Re: [Paddlewise] Footwear

Michael Bradley wrote:

> I was in my local 'Gimme-all-your-cash' outdoor shop yesterday and there, on
> the shelf beckoning me in their direction were a pair of neat Teva 'running
> shoes' with little mesh inserts along the sides for letting the water run out
> (and the sand in?). Anyway, they seemed to be an interesting answer to the
> need-more-sandal without going the too-much-shoe-to paddle-in problem.
>
> Anyone tried these things? No, I didn't buy, I'll shop around a bit first...

They sound like the Teva Wet Climbers.  I have those, as well as Hi-Tec Piranhas.

I use the Piranhas in the water and kayak and the Tevas at the campsites.  The Tevas
are such a nice shoe, I haven't brought myself to abuse them in the water.  They are
fairly sticky on wet rock (but not on slimey wet rock), slightly better than the Piranhas.
This is probably due to the siped sole.  The Piranhas offer better drainage.  The little
screened holes on the side of the Tevas really work - I've seen water squirt out of them
while walking after getting them soaked.  The Tevas with a scree collar around the
top are better at keeping gravel and crud off your feet.  Fine sand does get in, through
the mesh and all of both shoes.  For walking, the Piranhas are slightly more comfortable,
due to the shaped footbed.  The footbed is stiff. The Tevas are rather hard and rather stiff.
The footbed is flat.

Take a look at the Five Ten Nemos before buying the Tevas.  They weren't available in
Canada until after I bought my shoes.

The best in my opinion?   Not made yet.   I'd like a shoe with serious drainage, slightly
flexible sole (stiffer than a reef boot, softer than the Tevas), good shaped footbed (like
Superfeet),  fine mesh to keep out the sand and made of materials that dry quickly.  The
soles should wear like iron and grip on crud-covered rock like felt soles are reputed to do.
Adjustable enough to wear barefoot or with SeanSkinz or even neoprene socks.

I've been tempted to make my own footwear.  I've got some ideas... Nemo sole kits are
available... one of these days...

Mike


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