Gander Mtn. Has these on sale and I’m in need of a new pair of paddling shoes. Couldn’t find a pair of Keens locally anywhere and three outlet sources returned my order with a sorry out of that size…The price ($42.50)is reasonable but I’m really leery of the two chintzy straps (especially the buckle top strap)getting caught (on anything) during an exit or holding up much past a month of use. The sole and construction look ok.I’d prefer the Keen all rubber construction (including the insole)but for the rest of this season I need something now.
Wondering if anyone else has these and if so, your experience with em.
No help with Teva but …
Sierra Trading Post has several water shoes including some from Salomon and Columbia at very good prices, but limited sizes. I have a pair of Columbia Hell’s Canyon (which have laces) and just picked up the Salomon Tosello. Both have very good support and stick like glue on wet slippery surfaces such as boat launch ramps.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/
Here is a review of the Columbia and a different model Salomon.
http://www.seakayakermag.com/2003/03Feb/foot01.htm
Mixed
I was given a pair of these awhile ago to demo and found that they were ok for touring, buckle/strap hazzard never seemed to be a problem, but for whitewater or where a boat had a low deck they were unworkable. They are very comfy on land but due to their street construction they definitely do not fit into most play boats and lower volume sea kayaks. I figured that raft guides would very much like these but I found 5-10 being a much more viable choice and the rubber that they use is much tackier and allows me to run over slime covered rocks on whitewater trips and to travel comfortably in my sea kayaks when guiding on flatwater. OK my $.02 is up.
See you on the water,
Marshall
http://www.the-river-connection.com
Re:Mixed…
I’m looking at using them primarily for flatwater kayaking. I wasn’t crazy about the height of the ankle area but the soles looked sturdy enough that I wouldn’t get foot fatigue (against the keeper foot braces)and sturdy enough I could portage with ease in em. The low volumn problem isn’t with either of my boats. I was more concerned with the belt setups and the neoprene like materials. The KEENs were just rubber (almost like the old BETA Cycling shoes)which made cleanup a breeze…and their lower ankle height made on&off a breeze plus they drained xlnt. These don’t have any holes in the soles and the neoprene looks like it could get nasty real fast…especially if I can’t get to someplace where I can hose em out daily.
I have a pair that have
essentially disintegrated. they are worthless for whitewater or surf kayaks, and excellent for touring, sea kayaking, but unfortunately they do not hold up to steady use. buy something else.
Thanks…
Looking at the neoprene liner I got the impression these wouldn’t stand the test of time much less round upon round of being hosed out.