cricketontherun
Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2010
- Messages
- 85
I'm not sure about anybody else, but I'm out of my waders and wet wading as soon as I can for as late in the year as I can stand. That being the case I've been on a quest the last few years to find the perfect wading shoe/sandal in and out of the water. Footwear that is durable; comfortable; lite wait; quick drying; has good traction on all surfaces; and keeps debris out. Something that can handle miles of the trail; negotiate steep terrain; get wet; and do it all again.
Keep in mind I'm not rich, so I didn't just get a pair of shoes and toss them the next week if I didn't like them. I wore most of them out before getting a new pair. Therefore they've all been through the paces so to speak.
First was Teva sandals. Comfortable; great traction; quickest drying of course; but an open toe sucks!!
Second was Keen. SUCK, SUCK , SUCK!!! I was sick of the open toe, so this was the catalyst for change. Keen had a beefy toe cap, so it seemed like a no brainer. After the first pair fell apart at the seems within 2 months I sent them back for a credit. This same story unfolded 4 times with 4 different models of shoes. The longest any pair lasted was 3 months (which the sole separated); the shortest 3 weeks. The worst traction EVER!! Their souls are down right dangerous. Especially after they get wet. Bottom line is they are the worst excuse for a outdoor trail/water shoe ever made!
Next was Merrell. I've worn their Chameleon line for 12 years and as soon as they released the Cyclone I jumped on it. Somehow the best shoe I've ever worn produced a bastard offspring??!! The Vibram sole was hard as a rock; even though it's supposed to be the same rubber as the chameleons. It's not! They had all sorts of terrible pressure points, and gave me blisters to hell and back. They were a torture device! I returned them no questions asked for a full refund(customer service was great).
Now ask me why I didn't go with Simms in the first place? I mean I've had the same waders and boots now for 6 year! Anyhow I saw the riprap shoe, and I gave them a call. I spoke with a guy there that wore the same size shoe as me and he had nothing but praise for them. (of course he does work for them) Either way I had nothing to loose.
From the first moment I put them on my feet they have been exactly what I've been looking for all along. I've had them since April. Hiked many miles; wear them on a daily basis as shoes; and of course in and out of the water all day. They are way comfortable, lite, and dry in a reasonable period of time. The fully enclosed mesh design is surprisingly durable and keeps out 90% of debris.(you're bound to get a small pebble or two) The Vibram Stealth is second to none! I have a confidence that I have never had before in and out of the water jumping from slick rock, to deadfall, to moss, and back on the trail. As a matter of fact it's come a long way since the first series of Simms boots with the Vibram Stealth which I still wear. Needless to say; I have never been happier with a water shoe.
I truly believe these are the end all be all of water shoes. I know that might seem like a bold statement, but they were built right for the task at hand. I can only hope for Simms sake that the white water community discovers these too. If you find yourself in the same situation I was in go for it! The are the JAM!
Keep in mind I'm not rich, so I didn't just get a pair of shoes and toss them the next week if I didn't like them. I wore most of them out before getting a new pair. Therefore they've all been through the paces so to speak.
First was Teva sandals. Comfortable; great traction; quickest drying of course; but an open toe sucks!!
Second was Keen. SUCK, SUCK , SUCK!!! I was sick of the open toe, so this was the catalyst for change. Keen had a beefy toe cap, so it seemed like a no brainer. After the first pair fell apart at the seems within 2 months I sent them back for a credit. This same story unfolded 4 times with 4 different models of shoes. The longest any pair lasted was 3 months (which the sole separated); the shortest 3 weeks. The worst traction EVER!! Their souls are down right dangerous. Especially after they get wet. Bottom line is they are the worst excuse for a outdoor trail/water shoe ever made!
Next was Merrell. I've worn their Chameleon line for 12 years and as soon as they released the Cyclone I jumped on it. Somehow the best shoe I've ever worn produced a bastard offspring??!! The Vibram sole was hard as a rock; even though it's supposed to be the same rubber as the chameleons. It's not! They had all sorts of terrible pressure points, and gave me blisters to hell and back. They were a torture device! I returned them no questions asked for a full refund(customer service was great).
Now ask me why I didn't go with Simms in the first place? I mean I've had the same waders and boots now for 6 year! Anyhow I saw the riprap shoe, and I gave them a call. I spoke with a guy there that wore the same size shoe as me and he had nothing but praise for them. (of course he does work for them) Either way I had nothing to loose.
From the first moment I put them on my feet they have been exactly what I've been looking for all along. I've had them since April. Hiked many miles; wear them on a daily basis as shoes; and of course in and out of the water all day. They are way comfortable, lite, and dry in a reasonable period of time. The fully enclosed mesh design is surprisingly durable and keeps out 90% of debris.(you're bound to get a small pebble or two) The Vibram Stealth is second to none! I have a confidence that I have never had before in and out of the water jumping from slick rock, to deadfall, to moss, and back on the trail. As a matter of fact it's come a long way since the first series of Simms boots with the Vibram Stealth which I still wear. Needless to say; I have never been happier with a water shoe.
I truly believe these are the end all be all of water shoes. I know that might seem like a bold statement, but they were built right for the task at hand. I can only hope for Simms sake that the white water community discovers these too. If you find yourself in the same situation I was in go for it! The are the JAM!
