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Cheap, functional and durable. Three words you almost never are able to find together.
I've been on the hunt for some new kayak shoes and it's been a tough find, particularly when I'm not inclined to drop a c note on some.
I had a pair of Mountreks that were absolutely perfect. I put them through more than they were designed for and they lasted for several years. Since they were inexpensive, durable and functional..... of course they quit making them.
I bought a pair of these at BPS. http://www.basspro.com/World-Wide-Sportsman-River-Rat-Water-Shoes-for-Men/product/10204917/ They appear to be fairly well made and are comfortable enough (size runs large). They sole appears to be the right stuff for kayaking HOWEVER... these are THE MOST SLIPPERY shoes I have ever worn and I mean dangerously so. Granted, not everything can handle the green slime on rocks in rivers but if you are designed to be a river shoe I'd assume you'd have some propensity for the task. They also hold way more water/moisture than any water shoe should. In addition the velcro clasp is just a poor design. I took them on ONE trip and knew I needed something else.
Academy sort of has these 'hidden' away from the water sandals where you'd assume they would be. http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/orageous-mens-drainage-river-ii-shoes I bought a pair of these assuming, "If they are terrible, at least they were cheap". After my initial use I can definitely say they are INFINITELY better at all aspects of the needed tasks, fit better, drain better, grip better. Now durability of course is yet to be seen and they are certainly lighter weight, but I'd rather go through two pairs of these that do the needed job than one pair that doesn't function as needed.
Anyway, if you are in the market, for $25, yard to beat.
I did notice the BPS has these on sale for 50% off $39.97. http://www.basspro.com/World-Wide-S...r-Shoes-for-Men-Olive/product/14081607120644/ If they have the same sole as the River Rats big pass. But they do appear to have a much better drainage design.
I've been on the hunt for some new kayak shoes and it's been a tough find, particularly when I'm not inclined to drop a c note on some.
I had a pair of Mountreks that were absolutely perfect. I put them through more than they were designed for and they lasted for several years. Since they were inexpensive, durable and functional..... of course they quit making them.
I bought a pair of these at BPS. http://www.basspro.com/World-Wide-Sportsman-River-Rat-Water-Shoes-for-Men/product/10204917/ They appear to be fairly well made and are comfortable enough (size runs large). They sole appears to be the right stuff for kayaking HOWEVER... these are THE MOST SLIPPERY shoes I have ever worn and I mean dangerously so. Granted, not everything can handle the green slime on rocks in rivers but if you are designed to be a river shoe I'd assume you'd have some propensity for the task. They also hold way more water/moisture than any water shoe should. In addition the velcro clasp is just a poor design. I took them on ONE trip and knew I needed something else.
Academy sort of has these 'hidden' away from the water sandals where you'd assume they would be. http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/orageous-mens-drainage-river-ii-shoes I bought a pair of these assuming, "If they are terrible, at least they were cheap". After my initial use I can definitely say they are INFINITELY better at all aspects of the needed tasks, fit better, drain better, grip better. Now durability of course is yet to be seen and they are certainly lighter weight, but I'd rather go through two pairs of these that do the needed job than one pair that doesn't function as needed.
Anyway, if you are in the market, for $25, yard to beat.
I did notice the BPS has these on sale for 50% off $39.97. http://www.basspro.com/World-Wide-S...r-Shoes-for-Men-Olive/product/14081607120644/ If they have the same sole as the River Rats big pass. But they do appear to have a much better drainage design.
