HikeArizona.COM

Hi all,
I am going in June. I wonder if you know what's the best type of shoes or footwear in the canyon.

1) Some say tennis shoes with water proof socks.

2) What about wading-type shoes (i guess these let water drain) and water proof socks?

3) What about wading-type shoes alone with normal socks?

4) You guys know of any particular model of socks/shoes that work nicely here?. I have read very very bad reviews about many called 'water proof' socks that turn out to be not so water proof.

Thanks.

I personally would wear old sneakers and normal hiking socks, or very old hiking boots and normal hiking socks. Or even old Tevas/Chacos WITH hiking socks. I only say this from hiking several times from Mooney Falls to the Colorado. I wore Tevas with socks, and used a lot of adhesive or duct tape around my toes where sand would rub me raw. This worked well. I don't think waterproof neoprene socks, like the kind I have for kayaking, would hold up with all that friction and sand, so why not just use regular sox, since you will be getting wet, anyway? As for some of the water shoes, some people love them, but others have told me they get way too much sand inside you can't easily get out. They were talking mostly about Keens. Just my 2c worth...

When I've done it (and other hikes like it), I've just worn running shoes with hiking socks. The running shoes have lots of mesh and let the water drain out easily, and generally have pretty good support and traction. The hiking socks (wool or wool blend) don't mess your feet up as badly as cotton when they're wet and dry out faster. I've never had waterproof socks, so I can't speak to those - but in June, you're gonna be sweating a lot (it's hot - and my feet sweat a good bit), and you may have as much water inside the waterproof socks as outside. Sandals provide excellend drainage, but usually just prove to be a pain in the foot, as small rocks, sand and plant bits get in them too easily and irritate your foot, even with socks on.

I take light weight sandals along to wear in camp at the end of the day - that way my feet can dry out well at least then...

Waterproof socks are only good if the water never goes above the sock. Otherwise, you'll have socks full of water, which defeats the purpose. I'd just stick with regular hiking or running shoes and wool socks. If you get too fancy with the shoes; you'll regret it. First of all, you're going to ruin them. So old shoes are best. Second of all, most of the "water" shoes available have too much mesh that lets too much grit and gravel into the shoes. I really wish the shoe manufacturers would realize this. If you really want to buy new shoes though, the 5.10 Savant is where it's at. Since the 5.10 Canyoneers are generally too hot (and sometimes uncomfortable if worn for long distances) and 5.10 Water-Tennies are no longer available, the Savant is the best shoe going right now.

Btw- I didn't look, but there's probably multiple threads about this same topic on the site already. This question gets asked many times every year.

Hoffmaster wrote:Btw- I didn't look, but there's probably multiple threads about this same topic on the site already. This question gets asked many times every year.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=391&EXT=T

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You're going in June?

Don't bother with water socks, you will likely be so hot the lower 30 miles of the canyon you will love every chance you get to dip in the water and cool off. Hike in the morning and at night only other than the first day. Either do the last 10 miles of canyon to Lee's Ferry near nighttime twilight or wake up early and get them done before 9AM.

Bring a hat and consider a tarp for shade, it will be 100+ during the day, there are very few trees in the canyon.

Wear old shoes that are comfortable and that you will throw away at the end, wear socks that cover your ankles and anything that will rub against them. You will get sand and small pebbles in your shoes, meh, live with them.