[Paddlewise] Sole Bothers

Dear Susie,

I've tried Tevas, Alp, Merrell, etc.  They all fell apart-especially the
Merrells.  Soles peel off the Tevas.  Velcro straps release when
swimming, unless you back them up with O rings.  Strap anchors come out
of the soles on Merrells.

I do a lot of boating, including WW  and extended sea kayak trips where
sandals are  all we wear in salt water.  Sometimes I've taken long side
canyon hikes and even gone trail running in sandals.   The hot ticket is
a pair of Chacos, model Z1.  Sometimes when we just have one vehicle on
river trips, I've given new meaning to the term "running shuttle" - just
hoofing it back to get the truck, by running on the cinders of the
railroad grade.   Obviously, in a tight WW boat, _especially one with
footpegs_ vs a bulkhead, you don't want to risk any kind of a sandal
getting snagged, and a smooth neoprene bootie is a better choice.  
However, I just clip the Chacos in behind the seat to wear outside the
ww kayak. The Z1 has a contoured footbed that is very comfortable.

Jay Gingrich,
Alma, Co
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