Does anyone use bean Boots for shoulder season trips? Are the 16" Maine Hunting Shoes good for portaging where one would otherwise use knee high rubber boots?  It seems the ability to lace them could provide more secure footing and keep out more inadvertent "oops" over-the-top water from those 17" holes.

I also started in Bean Boots but now, decades later, go with Storm Boots during prime-time season and Chotas during the shoulder seasons (if I'm not doing any serious portaging or bushwhacking where I require better ankle support).

Jimbo 

I felt the same way about the Chota Q Trekkers.  A different footbed helps.  I put in Superfeet insoles and it made a world of difference.  They are tough, waterproof and take a lot of abuse. 

Another boot that a fried tried out this year have good promise.  They are made by Sorel - the Woodbine Surplus.  Heavy canvas, grippy soles, lace up - no drain ports, but the canvas let the water out quite nicely.  You could always add your own gromets.  They were on sale at the local Columbia outlet store, so I bought three pair at only $30 each, down from $100. 

pd

WW,
You were asking about the shoulder season. That's when I use high rubber boots. Summer or River tripping, I use the Abyss too. I seem to be able to get by without the extra ankle support, unless I'm wading down rocky creeks. The rubber boots are too hot for summertime.

Maybe I didn't play enough basketball in my youth 

Lots of differing results on the OTB boots. I wore mine on one trip and they look suspect already.......I would of never trusted them on a tough trip. My OTB boots are now condemned to salt water use only where they will soon self destruct.

I give kudos to Quentin who turned me on to the Rocky SV2 combat boot via a previous thread. They did the trick for me this past summer.......good drainage, excellent ankle support, aggressive tread. They barely look broken in after 12 long days. I found them very comfortable, no blister issues at all.

Yes they are expensive but they blow the OTB boots away IMO and I believe I can get value in the long run. Remember, these are a wet boot style and it may be "off thread" since we are talking Bean style boots. I suppose a fellow could go with waterproof booties but I found waterproof booties extremely sweaty.

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For a true shoulder season boot I am a big fan of the chota mukluks. You stay dry and warm and do quite well on the trails, I have had very few issues with them and wet footing for me is only a recent development so most of my tripping has been done in these. If you have weak ankles or are prone to sprains look elsewhere.

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TomT wrote on Nov 9^th, 2013 at 12:10am:


That was my thinking Tom.......that I might bake and I really didn't get a chance to see how they would do since it was fairly cool on our trip. However, Quentin informs me that they have a jungle version of the boot which is lighter and of course probably cooler. I will definitely be in the market to pick up a pair of the jungle version as well (that's how much I like em)

On the other hand.......if your boots are constantly wet maybe a little warmer is better than a little cooler???Hmmmm.......

Curious in the midst of this discussion if anyone has ever tried these...and what their experience(s) were with them?
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Thanks ST! My thoughts as well. I'm casting about for low-cost options to my wellies . I have diving boots but they aren't rugged enough for portaging but great for hopping out next to the portage to unload. If I don't find anything else, I could always just revert to my high-top Merrells Moabs

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which I may just stick with for wet-footing it when I need to. They are great nearly 4-season hikers and dry out about as reasonably quick as any wet boot will I suppose....although I'm always open to trying something else. Thanks again for the feedback!

I'll look into the brookies-- good recommendation. I usually employ the sock-liner/wool sock system for the reasons you mentioned. Foot comfort and functionality are everything but the Brookies might work well in my current system. I have the trusty keen's for camp site comfort which are great while the others dry. Good stuff....time to troll the internet for neoprene sock liners

Hip waders are too heavy and unnecessary.  Overkill.   

Just get a good pair of tall rubber boots, or "Muck Boots."  These will allow you to get out and in of the canoe at portages as well as unloading/loading while standing in the water. 

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rubber boots: (Many different makes and models)  (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

proubly

I agree with Kerry and Prouboy, knee high boots are enough for early season tripping. I like the LaCrosse Alpha Burly lites but the most important consideration is to get a good fit for YOU. Blisters will ruin a trip if you chose and plan poorly and you intend to do alot of portaging.
Even cold wet feet are better than blisters

Kerry wrote on Mar 24^th, 2014 at 3:26am:
i have a pair of these and used them last year but not on any very long portages. i like them a lot albeit the footbed wasn't sufficient so used some inserts from a pair of low hikers and that worked great. not sure durability year after year but so far so good after year 1.

You might also check these out...

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I've owned several Chota boots over the years...well made product.

prouboy

Like M_M, I use OTB's when wet footing. If I'm trying to stay dry in cooler weather I use an old pair of Northern rubber boots. When I need to replace them I'll try the MUCK boots. I got Martha some. I think Solus tipped me off to them. They have a nice sole with a steel shank in the arch, which is nice when you're carrying a load.

If it's warm you'll find the rubber boots hot. I've been known to kick them off while in the boat. Footwear is an old debate. If you're new here M_M is worth paying attention to IMO. He may endure an icy foot better than others. Plus go lighter n farther too.

Yea ,the hip waders are a bad idea.   down   Two friends of mine started an April trip ,couple years ago, and dumped in the middle of Seagull.  They were both wearing hip waders.  -and no life vests! Fortunately, they went over so's that their feet were up and the boots were filled with air.  They both had the good luck to keep their air filled boots up until one guy was able to grab and cling to the floating food barrel and the other got a hold of the canoe. They hung on until they blew to shore , managed to gather most of their stuff (lost a tackle box, camera, and both rods  and reels ).  Their spare clothes and sleeping gear stayed dry so they avoided hypothermia, but the next day they turned around and drove the 650miles home.  They both shudder (and say" thank you, God", I'm betting) when ever they think of it.    Above all  else , wear something you can swim in at least well enough to keep your head above water...at least long enough to get them off.

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After reading your story Jimbo, I went to my local warm water beach and wearing my PFD and hip waders, walked out until they filled with water to see if I still had the floatation and could maneuver enough to get to shore or maybe cling to canoe?

In calm water I barely could keep my mouth out of the water. With wind/waves, I'd of been swallowing water.
Could hardly move my legs and IF I was clinging to canoe/pack, the extra weight would sap your energy fast.

I don't think hip waders are the problem, as much as certainty unless you modify them, they'll fill with water.
If you could secure them enough with a cinch strap or when paddling, roll down so they can't fill with water, I still think they have possibilities.

Wearing them as they come is a recipe for disaster.