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I'm going to Aravaipa in October and wondering what shoes I need for that trip. I have some nice Teva sandles that I have finished Reavis with while wearing wicking and hiking socks and they were comfortable. I don't really have an old pair of boots that I would still wear (they're usually disintegrating by then) so I'm wondering.... Teva w/sock, Teva w/o sock, something new? Here's one, what about Teva with a scuba bootie? Is there such a thing.

When in October? I have permits for a day hike on Oct 19th.

I'm wearing hiking boots, but that's just my preference. I don't mind getting my boots wet and they don't hold much water so they stay pretty light when wet and they dry fast. This is the reason I don't get water proof boots. I like having drain holes.
I just like the security the boots provide over sandals on a 20 mile hike (branches, rocks, ankle support, snakes...).

I'm sure other people will say Tevas will do fine, and I'm sure they're right. What ever you find most comfortable should be fine.

Overnight on the 11th and 12th. My only hesitation on the Teva's is that I will be taking a pack w/ tent, bag, etc... and will most likely be @ 40-50lbs. I have never been to the canyon so I don't think I will be going through the whole thing and back, probably at least 5 mi in and then find a nice camping spot.

The one time I went there we wore tennis shoes. Socks are good even tho they are sopping wet they help to keep things from rubbing holes in your feet. I don't remember but I bet we took some dry shoes for camp.

aclarkaz, I don't think you'll be happy with teva's in such a long stretch of water.

The spider sci-fi tevas are best in my opinion. Even with those you still slip-in-slide inside the carraige. It's amazing how much tighter you need to adjust the velcro straps. Neoprene socks would do the trick! I never thought of that. They're about $18-25 at surf shops. Should be available on-line somewhere.

The only other concern is velcro doesn't hold well in water. You need an itty bitty rubberband to keep the velcro from seperating. Teva's used to always come with a set. I'm sure they're available for a buck or two if they still make 'em. If not, just pick up some tiny rubber automotive gaskets. Though those gaskets are resin'd for heat and chemical stability as opposed to elasticy.

If that's all too complicated...the easiest thing would be an old pair of running shoes. Forget the boot idea all together if they're leather or you'll end up a new set of toddler sized boots.

Hello. I'm new to these boards. I thought I'd give my opinion. I think it depends on which entrance you're coming in from. I always prefer to hike in wool socks (or like synthetic materials) and hiking boots, but that's just my preferance. The wool is because it generally pulls the moisture away from your body, thus...fewer blisters and better insulation. I found that walking through the water so much (especially from the East entrance), my ankles got twisted up and toes smashed quite a bit. For the side canyon hikes, Teva's are great. I think my family will be there that weekend (we generally try to go in October/November of every year). I won't get to go though I'll have a new 1 month old baby at that time. I'd take both, just in case...that way, you'll always have an option. I hope you have fun!

I've never had a problem with my leather boots shrinking. I use them on all my water hikes. Once they dry they are a little tight and stiff but after wearing them for a few hours they are fine again. The water does destroy the cushion, but good ol Dr. Scholls fixes that.

By the way, do cows shrink in the rain?

If anyone is interested, I have two spots open on my permit for this weekend's trip to Aravaipa. One couple bagged, so it is just me, my wife and my brother-in-law.

We are planning on hiking in on Saturday and out on Sunday. None of us has ever been there, so no specific agenda. I was sort of targeting Booger or Paisano canyons as destinations/camping and exploration areas, but this is low key and I will enjoy where ever we end up.

I am not sure if you can just take the permit information or if all need to enter together. Me and my wife will be leaving from Tucson as early Sat A.M. as possible, in case anyone wants to meet up there. I am planning on driving from I-10 across Tangerine to Oracle, then out to San Manuel and up to Aravaipa. We have room in the minivan if anyone from Tucson wants to go. Other than that, all could meet at the parking area, as that is where my brother-in-law will be meeting us (leaving from Scottsdale).

First come, first serve, bidding starts and ends at the face value of $10. Please let me know ASAP.

Aravaipa is what old boots are for.....the ones you were gonna toss but left in the garage....Give them a healthy dose of silicone or sno-seal. I've done it several times in November, used the standard sock liners and wool blend outer socks, but put plastic bags over the boots and taped to legs with, yep, Duct tape. Shave legs first first, otherwise the screams removing the duct tape disturb the bighorns.

From the east end, a side trip up the Hellhole Canyon narrows is very rewarding. If you are very quiet in the narrows, stop and listen for hoof clicks on the rocks ahead. We were rewarded by a glimpse of bighorn buttocks (we assumed the rest of the body was around the corner) several years past...

If it's warm, keep an eye out for buzzworms in the brush, especially around flood debris. This area features our Mohave legless friends, nasty bites....-R

Excellent advice Randy!

We did parts of this several years ago and old running shoes worked great for us. I find wet hiking boots tend to get a bit heavy. I agree that with all the rocks and ankle twisting possibilities, I would not go for the tevas. Have a great trip!!