Watershoes -- which ones do you have?

[Dan_Millsip]

I've been using neoprene watershoes up until now, in fact, I just recently purchased a pair of NRS Kicker Wetshoes that I've only worn a couple of times and so far find them to be quite a good shoe. They fit snuggly and my foot doesn't slide around in them like so many other neoprene shoes that I've worn. The soles look like they're fairly durable but don't offer a great deal of tread suitable for hiking and this brings me to the point of this post.

I like to explore a bit when I stop at a beach or interesting spot but I find that neoprene shoes don't offer much support for hiking and climbing around. And my feet remain wet long after I've stepped out of water.

I'm looking for a shoe that works well on land and in the kayak. After looking around a bit I've narrowed my search to a few options:

Salomon Techamphibian
Price: $95.00

Merrell Ultra-sport
Price: $110.00

Keen Taos
Price: $130.00

Does anyone here have any experience with any of these shoes or have any opinions of them? Or know of a different shoe that I should also be considering?

*****

 

[Astoriadave]

I've been using a pair of Five Ten Nemo Highs for a year or so, an upgrade from an earlier version. It has a neoprene anklet seal, which keeps out pebbles and sand: http://www.noc.com/store/item_3163.html?a=11

Does not have an aggressive tread or as much ankle support as the ones you show, Dan, but the rubber is very good on slippery things, and it works well for me on shoreside scrambles. The mesh is backed with a porous liner that keeps out sand, but does not free itself of water quickly. I hate having sand between my toes in a watershoe! :lol:

 

[Peel]

I use a pair of Sperry Figawi Sneakers. They are quick dry, but don't have the hiking sole that the salomon's you show do. All the openings are mesh covered, so they don't let in much grit/sand. I actually got them for sailing, but they have performed good in any sport that my feet might get wet.

 

[Batstar]

I’ve been wearing a pair of hybrid Keen H2s for the past year and-a-half and find them to be a far better alternative than were my previous pairs of Tevas. I always found that the Velcro on them would eventually tire and the straps would be left dangling.

At first, I was a bit concerned that the H2’s large rubber toe cap might impede in cockpit exit/entry and foot placement but it has never become an issue. Despite having more webbing than other sandals I’ve worn in the past, the H2s seem to dry just as fast even after a long day on the water. Hey, they’re even machine washable. Keen’s thick grippy soles make it easy to walk on all types of surfaces and the webbing is lined with cushy neoprene that won’t chafe you’re feet.

The Taos would likely offer better overall protection and support and has waterproof leather uppers whereas the H2 has polyester webbing. The only drawback one might find with the Taos when compared to the other water shoes are the non-meshed openings where sand can enter.

 

[keabird]

I have the Keen Boulders, which are very similar to the Taos. I have really enjoyed them. They are by far the most comfortable "water" shoes I have put on. I have walked many miles in them in both city and off road conditions. I like the Boulders because you can take the insoles out to clean them. After a year of constant immersion and drying they have no smell. My only complaint is that when small rocks get into the shoe, the only way to get them out is to slip the shoe off. This is were sandals like Chacos have the advantage.

 

[rider]

I like my combination of neoprene socks and sport sandals. since my size 12 feet are way crammed in the elaho with any sort of rigid sole footwear, i wear sandals to where i launch and stick em on the deck or into dayhatch. they feel grippy enough walking around and it maximizes foot space while providing warmth in the boat (or swimming ) and cheap, so cheap for under 20 bucks for both.

 

[Mark_Schilling]

I've found I can wear pretty much anything in the Romany, but my sz. 11 feet are crammed into the Tern 14 if I'm wearing anything thicker than neoprene booties. Even sandals are a no-go in Minnie. So, it's booties on cool days or bare feet on warm days. I've been known to wear warm hiking boots in the Romany, when I know I can get in and out of the boat on a dock (and not risk getting my feet wet!).