Nora's Question:

Nora

Expert Answer:

I'm glad to see another convert from open toe sandals. I've always been concerned about the lack of protection and the higher risk of injuries when sandal-clad feet are mixed up with loose river bed rocks. In addition, the straps can present increased risk of entrapment in branches and logjams, and of course pebbles get in far easier than they get out!

I've been using the Northwest River Supplies's Workboot ($64.50, 800/635-5202; www.nrsweb.com) with great success for more than a full season. They are a lace-up, 7-inch boot, with a built-in neoprene sock that provides the insulation I want in my cold water paddling locations. The sole is a cleated, grippy rubber that works quite well on rocks, and very well on soft surfaces. The neoprene sock is nylon on both sides, and supplies some insulation while at the same time keeping stones and grit out of the boots. I use the Workboots primarily for canoeing in a kneeling position, though I have also used them successfully for sea kayaking. The new model this year apparently has a stiffer sole, which should improve its performance on shore. However, if you have big feet, this may make them a bit awkward in low volume kayaks.

If you decide you want to consider an uninsulated but lower-cut shoe, I've also been using Five-Ten Water Tennies ( $89.00, 909/798-4222; www.five-ten.com) with success for several years. In my cold-water location I wear them over neoprene socks. The shoes have a neoprene cuff to help keep out gravel. The upper is partly mesh and has drain holes. The sole grips reasonably in a variety of situations. Closure is with straps and buckles.

The Water Tennie's sole is stiffer than my earlier model NRS Workboots, so they were better on some of those 5.7"portages"! However the new NRS model may be up in the same shore-performance league now. The Water Tennie has undergone some redesigning for Spring 2000, and in the picture on the website it appears to be a little higher than mine.