Looking for advice on a good boot that provides traction on wet rocks and wet exposed tree roots. My pack is fairly light around 30lbs. But a lot of trails to different Falls are covered with wet rocks and wet exposed tree roots. Are wading felt boots any good for this type of terrain any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Ray Still
Posted by John Lehmkuhl on December 8, 2008 at 5:34 PM
I have a pair of A-Solo boots that are solid on wet rocks - if there is moss on the rocks (which usually there is), then you have to always be careful. I have a pair of neoprene water shoes that when matched with a pair of wool socks (or smartwool) make for pretty warm feet, even in cold mountain water... you can find watershoes cheap online or maybe at an end of the summer sale at Next Adventure or other smaller hiking store.
Posted by David Cobb on December 8, 2008 at 7:16 PM
I pack 30lbs or less on all my backpack trips and use either running shoes or light Merrell with great traction. I find with the lighter shoe I have more dexterity and don't slip as often as I once did. My feet feel a lot better at the end of the day too.
I am a die-hard fan of Vasque's Sundowner. Right now, I wear their revised "Summit" model with a Vibram sole. Leather, gortex, waterproofed, solid toe-box.
If you wear and maintain these boots properly, you'll stay warm, dry, blister-free, and stable on wet surfaces. Really comfortable. I wear them with one or more pair of REI's merino wool sock and sometimes a thinner synthetic underneath.
If I were to die on a mountain in this boot, whoever found my leftovers during the spring thaw could put them on and continue where I left off. I hope they do...
I have spent quite a bit of time fishing in felt soled wading boots. They do give probably the ultimate traction on wet, slick rocks, but generally aren't designed to be worn under a fairly hefty pack load. I have a pretty nice pair of cabela's brand felt soles that I wouldn't think twice to use for a quick stream/creekbed wade, but wouldn't even consider them for something halfway long, or technical.
My girlfriend thinks I'm nuts, but I almost always wear a set of Keen Newport H2 sandals if there is a possibilty of needing to get my feet wet. And that just happens to be about all of the time. They are light, comfy, tough, and work well both in and out of the water. If it gets really cold, I might wear a pair of neoprene socks with a thin liner underneath.
Posted by Ken Smith on December 9, 2008 at 8:30 AM
Two completely different trail demands...wet rocks and wet (buckskin) logs...
Wet rocks are always my fear..snotty surface...best with soft pliable rubber. Wet logs...corks..calks...a million loggers can't be wrong. Obvious that you need an inbetween answer. I like vibram w/a stout pole for dicey traversing. Ken S
Posted by Drew M Wright on December 9, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Felt soles would be great once you have reached your destination and are heading out for a shoot in the immediate area with wet rocks, logs etc. Not sure I would use felt while under a heavy load however or long distances. Think they even sell felt sandles now which would be a lightweight option depending on your needs.
Best recommendation here would be a sturdy pair of boots, vibram sole and 2 trekking poles as mentioned by Ken. I have been in some pretty slick conditions (moss, snow, ice, wet rock, logs) with a heavy pack and trekking poles were a lifesaver. Just make sure the poles will support your full weight.
Posted by Mike Horn on December 9, 2008 at 3:30 PM
These work really well, I got mine a couple years ago in Zion, but you can purchase some, if not do a search and find some like it:
Discussion
7 repliesRay Still
David M. Cobb
If you wear and maintain these boots properly, you'll stay warm, dry, blister-free, and stable on wet surfaces. Really comfortable. I wear them with one or more pair of REI's merino wool sock and sometimes a thinner synthetic underneath.
If I were to die on a mountain in this boot, whoever found my leftovers during the spring thaw could put them on and continue where I left off. I hope they do...
My girlfriend thinks I'm nuts, but I almost always wear a set of Keen Newport H2 sandals if there is a possibilty of needing to get my feet wet. And that just happens to be about all of the time. They are light, comfy, tough, and work well both in and out of the water. If it gets really cold, I might wear a pair of neoprene socks with a thin liner underneath.
Wet rocks are always my fear..snotty surface...best with soft pliable rubber. Wet logs...corks..calks...a million loggers can't be wrong. Obvious that you need an inbetween answer. I like vibram w/a stout pole for dicey traversing. Ken S
Best recommendation here would be a sturdy pair of boots, vibram sole and 2 trekking poles as mentioned by Ken. I have been in some pretty slick conditions (moss, snow, ice, wet rock, logs) with a heavy pack and trekking poles were a lifesaver. Just make sure the poles will support your full weight.
http://www.zionadventures.com/store/detail.amp?prodcatserial=1019