Footwear

It is the height of comfort to have a pair of dry shoes for camp. It is also very good for the skin on your feet.

It would also be nice if you could keep your feet dry when paddling, but that's a challenge in kayaking. There are many types of footwear used by kayakers. As usual, there is no clear choice on the winner, everything has its advantages and disadvantages.

[edit] Sandals

These are quite popular with some and are hated by others.

• Advantages
  

Cool, drain quickly, generally comfortable in warm weather, relatively inexpensive and the all-plastic ones float if they go overboard.

• Disadvantages
  

Poor support in general, especially on portages, scouting etc. They can get hung up on footpegs and other stuff, inhibiting a clean exit. Leaves the foot exposed to bugs, bumps, cuts and bruises. Not very good on wet and slimy rocks.

[edit] Water shoes

These can be a simple slipper or a quasi-running shoe. Often they have mesh to allow for quick draining. These include sailing shoes.

• Advantages
  

Can be cheap. The best ones have very good arch support and good tread patterns, making them excellent for portaging and scouting. Some drain quickly. The running shoe type can be worn almost anywhere without looking overly weird. The ones most like sandals (i.e. sandals with good coverage and support) tend to dry out somewhat between dunkings and are a suitable replacement for a sandals. Good ones have straps and buckles instead of laces so nothing catches. The best ones have soles that can handle wet and slimy rocks - felt soles and siped, soft rubber soles.

• Disadvantages
  

Some let sand and small gravel in but don't let the stuff out. Thick and/or stiff soles make them impossible to wear in some kayaks (especially if you have big feet). Laces can catch on things (trim them down and use a cordlock instead of tying them). Velcro closures tend to loosen up when wet. Leather versions (real or fake) tend to dry out and become stiff even if "guaranteed" water proof/resistant.

[edit] Neoprene boots

Also called booties, dive boots, reef boots and a few other names. There are several variations of these. Shoes, low cut boots and high (up to the calf) are all made. Out in BC, Canada, very high boots with waterproof breathable extensions coming up to the thigh are popular with some sea kayakers - these allow wading without getting wet and can handle really, really rainy weather.

• Advantages
  

Waterproof - they don't deteriorate due to repeated soakings. Bug proof and provide reasonable protection against minor injuries. Not prone to hang up on things inside the kayak. Warm in cold water. The higher ones do a good job of keeping sand and gravel out. The highest ones (like Chotas) have a plain neoprene gasket around the top that can be cinched in tight to minimize water entry - even when submerged, they let in only a trickle or a few drops of water. The best ones have soles that can handle wet and slimy rocks - felt soles and siped, soft rubber soles.

• Disadvantages
  

Poor support (except for a few of the seriously solid versions). They get stinky real fast. Once wet, they stay wet for quite a while. Even if you don't dunk, since they are airtight, perspiration gets your feet damp - then they stay damp.

[edit] Water Socks

There are several types that can be worn to improve the characteristics of other footwear. For example, waterproof breathable socks can be worn with a running shoe to make the running shoe act like a waterproof shoe. Such socks include Gore-Tex, Seal Skinz, neoprene and others.

• Advantages
  

Makes wet footwear dry(er) and warmer. Provides bug and scratch protection. Calf-high waterproof breathable socks can be lighter and cooler than calf-high neoprene boots while providing many of the same advantages.

• Disadvantages
  

Potentially fragile. Stinky unless cleaned frequently (i.e. use a clothes pin on your nose for long trips). Once wet, they stay wet for a while. The non-breathable variations, and the breathable ones in hot weather, get damp from perspiration.

[edit] Campsite Footwear

Once out of the kayak and spending time around the campsite, you wany to get into some clean, dry footwear. Any light comfortable shoe works well, with light running shoes, sandals and mocassins being popular. Keep them in a dry bag when paddling so they will be dry when you need them.

[edit] Socks

If you wear socks inside boots or shoes in the water, choose polypropylene. They tend to dry fairly quickly. Around the campsite, nice wool socks are a luxury - nothing seems to be as nice as wool socks on a cool day. Smartwool™ are especially nice.