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Footwear Option for Canyoners etc

PostPosted: Tue 01 Jan, 2013 7:40 pm
by nq111
I have recently picked up a pair of OTB (now New Balance) Abyss Boots.

They are made for water - to the point they drain water through the soles and can take a scuba fin.

The soles are interesting - grippy with 'razer siping' and soft and fairly flexible. The boot is light and comfortable. Not sure how durable they will be - certainly nothing like a pair of good walking boots. They would be adequate for most for a bit of a bushwalk although ankle support is not great. Certainly they drain water great. Sand going in over the top is an issue with creek walking - they need gaiters.

Mine are going to be used for kayak landings (coral on feet is no fun) and creek walking. They are not the solution for my long hunt for hot and wet weather walking boots (finally ordered something else to try for that). I reckon they may be a reasonable option for canyoners and other water types - especially since limited sizes can be picked up for less than $30 (full price i think is about $130 in the US).

Re: Footwear Option for Canyoners etc

PostPosted: Thu 03 Jan, 2013 6:19 am
by slparker
What's your solution for hot wet walks, NQ? Not that I live in QLD anymore but still get ho humid weathe down south.

Re: Footwear Option for Canyoners etc

PostPosted: Thu 03 Jan, 2013 11:17 am
by nq111
slparker wrote:What's your solution for hot wet walks, NQ?


I have a pair of these arriving next week http://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en-us/Product.mvc.aspx/28328M/67141/Mens/Bates-Hot-Weather-Combat-Hiker.

Time will tell whether this choice is inspired or silly.

Apart from myself and the military market, there appears to be zero demand for mountain / hiking boots made with no gortex, drainage holes, breathable materials with minimal insulation and decent ankle support :( .