Wading Shoes

[Trout Commander]

Here you go friend:

http://m.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Patagonia-Canyonwalker-Felt-Fishing-Wading-Shoe-Mens/PAT2236M.html?moov_passthrough_type=moov_link_href

[eric1978]

They look pretty nice JDC, but I don't really see all that much advantage over the wading boots I already have. Still looking for a lightweight low-top shoe. Thanks though.

[fishinwrench]

If you wear ankle socks and then squish them down after they are wet it plugs the gaps around your ankle and reduces the size of gravel that can get inside your shoes.

I bought some non-cotton socks from BPS thinking they'd dry out faster, and they do kinda so I wear them on long all day excursions. But usually I just wear the gray cotton ankle socks (Jerzee's) that you can buy at Wal-mart and pitch them when the elastic craps out. Doing this keeps the bigger rocks out even when wearing regular old tennis shoes. I've had lots of specialty wading shoes and none kept the gravel out if I wore them without socks.

[eric1978]

I think I've tried every combination of sock and shoe that can be thought of. They all sucked. I want a good wading shoe dammit, and one day I'll get it.

[jdmidwest]

My friends all wear Tiva Sandals and like them. I personally have been wearing a pair of River Guide Crocs for the last few years. They have a nylon upper with a cinch tye and are open like beach crocs. If rocks or gravel comes in, lift your foot and it shakes out in the water. Traction is good on rocks and they drain out to keep water out of a boat. Only downside is your foot slides around inside on land when wet and not much ankle support.

[3wt]

I use Merrell wet shoes from Bass Pro or Cabelas I think. They get some sand and small gravel if you wade in pretty loose stuff, but for the most part, you can get them set to seal up pretty good.

[Midwest troutbum]

I know this is an old thread, but has anyone field tested the new glove like toe shoes now available on the market? What about the Teva F3's compare to the Keen Turia water sandal or shoe? Or the Keen Newport H2 Sandal? What is the best river shoe sandal? My measurements to determine the best sandal or shoe or hybrid for this post is (fit, comfort, practical, withstands years of field testing, withstands being wet or submerged in water for extended periods of time, dries quickly and can be used for some dry land hiking along the way, holds up to the punishment. (Price is not an issue if within reason.)

Curious as to everyone's current take on the best river shoe/sandal for wading or swimming warm waters, in a canoe or kayak setting on a typical gravel based river in Missouri during the late spring, summer and early fall months.

I have used Teva's exclusively for the past 10 years on both rivers in Missouri and Colorado. In Missouri I've used them for multiple trips swimming and climbing at the Johnson Shut-ins, for canoeing, floating & wade fishing in the Meramec river, Jacks Fork River, Current River, Huzzah and Coutouis river and smaller local streams and creeks. Iv'e also taken them on a 8 mile river raft float down the Royal Gourge in Colorado. Ive had two pairs of teva's. The first was a mid range priced river sandal. The second was the upper priced sandal. Iv'e been impressed with both, and used both for at least 40 trips to rivers. I wear them when gardening and being around any water/wet event situation during the warmer months.

Iv'e worn cheep tennis shoes as a younger adult, but always had wet, sandy, and pebbles to walk on for the hike back to camp or vehicle. I also used aqua socks, when they first were started and many years after. These worked o.k, but had no cushioning, and seemed to delaminate quickly, and were horrible for hiking even short distance narrow trails.

I have been impressed with Teva's construction and durability and comfort of years past, in all aspects as noted above for making it through the tough outdoor punishment all these years. But now I am skeptical of the newer Teva sandals, as they seem to be cheaply built, and cater to more of the clients that want a casual street wear sandal, and lost some of their roots and devotion to river rafting.

I am looking at Keen and similar makes of the latest trend in sandal/shoe hybrid for the streams, but as I read more it seems these hold more gravel, sand and grit compared to the more open sandal Teva's. Tevas were easy to clear of debris while in the river. Just shake the shoe a little, while it is still on your foot, to dislodge any pebbles, rock, sand grit etc. I'm not so sure this is possible with the Keen Sandals. But I can see where Keens offer a bit more toe protection for walking in slightly larger boulder based rivers, or if staying in a raft. Iv'e also heard Keens develop a strong odor after being through several cycles of being wet/dry wet/dry. This is not a problem with Teva's, nor ever has been. Tevas dry extremely fast. Keens likely take much longer to dry due to the more closed web construction and materials.

I'm not going back to cheep tennis shoes, as these smell, rot, hold lodged pebbles and grit under my feet, never seem to dry in time for the hike out or back to camp, and usually delaminate within a few hours to days of being abused out on the rivers.

I'm also skeptical on the latest trend in shoe wear, the glove like shoe, with each toe is individually surrounded by fabric. I think Fila and other mainstream shoe companies originally made them for running and now river wear. They seem flimsy, easy to tear on sharp rocks, and offer little to no cushioning for hiking trails or even the river bed.

I'm on the fence between the new Teva F3? , and Keen Newport or Turia water sandal. I guess the test of time & a lot of field testing will have to tell on these, by that time something else or new design will be on the market.

Whats everyone's take on the topic? (If price is not an issue, only performance.)

[moguy1973]

Looking at Teva's website, even though they aren't the best looking, I kind of like the Cherry Bomb 2's... nice and tall to keep out the rocks, good heel support, and the sole looks like it has some good grip...And they are less than $60 on amazon.com...

[DaveMac]

I've been wearing Keen Owyhees and have struggled at times with gravel. Keen's Gorge boot ($80) looks interesting. 3 mm neoprene may be too hot in the summer but the high top looks like it would keep gravel out.