I've tried boots, I've tried Nike swimming "footies", I've tried "sandals". I hate wet boots that get heavy holding water (I'm old - my knees don't like lifting that weight), and sandals expose the toes too much for rocky, striated portages. "Footies" are worthless in my experience - no protection at all.
I use a cheap pair of river running sandals w/ "vibram" or similar soles to paddle and portage on smooth portages.
I use tennis court/racquetball sneakers for portages that might damage toes. Court shoes have a better gripping surface for glaciated and wet granite than running or basketball sneakers. I change from paddling footwear (that I can "lose" quickly if the boat goes over) into the court shoes when portage terrain demands. Takes time, but what's the hurry?
I carry a pair of bedroom slipper mocassins for around camp - these are my guaranteed dry shoes - folded in a double zip-lock. No weight and dry feet unless it's a rainy day. Feet are wet then anyway - why change?

My partners all wear "quick dry" boots when traveling and sneakers or sandals when fishing.

Wet, muddy portages clog the patterns/ripples in the boot soles - decreased traction in my experience. I don't like to "clean my spikes" while carrying a canoe or the food pack.

Posted by Skip Guyer on December 18, 1999 at 08:50