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Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion Forums >> Strictly Gear - Gear specific reviews and ideas. >> Portage Boot Recomendations
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Message started by old_salt on Mar 12th, 2007 at 3:47am

Title: Re: Portage Boot Recomendations
Post by t43eagle on Jun 17th, 2010 at 5:38pm
Go to   (You need to Login or Register then "Tactical Water" (there are previous reviews on these boots on this site).  OTB = Over The Beach, inpired by boots designed for Navy Seals.  They have 3 levels of footbed than can be mixed/matched to help fit.  I normally wear a 12 and the 12 fits perfect - be sure to read their sizing guide.

Definately  [smiley=thumbup.gif] [smiley=thumbup.gif] from me.

Just returned from near the BWCA with scouts on BWCA shakedown trip - 1 adult and 3 boys have the SAR ($39), I have the Odhin ($59) - we were all very, very impressed w/ the performance of both models.

I initially tried the new Seal Skinz ($45) that are supposed to be completely waterproof - they were very comfortable, and I was pleased until my 1st trip into the water - I could feel the water running down my leg to my feet.  My feet stayed wet all day as socks wouldn't get rid of that much water even though we were in camp 6-7 hours before I took them off - bad prune feet that night.  The socks are going back to REI.  

Next day, wore liners and smart wools, soaked them on a portage and after a 15-30 min out of the water, feet "felt" dry even though smartwools were still wet.  The mesh panels and soles with holes drain water instantly and then the socks took over moving the moisture away from the feet.  If it is breezy, you can feel the wind through the mesh - wicking the moisture away.  No prune feet at night and incredibly comfortable boots with good support.  The padding on the inside doesn't soak up water, so they don't feel heavy when wet.  So comfortable, I probably won't take camp shoes on our July trip.  Traction was excellent except on moss covered rocks where nothing sticks.  Absolutely no sand, stones, gravel, etc under my foot like always  happens w/ my Merrell Saugatuck sandals.

They are on sale, the SAR style is not quite as supportive as the Odhin (they also have an Abyss $49 - green), but worked very well per the 3 boys and one adult who wore them.  Green is being phased out and thus the reduced price over the black ones, otherwise, they are the same.

For the price and value, these are a steal - get them before they are gone!

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