Wading Sandals

[Yakfly]

Anyone have recommendations for wading sandals/foot ware? I intend to use them for slick rock streams, where I'll need felt bottoms for traction.

I'm looking at Simms Keen River sandal ($90) or Bite Troutsream sandals ($75). Although I cringe at those prices, I'll do it it they will be durable and comfortable.

I tried glueing felt soles onto old tennis shoes in the past, wasn't happy with the wet feet feeling out of the water all day. Plus the soles came loose/off pretty quick. I like the sandal concept, but never tried any.

Also, has anybody tried attaching felt to regular sandals? If so, what's the best method for attaching the felt?

Anybody willing to share some ideas for wet wading foot ware, I'd appreciate it.

[zsmith62]

Have you thought about just using a pair of wading boots? Bass pro has them for about the same prices as those sandals you mentioned.

[patfish]

Yak, just like zsmith said. I just wear my felt sole wading boots <feel the purists cringe> with some cheapo neoprene socks and shorts. Works like a champ and totally comfy. You may look like a wet hiker, and you won't be in an Orvis ad, but then again, who does? Except the Orvis model guys that don't really fish anyway. Plus, you can sit in your canoe and the tops of your feet have absolutely no chance of getting sunburned. JMO.

[Danoinark]

Gosh Yak, don't spend that kind of dough on a sandal...get these for 25 bucks, felt sole and they even keep the rocks out.....I have em and love em.

http://www.fortackle.com/Order/ProductStor...gorySystemId=19

[timsfly]

I have the Keen wading sandles, but I usually still wear my boots especially on the small streams, seems to be more crap in there, glass, barb wire, and just the stuff washed in from floods, I'm sure some of it is litter, but most seems to stuff washed down stream, I feel my boots give me more protection. I save the sandles for kayaking, canoeing and fishing in the Park (roaring river)

[Paola Cat]

I got a pair of Bite wading sandals on Ebay for $30.00. I've had them for a couple of years now and they're great. I use them for wet wading at the trout parks and on floats. I'm with Tim on the small streams .... I wear my boots. PC

[3wt]

I would think that sandals would be great for holding sharp gravel against your feet.

I am planning on buying some wet shoes. My friend has a pair (salomon I think...there are other good ones) and loves them. Bass pro had a pretty good selection.

Also, I would never spend that kind of money on any sandal.

[WebFreeman]

I wear a regular pair of Tevas. I think they were designed for/by white water rafting guides. The soles are flat, so if you get a rock, it either washes right out or just give it a shake. I like them because you still get good traction on the bank. Felts soles and a muddy bank don't mix well for me. You can spend a lot on them, but I got found some on clearance somewhere. Come to think of it, I got them for our honeymoon, which was '99, and I still wear them.

[Midge]

I can tell you the keen sandals will be comfortable. I own a pair of keen's hiking snadals, and they are awesome. If you compare the simms keen river sandals to the regular keen sandals the only difference is the felt bottom. If your going to buy the keen's go try them on somewhere, because there sizing is a little off. Bass pro and Ozark Adventure carries them. I know it's a lot of money, but go try them on and you will see why.

[Gavin]

I have the Simms Keen Sandals. They are good for canoeing, but they pick up a lot of gravel..If I plan to do a lot of fishing, I usually wear a pair of wading boots and some neoprene socks . Teva's can be ok on a gravel bottom stream, but they can be hazardous on a river with a lot of slippery snot rocks. I learned that lesson several years ago on a float from Kelly to Sunburst on the NFoW. Canoeing was no problem, but I floated my hat 3-4 times. Glad it was warm that day! Keens work OK there, but I still prefer wading boots. Cheers.