Planning on hiking the Zion Narrows and was thinking about footwear...
- Thread starter Mace
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I have a good set of sneekers and some neoprene socks its the only way to go sneekers can be got @ backcountryoutlet.com I use la sportiva's they drain well and are super sticky on wet rocks I am going to do the subway in a bit want to go??
going now or when It warms up ?
My first trip down the Subway, spent so much time helping people cross the black pool I got a bit hypothermic
I used Chaco's, but they are a sandal. If you get them one size big they protect your toes pretty good. If you insist on boots you should look for some wading boots. Felt sole is good for slimy rock. Good support as well, plus they will drain much better than jungle boots.
Hodgeman makes some good ones for around 50 bucks. I hike alot of miles trout fishing and they last a couple of seasons before they wear out. Good luck, Jason
Hodgeman makes some good ones for around 50 bucks. I hike alot of miles trout fishing and they last a couple of seasons before they wear out. Good luck, Jason
I used a pair of running shoes for the approach. Once in the river, I swapped to pair of neoprene based canyoneering shoes I bought outside the park. Don't remember the brand. I stayed a week, and did a lot of canyons. I don't mind investing in the right equip, even though I haven't been back for a long time. I'll be ready when I go again. Money's tight these days, and an old pair of running shoes with some decent tread ought to be nearly as good, though maybe not as warm.
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I agree with tan-jeep, I used to hike with the big boots. _back in the 80's That is so old school. now all I wear is running shoes, or cross trainers for a little extra ankle support for the boulders. They are super light, drain well, comfortable. That is the trend these days IMHO. Id like to do the subway again. Lets go!
There is a trail in the N. Ga mountains (Jacks River Tr) that has over 20 river crossings over the course of the 9 miles in.
Most tend to do running/cross trainers with wool socks, which is what I did, works well.
I have read about an African jungle trekker sporting sandals with duct tape on the feet to prevent blisters... he swore by it, I have yet to try it. This guy= National Geographic Megatransect Across Africa--Photos, Maps
This past weekend did 40km in 2 days backpack fly fishing here in NZ. Wore the chacos someone mentioned above. I thought I had worn them enough to prevent blisters. I was wrong. Also got eaten alive by sand flies. Never doing that again. The sandals, I mean.
Our guide wore neoprene socks with short rubber gum boots that had a couple small holes near the arch for drainage. His feet were like wet paper at the end of the day, but warmer and better protected than my open toed feet.
Most tend to do running/cross trainers with wool socks, which is what I did, works well.
I have read about an African jungle trekker sporting sandals with duct tape on the feet to prevent blisters... he swore by it, I have yet to try it. This guy= National Geographic Megatransect Across Africa--Photos, Maps
This past weekend did 40km in 2 days backpack fly fishing here in NZ. Wore the chacos someone mentioned above. I thought I had worn them enough to prevent blisters. I was wrong. Also got eaten alive by sand flies. Never doing that again. The sandals, I mean.
Our guide wore neoprene socks with short rubber gum boots that had a couple small holes near the arch for drainage. His feet were like wet paper at the end of the day, but warmer and better protected than my open toed feet.
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Hey last time I did they narrows it was in my converse all-stars. I flew by all those idiots with high dollar kicks. I never fell once. I had to laugh everytime I saw someone with an idiotic walking stick... So if you have been there you know I laughed alot. I cant wait to get back there. I need a few more laughs.
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- #30
All stars are not a horrible idea, but honestly, the walking stick is your friend. A couple of times ago it rained while we were doing the narrows. A lot.. the craak bed turned to chocolate milk and without a stick to steady myself, I would have been swimming a lot. I won't hike the narrows without one.
To me the hike is not about "flying by" people. It is about getting out and enjoying yourself..
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- #32
Stick with what I know. Good ol jungle boots...
I won't do sandals or low top sneakers. I have two different friends that have broken their toes on the narrows hike, one with sandals and one with Flip flops (at the night camp) plus a TON of ankle injuries
I'll hike with my stick and jungle boots and let people laugh..
I won't do sandals or low top sneakers. I have two different friends that have broken their toes on the narrows hike, one with sandals and one with Flip flops (at the night camp) plus a TON of ankle injuries
I'll hike with my stick and jungle boots and let people laugh..
Good ol jungle boots, nothin' beats jungle boots 
Acutally I preffer my all leathers, but for the narrows I'm gonna say that you've got the right footwear! I am one of the ... Neanderthal's that uses gear that I know will get me thru whatever my task is. I'm still wearing all leathers that I was issued in boot camp...well actually they were issued to a buddy of mine, but we swapped cuz the sizing prossess in boot isn't exactly accurate.
Acutally I preffer my all leathers, but for the narrows I'm gonna say that you've got the right footwear! I am one of the ... Neanderthal's that uses gear that I know will get me thru whatever my task is. I'm still wearing all leathers that I was issued in boot camp...well actually they were issued to a buddy of mine, but we swapped cuz the sizing prossess in boot isn't exactly accurate.
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- #34
Well, the army surplus store was unable to get the proper size in for me (a very rare 9.5). So I ended up renting the 5.10 Canyonero's from this Zion rental place.
Not impressed at all.
First off, the shoes were HAGGARD!!!! so that might change my opinion if I purchased a new set, but still.. The soles were very soft. I felt most of the rocks. And my feet hurt today. I really wish I had been able to buy a set of combat boots instead of the junk I rented...
But, the trail was amazing as always
Not impressed at all.
First off, the shoes were HAGGARD!!!! so that might change my opinion if I purchased a new set, but still.. The soles were very soft. I felt most of the rocks. And my feet hurt today. I really wish I had been able to buy a set of combat boots instead of the junk I rented...
But, the trail was amazing as always
I wouldn't waste the money on a new set, the canyoneers aren't very good shoes to begin with. In the water, they're tolerable (almost decent), but hiking in and out of the canyon on dry land is torture.
I just got back from the Subway last week using the canyoneers, my feet and toes are still bruised from that hike, but the trip was worth the pain. Once I wear out the soles I'm gonna go for some La Sportiva Exum Rivers.
I just got back from the Subway last week using the canyoneers, my feet and toes are still bruised from that hike, but the trip was worth the pain. Once I wear out the soles I'm gonna go for some La Sportiva Exum Rivers.
oh that was just the first page I hit...........they have a huge selection of boots
Gortex don't work well when you are walking through knee deep water
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- #40
Yeah, I have looked at most of the boots that cabellas and Bass pro have.
None of them are designed to drain well. Something that is pretty miportant to me for hikes like this.
Besides, I do not want any insulation. My feet get warm enough as it is
These are becoming interesting to me tho..
Tan Desert 8" EXO<I>Speed</I> Boot
None of them are designed to drain well. Something that is pretty miportant to me for hikes like this.
Besides, I do not want any insulation. My feet get warm enough as it is
These are becoming interesting to me tho..
Tan Desert 8" EXO<I>Speed</I> Boot