using shoes instead of boots in muddy tasi

[robbio]

What are peoples thoughts on using shoes rather than boots for extended off track walking in Tasmania involving mud?

In the past i have used full length boots and gaiters for all my overnighters and extended walks in tasmania. They worked fine for wading through mud such as the sodden loddons (back before it was tamed with boardwalks etc).

These days i am not so convinced of the need for heavy boots... I no longer own any and am considering using my current low cut walking shoes with my S2S Quagmire gaiters.

I found the current thread about Gaiters for flat soled boots (viewtopic.php?f=15&t=32484) to be helpful regarding replacing the straps with wire/cord etc.

I'm not too worried about carrying heavy loads over uneven terrain in low cut shoes, buy i am concerned about muddy sections...

Any advice appreciated...

[Tazz81]

You’re feet will get wet/muddy regardless of what you wear. At least shoes have a reasonable chance of drying out over night. I just did the SCT in boots, never again. My feet were flayed by blisters - mainly caused by my feet being wet the whole time from sweat/creek crossing. The guys who wore shoes were totally fine as their shoes dried out every night.

[Tortoise]

I just got back from another extended walk in Tassie involving mud, of which I do a fair bit. I've had to wear shoes rather than boots for several years, due to a grumbling achilles tendon problem. Sometimes it's a pain when mud goes in over the top, but with well-fitting gaiters, it's not too much. I went in to mid-thigh once, and ended up with very little mud/grit in my shoe & sock. In shallower mud, I found that it helped if I tip-toed, since the distance from the front of the toe to where the tongue is attached is much greater than the height of the shoe. The pole I use is also handy as a depth gauge, and to find any useful submerged rocks or logs to make use of.

[robbio]

Thanks, both good points. I remember going mid thigh deep in mud once in boots. The suction was so strong that if I was wearing shoes i would have been paranoid of losing one! I wonder how many shoes have been lost to muddy holes..

[Tortoise]

Thanks, both good points. I remember going mid thigh deep in mud once in boots. The suction was so strong that if I was wearing shoes i would have been paranoid of losing one! I wonder how many shoes have been lost to muddy holes..

I was worried a few times, but withdrew my foot very carefully, and the shoe was still on it. Never actually heard of a shoe being lost forever in a mud hole, even though it should theoretically be easier to lose one than to lose a boot.

[Lamont]

Lost shoe in the mud always reminds me of Principal Ed Rooney and the mud scene in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
So I'm always cautious.

[CBee]

I have tried hiking shoes, proper boots and comfy cheap boots in the SW. The latest IMO are the best overall for terrains that have a number of Km with deep mud and sections of scrambling on rock.

[north-north-west]

Thanks, both good points. I remember going mid thigh deep in mud once in boots. The suction was so strong that if I was wearing shoes i would have been paranoid of losing one! I wonder how many shoes have been lost to muddy holes..

I was worried a few times, but withdrew my foot very carefully, and the shoe was still on it. Never actually heard of a shoe being lost forever in a mud hole, even though it should theoretically be easier to lose one than to lose a boot.

My happiest memory of that first disastrous trip down the PDT and SCT was the chief member of our group loosing a shoe (a nice shiny newish runner) in the first decent bit of mud we met. It was only half an hour or so from the start, so I got to nip back to the cars before the drivers left and bring in the boots and gaiters she'd initially refused to wear.
Good times.

[slparker]

I wore trail runners on the south coast track without any issues - I don't understand how shoes can be sucked off one's feet - I am sure that it happens, and has happened, but it has never been a problem for me. I usually tie a heel lock on laced shoes or wear salomon speed laces so that might be the reason.

i usually wear trail runners in dolerite country off track but can't speak for SW Tas off track.

[north-north-west]

I don't understand how shoes can be sucked off one's feet ...

It all depends on the depth and consistency of the mud. There's a lot of variety out there.