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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Wading boots/shoes
 
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Hoaf
03/19/2024 09:04AM
  
Do you use the Keens as a wading boot, i.e. with 3mm neoprene socks, such as the Chota Hippies?


If so, do they drain well, and how much did you size up?


I've had a pair of Chota Caney Fork wading boots purchased in 2012 and put literally hundreds of miles on them portaging and bushwhacking in the toughest terrain imaginable. The soles are finally starting to wear through to the cushion mid-sole and aren't repairable. Of course, they do not make this boot any more and their new offerings aren't half as durable.


Considering other options to replace them.



 
kjw
03/19/2024 02:26PM
  
I use Keen Voyageur with a Smart Wool sock. It drains well. It is mid-high hiking shoe.
 
4keys
04/18/2024 08:01PM
  
osteology: "Has anyone seen the new Level Six boot yet?
Level Six boots "


I bought a pair while at canoecopia. I had tried the NRS also while there, but had trouble getting them on over my calves. So far I have only used the gulf boot from level 6 once. They did keep my feet warm in early April water, I liked the gator at the top, and that they are flexible enough to roll up to stuff in a pack. The jury is still out on the sole - I’m not sure if it is stiff enough / thick enough so you don’t feel small rocks on portages. I’ll have to experiment a few more times. For me the ankle strap Velcro placement is off- I would like a tighter strap but my husband did not have this issue.

 
keth0601
02/18/2024 03:59PM
  
Have a pair of Chota hybrids that I've been using the last couple of years both for trout fishing with waders and for canoe tripping in the shoulder season with my dry suit. They've been plenty comfortable (even for portaging) and reasonably light but they're starting to come apart now. Curious to know if anyone is using something similar that they like that's more durable?


 
osteology
02/25/2024 09:05AM
  
Has anyone seen the new Level Six boot yet?
Level Six boots
 
TomT
04/16/2024 07:17PM
  
I’ve narrowed down my new boot selection between the Keen Voyageurs and the NRS Storm boot.


I like the NRS boot because they are made to be in water and drain well. But I can’t figure out why they have a side zipper? Seems like something that if it failed mid trip could be a problem.


Anyone have experience with these?
NRS Storm boot
 
plmn
04/17/2024 09:05AM
  
I've always liked Keen sandals, but for whatever reason I've found their shoes to be uncomfortable. Something with the way they fit my foot just doesn't work very well. I use Merrell Moabs and they work OK but not great for wet footing. They don't dry out very fast and the soles aren't the best for wet rocks. But for an all around shoe that can do just about anything from office to hiking and do it comfortably I love them.


I bought a pair of Astral TR1s for wet footing this year so I'm looking forward to seeing how that goes. The caveat with those is that they are so lightweight I don't expect them to last all that long or be great for hiking.
 
TomT
04/17/2024 09:01PM
  
Marten: "I have some really hard use on my Atlai's with months of wading and general use. Light and tough. Icey crust did abrade the sides some. Outlet models but never found the reason why.



Atlas Boots Outlet site "


Marten, how’s the drainage on those. I like the price. Thanks
 
Marten
04/17/2024 09:32AM
  
I have some really hard use on my Atlai's with months of wading and general use. Light and tough. Icey crust did abrade the sides some. Outlet models but never found the reason why.


Atlas Boots Outlet site
 
alpinebrule
04/17/2024 04:50PM
  
I apologize for somewhat non-responsive input.
For relatively warm weather I favor, like others, Keen sandals for in and out. You do have to be careful of where you put your feet in the water. Then unless the shortest of portages I change to real boots to portage, what's a few minutes, then back to the sandals on the other end if necessary. Lets my feet dry, breath, between portages and then love the sandals in camp with thick cushy socks.
No matter what I have a hard time believing, anything you repeatedly get wet will hold up well long term.
 
Speckled
02/20/2024 08:31AM
  
I used have Chota's, went through a couple pairs over the years. I liked the originals the best. I just picked up a pair of NRS Boundary Boots for myself this Christmas. Bought a pair for both my wife and son's girlfriend last year and they both loved them. Looking forward to trying them this year.
 
Marten
04/19/2024 01:23PM
  
TomT: "Marten: "I have some really hard use on my Atlai's with months of wading and general use. Light and tough. Icey crust did abrade the sides some. Outlet models but never found the reason why.




Atlas Boots Outlet site "



Marten, how’s the drainage on those. I like the price. Thanks"

I had anticipated drilling a hole but never did. For whatever reason they never seemed heavy with water. Not being leather kept the wet weight down. I have put what would amount to 7 normal canoe trips on these 8 inch boots and see no difference in them. A perk is how easy they slip off and on. Reading all the posts about finding a good wet footing boot in today's market makes me fully endorse the Atlais. I ended up stocking up on on them and have 4 pair of the 8 inch and 2 pair of the 6 inch. Total cost for all last year was $260. Heading to a marsh tomorrow to wet foot while reseeding and know it will be the best option.
 
keth0601
03/19/2024 02:33PM
  
I wonder if one could size up on the keens to allow fitting with a drysuit or waders with a neoprene sock and then add an insole for regular use like with the chota hybrids?
 
A1t2o
03/19/2024 01:35PM
  
I use the Keens as well, but not with a neoprene sock. I almost always go in June so I just don't see a reason to keep my feet that dry. If anything, walking into the lake at the end of a portage is a good way to cool off. It does mean that my feet are wet the entire time we are traveling so I usually try to keep them dry until we hit the first real portage of the day.


I find that the boots don't drain so much as pump out the water as you walk. I do wear wool socks though and they hold on to a lot of water by themselves. Usually after about a dozen steps or so, I don't really feel the extra weight in my boots anymore.


They do not dry out overnight. Depending on the site and when we stop for the day, they might be somewhat dry, but usually they don't dry at all at night due to how cool it gets in June. Layover days usually get them mostly dry with warm weather and sun.
 
AlexanderSupertramp
03/20/2024 09:43AM
  
I bought a pair cheap ones from Amazon for like $90. Foxelli I think? I paired those with Chota Hippies. The boots have been on two BWCA trips and have held up great. Good traction, comfortable enough.
 
WHendrix
02/29/2024 08:17PM
  
I'm not sure but I will say this. I wear a size 9 in my normal shoes and boots. I use the Chota knee high waders and I needed the pair of Chota boots I had in a size 11 to accomodate the waders while the Simms size 10 were fine for the waders. I've not used them long enough to tell for sure, but they seem to be much better built than any other wading boot I've had, which is a bunch, since I've been a fly fisher for nearly 70 years. Simms has a reputation that backs that up.
 
gravelroad
02/29/2024 03:47PM
  
RedLakePaddler: "Thomas
Good morning!
I have grown very found of NRS boots. I have 3 pairs of their boots.
NRS Boundary Water Boots for warmer weather when I am not using my dry suit and Lasted year I purchased both their Storm boots and work wet boots.
I plan on using the Storm Boots with my dry suit this spring. They have way more support than either of the other boots. The Wet Work boots and the Boundary Water boots are more flexible.
Give them a call, they are very helpful. Also watch for deals on their site. I haven’t paid list price yet.


Carl"


osteology: "Has anyone seen the new Level Six boot yet?
Level Six boots "


I have the Boundary Water Boots and use them for kayaking on Lake Superior during the winter. IMO, they are too soft underfoot and too flexible to use as portage footwear, but YMMV. Ditto for the Level Six boots in question.


I wish I hadn't seen those Storm Boots just now, as they look like just the ticket for portaging.
 
RedLakePaddler
02/19/2024 08:14AM
  
Thomas
Good morning!
I have grown very found of NRS boots. I have 3 pairs of their boots.
NRS Boundary Water Boots for warmer weather when I am not using my dry suit and Lasted year I purchased both their Storm boots and work wet boots.
I plan on using the Storm Boots with my dry suit this spring. They have way more support than either of the other boots. The Wet Work boots and the Boundary Water boots are more flexible.
Give them a call, they are very helpful. Also watch for deals on their site. I haven’t paid list price yet.


Carl
 
WHendrix
02/20/2024 06:41PM
  
These
Simms Flyweight Boots
 
fadersup
02/29/2024 06:20PM
  
WHendrix: "These
Simms Flyweight Boots "


The Vibram soles seem ideal for portaging, are these built wide or narrow?
 
Nozzelnut
03/01/2024 02:52PM
  
Simms wading boots are relatively wide. I buy the same street shoe size for wading boots.
 
unshavenman
03/01/2024 05:03PM
  
I went through a couple pairs of the Chota boot and got sick of them falling apart after a couple seasons, so I have since switched to the Keen Voyageur mid boot and have been very pleased with their comfort, grip and durability.
 
kjw
03/01/2024 05:13PM
  
unshavenman: "I went through a couple pairs of the Chota boot and got sick of them falling apart after a couple seasons, so I have since switched to the Keen Voyageur mid boot and have been very pleased with their comfort, grip and durability."
+1 I got the Keens last year and they worked great.