Amphibious shoes...

Hello all!

After searching the forums for information about these types of shoes, I only saw one post that recommended a few brands. I was hoping to find out if any of you had experience with specific models or maybe some general info. I am looking for a shoe that would see me walking through a water, mud and up the trail for several miles.

http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&productID=6965

That's one model that looks like it will suit my needs.

http://www.altrec.com/merrell-shoes/mens-waterpro-maipo-water-shoe

Trying to get a little first hand info so I don't go wasting my money. Thanks in advance for your help!

How about these:

http://www.rockcreek.com/products/listing/item12635.asp?ref=RCO_googlebase

I've owned a pair for several years and they have been great. Still going strong.

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I think I posted this before: Salomon Techamphibians . I've had them for 5-6 years through NorCal, AZ, AK, New Zealand, Australia, the Caribbean, and Peru. Very comfortable, light, dry very quickly, pretty stable. The only two downsides are that they are not good for walking in dry sand since more gets in than gets out, and I broke one of the heel buckle on one after about 4 years of heavy use. Still perfectly usable, though.

If you go with them, Google a bit, they are usually on sale for $40 or so somewhere.

i think i was here first.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BF

Right you are. I admit I didn't click the link. If you ever make it to Oakland, I'll buy you an ultralight beer.

On my way..................

BF

I decided to go ahead with the Teva...I found a store nearby that had all of the brands mentioned in this thread. The Teva's just seemed to fit my foot better, and didn't slip or bunch up when going uphill or down. The store actually had built a ramp to test the shoes on. Thanks for the help though! I'll be sure to let you all know how they work out...so far they are super comfortable and seem to drain really fast.

On a side note, I was testing the new shoes at home, along with a backpacking fishing rod. I was like a little kid, and couldn't wait to try both out, as they arrived the same day. So, my girlfriend comes home, and there I am, standing in the tub, my running pants unevenly pulled up to mid-thigh. I hadn't had a shower yet, so my hair was nice and messy, and I had my water shoes on, and was playing with a collapsible fishing pole. You could see that , to some degree, she was re-examining the steps in her life that led her to live with this goofball of a man. All I had in response to her stare was "What?"

Her response had me almost fall out of the tub laughing...

"When you said you wanted to get some stuff to go on a backpacking/fishing trip, I didn't realize the trip ended at the bathroom."

So, since we had a good laugh about it, you all can too <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I purchased a pair of the Techamphibians for my upcoming Grand Canyon rafting/hiking trip. I was hoping they will be durable enough for the side canyon hikes and jumping in and out of the rafts. Sounds like you got good mileage from yours. I would suspect any of the open mesh types will be susceptible to sand. I was looking for somethig that wouldn't allow pebbles to enter easily like my Merrils. I love the Merrils and have had a pair for 3 years but I can't walk 20 feet in loose gravel without getting a pebble lodged under my foot, which requires removal to get it out.

Do you wear socks with yours?

I second the Salomon Tech Amphib's, AND...The heel is made to fold down to use the shoe as a slide in slipper. They are light and tough.