Shoes for bottom up day hike of Zion Narrows

[slice1900]

My girlfriend and I are visiting Zion National Park over Labor Day weekend and we are planning to do the bottom up hike (go up a few miles and then turn back) rather than the more strenuous top down 16 miler. We're both in very good shape but have never tried a river hike like this before so we don't want to bite off more than we can chew

I've googled and seen some recommendations for the Canyoneer 5.10 shoes for this hike, but those seem like they might be kinda overkill what we are doing. The water won't be freezing this time of year, and we'll only be in the water 4-6 hours, and I'm thinking this recommendation is for people doing the full hike and perhaps during cooler months. Mainly though she's not at all keen about the idea of RENTING shoes, and they are way too pricey to buy them when we have no idea when we would ever wear them again.

Obviously open toed sandals are a bad idea with submerged rocks and sticks, but wouldn't an old pair of tennis shoes with wool socks work? (with maybe an extra pair or two of socks brought along just in case) Or even some ordinary water shoes, so long as they have a fairly sturdy bottom and heel & toe protection?

If we end up with feet a bit sore or have a blister or two no big deal, but if people think we're really at risk for something worse than that by not going with the Canyoneers or equivalent I may have to encourage her to overcome her phobia of wearing shoes 50 other people have worn before

Thanks for any help or recommendations anyone can offer!

 

[TemboTusk]

I have just come back from a week of hiking and canoeing in the Amazon. I bought a pair of Teva Sunkosi 2 water shoes for the trip. I wore them everywhere.

They have drain holes in the bottom for water. They dry very fast, although it’s best to wear a non cotton sock if you plan on using them in the water. You could also wear them barefoot, but I would not recommend it unless you have pretty tough feet. I just hate the feel of shoes without socks.

As far as comfort; I’m now using them as my everyday shoe. I have had water shoes before and would never think about hiking in them, but, the Tevi shoes are more like hiking/running shoes that double as a water shoe. I love them. Ok, I've gushed enough!

Check out the link to REI. Teva Sunkosi 2 Water Shoes - Men's at REI.com
(No connection, just personal opinion.)

 

[ducktapeguy]

Wear whatever you feel comfortable walking in. I hiked it in regular tennis shoes with no problem. The only advantage of the canyoneers is they drain fast, and have a very sticky sole. However, they aren't very comfortable and don't have much ankle or foot support.

The only reason I don't like using regular athletic shoes for canyoning is because once they get wet, I can never get the smell out so I end up throwing them away. Feels like the whole shoe just absorbs all that water and won't dry out fast enough to prevent mildew

More importantly is to bring a good walking stick since you'll be walking on top of loose rocks in water.

Have fun and keep and eye on the weather reports. The last time I hiked it we were up at the Wall Street section and it went from being a beautiful cloudless day to a downpour in a matter of minutes. Nothing like a little motivation to get you moving quick.

 

[Mace]

Get something with ankle support. Or more importantly, ankle padding.. It really sucks to slip off a rock and bash your ankle on another rock. On the Narows I find myself jamming my feet in between rocks to stabilize the walk.

I've had really good luck with Military oldschool combat boots. Actually I like them more than the Canyoneers that I rented.

There is that option as well. You can rent boots and neoprene socks to walk in for not too much..

 

[latinoguy]

Columbia Sportswear has some very nice water/hike shoes you should take a look at. You can get them for a pretty good price at Sports Authority for around $50. I would also look into Keen sandals.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Most of the Europeans we hiked it with did it barefooted.

 

[morganism]

Keen's if you have a wide foot, 5.10's if narrow. Those rental shoes are the way to go, that water is COLD year round. Can also look into fly fishing shoes, they tend to be warmer, but the felt tends to wear out quickly. Hyd Peroxide cleans rental shoes !!! Morganism