Paddling Checklists

Paddling Footwear

In warm conditions, many paddlers like sandals because they're light and airy.

• For use in water, select polyurethane foot beds, not suede.

• If the sandals don't have loops over the big toes, you can wear them with neoprene socks in colder conditions.

• If you're having issues with smelly sandals, read Cleaning Sandals.

• Soft-soled footwear flexes easily, great for kneeling in a canoe.

• Hard soles protect the bottom of your feet better when portaging over rocks or when slamming against the foot pedals after drops over waves or waterfalls.

• Many whitewater play boats are too small to comfortably accommodate hard-soled shoes. Soft-soled neoprene booties are a good option (available with Kevlar®-reinforced heels and soles for durability). Stow a pair of sandals in the back of the boat for walking over rocks.

• Stiffer uppers offer more ankle support when wading or portaging, but are not as comfortable when kneeling.

• Neoprene socks under a pair of old running shoes offer a bit more ankle support.

• Many cold weather paddlers favor high-cut "semi-dry" neoprene boots, which are more flexible and comfortable than Wellingtons or yachting boots.

• Ankle seals on high-cut boots withstand wave splashes and quick dunks, allowing you to wade in several inches of water during launches or landings.

• Even if water does slop into the tops, the boots retain considerable warmth.

• On longer paddling trips, when your feet are damp and enclosed all day, athlete's foot is a distinct possibility.

• Go barefoot as much as possible at lunch stops and at the end of the day.

• If going barefoot is impractical, change into dry socks and footwear once you're off the water.

• Be sure your feet are completely dry before going to bed.

• Some paddlers apply anti-athlete's foot powders or creams at the beginning of each paddling day.