grip on terrain."

Yup;
The OTB boots do drain much better and dry fairly quickly - I never was able to really dry out the Q-trekkers - the leather upper just stayed slimy (and stunk);  the sole on the Q-trekkers is a poor design in my opinion - poor traction in the mud, as compared to the 1/4" lugs on the OTB Abyss boots I have which really grip.  I have several different water shoes similar to the Techamphibians someone posted a pic of, a couple of different pairs of "wading boots", one pair of 2 pairs of the Abyss boots, and one pair of the Q-trekkers (which I have referred to in the past as a 39 dollar pair of shoes with a 100 dollar price tag due to very poor construction on the pair I have) - of all those boots, the Q-treekers are the least likely to ever see Quetico.  I know some people who have 20 year old Q-trekkers and swear by them, but mine (@ 2005) were junk.
So far, I'm very pleased with teh OTB boots.  I do occasionally use the Q-trekkers on local river trips where there are no portages, and I can keep my feet dry - they do OK as hikers in the desert terrain here.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I've come to love my simple Northerner Muck Boots.  They are a simple rubber boot with good traction and ankle support.  The boot really fits nice, is relatively comfortable and all I have to do to dry them out, its tip them over.  I'm usually one to say that you get what you pay for, but in this case, I've tried several differnt options and keep come back to these boots.  This particular pair is on its 6th trip and cost me less than $40.00.

I do have some camp shoes, to give my tired dogs a change of scenery, but all in all, I've found nothing better.  It took me about three trips of watching a friend of mine use this option while I tried expensive gortex stuff, blah, blah, blah...He never seemed to have a problem (except one year when he sprung a leak.  Easily fixed with duct tape). So one year I tried them and was hooked.

Good Luck

I wish I could convince my son to wear shoes.  Even when there is still a little snow and ice he's running around barefoot.  Climbing rocks, running through the woods, paddling a canoe; always barefoot.

Sometimes we get to town only to find out he has no shoes along so we have to go buy a cheap pair at Joynes so he can go into the store with us!

My Tevas or Chacos are my summertime favorite and an old pair of tennis shoes or a thick pair of socks work around camp.

Paddle_Guy wrote on Feb 17^th, 2011 at 3:36pm:

I know I'm in the minority here, but I've come to love my simple Northerner Muck Boots.  They are a simple rubber boot with good traction and ankle support.  The boot really fits nice, is relatively comfortable and all I have to do to dry them out, its tip them over.  I'm usually one to say that you get what you pay for, but in this case, I've tried several differnt options and keep come back to these boots.  This particular pair is on its 6th trip and cost me less than $40.00. I do have some camp shoes, to give my tired dogs a change of scenery, but all in all, I've found nothing better.  It took me about three trips of watching a friend of mine use this option while I tried expensive gortex stuff, blah, blah, blah...He never seemed to have a problem (except one year when he sprung a leak.  Easily fixed with duct tape). So one year I tried them and was hooked. Good Luck

Ditto!!

prouboy

Old Salt wrote on Feb 17^th, 2011 at 3:21am:

I was checking options today for in-camp shoes, that I would probably use at home in warmer months also. I have NRS Storm Boots for portaging. Right now, I'm giving a heavy lean toward Keen sandals. If anyone at Copia has 'em, and the price is right, I will likely pull the trigger. Very comfy.

Korkers are great. I have had them for 6 years and they are still going strong. The Swift sandals are my daily shoes during the summer.  I have the Sandals as well as wading boots. They are great for everyday. I bought a second pair thinking they would break down with daily use. That pair is still in the box after 6 years.

They have convertable soles which allows me to have a hiking lug for portaging/trails (which we do not have to do a lot of in Arkansas) They also have felt soles for river wading/fishing. It is the best all around solution I have ever had for the river.


Sandal
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Lug Sole
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Felt Sole
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I also have Several types of Chota's  Mukluks & wading felts.

Chota just released a new wading sock that is basicly a pair of knee high waders. They have a neoprene socks with a breathable wader upper. I got a pair but have not had a chance to use them. I think they will work well with my sandals when I get into muddy mucky situations. No more muck oozing between my toes I hope.

Chota Wader Sock
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Those Korkers look slick!  Love the sole options, especially the felt option.  Would making any water walking much nicer, lining the canoe, wading while fishing.

Preacher wrote on Feb 18^th, 2011 at 5:22pm:

Those Korkers look slick!  Love the sole options, especially the felt option.  Would making any water walking much nicer, lining the canoe, wading while fishing.

They are very versatile. I use an carbiner to keep the soles together and clip it to the lacing on my boat. I have been surprised how long they have lasted and how much abuse they have taken. I have gone through 2 sets of lug soles in 6 years. They dry quickly and drain well.

If Folks don't like sandals they have boots and tennis styles as well.  They have golf soles, Roofing soles, sticky rubber soles for rocks etc.

I would not trade them in for anything else at this point. I have Solomons, Trekstas, and Oakleys none are as versatile as the Korker.

The only downside to the sandals is pebbles in the rivers and mud on the toes. That is why I ordered the Chotas Socks.

So once you put the interchangeable soles on these Korkers they STAY on? No chance getting sucked off in the mud or peeled off trudging over rocks? Do you bring a spare pair of soles just in case?
I may be changing the way I think about footwear --again.

zski wrote on Feb 19^th, 2011 at 2:02pm:

So once you put the interchangeable soles on these Korkers they STAY on? No chance getting sucked off in the mud or peeled off trudging over rocks? Do you bring a spare pair of soles just in case? I may be changing the way I think about footwear --again.

I have never had a sole come off. I have had them unseat on the sides but not often.

If you look at the pictures of the soles above you will see the orange plastic tongue on the front. It slides in a groove 1.5 inches. You can see the orange tabs down the sides which lock in slots in the shoe.  On the back is a strap that has a hole in it. The strap pulls over a button so to speak on the back of the shoe. They stay very secure.

There is a video on their website that shows how they work. Bottom of the front page.
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I do take spare soles with me but not the same type. I take Felts, Lugs and Felts with studs. I clip the extra soles together through the button holes on the back straps with a carabiner and then clip them to the lacing loops on my boat.

I scored a pair of Chota Caney Forks last year at 'copia.  Took 'em way up north to WCPP and absolutely loved 'em!  They drain well, gave good traction & support, and best of all, kept almost all the sand, grit, and gravel out despite long, mucky portages. [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Only downside:  I used the optional "inserts" to give a snug fit, thinking this would be necessary on poor footing.  During the first wet portage with sucking bog under-foot, the inserts shifted all over the place in the boot.  When I hit some steep down-hill, they started rucking up in the front of the boot and rolling up under my toes.  A most unwelcome feeling.  But after removing them, the boots were still snug enough, and did not shift around underfoot.

Before this I've tried all sorts of water shoes and sandals.  Some worked better than others, but all let the junk in to some degree.  The Chotas are no doubt pricey, but they've been the Cat's Meow for my feet.  Just don't use the optional steel spikes... rough on canoe bottoms ;D

woodstripper wrote on Feb 28^th, 2011 at 4:34pm:

I scored a pair of Chota Caney Forks last year at 'copia.  Took 'em way up north to WCPP and absolutely loved 'em!  They drain well, gave good traction & support, and best of all, kept almost all the sand, grit, and gravel out despite long, mucky portages. [smiley=thumbup.gif] Only downside:  I used the optional "inserts" to give a snug fit, thinking this would be necessary on poor footing.  During the first wet portage with sucking bog under-foot, the inserts shifted all over the place in the boot.  When I hit some steep down-hill, they started rucking up in the front of the boot and rolling up under my toes.  A most unwelcome feeling.  But after removing them, the boots were still snug enough, and did not shift around underfoot. Before this I've tried all sorts of water shoes and sandals.  Some worked better than others, but all let the junk in to some degree.  The Chotas are no doubt pricey, but they've been the Cat's Meow for my feet.  Just don't use the optional steel spikes... rough on canoe bottoms ;D

At Midwest Mountaineering I scored a pair of Chota's Rocky River Wading Boots at the Expo last spring. I was under the impression the Trekkers were a has been and the boots you got were sold out and none to come anytime soon. I bought the Rocky Rivers for half what you probably paid but have issues with them. After learning about wearing liner socks I overcame the blister problem. Otherwise like Woodstrippers boots, they drain and dry very well. They just don't fit all that snug and I got them a little small. I wish  I'd have gotten something else... But they'll have to do. They've held up to 28 days on trips last year and seem ok that way...

Ben

Quote:

They just don't fit all that snug

I don't know if you've tried this, but sometimes the way you lace your shoes can make a huge difference in the way they fit and feel?

Google the subject and you'll find a myriad of lacing styles for different problems. I lace my shoes in a way that locks my heel in the heel cup, but doesn't cut the circulation or allow excess " slop".

Might have a fix for you problem?

solotripper wrote on Feb 28^th, 2011 at 8:59pm:

Google the subject and you'll find a myriad of lacing styles for different problems. I lace my shoes in a way that locks my heel in the heel cup, but doesn't cut the circulation or allow excess " slop".

You have pictures or description?  

My only shoelace tip is to tie a knot in the middle of the laces if you find you're always dealing with one lace much longer than the other.

solotripper wrote on Feb 28^th, 2011 at 8:59pm:

Quote: They just don't fit all that snug I don't know if you've tried this, but sometimes the way you lace your shoes can make a huge difference in the way they fit and feel? Google the subject and you'll find a myriad of lacing styles for different problems. I lace my shoes in a way that locks my heel in the heel cup, but doesn't cut the circulation or allow excess " slop". Might have a fix for you problem?

Yes, lacing has helped... I think it was DD that shared that with me last year. But poor shoe design can be only be helped so much. These shoes were meant for somebody with duck feet... And the size was not wide.

If you Google " shoe lacing for specific foot problems", you'll get many links that show how to tie your laces for better fit and feel.

Of course if you shoe is poorly constructed or the initial fit is way off, then lacing might help, but not cure the problem.

I have size 10 1/2 EE feet, but my heel is narrow. I had a lot of heel slop, so the lacing tip that locks the heel in, makes all the difference in the world. I use it on all my footwear that laces.

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There's a video from Runners World, and a link to the New Balance site that shows lacing techniques. Go to New Balance, click on Tech Center, and the lacing tips are on the right hand column.

I have similar feet, 9-91/2.  Narrow heel, wide toes.  Thanks!     [smiley=thumbup.gif]
New Balance are my usual shoes.

So many opportunities ;D Lacing. Tying.  ::)Politics :oFriends ;) [smiley=thumbup.gif]