if you're wetfooting (and going over the top) with a non draining neoprene boot system, use caution.

i just reviewed a trip report where one of the paddlers got a "trench foot" like condition caused by having his feet in water inside a neoprene boot every day. he was barely able to complete the trip and then missed two weeks of work when he got back in.

i've just been using the storms with a poly sock, including cold water spring trips. they drain like OTB and are warm when wet.

I've used the Brookie Knee highs and water shoe combo for about 5 years, and have put in some 10-12 days solo, and have never had a foot problem.
JJS is right about changing into camp shoes. The first thing I do in camp is string my dry-fly, then put some coffee water on, and last but very important, I change into dry wool socks and camp shoes.
I dry my feet before I put on dry wool socks, and use a little medicated foot powder ( Gold Bond travel size). Every night I turn my fleece booties inside out, and dry out the liner sock, or replace with clean dry one next morning.
On camp days, if its sunny, I'll turn the Knee highs inside out and lay out in the sun and that keeps any mildew from forming.
First thing they teach you in the Army is to take care of your feet, its been good advice for many years and still holds true, especially in wet conditions

I just ordered a pair of the Abyss boots.  My main concern is ankle support.  I have always used hiking boots mostly for the ankle support.  I had always shied away from the Quetico Trekkers as they didn't seem to provide as much support.  I am hoping the Abyss is better than the Quetico Trekkers in that area.   

I hate that they don't have 1/2 sizes, as I am right in the middle.  I ended up getting the size up 12's as I would rather deal with something a little big than too small. 

Thanks for the reviews and if anyone could offer something on the ankle support and sizing I would appreciate it.

"I hate that they don't have 1/2 sizes, as I am right in the middle.  I ended up getting the size up 12's as I would rather deal with something a little big than too small.   

Thanks for the reviews and if anyone could offer something on the ankle support and sizing I would appreciate it. "


OK -

I typically wear size 8, and depending on fit, will go with 8 1/2 if available.

I bought a pair of size 8 Abyss boots (on the advise of someone at OTB who I e-mailed or phoned, don't recall)  - I wear three pair of socks in them, a liner, a midweight synthetic, and a heavier wool hiking sock - that gives me a very snug fit, and some insulation.  When you get the boots, they come with some "modular fit" insole inserts, to customize the fit.  I do not use the additional set that they gave me, but could use them to "shrink" the fit if I wanted to.  They provide the option for use with neoprene booty type socks if you want to use them, or not.

I think the OTB boots give great ankle support - the lacing provides for a snug fit.  I also have Chota Quetico Trekkers, which if I recall , I bought a size nine as I had heard to go one higher on those.  The bungee lacing is way too loose, and started to come apart afer the second day or so - I replaced with parachute cord, but they still are a sloppier fit, even with the 3 layers of socks I wear.  They are cut a bit lower than OTB, and are not as padded around the ankle, nor as
supportive.  I wore them (chotas) a few weeks ago for a 3-day river trip with a bit of hiking, so my thinking is from recent use

I just finished my third Quetico trip with the OTB boots - did about 60 portages, and wet foot the landings - the boots are still as good as new, and haven't shown any sign of wear. 

I like the boots so well that I'm thinking of getting another pair to stash in the closet, just in case the company goes out of business, like has happened to so many products I have liked, that can no longer be bought for one reason or another.

I just received my father's day OTB Abyss boots (a bit early) today.  They seem to be a good fit with medium weight work socks, I think I'll try a bit thicker smart wool as well.  My first impression is they don't have quite the stiffness (support) as my medium duty leather hiking boots. 

Now I just need a few slippery rocks to walk on...   

Terp