A really good deal.  I got the Abyss boots last year and was very pleased with them.  I normally wear size 11.5 and per the site if you are in the half size I should go down to 11.  I really hate tight boots, so I ordered the 12.  I just used medium hiker smartwool socks instead of light hikers.  I also used only one of the two inserts for the boots to get the fit I liked.  

As for the boots, they were the best I have used yet.  I can hardly tell that they were worn (after one 9 day trip) and they seemed to get good traction.  They were lightweight and drained and dried fast.  My only concern at all would be from some on here that said they broke down after x days of use.  Mine only have 9 days of hard Quetico use, so I guess only time will tell on that.   My guess is for all those people that like the Chota Quetioc Trekkers, these would be a step up.  I never really like the fit of those.  

I am half tempted to order another pair of these, maybe the Ohdin, just to have as a backup?  My wife would probably kill me though as I have about 5 other pairs of portage boots that did not make the cut.  I am always looking for the perfect boot, and this is the best I have found yet.  

Does anyone have an opinion on Ohdin vs Abyss?  My assumption last year when I purchased was that Ohdin was just a two inch taller version.  JD states otherwise.

Noticed a few under the heading of 'canyoning shoes', none that struck me yet. Most look like trail running or gym shoes. (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) footwear>water.

This one (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) seems similar to the older patagonia shoes. A little lighter then what I like for camping and portaging but cheap!

BrownTrout01 wrote on Jan 18^th, 2010 at 2:05am:

I don't see much point to anything higher than shielding your ankles. GT socks can define usable depth for shoulder seasons, IMO. Sorry for beating a dead horse but the play boots did have a reasonably solid outer structure. They were not just neoprene. They had padding , a nylon outer that provided a structure and extra reinforcement at certain normal type wear points, just not enough durability at the right ones and I sewed up some mfg errors last year myself.

The soles lasted a lot longer than the usual thick vibram treads BW/Q rocks seem to eat for breakfast. It's the sides that were/are the weak link on mine. That's why I asked earlier about what failed on the storms. I could take a pic but since they don't make 'em any more it would just be for comparison's sake and I assume they don't make 'em any more for a reason.

The problem with wet footing it, overlooking the obvious comfort factor, is that once your feet get wet and stay wet the skin gets soft. That leads to blisters. Been there, done that on my first trip with teva "water shoes". Whatever boot/shoe you choose be sure to take a tip from backpackers and use 2 pair socks. One should be a thin liner style sock. The socks will rub against each other instead of your skin helping to prevent blisters. As a former backpacker I speak from experience.

OTB has reduced the price of their boots again via their online catalog. now less than 50% retail.

in green.