Aluminum bars for wading boots

[EricO]

Okay, so this is something new I haven't seen. Instead of screw in studs, alumbites, etc, I came across these on a website.

Strap-on river crampons that go over almost any wading boot. Made by Patagonia and due out in 2012.

The article says they inspire confidence because aluminum is malleable and conforms to a variety of surfaces. Can't wait to hear reviews on these. They are also making a boot with aluminum bars attached to a rubber sole. Thoughts/comments?

http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/22612.html

EO

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

In the 1970s "Creative Sports" in Walnut Creek, California had sandals that had aluminum bars and I think they were called "Muncies"??

[Ralph]

Yep. And don't forget Streamcleats from the 70's. Aluminum window frames pop riveted to galoshes with some sort of faux felt outsole. The more things change . . .

[pgw]

In the 1970s "Creative Sports" in Walnut Creek, California had sandals that had aluminum bars and I think they were called "Muncies"??

I still have the Muncie Steam Grids that Andy sold me, the big sale's pitch was your option to turn them over if they got worn...problem is, the more wear they got, the better they held!

These new devices from Patagonia have a lot in common with the Muncies.

Paul

[Fats]

All I know is that Aluminum canoes stick to any rock they hit in a river. The Stream Cleats do the same thing, although, they will cut any flyline you step on.

[EricO]

I found a short video testing the crampon strap ons and the boots. The dude is running across cobble and seems like he's doing pretty good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT6hARVpY_4

EO