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shavdaddy81

04/03/2012 05:09PM

What do you guys use for early June footwear? I was looking last night and couldn't decide...boot, watershoe...ect

What you guys think?

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Hank

04/03/2012 10:21PM

Lacrosse Grange rubber boots. I hate wet feet, especially when the water is cold

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. -Robert A. Heinlein

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Lymphocytosis

04/03/2012 10:30PM

I wear OTB boots if the water isn't frigid cold. June water can be variable depending on the conditions, but its usually wet-footable (at least for me). In very cold water I wear a pair of LL Bean knee boots.

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Unas10

04/04/2012 04:32AM

Old running shoes with merino wool socks.

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UncleMoose

04/04/2012 09:15AM

For early and late season, I mostly use a Chota boot with Brookies waterproof neoprene liner. Usually by early June, though, it's warm enough to ditch the Brookies liner and just go with the Chotas and wool socks. Because of the very early spring this year, I'm thinking a simple boot/wool sock combo will be fine by early June.

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yellowcanoe

04/04/2012 09:44AM

Chotas. But they are not comfy for portaging for me. I use them year round for cold water. With wool sox when its below freezing of course(I live near the ocean)

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RaisedByBears99

04/04/2012 04:18PM

quote shavdaddy81: "What do you guys use for early June footwear? I was looking last night and couldn't decide...boot, watershoe...ect

What you guys think?"

Watershoe and running shoe or tennys. Moggasins for in camp.

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uwmarchy

04/05/2012 07:07AM

We always take our trips in mid June. I've always wet footed it. I'll usually were Teva watershoes with a pair of merino wool socks. The cold water has never really bothered me.

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nctry

04/05/2012 08:00AM

quote yellowcanoe: "Chotas. But they are not comfy for portaging for me. I use them year round for cold water. With wool sox when its below freezing of course(I live near the ocean)"

You must be talking the Chota Mukluks...

I use the Trekkers and use the Chota Neoprene "socks" in the cold stuff. I have the Trekkers set up with good insoles and they are a dream to wear. The quick lace system they have is a bit dangerous in my opinion. I cut the loop and tie the ends so they won't catch again. Luckily when I had an incident the laces broke.

Nctry Ben

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Arlo Pankook

04/05/2012 08:42AM

quote Unas10: "Old running shoes with merino wool socks."

Hard to beat.

Hold that thought....fish on!

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GeoFisher

04/05/2012 10:07AM

quote Lymphocytosis: "I wear OTB boots if the water isn't frigid cold. June water can be variable depending on the conditions, but its usually wet-footable (at least for me). In very cold water I wear a pair of LL Bean knee boots."

I just received my OTB Abyss II 8inch boots in the mail yesterday. I'm wearing them now. I wanted to see how they feel, and wanted to show a couple guys at work. I REALLY like them.

Comfortable, and very, very light.

Probably my LIGHTEST ever.

If they hold up as well as they feel, these will be my new all time boots.

Later,

Geo

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fitgers1

04/05/2012 12:29PM

Keens, ones that cover more of the feet than some of their models. I don't recall the model I have. Old Nike running shoes or old pair of flight deck boots depending on forecasted weather. Worn with merino wool socks.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson...and...“Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".

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Scout64

04/05/2012 08:23PM

OTB Abyss II. Trying them for the first time this year. First week of June. Have a few pairs of smartwool socks to go with them. Or, silk ones if the water is warm.

"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit."

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Frenchy19

04/05/2012 09:03PM

Merrell Moab Ventilators with light Smartwool socks when traveling, Tevas in camp.

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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Merganser

04/05/2012 10:01PM

Waters cold so I'm gonna wear Trekkers and a neoprene liner. Preferably one that doesn't leak.

"That sort of thing is my bag baby."

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Arlo Pankook

04/06/2012 07:52AM

quote nctry: " Trekkers set up with good insoles and they are a dream to wear. The quick lace system they have is a bit dangerous in my opinion. I cut the loop and tie the ends so they won't catch again. Luckily when I had an incident the laces broke."

Can you explane the dangers? I just pulled the trigger on some Trekkers.

Does the loop catch on the lace hooks?

Hold that thought....fish on!

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Hank

04/06/2012 09:38AM

The loop catches on branches, rocks, brush, you name it. That is how my laces broke . . . it almost knocked me to the ground. I luckily had a spare pair of boot laces packed away. The boots are much better with regular laces.

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Frenchy

04/06/2012 09:59AM

I wear a good set of sandals in June. With a pair of wool socks, they keep me very comfortable. I do carry a lite-weight pair of hiking boots for camp, and those days I want to explore the land around the lakes.

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overthehill

04/06/2012 01:34PM

Whatever shoe.....I agree with merino wool socks. Heavy cushioned are rat holed for camp for me. They will make any shoe better. I travel in a water shoe close to a running shoe. For camp, fishing, daytripping etc., I alternate with NRS Boundary shoe or Chota mukluk lights. NO better feeling than warm, dry cushy sock after wetfooting in cool water.

Not to Hurry-Not to Worry

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stormrider1

04/06/2012 02:19PM

quote Unas10: "Old running shoes with merino wool socks."

This is what I wear also, and a pair of sandals for around camp.

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Merganser

04/06/2012 10:19PM

quote Hank: "The loop catches on branches, rocks, brush, you name it. That is how my laces broke . . . it almost knocked me to the ground. I luckily had a spare pair of boot laces packed away. The boots are much better with regular laces."

There is an easy fix for that. Tuck the pull under the lace down toward your toe so it's not dangling around. No more likely to catch than a standard lace. Probably less. I have worn mine on many trips and I've never had these problems. I'm not particularly graceful.

"That sort of thing is my bag baby."

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fitgers1

04/06/2012 10:53PM

As of yesterday, I can add a pair of Vasque Breeze to my list of possible June foot wear.

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carmike

04/07/2012 10:39PM

I just wear wool socks with Teva watershoes....Yes, the feet can get a bit cold, but it's never been much of a bother for me. I know some people are huge fans of dry-footing it, but I just can't get myself to do it.

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customchevy350

04/09/2012 07:48PM

Vibram five fingers are great. Just sandals at camp

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TeamTuna06

04/09/2012 10:59PM

Teva Churns and Merrell shoes...not sure of the model, but they're 4-5 years old and have been to hell and back...ok, not literally but Mongolia, Beijing, Etc...

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles." -Doug Larson

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shavdaddy81

04/19/2012 11:59AM

quote Lymphocytosis: "I wear OTB boots if the water isn't frigid cold. June water can be variable depending on the conditions, but its usually wet-footable (at least for me). In very cold water I wear a pair of LL Bean knee boots."

so you guys that all wear the wool socks, I assume you get the socks wet in the shoes eh, just walk on out in the water? So how many pairs of socks do you pack. I am going first week of June and am getting mixed suggestions on what the water temps will be like.

Thanks everybody for sharing

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UncleMoose

04/19/2012 01:43PM

quote shavdaddy81: "so you guys that all wear the wool socks, I assume you get the socks wet in the shoes eh, just walk on out in the water? So how many pairs of socks do you pack."

Yep, one pair stays wet all the time. I usually bring three pairs: wet pair for traveling, dry pair for at camp, and an extra pair just in case (and possibly for sleeping in during colder months). It kind of sucks putting on a wet pair before heading out each morning, but then again they just get wet again right away anyway.

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Lymphocytosis

04/19/2012 01:57PM

quote shavdaddy81:so you guys that all wear the wool socks, I assume you get the socks wet in the shoes eh, just walk on out in the water? So how many pairs of socks do you pack. I am going first week of June and am getting mixed suggestions on what the water temps will be like.

Thanks everybody for sharing
"

Three here as well. One always stays wet, one always stays dry, and one for an emergency. Not sure what emergency I'm waiting for exactly, but I'd rather be warm than wishing I was. Putting on those wet socks in the morning feels awful, but having the dedicated dry pair is worth it.

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schweady

04/19/2012 02:41PM

quote shavdaddy81: "so you guys that all wear the wool socks, I assume you get the socks wet in the shoes eh, just walk on out in the water? So how many pairs of socks do you pack.
"
Yes. One more pair than the number of days out. Smartwool is my luxury item.

"You can observe a lot by watching." -- Yogi Berra

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SouthernExposure

04/19/2012 03:23PM

I use low-cut hiking shoes with soldering-iron-burned water vents and merino wool socks. I carry three pair. Two pair are always in rotation: One pair to wear and one pair drying on the top of the canoe pack in the sun. The third pair are kept dry and worn around camp with a pair of sandals.

SE

"Them Confederate snipers couldn't hit an elephant at this dist...." Union General John Sedgwick

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Scout64

04/19/2012 06:12PM

quote schweady: "quote shavdaddy81: "so you guys that all wear the wool socks, I assume you get the socks wet in the shoes eh, just walk on out in the water? So how many pairs of socks do you pack.
"
Yes. One more pair than the number of days out. Smartwool is my luxury item.
"

I gotta say: I don't skimp on underwear and socks. I carry enough for a clean pair every day. And, after reading this, I may just bring one more pair than the number of days out. Thanks

"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit."

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mntentman

04/19/2012 09:29PM

quote fitgers1: "As of yesterday, I can add a pair of Vasque Breeze to my list of possible June foot wear."

I have more pairs of hiking boots than I can count. I have been wearing the Breeze more than any for the last two or three years. Perfect boots.

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Rowe

Guest Paddler

04/22/2012 12:29AM

I go with Sperry Topsiders SON-R and Sealskinz if it's too cold to barefoot it while on the move. They double as camp sandals and I bring Merrel Trail Glove Embarks with wool socks for rainy days or nights at camp. I like to pack real light and that setup fits the bill.

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kanoes

04/22/2012 12:38AM

quote UncleMoose: "quote shavdaddy81: "so you guys that all wear the wool socks, I assume you get the socks wet in the shoes eh, just walk on out in the water? So how many pairs of socks do you pack."

Yep, one pair stays wet all the time. I usually bring three pairs: wet pair for traveling, dry pair for at camp, and an extra pair just in case (and possibly for sleeping in during colder months). It kind of sucks putting on a wet pair before heading out each morning, but then again they just get wet again right away anyway.
"
thats my scheme too. the always wet pair is either from sweat or from true wet footing without the brookies.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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MadDog2020

05/02/2012 02:08PM

I wear old running shoes around camp but I have a hard time finding comfortable waterproof footwear for the trip in. I hate wet feet so watershoes are out. After seeing them mentioned several time here, I ordered a pair of Vasque Breeze's that are supposed to be waiting for me when I get home tonight. Those of you that wear them - please tell me I'm not going to be disappointed!

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mntentman

05/02/2012 03:04PM

quote MadDog2020: "I wear old running shoes around camp but I have a hard time finding comfortable waterproof footwear for the trip in. I hate wet feet so watershoes are out. After seeing them mentioned several time here, I ordered a pair of Vasque Breeze's that are supposed to be waiting for me when I get home tonight. Those of you that wear them - please tell me I'm not going to be disappointed! "

I'm guessing I have a dozen pair of hiking boots. 95% of the time I wear the Breeze. They are excellent boots.

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shsylvester

05/02/2012 03:16PM

quote Scout64: "quote schweady: "quote shavdaddy81: "so you guys that all wear the wool socks, I assume you get the socks wet in the shoes eh, just walk on out in the water? So how many pairs of socks do you pack.
"
Yes. One more pair than the number of days out. Smartwool is my luxury item.
"

I gotta say: I don't skimp on underwear and socks. I carry enough for a clean pair every day. And, after reading this, I may just bring one more pair than the number of days out. Thanks"

Rule of thumb for underwear: Two pair. Wear one pair till it's looking bad. Wear the second pair till the first pair looks good. Switch.

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Savage Voyageur

05/02/2012 03:49PM

My June footwear is a pair of Merrel boots for portaging and around camp, and a pair of LaCrosse Knee high neoprene boots.

"So many lakes, so little time."

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MadDog2020

05/03/2012 08:05AM

fitgers1/mntentman,

Thanks for the endorsement on the Vasque Breeze. As promised, they were waiting for me when I got home last night. They fit like a glove! I can't wait to give them their first trial in a few weeks.

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jphares44

05/03/2012 11:21AM

quote shsylvester: "quote Scout64: "quote schweady: "quote shavdaddy81: "so you guys that all wear the wool socks, I assume you get the socks wet in the shoes eh, just walk on out in the water? So how many pairs of socks do you pack.
"
Yes. One more pair than the number of days out. Smartwool is my luxury item.
"

I gotta say: I don't skimp on underwear and socks. I carry enough for a clean pair every day. And, after reading this, I may just bring one more pair than the number of days out. Thanks"

Rule of thumb for underwear: Two pair. Wear one pair till it's looking bad. Wear the second pair till the first pair looks good. Switch."

Now THAT's good stuff!!

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shavdaddy81

05/03/2012 11:31AM

Got a pair of water shoes last night from Bass Pro on sale. Feel great and have a good toe on them...can't wait to try em out next month in Quetico. $40 on sale for $25...not bad =) Looks like they will dry out overnight, so should be good to go

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Scout64

05/03/2012 06:12PM

"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit."

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billgknapp

Guest Paddler

05/03/2012 08:50PM

I have always used a pair of Merrill water shoes that have the mesh that won't allow little stones in. Whatever you wear in the water CANNOT let anything larger than sand in. Like everyone else here, wool socks are key. I bring three pairs of thinner wool socks and one pair of really thick ones. Our camp shoes are fake Crocs that you can buy at places like Meijer (in Michigan) for $12. The nice thing about the "crocs" is they are very light, yet have some toe protection around camp so you won't stub your toes on tree roots, etc. They also drain very well and are never wet inside. Wear 'em with the fat wool socks and it is a real luxury after having your feet wet all day. Make sure your feet dry out at night. The, even if you have to put on wet boots and socks in the morning, you'll be OK. I did order a pair of the 6" OTB Abyss II boots and they should arrive any day. My son had a pair of the Abyss I boots and loved them last year in Quetico. He said they were very light and gave him confident footing in steep rocky portages. They drain like CRAZY. I ordered a pair of the Quetico Trekkers last year, and never wore them, as they seemed too nice and didn't really seem like they would hold up well when sloggng through mud. I could be wrong, but I know the OTBs are tough.

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TeamTuna06

05/04/2012 01:04AM

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles." -Doug Larson

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tonyyarusso

05/04/2012 03:57AM

Re: the Vasque Breeze
I had a pair of those, and they felt wonderful. Unfortunately, they also wore out prematurely, as they had seams and mesh too low down on the sides at the articulation point between your foot and toes. However, the design has been updated to correct this problem in the most recent version of the boot, and I have full confidence that the new style will serve you quite well. Considering picking up a pair of the new ones to replace mine.

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Beaverjack

05/04/2012 06:02AM

For you wetfooters, do you also portage with wet feet and unsupported ankles, or do you change into a pair of dry hiking boots?

Tony

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schweady

05/04/2012 07:41AM

quote Beaverjack: "For you wetfooters, do you also portage with wet feet and unsupported ankles, or do you change into a pair of dry hiking boots?"
the former. and I know what you are insinuating. just lucky so far, eh.

"You can observe a lot by watching." -- Yogi Berra

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JeremyT

05/04/2012 08:10AM

quote customchevy350: "Vibram five fingers are great. Just sandals at camp"

I am also in the Vibram Five Fingers camp.

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Lymphocytosis

05/04/2012 11:12AM

quote Beaverjack: "For you wetfooters, do you also portage with wet feet and unsupported ankles, or do you change into a pair of dry hiking boots?"

Not all wet foot shoes leave you with unsupported ankles. The OTB boots breathe extremely well, dry out reasonably within the first hundred feet of the portage, and support my ankles. I think they are the best of both worlds. I'm not too wet to be uncomfortable, my ankles are supported, and I don't waste time at portages changing my shoes.

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NTierNewbie

Guest Paddler

05/12/2012 10:42AM

quote SouthernExposure: "I use low-cut hiking shoes with soldering-iron-burned water vents and merino wool socks. I carry three pair. Two pair are always in rotation: One pair to wear and one pair drying on the top of the canoe pack in the sun. The third pair are kept dry and worn around camp with a pair of sandals.

SE"

Where on the boot do you burn the drain holes? bottom? sides of soles?

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hopalonghowie

05/12/2012 10:19PM

I've only got one trip under my belt but I tried the ll bean maine hunting shoes, sno sealed the heck out of them but my feet still got damp, with wool socks on my feet though i was still comfortable. I think I was better off than my brother who wore rubber boots but had water spilling over the tops every day. I'll wear my boots again though. I also like the idea of the neoprene socks/waders like the chota hippies or frogg toggs rana hippers. I suppose that with the waders I wouldn't need the 16" boots, but I still like them so I'm sure I'd wear them anyways

Bad days fishing are still better than good days working -h

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