I read somewhere in another discussion about someone applying stealth rubber to their portage boot soles.

I've found a place in Madison that will put this stuff on my new Chota Mukluks.  My thinking is this will help make the Chotas wear longer and will also decrease the chance of me slipping on wet rocks, etc.  

What do y'all think?   A bad idea?  Good idea?  

prouboy

Prouboy,
Any chance you could provide a link. I like my chota mukluks. I'm hoping to get one more trip out of them and then a new pair. I also have a pair of teva water shoes with some sort of clingly rubber bottom. Superior gripping, I mean really pretty amazing. I just don't like wet footing it. If somehow you could marriage both ideas that would be sweet. Info requested.

Better yet, if you take the plunge (no pun intended) we can all find out how it works. You can probably apply for some sort of government assistance to defray costs.

Here ya go, M-T.  Actually, I think this is a lousy website, but it is what it is.  
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If you google "aqua stealth," you'll find other links to wading boots, some provide better pictures than what's here.

I'm going to get them.  I'll let you know how they work.

prouboy

IF this Aqua Stealth works anywhere close too the Teva Spider sole the use on their water shoes/sandals, you'll be very happy.
I buy discontinued Teva water shoes anytime I get the chance. Since I usually go in early spring, I wear Brookie Knee highs and just order larger shoe.
 For wet/dry footing they offer excellent traction on most any surface. Only fall I've ever taken was on a wet moss covered log, that I had NO business jumping on ;D They don't come in higher versions for those who need/want more ankle support/protection, but if the Stealth works, you could get added mileage out of your favorite boot.

Will be interested in your real world field report.

ST -- so in the summer, do you have a different pair of shoes/boots, a smaller size, for use without the brookies?

prouboy

prouboy,

I don't trip in the summer, but I would use the same shoes if I did.
I wear a 10-10 1/2 EE shoe. I buy the Teva's size 11-11 1/2 to accommodate the Brookies. Using over the counter new inner soles, and a different lacing sequence, I could wear them in warm weather if I chose.

I get about 2-3 trips on a pair average. I use seam sealer on ALL exposed stitching which seems to help. Considering I get them from discount sites, paying 50% or less than retail value, I'm happy with them so far.
Again if you ankle support/protection, the low cut water shoes are not for you. Traction wise they can't be beat. Being a solo paddler, I've learned to watch where I step especially under a load ;)

Aqua stealth may be ok for wet rocks at the landings, and fine for wading boots, but how is it going to perform on muddy portages?

IF the new sole will have good cleats, then I'd say you have nothiing to lose - BUT, if the new sole is going to be smooth, like the felt bottoms of wading boots, then I'd think it would be a poor choice fou use on the protage trails.  You will have no traction in the mud, or on loose soil and duff.  Regular climbing shoes are terrible on anything but rock, because of that smooth sole - with a few loose pine needles on the ground, or dry and dusty terrain, climbing shoes always slip.

I have had two pairs of Rockport walking shoes that were fine to start out with, but become extremely dangerous to walk with after the soles wore down smooth - one drop of water under them and its like walking on wet ice, even on nearly dry sidewalks - its not teh material itself so much, as it is the very smoothe sole.  

Before you spend the money, find out what the sole will look like - if it is a amooth bottom, or with shallow siped cleats - no point in trading off a bit more traction in the water at the landings for less traction on the portages.