I paddle a kayak and I have size 12 feet. I first bought Kickers but got tired of sand and gravel getting in the ankle high booties. I bought a pair of Warmers that keep the sand and gravel out.
My problem is not enough footroom under the deck for a comfortable foot position. The Kickers are a bit smaller and the sole is shaped for a better fit under the deck than the Warmers.
I’m looking for a small footpring shoe/bootie with a rigid heelcap. What bootie/shoe should I try? any suggestions?
Thanks.
Check Scuba shops
– Last Updated: Aug-13-12 1:47 PM EST –
Think out of the box for similar water sports.
A scuba shop might have exactly what you like.
Personally I think NRS has great stuff
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2307
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiAWOOOnYzw
Best paddling shoes
One thing I like about these is that they really protect my feet and they do allow room for my big feet under the deck.
http://paddlingandsailing.blogspot.com/2012/05/best-paddling-shoes-of-all-time.html
Thanks
The NRS Kicker wood be better if it were a high top. Maybe they have it.
Footroom has been an issue for me from day one of kayaking. My feet don’t comfortably splay open (duck-footed)which doesn’t help the issue.
I have a composite Capella 173, my first kayak, with plenty of footroom. When I was looking for a second more manueverable plastic boat for the local slow-flow rivers I tried the large Alchemy, an old Looksha Sport 14 and the large Zephyr. I had footroom issues with those boats. For a short time I paddled the Tsunami 145 (sausage boat). The Tsunami has lots of footroom but too vanilla for me.
I eventually moved the seat back two inches in a Zephyr 160 and it became a “perfect fit” for the kind of paddling I do. I could still benefit by a slightly more compact shoe/bootie.
Thanks again for any suggestions.
pads
I got frustrated trying to find footwear with a good heel for the kayak position, and put heel pads in my boat. That gave me more options for what I put on my feet.