db wrote on Sep 14^th, 2011 at 4:12am:


Thanks db.  I knew I remembered a discussion about them.  While the kilt passed the canoe camping test the shoes did not.

DD, take a good look at the Merrell Trail Gloves as an alternative. I went this route and have loved mine. I did a 7 mile hike down in Costa Rica (mix of jungle & savannah terrain) within a week of buying mine and they were great. They are mesh and vent well, have the Vibram sole and all of the barefoot shoe benefits. Plus you can wear socks with them.

Ranger

Here's some old ones.
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My paddling partner used them last year with his wife in the bdubs. He really liked their traction (the rubber soles are lazer siped), but said for actual walking around camp or portaging, and yes he did portage in them they were really bad, no cushion and obviously no ankle support. He likes them a lot for wet footing on fishing days and when we paddle around home on the local rivers.

PhantomJug wrote on Sep 13^th, 2011 at 3:51pm:

Yeah, my search turned up no hits.  I also thought I remembered reading something about them some time back.  Strange!

When I was finishing my walk a couple of days ago, I ran into a guy that was wearing the Spirit version.  He indicated he liked them, but he wished he had selected a version with a slightly more "grippy" sole.  (That would have been my guess because that model has no lugs, etc.)  I asked if he had any issues with his toes on rough terrain, he said he didn't.  In fact, he felt that the shoes (at least his) were better off pavement than on (which was were the trail junction was).

I also think I'd prefer a back (heel) strap as well as one across the top of the arch.

I may have to start with toe socks before I plunge into toe shoes, just to see if I can deal with something between my toes.  Anyone use toe socks with toe shoes?  I'd never even consider putting on my hiking boots without AT LEAST one pair of socks (and if hard hiking is in the offing, two).

dd

I thought for sure I had reviewed these shoes about 5 years ago around here - Hmmm, couldn't find it but . . . .

They are not a good canoe shoe IMO.  The sole is fantastic (similar to a rock climbing shoe).  It is no-slip and decent on the terrain.  However, as far as comfort and stability they were very poor (on my feet anyway).  Not only did they make my toes sore they were difficult to remove and get back on when wet (even with just sweat let alone fully submersed.  My review?  All style and little substance.  FWIW - I have wide feet and a permanent twist in my right  big toe from an injury in my youth which may have led to the discomfort - both feet were not real happy however.

I've heard great things about them & Vibram.

I had a guy explain to me that he was wearing them (around town, not wilderness) on doctor recommendation -- he'd messed up his feed playing football & they force all your foot muscles to be used in a natural way.  Apparently shoes cause certain parts of your feet that would naturally get a lot of use to be pretty lazy - seems reasonable.  Of course shoes protect your feet too - which I value most in the wilderness!
-Tom

I saw at least two others wearing these while in the Q last week.  Seem wierd to me but I am slow to change.

Anyone have any experience (positive/negative)  with this brand of shoe?

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Could be used as a wet footing alternative, but I'm really more interested in them as a camp shoe.

dd