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 *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I recycle my running shoes into all-purpose walking around shoes and then into something like household slippers before abandoning them to the status as water shoes. By stage 3 they fit so comfortably I don't bother lacing them. By stage 4, still laceable, they are exceedingly comfortable, well-ventilated, give good protection against sharp rocks, and even function as adequate land shoes for short distances. I don't care if I ruin them cause there's always another pair in the garage. Not necessarily the solution for everyone, but it works for me. TFJ ---------------------------------------- The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged, confidential, and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any further disclosure or use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message or any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you think that you have received this e-mail message in error, please delete it and notify the sender. ======================================== *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On 25 Oct 2004 at 12:24, Joyce, Thomas F. wrote: > I recycle my running shoes into all-purpose walking around shoes and > then into something like household slippers before abandoning them to > the status as water shoes. I wish I could do that. The problem I have is that the soles of most running shoes are too thick (especially at the heel) and with my big feet, I can't get them into the kayak. Even water shoes that are similar to running shoes almost always have thick heels. It seems that water shoe designers go to two extremes - ultra-thin soles with no support and little protection or thick soles like serious running shoes that only fit in a kayak if you've got size 6 feet. I have an old pair of Teva water shoes that are intermediate in sole thickness and work ok. Naturally, they are out of production and the "leather", supposedly ideal for water, is turning into cardboard after being soaked and dried repeatedly. Mike *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I'll repeat my endorsement of the Five-Ten watershoes I use: the Nemo, which comes in a low version and a high-top version. Mine: http://www.spelean.com.au/FT/Product/water/nemo.html About USD $55, here, anyway: http://www.sportextreme.com/pz1000004x10017yUSD/ The heels are not huge, the soles are not overly thick, and the rubber seems to do a better-than-average job of reducing slippery rocks to reliable stepping stones. They drain pretty well, and have removable inserts for quicker drying ... which has never seemed like a major requirement for a shoe that is used wet almost all the time. No affiliation with Five Ten, or the retailer URL'ed above. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Daly" <mikedaly_at_magma.ca> > The problem I have is that the soles of most > running shoes are too thick (especially at the heel) and with my big > feet, I can't get them into the kayak. Even water shoes that are > similar to running shoes almost always have thick heels. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On 25 Oct 2004 at 12:37, Dave Kruger wrote: > I'll repeat my endorsement of the Five-Ten watershoes I use: the > Nemo, which comes in a low version and a high-top version. Mine: > http://www.spelean.com.au/FT/Product/water/nemo.html I tried them on and the largest size is just too small. If they were a half size bigger, they'd be perfect. Bummer, since they were on sale at MEC cheaper than the US price! One thing I didn't like about the high top version (aside from scrunching my toes) was that the upper part wasn't smooth and bits of the fabric and such dug into the top of my foot. I don't remember if it was a seam or a zipper. I expected a much smoother insides, like my generic reef boots. I wouldn't be able to wear them barefoot for very long. It could be the sample I tried was defective. In the back of my mind is a plan to get a Five-Ten resole kit and glue that to a heavy neoprene sock. In fact, I might still do that when the latex socks wear out on my drysuit. Mike *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> I'll repeat my endorsement of the Five-Ten watershoes I use: the Nemo, which > comes in a low version and a high-top version. Mine: > http://www.spelean.com.au/FT/Product/water/nemo.html > > About USD $55, here, anyway: > http://www.sportextreme.com/pz1000004x10017yUSD/ > > The heels are not huge, the soles are not overly thick, and the rubber seems > to do a better-than-average job of reducing slippery rocks to reliable > stepping stones. Dave, did you ever have NRS Shark Attack, can you tell how fast these Five-Ten dry compared to NRS Shark? *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
No experience with Shark Attack. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR ----- Original Message ----- From: "alex" <al.m_at_3web.net> > Dave, did you ever have NRS Shark Attack, can you tell how fast these > Five-Ten dry compared to NRS Shark? *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I love my shoes made by a Canadian company that are made of moulded foam. These shoes become increasingly popular in BC. They are durable, they float, they dry quick and they are extremely comfortable. In fact, I wear them at home too! Some people take them as the only pair of shoes on the two-week kayaking trips. The shoes are not sandals, but they have large holes to wash away that sand or gravel. The least but not last they cost only $24 CDN. Here is the manufacturer's website: http://www.holeysoles.com/ Cheers, Victor --- Natalie Wiest <wiestn_at_tamug.edu> wrote: > 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. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
My fiance loves hers, also. She got them from a catalog outlet somewhere. Surprisingly durable and comfy. They will not keep out sand and small stones, but they are easily flushed. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR ----- Original Message ----- From: "Victor Okunev" <unrealokun_at_yahoo.ca> >I love my shoes made by a Canadian company that are made of moulded foam. >These > shoes become increasingly popular in BC. They are durable, they float, they > dry > quick and they are extremely comfortable. In fact, I wear them at home too! > Some people take them as the only pair of shoes on the two-week kayaking > trips. > The shoes are not sandals, but they have large holes to wash away that sand > or > gravel. The least but not last they cost only $24 CDN. Here is the > manufacturer's website: http://www.holeysoles.com/ *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
For keeping out sand, highcut water shoes (neoprene diving types are most commonly available where I stay) are a good choice, the only problem being that their soles usually don't last very long. But considering that most of the time are spent on the kayak instead of walking around in them, one can consider them for their cheap prices. NRS's water shoes is good for covering above the ankle, and have a tough and durable soles for walking, but they are quite expensive in comparison. Best, Ong Yong Hui Singapore *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> I love my shoes made by a Canadian company that are made of moulded foam. These > shoes become increasingly popular in BC. They are durable, they float, they dry > quick and they are extremely comfortable. In fact, I wear them at home too! > Some people take them as the only pair of shoes on the two-week kayaking trips. > The shoes are not sandals, but they have large holes to wash away that sand or > gravel. The least but not last they cost only $24 CDN. Here is the > manufacturer's website: http://www.holeysoles.com/ Yes, good thing for summer. Very similar-looking ones cost $CDN 16 at MEC store (used to be CDN 20, but MEC has recently lowered prices in $CDN since $CDN is now more expensive): http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=676791&P RODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=575205&bmUID=1099088122204 Only one variety (no heel strap), and made in China. Though, my NRS Shark Attack Shoes are made there too. Many tents and sleeping bags by very respected brands are made in either Vietnam or China nowdays, as I can see. *************************************************************************** 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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