Okay, so here’s yet another thread on paddling footwear.  For summer, which is when I do the bulk of my paddling, I’m set for footwear (NRS Abyss on the water and Keen H2Os for camp) but as I’m starting to get into more shoulder season trips, particularly mid to late October outings, I’m needing something water proof.  There are a number of knee high, neoprene type boots and I’m wondering if any of you have used any of these or could recommend something.  I’m looking for something that will keep my feet dry, relatively warm, are reasonably flexible (I do most of my paddling seated but in wind or surf like to kneel), durable and something I can portage in – cost is less of an issue if the boots do the job.  These are the ones I’m considering: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
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I’m a little dubious about the Neosport boots, they look a little clunky but the Chotas, Kokatat and NRS boots all look like they could fit the bill.  If you’ve worn any or all of these I’d certainly appreciate the benefit of your experience.
Thanks much.

I have a version of the Chota (Nunavut II, a predecessor to the current design).  The uppers appear to be the same, but the sole is completely different.  For older versions, they employed a lugged sole in the same material as the bottom section of the boot.  So, based on this difference, I can't say anything about the durability of the sole.  The soles of my boots (bought around 2005) are still in reasonably good shape, given that I've tripped in them nearly every year since they were purchased.

The uppers are the same ... neoprene on the outside; fleece on the inside.  This combination is very warm.  You can stand in icy water (which I've done while fishing from shore for hours) and not feel a thing.  However, being that warm, my feet will have a tendency to get wet from perspiration.  The good news is that the tops  are sufficiently pliable that you can turn them down (like fireman's boots).  The Nunavut version are brown and tan, but even with the lighter color, they are still warm in the sunshine.

The other thing to consider is what to do should you dump in deep water.  It is doubtful that you could swim in these boots if filled with water.  So my recommendation is to loosen the lacing as you depart from shore, just in case.  If you point your toe, they will slide off relatively easy.  You will need the boots laced tight for portaging so they stay on if you should have to traverse boot sucking mud.  You may still have to raise your toes just a bit to make sure they don't slide off.

dd

These are my choice for cold water paddling and portaging. The most significant factor in my choice was fit. I could literally walk all day in these boots with no ill effects. I reluctantly bought these knowing that water would be too cold to wet foot wich I prefer but after 20 days of rigorous tripping including some bushwhacking I really do like these boots and I also like dry feet at the end of a cold day. Swimming in them????? I doubt it, but then consider all of the other junk you'll be wearing on a cold day including your PFD. Better I think to kick them off if swimming is necessary.

Like Preacher, I typically wear 16" LL Bean Hunting Boots. However, three years ago on a late Oct./early Nov. trip I wore a pair of lightweight Muck Boots and they worked great. Very good support, warm, 100% waterproof, no laces to collect mud, they wash off easily and you can tuck your pants inside to keep them from getting wet. Even though they have a very snug fit around the ankle, the one thing I don't know is how well they'll stay on in a boot sucking mud pit. Depending on the forecast I may wear them again on our spring trip in a few weeks. If I do, and considering our trip will involve several nasty, muddy portages, I could have that answer really soon. 

ST -
Great idea and nifty looking product. I also like the website image for lashing paddles while portaging. I typically use those small 10" bungies which have some drawbacks.

I agree.  I use something similar from Chota (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
and I honestly don't know how I got on without them.  Actually now that I look at the price of those dealy bobs, the chota ones are about the same price (5 cents cheaper for 4) and look to be better quality.

I use the Chota ones, too. They're great for lashing your fishing gear or an extra paddle to a thwart. But I've only seen them in black. Other guys in my group have the dealee bobs. I would say they're very similar in functionality, although you make a good point about colors, ST.

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I picked up a pair of NRS boundary socks (neoprene....just below the knee) a while back so I could wet foot it in Lake Superior but I was super sweaty within minutes of putting those things on. I'll still give them a go but I'm suspicious and think a boot would be money better spent.

db wrote on Apr 29^th, 2011 at 4:46am:

At 33.00 a pair these look to be ideal if they perform.

I've never used the socks I linked to. They just looked like a decent option.

I use 13" (I think) regular GT socks. That height is all I need at landings. Portages can be another story in Spring but overall that height works for me. If it's cold or rainy and I have my rain pants on, I can tighten the neoprene cuffs around the socks and it's like I'm wearing waders but I'd welcome any reviews on over-the-calf type waterproof breathables. Big clunky boots are no fun IMO.

zski wrote on May 1^st, 2011 at 4:03am:


'Goretex' is a trademarked name. To get around that, they described 'goretex' without using the word, 'goretex'.