Mountain_Paddler wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 7:58am:
would be nice if i liked to go sockless but not so. increasingly i appreciate good socks and last time out ended up changing more oft than usual. good advice from capt dan
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
Thanks for the Rocky sv2 review guys. You got me looking hard at these. Do they run true to size?

For those of you who are active duty or retired military, check out your nearest Army post.  At the military clothing sales store, I got some boots very similar to these at a much more reasonable price.  Used them with some satisfaction on my last Quetico trip and on several river trips in Colo.  In general, satisfied with them.  My biggest complaint is that in muddy water, my variant of the boots let in silt that permeated the socks.  Kept sand out OK, but not the finer silt suspended in the water.  Never could get the socks to dry on the trip, and never could get them clean--NEVER.  I was using them in Fall, and I found I could use them both in boat and on portages. My feet stayed warm but damp, and I got acceptable ankle support. I brought a pair of ordinary athletic shoes for around camp--because the boots never did fully dry out.  Again, the ones you are describing might handle that better.   I brought a separate pair of socks for each day and changed them when the paddling day was over. If it is not cold, I prefer to paddle without socks and so do not use these--but then I take the time to change for portages, except for easy, short portages.  I just don't like wet socks--even wool ones with liners.

Jungle version? Lighter? Argggggh!

What do I have? The Nordic fjord version? Yes there was some rather cool days in the quetiico but the Finnish version of the boot kept me plenty warm.

I was hoping to bump into some other quiet journey folk but seen very few paddlers overall. Although rumor has it we might have seen db cruising along in jean.

Anyway, thanks for the initial posting Quentin as these seem to be the real deal. If I ever get a raise in salary I will probably add the "jungle" version of the boot as well for those trips where "global warming" is kicking into gear.

Mastertangler, that makes two of us.  I just returned a few days ago from an 8 day Quetico trip, the first with my SV2's.
The boots  are excellant!  I purchase the "Jungle version" of the SV2 directly from the Rocky web site.  I went with the "Jungle"because they are lighter, and have additional drainage.
Excellant traction in all conditions-
Drain quickly-
The drainage holes have a stainless steel mesh, which kept pebbles and dirt/mud out.  I was actually surprised how clean my socks and feet were after sinking in portage and beaverpond muck.
Other than looking broken in, no damage or visible wear after the trip.
The only possible downside (I only wore one thin pair of socks) is the Jungle version has next to no insulation, and my feet got cold a couple of times.  Thicker, additional socks might cure this.

Money well spent.!
Quentin

Finally got to try a pair of these out.....

Fairly rigorous 2 weeks in the Quetico including several portage days that put the boots through a real test.

1st off the boots are extremely comfortable. Break in period if negligible. I do, however, suggest the standard 2 pair of socks including a liner type sock. The first time I gave the boots a go was on a 10 plus hike on the buckeye trail in Ohio and I paid for it with a dandy heel blister due to wearing 2 pairs of smart wool socks.........wear the liner sock!

I had good support due to the sole and being a high topped boot. Very aggressive wrap around sole.

The bad aspects? They can be a little heavier when wet than some folks might be used to. Throw in a wet wool sock and the weight is not insignificant.

The conditions I encountered were optimal......very little rain the entire time so I cannot accurately talk about how they perform on slick surfaces over the period of several days. Naturally I did hit some mud and bogs and they seemed fine........the only time my attention was laser focused was going uphill on some smooth wet rounded rock.....I remember vibram being
better.

Overall though for a wet boot they are by far the best I have used.......drainage reasonable and not one pebble or rock found its way in. I like them quite a bit.

I'd treat the exposed seams on any portage boot with some sort of epoxy/seam sealer, as I think the stitching is always a potential weak point.

Also most peoples feet are not the same size.
When you try on footwear, try both shoes on and do so with the sock/gaiter combo you plan on wearing with them.
Also remember that your feet swell throughout the day and that unlike leather boots, most synthetic fabrics won't "stretch" but tear instead.
You can lace to eliminate slightly oversize shoes,  but you can't lace to fix ones that are too small after your feel swell.

I really like those cord locks ( the military grade), but don't neglect how you lace them

You can eliminate a lot of foot/shoe issues by finding a lacing system that addresses your particular issue.
This is one of the most comprehensive sites I've found and a little experimentation BEFORE you have problems on a trip is well worth your time.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

MT,

I take it you may have actually put on a pair.  I have not atually seen the SV2's anywhere yet except the Bass Pro website and other online retailers.
I'm hoping someone will have them at Copia', along with some brands to check out.  I will more than likely get SV2's, but have been burned bying footwear "mail order" before.
Thanks for the input
Converse "Chuck Tayors Allstars" or PF Flyers--The original allterrian, all occasion footwear!

remember when your Dad came home with a new pair of PF flyers? You would put them on and run around to show everyone how fast you had suddenly become. Those were the days.......

The Rocky's are sweet. Almost to comfy. A little concerned about the suede leather, repeated wetting and drying might dry them out? Sizes run true in spite of reviews that had them running a half size large. Of course the proof is in the putting.........Put them to the test  and see how well they drain, how fast they dry and how long they last.........support and comfort seems pretty amazing though. Will definitely add cord locks (hat tip ST).

Nice looking boot. Feel like I'm on the set of "Black Hawk Down" (that movie always makes me cry). The color will go nicely with my eco mesh railriders shirts (until the first mudhole )  Hey, you have to look good out there (just look at ANY fishing show, the guys are blasting them and they wear stuff I usually go to dinner in.......times are a changin)

Well Quentin did you pull the trigger yet?

My knee finally seems to be rehabbing. Thank you Lord! Maybe I will be able to do a real trip this summer. I am going to give the bionic boots a try. I am assuming I will be be able to jump higher and run faster?

I still haven't been able to ascertain where the batteries go and what sort of life expectancy I can expect. Is it true there is a headlight option or did I misread?

Hopefully I will be satisfied. I have always liked boots with ankle support/protection........the Abyss lacked that and in all honesty they look suspicious after only one trip and that without much portaging and it is not like they were cheap. I used seam sealer on the abyess as per recommended here on QJ.

I wonder if I should treat these with something? Sometimes sealers can break materials down and cause more harm than good. I will have to give it some thought but all comments on this subject are welcome. 

I guess I may be the first to put the $$ into these boots.  Shucks.  I was hoping to hear some review first!
Mastertangler, you may have a good pair of the Abyss boots, but my complaint on their durability is pretty common.
OS, I'm near Chicago, but not in it fortunately!