Hi-Tec PADDLING GOURMET BY VINCE PAQUOT Keen Merrell Teva IN THE HATCH BY TIM SHUFF Amphibious Feet FOUR SHOES FOR THE WATERY WAY OF LIFE
Sturdier than a sandal, swifter than a boot, a good water shoe is supportive, comfortable, quick draining and drying, and adaptable to be worn barefoot, with neoprene socks or over a drysuit. From the uncompromisingly functional to the fashion forward (okay, fashion neutral), we test-walked these four new offerings.
Teva Omnium This cushy hybrid shoe-sandal (shandal?) gives an airy ride with high friction Spider Rubber underfoot. Built like a running shoe, all the straps are fabric-lined for comfort, thus slower- drying than a minimalist sandal. The open sides expel water but admit debris which collects in the toe bumper.
Verdict: Perfect if you crave sandal freedom with added coverage.
$80 US •
www.teva.com
Keen Cimarron II With Keen’s trademark chunky toe bumper, a stiff heel counter and a breathable mesh that lets water escape while keeping the seafloor out, Cimarrons dominate in both protection and support. They’re comfortable, functional and stable underfoot with a roomy toe box and a bulldog footprint. As for the style, let’s just say that one good thing about kayaking is you can’t see your feet.
Verdict: Best for dragging boats up rocky beaches and burly day hikes
in the coastal mountains. $100 US •
www.keenfootwear.com
Merrell Waterpro Maipo Merrell’s dynamic lacing system is a cat’s cradle of cords and straps that open wide to swallow your foot and then snugly swathe it like an Egyptian mummy. This is a true water shoe with a coarse, transparent mesh coupled with a perforated insole for exceptional drainage and breathability. The race-light upper is beefed up with a stiff heel, reinforced toe and a narrow-profile Vibram outsole for serious traction that fits well into small boats.
Verdict: The best lacing, fit and on-water performance with one caveat: the narrow
heel is a precarious platform for weak ankles.
$116 US •
www.merrell.com
Hi-Tec Multiterra Targa Hpi What makes these water-worthy, says Hi-Tec, is ion-mask technology, a treatment that makes the full-grain leather, mesh and neoprene uppers hydrophobic and faster-drying than other outdoor shoes; however, less mesh and fewer drain ports make this more of a water- loving land mammal than a true amphibian. A thinner midsole gives a rougher ride than the other shoes in this category.
Verdict: The most street-worthy offering for a seamless transition from kayak to cafe.
$110 US •
www.hi-tec.com
Go Wild with Greens L
iving off the land is something of a lost art among modern wilderness trippers, whose
diet on trip is often of the exotically named but dependably bland freeze-dried variety. If it’s the carefully calculated nutritional value and quick convenience that you cherish in these meals, you’ll find there’s an easier, tastier and much cheaper alternative to lyophilized eggs and as- tronaut ice cream: wild edibles and field greens. Berries, wild herbs and young greens are
abundant along many coastlines and add co- lour, flavour and nutrients to staples like cous- cous or bulgar. While not exactly wild, rhubarb, chives, mint and other herbs run rampant from overgrown garden beds at old homestead sites and lighthouses. Tis simple salad recipe lets you eat fresh even on day 10.
Salad
1 ½ cups uncooked couscous
1 ½ cups water Pinch salt
1 ½ cups smoked turkey breast strips (optional)
Dressing
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp salt ¼ cup olive oil
3 tbsp coarse grain mustard
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
In a pot, boil 1 ½ cups of water. Add couscous and salt; stir well and remove from heat. Cover and let stand five minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool for 15 minutes. Whisk the dressing ingre- dients together to an even consistency, then pour over the couscous. Add turkey, chives, dandelion greens and the rest of your collected bounty, toss lightly and serve. Remember, you can substitute any fresh found greens into this versatile recipe. Serves four.
www.adventurekayakmag.com 27
1 handful young dandelion greens
2 cups wild berries
1 cup choke cherries, sliced apple or rhubarb
½ cup chopped wild chives
PHOTO: TIM SHUFF
PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
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