I am looking into getting some affordable cold weather boots for kayaking. I am considering the NRS Boundry Shoe and Neosport Explorer Boot. I was hoping to find some folks on these forums that might have some experience with either of these shoes and to get some thoughts. Thanks.
Boots
I have a pair of the Neosport boots, used twice for sale - what size do you need?
NRS Boundary Sock + sandals
After trying numerous boots, I came to the conclusion that anything rigid on the ankle bone was not going to work for me. I switched to the NRS Boundary Socks (not the Boundary shoes) and wear them with my Keen Sandals. I don’t know how much foot room you have in your kayak, but if you’re considering the NRS Boundary Boot, and it fits the boat, then the NRS Boundary Sock + Sandals would work also.
I love the combination. For cold water/weather, I wear a thin liner sock in the Boundary Sock + the sandals. When I get out of the water, I only have to remove the Boundary Sock and tighten up the sandals. Although the liner sock is sometimes slightly damp from perspiration, my feet are dry and warm.
I also like that I don’t have to have a separate pair of water shoes for summer or winter.
Jill
Kayak boots
just bought a pair of NRS Sasquatch boots & love em. on sale for $30 or so at Sierra Trading post-online. Order a size bigger than you normally wear. Really comfy without wearing socks.
My wife and I both have NRS Boundary
Boots, and like them very much.
They are completely waterproof.
A bit of advice, if you get them- Wear a pair of socks, (preferably smart wool or equal) with them.
Your feet will sweat, and without socks you’ll have to work hard to get them off.
They have a good solid bottom for portaging or hiking.
Guy
Caution - Kayak Boot Soles
Depending where you live, paddle, put-in, take-out,
keep in mind what the terrain is like and what
you’ll be walking over most of the time.
Angular shaped sharp rocks are no fun to walk upon
with soft/thin soled boots or kayak socks.
Boat ramps covered in algae can be very, very slick.
Muddy, silty, grassy, steep slopes, etc., etc,
It get pretty “personal” what you like, use, want.
SCUBA shops often carry great footwear.
I like these quite a bit:
NRS Paddle WetShoe
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2307&pdeptid=1169
Boots
I am a 11.5 shoe so I would probably need a size 12 boot.
Both
– Last Updated: Oct-25-12 7:16 AM EST –
I use the Neosport Explorer boots, and one of my paddling friends has the NRS Boundary. Both are warm, waterproof, and have worked very well for the relatively short portages we encounter. I use Smartwool socks under mine; he uses Thermaskins. We both feel they're among the best purchases we've made.
Neither of us has very large feet, so under-deck fit has not been an issue.
gnatcatcher
Alistairs Boots
If you still have them, what are you asking for the boots and how high are they?
Boundry boots
I wear them all winter and would recommemd them. Like others posting here I also wear them with socks(Menino wool). One of my kayaks has a toe controled rudder and there is no problem with control.
alistair’s boots
my boots are size 11, and I’d sell for $30 (50% of original price)
http://www.campmor.com/neosport-explorer-neoprene-boot.shtml?source=CI&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=45566
Chota Mukluk Lights work well for me.
I’ve been using only them since I got them last March for both kayaking and canoeing.
Much more flexible than the Chota Quicklace Mukluks that I’d been using for the previous 4 years.
NeoSport
boots are well made and have proved to be very durable. I’ve worn the same pair each Winter for 5 years. They have a flexible sole that’s very comfortable in the boat but not so great while walking on sharp rocks. There’s always a trade off.
The soles are wearing thin after all this time but they are still watertight. As with most brands, you may want to order a size up from your regular shoe size.
I love those
I also have a pair of booties but I almost never use them. Crocs work from May through most of September. Then there’s a narrow window when booties are good. By the end of September something taller is needed. So if price is a concern I would get only Chota Mukluks because they keep you warm and dry up to the knee.
Some conditions require booties in summer though (sea kayaking with rocky landings).
NRS
I have the Boundry Shoes and a pair of the boundry socks.the socks are great and the boots just as good.
plenty of support and good flex in the boots.
Neosport
I opted for a size 12 of the Neosport boots for $60 from Amazon. I also ran to Rutabaga here in Madison and picked up a pair of the Icebreakers socks (merino wool). Should have my boots by Thursday so I can use them Friday for fishing.
Boots - safety issue
I have the boundary shoe/boots myself and found them to be very warm and comfortable. However, I was cautioned by a more experienced paddler that if you come out of your boat - that these boots will fill up with water and either come off your feet or weigh you down and make self or assisted rescue that much tougher.
Anyone have personal experience with safety issues regarding these high boots?
I was thinking about you (the OP) today
since we were wearing our NRS boundary boots and thought I would drop you a hint.
If you do get them or Choata Mukluks, make sure to wear a pair of nylon, (or equal) socks with them. It makes it much easier to get them on and take them off.
Guy
Boots Safety
I can not speak directly of the NRS boots.
But my Choata Lite Mucklucks worn over my NRS wetsuit take on almost no water during relatively easy stepouts/swims. Less than 1/4 cup in my last 10 minutes bouncing down the Farmington below Goodwin Damn.
It’s easy enough to take a swim in yours and see how that works for you.
Neoprene against neoprene works
for a better seal than neoprene against nylon or other dry pant or dry suit material.
Chotas seal better with wetsuits than dry suits.