I've sprained my left ankle at least a few hundred times.  Now it's pretty loose and I can almost always walk out a twist.  But spraining my right ankle is one of the two things I"m afraid of in the boonies (the other is appendicitis).  So I look for traction, ankle support, and lastly drainage.

I've used Cabela's Gore-Tex lined snake boots but one of them leaks.  I tried OTB Abyss boots and found they have about zero ankle support.  Now I have NRS Velocity Water Shoe and I love 'em.  They have the best ankle support I've ever found - as good as using plastic clamshell inserts that go halfway up my calf.  They don't drain all that well but I don't much care.  I could put additional drains (eyelets) in them if that was a problem.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
It looks like NRS might be discontinuing them, so get 'em while they're hot.

Dave

I ran into these boots while reading an article about the water friendly boots the Navy SEALS have worn.

I had a pair of these back in 80's and wore them out.
Think Chuck Taylors on steroids. Reviews say they run narrow?
Only negative thing I can recall is the innersole is worthless, so you would need a nice supportive insole adjust your size for that.

I wore them for warm weather canoeing and wading while fishing.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I did a test drive on my new Copia purchased Chota Caney Creek portage shoes this weekend.  Went wading the creek in knee deep water for a half mile or so.  The first thing I noticed was Portage Dog’s comment about the supplied insoles slip sliding around to the point of being annoying.  I had to purchase a bit larger size to get them wide enough, and I am sure that made the insole issue worse.  The sole’s grip on slick creek rock was pretty good, as was the ankle support.

I wore them wandering around the woods for the next 12 hours in 65 degree temps and a stiff wind and the boots or wool socks  never got close to drying out.

I have never purposely done wet foot canoeing, but this spring I will be traveling with a group where one member is bringing his own canoe and I am likely to be in it occasionally, so I want to be able to act in kind.

A couple of folks here mentioned Superfeet insoles as a help for the Caney Creeks.  Went to Amazon and the SF website and found no less than 50 options.  Would someone who has them in use care to suggest a particular model ?  They are not cheap, most in the $35 to $60 range.  So once again I would like to steal the diligent research of others.

Kind Regards,

MossBack

MB,

I only speak based on my personal experience.  I use the orange Superfeet insoles - because they were cheap - got 'em used and the REI Attic (now garage) sale - like $15.  But not because they were just cheap.  I have not used a lot of insoles, but when you compare these to a lot of others, the thing I note is the hard plastic rear foot bed.  That is what I feel helps take up a lot of the volume and cradles your heel.  The front is mostly flat, but takes up a decent bit of volume too.  In my experience, they are tough - had the same pair in and out of several pairs of boots, including the Chota's, for 5 years with minor wear and still hanging tough.  You can always find them on sale somewhere - like anything else.  REI has a great return policy and maybe wait for the 20% member sale (like the one that ends today...btw).  If they don't work for you, return for a refund - kinda like a free road test.  Those Caney Forks ain't cheap either, but you get what you pay for, right.  BTW...those Chota insoles make a great pattern for any new ones you get.  Cut to fit a bit big so you get a good interference fit and they won't budge.  YMMV.  As for the boots actually drying out....that's why it's call wet-footing.  Mine take days to dry (not as bad as the NRS Velocity...) and I always give them a dunk is some Mirazyme solution after a paddle to keep the odors down.

pd