[Paddlewise] Water Shoes

I've spent quite a long time looking at shoe alternatives too.  Here in Gulf coast Texas, keeping the feet warm isn't a big issue, but I consider protection from sharp oyster shells a top priority.  The cheapie "water shoes" may be OK on a sand beach, but don't stay on the feet worth a flip in mud (and sooner or later you'll find it here...) or turbulence. Lousy on rocks, not much support for any kind of walking. As noted in other strands, many of the other varieties don't dry very well either.  I've finally tried Salomon Tech Amphibians and I am very happy with them.  Well ventilated, drain well, good foot protection, great for walking.  I did have to resort to ordering through the Internet however, it's hard to find women's shoes in the smaller size range (i.e., men's smallest sizes way too big for me) in local shops.  I'm not a fan of sandals either, little or no foot protection among oyster shells or fire ants, sunburn on top of the foot when out of the boat, potential for entrapment in rough exits.  Thankfully I've never had to worry about foot size and fitting in the boat.

Natalie Wiest
Galveston, Texas
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