After a couple of hours of paddling in my Mariner Elan, the backs of my heels begin to hurt where they contact the hull. I normally wear a combination of very thin poly liner socks, SealSkinz waterblockers, and NRS Rodeo socks. Due to the limited foot room (I wear size 8-1/2 to 9), regular kayaking boots such as Chotas will not fit due to their bulky heels, nor will Teva sandals. So I need something with a low profile, rounded heel that will provide some cushioning, and be useful for walking about once ashore. I am going to try placing a piece cut from a thin foam sleeping pad under the footbrace area, as suggested by a fellow kayaker. But after researching other options and suggestions, I am also considering Lotus Playboots or Five-Ten Nemo Water Shoes. I'd greatly appreciate some feedback! Thanks... merlin *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Merlin Emrys wrote: >...I need something with a low profile, rounded heel that will >provide some cushioning, and be useful for walking about once ashore. I had similar problems and settled on Teva Protons: http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?stat=7889&langId=-1&storeId=8000&textQuery=teva+proton&x=15&y=12 or http://www.sonomaoutfitters.com/pad_cloth/tv_pro.html They have a rounded heel that rests well on the bottom of the kayak and they don't require any more clearance than neoprene booties. Brian Curtiss *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Merlin Emrys wrote: > Due to the limited foot room (I wear size 8-1/2 to 9), regular kayaking > boots such as Chotas will not fit due to their bulky heels, nor will Teva > sandals. So I need something with a low profile, rounded heel that will > provide some cushioning, and be useful for walking about once ashore. > Merlin, I had the same problem and wear a US size 9. My Stinky Shoes, that now smell nice, are the Chota River Runner Low Top Bootie, they have a rounded heal and a sole that'll let you walk over sharp rocks. http://www.chotaoutdoorgear.com/paddle.asp?model=NB400&type=paddle&style=2 > I am going to try placing a piece cut from a thin foam sleeping pad under > the footbrace area, Before getting these, I had a piece of thin mini cell foam contact cemented under my heals. It worked for a while but after a year of getting in and out it was shreaded and I went looking for a more permanent solution. John Blackburn *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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