Shoes

[Rob Stevens]

Does anyone have recommendations for foot wear, Especially for tromping around in the mud? I'm curious if the "river shoes" that are like a cross between sneakers and sandals work where there are broken sea shells in the mud. Or are broken sea shells not much of a problem in the mud? Thanks.

[Walt]

Broken sea shells are not as much a problem as oysters. As you trudge through knee to hip deep mud you will rake your calves across these oyster clusters that are submerged in the mud. There will be much bleeding followed by infection =( 

 

Stay away from the mud! Wait for the tide to come in. Break camp early or later to avoid having to launch across that mud flat.

[Ross Hancock]

The only thing that works in real mud is wrapping your feet in duct tape after coating them in 3M 5200 Marine Sealant. Some people swear by diving booties, which I haven't tried.  Tevas, water shoes, etc. are useless.

[Kim Gass]

I use diving booties.

 

Everything else can pull off. There are not many things as miserable as ferreting in the mud for a lost shoe.

 

I agree..leave the sandals at home. Around camp I do  use Crocs..but not for slogging in mud.

 

I never wait for the tide. My boat is 23 lbs...so its not much of a burden.   I have not encountered waist deep mud .. I judge the bottom with the aid of my paddle. Not all mud is alike.  Some holds and some does not. I aim for the oyster bars.

 

Sandals are kind of useless on the beach too..nothing like a little pebble that is stuck to annoy you.

[0uopvm9p50xla]

I have been looking for quite some time for back up shoes that can double as camp shoes should my main portage boots go down. I have settled on these because of the adjustable heel strap. I can lock them down pretty tight if need be. I also like the toe protection.
http://www.zappos.com/keen-hydro-guide-black

If added protection is desired a pair of knee high neophrene socks would work just fine in conjunction with the sandals.
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2347

[vivian]

I agree with Kim do not like the sandals at all because of the sharp oyster reefs and shells that can cut you badly trying to get on/off sites or just getting out to stretch. Further south you have the oozing mud that will suck your shoes off your feet. I used to bring Teva sandals and wear them with wool socks while at camp now I just bring Crocs. 

 

Shoes for canoeing need to be flexible and low profile so I can slide them under seat for kneeling. Have used the Teva Protons for many years but not too crazy about their new models. I am also looking at a replacement for my canoeing shoes that does not involve neoprene and is low profile. The neoprene stinks after a few days and never dries. If anyone finds a good solution, please post it here.

[Jared E]

I use three pairs of shoes. 

 

Crocs for out of the kayak meandering. 

 

Vibram FiveFinger Sprints for in the kayak warm weather scenarios. (not oyster proof)

Here

 

Stohlquist Caveman boots for in the kayak when it's cold out side. (oyster proof penetration barrier)

Here

 

-Jared E.

[Gary M]

I've yet to find the perfect shoe for paddling/exploring.  Currently I'm using some Bass Pro "water shoe" that generally works pretty well but the mesh areas allow mosquitoes to feast unless you spray your feet with bug spray.

 

I thought I had found the answer... but after a buddy rescued a paddler that ditched at the mouth of Chatam/ Huston, then spent two nights on shore almost naked and shoeless, I reconsidered.  The paddler made numerous mistakes that cost him dearly, but he did make me realize that the shoes I'm gonna always have on are ones that won't drown me, but can stay on my feet for when I get to shore... Gawd I hope I never have to do that!

 

[Keith W]

Converse All-Stars and stinky hard sole dive boots (sorry Viv! :-). Both are hi-tops. Canvas is light and tough and dries out quick. Wool socks keep your feet warm even when wet. Booties are meant for walking in water (or knee-deep sawgrass muck, right Charlie?) so who cares how long they take to dry.

[vivian]

Oh I know you are right about the shoes and have heard the canvas high tops work great and I've been meaning to get a pair to try.  BTW, the liner socks I use for backpacking are excellent to keep feet feeling dry and warm too. I use the Fox River X Static but the coolmax or polypro liners also work well.

[Gary M]

Another reason why mesh in shoes is not a good idea out there...

 

I spent last weekend at Grocery Place.  Since mosquitoes were non-existent (not the same for no-see-ums), I did not spray my "water" shoes with bug spray - just wore liners.  Well... heads up!  Chiggers can climb through that mesh just about as easy as mosquitoes can bite through it. 

Unfortunately, I have proof.

GM

 

 

[Rob Stevens]

Don't you hate it when someone asks for your advice and then ignores it? Not because of your ego but because it is  information you've collected from experience (bad judgement) or other peoples' opinions who you trust. Well I was about to ignore everyones advice until I heard the answer I wanted. Hi Top Chucks (Converse). I'm afraid I can't act logically because I build wooden boats for a living and logical thinking leads to fiberglass. Well Allison and I got lost looking for Charly Creek and spent two hours pushing our canoe further and further into the mud (more on this later). She was wearing "neoprene" booties from EMS and I was wearing Hi Tops Chucks, no socks. She was very happy with her booties whereas I immediately got tiny annoying bits of grit into my shoes. Next time socks? with the Hi Tops? The quotation marks around neoprene is because they are made of limestone and not petroleum.

[1n0x8zwu8zl3t]

Keen water shoes are great, forget crocs in mud.