Whitewater/River SUP Shoes

[Time for SUPper]

I've been watching a lot of river SUPing videos lately (horrible weather on my off days for going out on any body of water) and I've noticed a variety of shoes being worn on the rivers.  I was hoping to collect thoughts on the various types people are wearing and why they wear them.

[madmax]

I wore New Balance 920 (water shoe with mesh) and Sperry booties this summer.  I kinda liked the support the shoes gave me (but the booties were warm) and they were much better to walk in.

[Kayakhuasteca]

I use TEVA Gnarkosi and Keens.  I like the burley sole for walking around on shore and they are awesome when in the whitewater swim position..(which happens quite often..ha).

aaron

[Time for SUPper]

Do you have any problems with board feel?  I've thought about getting some Vibram FiveFinger Flows since I really like the road feel that I get when I run with the FiveFingers.  Granted, they may not give me the rock bashing protection that I will need when I take the inevitable dip.

[Kayakhuasteca]

Board feel is a lot less with shoes..I agree.  But it really doesn't take long to get used to.  I have used thin soles in the past.  My feet still took a beating. I switched to thick soles out of necessity and found that I could manage the board all the same.  Give it a week or two and you won't even notice.

Aaron

[madmax]

Shoes don't bother me on WW.  I paddle a rapidfire and when running the river my feet are kinda wedged up against the side of the foot wells in a modified surfer stance.  My "footwork" when switching stances is more of a hop...real graceful-like...not.

[K1SUP]

Keen Gorge.  Comfortable and lots of protection from rocks.

[river]

TEVA Gnarkosi

I use these with a thin 2 mm bootie sock and its a bomber system.  Dry quick and really thin under your heel so your close to the board.  They drain instantly and the traction is unreal.  I often Kick rocks whilst attempting to remount...

[Time for SUPper]

Just got the Teva Gnarkosi and took them out on Thursday.  They have a bit more arch than I'd like, but I'm hoping that'll mash down over time.  The drainage is awesome, though, and I like the flat sole for that skateboard shoe feel.

[Kayakhuasteca]

Check these out!  I've been using these daily for that past month and they are great.  Better stick than Gnarkosi's and they have the kind of sole I like.  Not so much in the heel.  Great material and dry fast!
http://www.teva.com/mens-fuse-ion-casual-water-shoes/1000225,default,pd.html

aaron

[river]

After some serious testing with both the Fuse-Ion and the Gnarkosi's.  I have decided I like the Gnar's better.  Especially if a rock rolls over your foot better foot protection all around and IMO better traction that the new Fuse Ions.  I like shoes because it makes your "footprint" on the board larger and gives you more leverage with your feet than booties or (god forbid) bare feet on the river. 

[SUPfan]

I recently demo'ed a pair of OluKai Malikos and liked them so much I brought them into my shop.  They're made for SUP. I paddled a BIC ACE-TEC SUP and the grip was excellent.  Very comfortable walking around and wearing in dry conditions. I'm curious how well they'll work on a non-traction pad deck like the Starboard Startouch deck. It appears that it would grip very well but I'll let you know within the next day or so.

http://www.olukai.com/Product_AllMens_Maliko_10163-4243.aspx

[Time for SUPper]

Those OluKai Malikos look great.  They might have to be my new sailing shoes since they have a non-marking outsole.

[SUPfan]

Yea, the pad in the BIC ACE-TEC is white and not a mark on it from the shoe. 

[Mangomon]

I'm really liking my Body Glove 3T's.  Nice traction and I didn't screw up my feet after repeated dumps into the rocky Nantahala.