We are about to embark on a season of canoeing, canoe camping and river (not whitewater) kayaking. After looking through many magazines and photographs, it seems most people wear sandals. That is my first thought also, mostly because of the land and water usage. My question is this: What are the various sandals in use out there for land and water use. Please give reason for your enthusiasm. I am looking for brand names, how they wear, how long they wear, etc. Stan Heeres *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> What are the various sandals in use out there for land and water use. > Please give reason for your enthusiasm. I am looking for brand names, > how they wear, how long they wear, etc. I absolutely *LOVE* my Chaco sandals. They're a little pricey (~$70), but they're worth it (and more!) to me. There are no buckles or velcro. It tightens or loosens by a buckle (slidelock? I don't know what it's called, but it's the same thing that's on shoulder straps on a backpack). The webbing straps run under the footbed and slide through, so it's all infinitely adjustable (great if you have weird feet). They have Vibram soles laminated to the rubber/foam/whatever footbed and can be resoled. They also come in different shapes/widths. Mine (the "Elan" model) is made for wider feet. I have feet that are nearly round: 9EEEE and a really high instep. These sandals fit me like a glove (err, a sock, I guess). Worth their weight in gold. Cheers, Steve =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Steven Jarvis sjarvis_at_dicksonstreet.com Fayetteville, Arkansas USA =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I always worry about stumping my toes in sandals. Or worse, cutting my feet. I have even seen folks kayaking barefooted. Seems to be a risk to me. Stan wrote: > From: Stan Heeres <sheeres_at_net-link.net> > Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2000 11:59:30 -0800 > To: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subject: [Paddlewise] Footwear > > > After looking through many magazines and photographs, it seems most > people wear sandals. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Stan, I am a sandal man through and through. I wear them from late Spring to early Fall both for paddling and for getting around in general, even light hiking. My experience has been with Tevas, Alps, and Chacos and, earlier, with a fine brand of sandal (forget its name) that went out of operation in the late 1980s. The best of the lot from my point of view are the Alps, now made by Teva (which acquired the company a few years ago) and the Chacos. For years I swore by the Alps. They fit tight because they don't use velcro and have multi-straps. There traction was excellent. I have probably gone through about 7 pairs. But two years ago I got a heel spur and found that the only thing that worked are the Chacos, Z straps. The footbed is the next best thing to an orthotic device. Even my foot doctor commented favorably on them when I showed him what I was wearing when not in orthotics. My heel spur has gone away (cortisone shots, ultrasound, and orthotics); if it weren't for the Chacos also helping, I am not certain how I would have done. ralph diaz Stan Heeres wrote: > > We are about to embark on a season of canoeing, canoe camping and river > (not whitewater) kayaking. > > After looking through many magazines and photographs, it seems most > people wear sandals. That is my first thought also, mostly because of > the land and water usage. > > My question is this: > > What are the various sandals in use out there for land and water use. > Please give reason for your enthusiasm. I am looking for brand names, > how they wear, how long they wear, etc. > > Stan Heeres > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not > to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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, but I have been using something similar from Adidas for a couple years. Only it is almost *entirely* made of mesh with a serious tread, modeled on a running shoe last, but with a huge round-the-heel bulbous pad to cushion the heel. As others have mentioned, traditional sandals allow foot damage and do not prevent small rocks from getting lodged under your arch. These Adidas wonders (got 'em on a closeout deal somewhere) DO allow sand inside, but no rocks. After half a day of beach launches they need a shake-out, but otherwise, they work well. Suspect somebody makes a similar unit. These are truly ugly -- probably why they ended up in the closeout bin. Sierra West is a good source for stuff like this -- but you gotta be patient. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
some of the fancy shoes look nice but I've got by for years with standard neoprene (warm) booties. Sure they get sand etc in, but isn't this the sea and beach? what do we expect! In my boat I carry a pair of the good old dunlop volleys (old style canvas sandshoes) in my boat - low volume, cheap,great grip, dry easily etc. Could easily be used in the boat if necessary nick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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