Wet wading shoes/sandals

[PV_Premier]

I am starting to do some long hikes into remote streams in Idaho and Wyoming and need some feedback on possible solutions for combined hiking and wet wading.

Last year I just hiked in using sneakers and carried my wading boots but this adds a lot of bulk and weight that I would like to eliminate this season with an all in one solution.

Usually I will set aside 30 minutes at the end of the fishing session to allow my shoes and feet to dry while drinking a beer before hiking out, I also carry a camp towel with me, so having wet feet for the hike out can be managed against.

I am looking at the Simms wet wading shoe and sandal, or just a classic set of Tevas. But wondering if there is a better solution out there...

[Cutthroat]

For the past few years I have hiked in waders and wading boots from Chota Outdoor Gear. I use their Hybrid 800 High Top Rubber Soled Boot, and their Chota "Hippies" (hip waders). I use these often on hikes in the Trinity Alps and Eastern Sierra of California. The Hippies roll down to below knee level for hiking. Love the combination...wouldn't use anything else.

[Carl Blackledge]

KEEN sandals are what most of the guys I know where....really a well made sandal for $100- my 2 cents

[JayDubP]

KEEN sandals are what most of the guys I know where....really a well made sandal for $100- my 2 cents

I agree, I am a big Keen fan.

[Jay Murakoshi]

I also have a pair of KEEN sandals that I wear when I wading the river. Although I put carbide studs on the soles to keep from doing the slip and slide dance when I'm wading. I also do wade to deep, having vertigo doesn't help with balance.

[Zepher]

I'm looking at the Simms flyweight wet wading shoe.

[Peter S]

Before you buy the Simms, check out the Orvis Pro wading shoes

[Zepher]

I don't see felt on the Orvis. Am I missing it?

[tcorfey]

I can't recommend what I wear because they are not made anymore but if I where looking for a new pair I would look into canyoneering shoes.

Here is a test of some wet wading/water sports shoes.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-water-shoes

Here is a review on a shoe that came highly recommended:
https://fatcanyoners.org/2013/05/15/bestard-canyon-guide/

[Peter S]

I don't see felt on the Orvis. Am I missing it?

No felt, they come with a Michelin rubber sole only as far as I know. I got a pair of "strap-on" streamtrekkers to use with these when I'm out of my boat.

[Zepher]

PV - I think you and I may seek the same solution. I will carry my wading shoes because using multi-purpose footwear trades off stream qualities for hiking comfort. Sandals let grit and pebbles in with each step taken in loose sand. A felt bottom "shoe" offers toe protection and traction on the greased bowling balls we often find ourselves standing and slipping on.

[Zepher]

Peter S. Thank you

[PV_Premier]

Some good feedback, thanks. The right solution might be two pairs of keens or chacos. One for hiking in/out and another with studs for wading. This would still be extra bulk to carry, but a significant improvement over wading boots and wet wading socks.

[BobVP]

When I get to wet wade I use my TEVAs over a pair of heavy socks. Yes the gravel and sand can get in but it is easily removed by wiggling my foot. Light, easy and I feel protected as I wear a size just a smidge larger so the toe is about 1/2 in front of my toes. I imagine you could add studs if desired or glue on felt but they are pretty solid for me.
I have worn them on the Pit! (It was not very aggressive wading that day)

[David Beach]

PV..I probably have hiked a lot of those streams...Have a place north of Driggs....Wet wade all summer....I wear Korkers with with carbide studs...only way to go for me...good on logs and muddy/slippery trails...wear Simms neoprene booty with wool sox...if you want, bring an extra pair of sox for walk out...I usually don't, just clean out boots and hike out...Korkers fit great...You can always start with the hiking sole and put on carbide spike at the river...Tight lines...

[PV_Premier]

PV..I probably have hiked a lot of those streams...Have a place north of Driggs....Wet wade all summer....

Maybe we should get together this summer. Our place is a few miles south of Driggs. I will be there from the 4th of July until Labor Day if the rest of my life aligns to allow it.

I have thought about the socks and sole switch, but I really hate hiking in wet feet.

[David Beach]

Sounds good...Fished the Teton yesterday for an hour or so....till the snow and wind came up...landed 4...3 cutties and 1 rainbow...15-18...river's running at 200 cfs...Take care

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I always got gravel in my sandals so I did not like them.




Well, I don't count much anymore because I am 90% in a boat now.

[PV_Premier]

Sounds good...Fished the Teton yesterday for an hour or so....till the snow and wind came up...landed 4...3 cutties and 1 rainbow...15-18...river's running at 200 cfs...Take care

Excellent, good to hear. We are coming out on Saturday for two weeks, one week of time off, one week remote work from there...looks like "second spring" will be upon the valley next week, just in time for a week off to fish! Hopefully we get out of there and back here before "third winter".

[David Beach]

Kool, I'm tied up through Tuesday, maybe meet after that...we're heading back April 4 or 5...Safe travels..