It appears that Salomon has discontinued their Tech Amphibian line of water shoes.  I've used them since 2008 and went to buy another pair but no luck.

So, what do you folks wear when on day trips or hanging in camp?

I bring 2 pairs of low-cut water type shoes.
I don't need the extra ankle support and like a light shoe.
I buy my shoes from places like Sierra Trading Post and try to get the best deal I can.
  From my personal experience, I've torn up more shoes than I ever worn out. If can get a decent shoe at low price and get a couple trips out of them, then I'm happy.

My camp shoe has to be able to be my traveling shoe in a pinch too.

This is what I bought last year. I got them on sale.
I like them alot. Only problem is that like many shoes like this the innersole is junk. I bought a nicer pair with better arch support at CVS.   

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I bring a pair of running shoes, usually trail oriented for better traction. Lightweight, but at size 13 take up at least as much room as my sleeping bag. I've use water shoes (feet get wet from dew- mosquitos bite through them), moccasins (slippery), Tevas (mosquitoes) and finally have accepted the bulk and the notion that I don't have to buy anything new.

Solus wrote on Jan 10^th, 2019 at 3:43pm:

I bring a pair of running shoes, usually trail oriented for better traction. Lightweight, but at size 13 take up at least as much room as my sleeping bag. I've use water shoes (feet get wet from dew- mosquitos bite through them), moccasins (slippery), Tevas (mosquitoes) and finally have accepted the bulk and the notion that I don't have to buy anything new.

Salomon has come out with a water/trail/running shoe. 
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Could be interesting.  They are a quality company.  I get my feet wet a lot and don't want pebbles and twigs getting in my shoes.  These might do the trick but I'm open for more input. 

Solotripper I like the look of yours but because I dedicate the shoes I wear for trips only, I end up buying name brands that I know are quality made.  I wouldn't want a "shoe fail" on a trip. 

Quote:

Solotripper I like the look of yours but because I dedicate the shoes I wear for trips only, I end up buying name brands that I know are quality made.  I wouldn't want a "shoe fail" on a trip

TomT, I get that. No-body wants a shoe failure. When were discussing traveling shoes people posted about buying highly rated/expensive shoes that didn't live up to the hype and least for them.

You need to remember that almost ALL of these shoes are MADE in CHINA of someplace similar.

You paying a huge premium in price for a NAME BRAND item vs a house brand like those Bass Pro ones.
Since you have those Solomon shoes, take a cruise to your local Bass Pro and compare what they have to those Solomons? For all you know the SAME vendor that makes Solomons makes the Bass Pro ones?

Makes good sense Solotripper.  I had good luck as far as durability using the Salomons over the years.  The sole is a bit worn down now but they've held together well.  Last fall my brand new pair of Chota Lightweight portage boots failed on me.  The sole started coming apart at the toe on one of them towards the end of the 12 nighter.  I'm just leary now of boots and want quality.  I've been looking at Merrells because that's another brand I like.  I'm a bit of a boot snob because I go through a lot of them at work.  My new favorite brand is Vasque.  I'm on my third pair of their Breeze shoe.  Unfortunately they don't make anything for water.

Tom-
Those Salomen's look nice- about the same bulk level as my Asics. Unfortunately most Salomen products don't fit my feet.

The problem with buying portage boots (or really almost any boot except for early spring or fall hiking) is the near universal use of Gortex or similar fabric (which is in my opinion neither waterproof nor breathable).  Gortex is helpful stomping through slush or puddles. Useless for immersion boots and impossible if you need to wear your boots for hours indoors or in comfortable ambient temperatures. Like fungal and bacteria incubators.

Red Wing bought Vasque about a decade ago. Their quality is excellent but nearly all their hiking boots are cursed with Gortex and the like. I've had good look with the Merrell Moab- though I wish the sole was just a little stiffer. My current favorites are by Oboz. Last year they discontinued the non-Gortex model I liked (dried much quicker than the Moab and a little bit stiffer sole). I just saw that their bringing two non-Gortex boots out this year.   (You need to Login or Register

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Quote:

Last fall my brand new pair of Chota Lightweight portage boots failed on me

That was one of the brands that I couldn't recall offhand. Other's love them and yet yours failed.

I think you have to differentiate between MATERIAL failure and CONSTRUCTION failure.

If your comparing the same materials and the sole starts to come off etc, then that's a MFG/QUALITY control issue.

Like the person who buys a LEMON auto when others rate it a superior buy. Someone didn't do their job assembling it and others failed to catch it.

One of the things I do that seem to help is to put THREAD sealer on ALL exposed stitching. I think it helps prevent fraying which becomes a weak spot.

I also replace the actual foot lace with 550 Paracord. Your NOT going to break that, plus you have the cord/strands for emergency use.

I use CORDLOCKS as well, no knots for me. Works well and you don't have to worry about lace loops snagging on something.

TomT,

Are these the Solomons you were talking about?

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No but that's a grerat price for those.  I used the Tech Amphibians.   (You need to Login or Register
They are available just not in size 12.  I could buy used on ebay but I won't do that.  These shoes were absolutely perfect on canoe trips.  Fast drying, good traction and I rarely got any debris in my shoes.  Why they quit making them is a head scratcher.

I like the look of these   (You need to Login or Register but the open back on them is a concern.  Good spot for pebbles and twigs to sneak in.

If someone should happen to bump into an outdoor shoe/boot made in a 4E or 5E, please let me know.   I bought Chota's in one full size larger than I wear, and they work, sort of.

MB

MossBack wrote on Jan 10^th, 2019 at 6:52pm:

If someone should happen to bump into an outdoor shoe/boot made in a 4E or 5E, please let me know.   I bought Chota's in one full size larger than I wear, and they work, sort of. MB

I have a friend that buys his WIDE shoes here.

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TomT,

I usually bring my Keen H2's for camp shoes, pebbles and twigs be damned.  If super early or late season, I may bring the Keen Targhee II's instead. 

On the Chota's - I got the new Hybrid's two 'Copias ago and had quality issues too.  The soles were fine, but after only 21 days in the field on trips to the Q, the stitching on the inside of the toe caps was coming loose and I had worn holes in the mesh panels - something the rep assured me has survived some serious talus traversing while testing.  Disappointed, I emailed customer service, sent them some pics and they agreed it was material failure, said they were surprised and the first they had seen that.  They were happy to replace them no charge and just wanted the old ones back - hopefully for some  post mortem R&D!  The trouble was they were out of my size, so I threw in some stitching by hand to shore them up - what a pain - so I could us them on my second trip last summer.  Once I got back and they were back in stock, they made good on the replacement.  We'll see how this new pair holds up this summer.

You and MB might want to bring these failures to their attention too.

pd

portage dog wrote on Jan 11^th, 2019 at 10:48pm:

TomT, You and MB might want to bring these failures to their attention too. pd

I probably should do that.  The same boot that came apart was also the one that rubbed my ankle bone to where I had to pad the area.  The pain made portaging very painful while the left boot was totally fine.

TomT wrote on Jan 12^th, 2019 at 3:05pm:

portage dog wrote on Jan 11th, 2019 at 10:48pm: TomT, You and MB might want to bring these failures to their attention too. pd I probably should do that.  The same boot that came apart was also the one that rubbed my ankle bone to where I had to pad the area.  The pain made portaging very painful while the left boot was totally fine.

FWIW, If you have feet issues and tend to get blisters easy, try wearing a thin LINER sock.
A friend who runs those off-road marathons turned me on to another little trick too.

Before the liner sock, rub you heels, bottom of foot/between toes etc with a good SLICK feeling deodorant. Between that and the liner sock it cuts way down on friction that causes feet issues.

This won't work obviously if there is a material defect in the shoe but its a good trick to use when your doing something that is hard on your feet.  ;)

Good info ST.  I always wear a sock liner on travel days especially bc I wet foot.  I've never had the ankle bone issue  before.  Could be bc I bought the shoes the day before my strip started and there was no break in time.  But that doesn't explain why my left ankle was absolutely fine.

I think I'll use the deoderant trick just for precaution.  Might make me smell better too.  ;D

For anyone more interested in a minimalist approach, I bought a pair of these for lake activities (swimming/boating) and they have lasted through 1.5 seasons (in NC, maybe 150 days of use).
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Inexpensive, light, and small to pack, and enough of a sole for getting around camp.  Not sure if skeeters can bite through them and real iffy for use on the trail.

I bought some Chota boots last year (thanks Portage Dog) and use smart wool socks.  They have good ankle support/protection, a fairly aggressive sole and are comfortable.  I am going to glue some felt on the bottoms this year as they're slippery on wet moss.  In camp I wear an old pair of tennis shoes.  I'm going to buy a pair of Chota hippies to go with the boots this year and see how I like them......kinda liking dry feet as of late!
Safe travels......Mike

I'll keep an eye on the Chota sticking issue.

"Stitching"....too darn early in the morning!

Mike, apparently something other than the Chota's was 'sticking'!   :D 

BTW....you can go back and edit modify your post to correct things without adding another post.  Experience is the best teacher....problem is you always get the lesson AFTER the test!

pd

Thanks PD.   I took a look at my boots this morning and the stitching was still OK.  We'll see what time brings.
......Mike

[https://altaigear.com/outlet/].      (You need to Login or Register

I bought some of the 8 inch boots for portaging. They are light and I have put some miles on them but no water yet. Hope they hold up for a month long trip. With the two for one at the outlet they are only $45 or less each. Too good to be true???

Marten wrote on Jul 8^th, 2023 at 3:29pm:

[https://altaigear.com/outlet/].      (You need to Login or Register I bought some of the 8 inch boots for portaging. They are light and I have put some miles on them but no water yet. Hope they hold up for a month long trip. With the two for one at the outlet they are only $45 or less each. Too good to be true???

  I did some checking on reviews about them from independent testers. They score very well.
Made in Korea not China which is a plus for me.
For the price, I don't see how you can go wrong unless they would prove to be complete junk.

  I have never bought expensive tripping shoes. I think the stress of being wet much of the time if you wet foot your canoe and then a rugged portage carrying a load tears up even good boots.

I buy low cut water shoes on discount. I don't have orthopedic issues so they give me all the support I need. I bring a new pair every year for my main footwear and the old ones if they still look good as camp shoes/back-ups.

At 2 for 1 price, I think you might have found a real steal? I'll look forward to a gear report.

Might get some just for casual wear and because you can't beat the price.

Why lightweight IF sturdy shoes/boots make a big difference.

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Your post got me looking.
I ended up getting a pair of shoes the Navy Seals train in. Think hi-tech Chuck Taylor that drain.
I bought the ones on sale, good deal I think.

  They come in WIDE widths as well. Run 1/2 size to full size small so be aware if your interested.
  Would make a great camp/fishing shoe and back-up portage boot if you're so inclined.

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Has anyone ever seen a size 13-1/2 boot/shoe? 13 is a little tight for me. 14 are clown shoes.

db wrote on Jul 10^th, 2023 at 5:35pm:

Has anyone ever seen a size 13-1/2 boot/shoe? 13 is a little tight for me. 14 are clown shoes.

  They make them. I believe both of these models run a 1/2 size small, so a 14 might be just right.
  EEE width is nice too.

   This model favored by Navy Seals goes up to 15 EEE.

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These go to 14 EEE.
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Marten wrote on Jul 8^th, 2023 at 3:29pm:

[https://altaigear.com/outlet/].      (You need to Login or Register I bought some of the 8 inch boots for portaging. They are light and I have put some miles on them but no water yet. Hope they hold up for a month long trip. With the two for one at the outlet they are only $45 or less each. Too good to be true???

Buy one get one free!  ;D

db wrote on Jul 11^th, 2023 at 4:47pm:

Marten wrote on Jul 8th, 2023 at 3:29pm: [https://altaigear.com/outlet/].      (You need to Login or Register I bought some of the 8 inch boots for portaging. They are light and I have put some miles on them but no water yet. Hope they hold up for a month long trip. With the two for one at the outlet they are only $45 or less each. Too good to be true??? Buy one get one free!  ;D

First 30 day trip with them and all good to report.

I am considering these:   (You need to Login or Register
Anybody have experience with them?

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo wrote on Aug 15^th, 2023 at 4:12pm:

I am considering these:   (You need to Login or Register Anybody have experience with them? Jimbo   8-)

  I had a pair of the originals issued to me when I was in the Army 68-70 because I was set to go to Vietnam. Last minute orders came while home on leave and I ended up in Germany.

IF these boot are any where close to the originals, they would be a good buy. I wore mine for outdoor camping trips for years till they finally tore out.

Review said they were better for people with wide feet. The originals were like all the military boots in those days, a D width.

  If they'll hold up in the heat/humidity in Fla like they did in Vietnam, they'll hold-up to a canoe trip.

Of course with your footwear history Jimbo, they might meet their match?  :-/ :'( ;D

I would go with my Atlai's at half the price and tested in true wet portage conditions. Miles of heavy pack laden rock and swamp to truly test them.

Marten,

I might consider them IF they had "drainage ports" AND, especially, IF they offered ANY kind of warranty at all.  When I click on the link to your earlier post, it indicates the boots are from an outlet and there is no guarantee.  I ran into extraordinarily poor luck with my last pair of boots, buying them from a low price provider with a poor return policy.

Jimbo   8-)

---

Marten wrote on Aug 15^th, 2023 at 6:16pm:

I would go with my Atlai's at half the price and tested in true wet portage conditions. Miles of heavy pack laden rock and swamp to truly test them.

I can loan you a drill!  I felt confident I gave them a good testing and saw no give anywhere on the boots. I noted only 62 percent gave your proposed boot 5* on Amazon reviews. So many boots are blowing apart nowadays that it is hard to hit the trail with confidence. Better have a camp shoe that can step up if needed.

Quote:

So many boots are blowing apart nowadays that it is hard to hit the trail with confidence

  I carry a tube of this in my pack repair kit.
I've used on work boots for years to extend the life.
Apply liberally and CLAMP overnight. Big flat rock would work on canoe trip. It will get the job done, maybe save a trip.

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  Once opened if you don't use it for long time it can dry out. I found a piece of Saran Wrap type plastic over the tip then screw the cap on solves that problem,

Yeah, I use Shoe Goo all the time. It's good stuff.  If I had it with me, it might have gotten me through a few days of portaging.  In the long run, though, I don't think Shoe Goo would have saved those (alleged) Lalo boots. I believe those boots were Chinese knock-offs and I got suckered in.

Live & learn.  I'll never buy boots off of an Ebay discount source with no warranty again, that's for sure.

Jimbo   8-)

  Jimbo,

  If your still looking at the Vietnam style jungle boots, you might want to compare them against ones still made by the contractor that made the original boots for Vietnam.

You'll notice a substantial difference in price.
That tells me one of two things. They are charging to much for the original re-make or the lower price ones are not up to the military standards they used for the military issue boot.

  If I were buying them, I'd order both, compare them and send back one.

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For shoe repair during a trip I also take zip ties and then punch holes through bottom of shoe and and heel so I can cinch them up tight. With some constructions once the heel lifts there is not much to goo back together. I noted that these 8 inch boot from Atlai slipped on and off easily. I have torn the heels off work boots at home while removing a stubborn fitting one.

Marten wrote on Aug 14^th, 2023 at 11:16pm:

db wrote on Jul 11th, 2023 at 4:47pm: Marten wrote on Jul 8th, 2023 at 3:29pm: [https://altaigear.com/outlet/].      (You need to Login or Register I bought some of the 8 inch boots for portaging. They are light and I have put some miles on them but no water yet. Hope they hold up for a month long trip. With the two for one at the outlet they are only $45 or less each. Too good to be true??? Buy one get one free!  ;D First 30 day trip with them and all good to report.

I have been wearing these boots for another month while working at my cabin and all good to report. Used them some before the month long canoe trip too and so really have a lot of hard hours in them.

The one time I met park rangers in Q they were wearing something similar to the Vietnam era GI boots, with larger drain holes near the arches.