NO SHOES, NO SERVICE. PHOTO: KAYDI PYETTE
ON THE ROCKS gearbag TOP PICKS FOR STEPPING INTO THE SOLE OF OUR SPORT
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT SPERRY T OP-SIDER
SON-R SOUNDER With an airy, sneaker-like feel, Sperry Top-Sid- er’s Sounder promotes quick-drying and happy feet. Hydro-Grip rubber outsoles are Sperry’s stickiest yet and provide maximum traction while bungee laces ensure a snug fit. The most versatile shoes we’ve reviewed here, they’ll take you from the river to the trail and back home again. High Sign: Anti-microbial linings minimize odor. Low Sign: Toe caps don’t offer
heavy protection. $90 |
www.sperrytopsider.com FIVE TEN
WATER TENNIE Durable and stylish, Five Ten’s Water Tennies keep your feet comfortable all day, thanks to full neoprene uppers, awesome outsole grip and ample drainage. The EVA midsole offers extra support and the Water Tennie’s toe and heel caps ensure protection on tricky portages. High
Sign: Amazing traction—Five Ten is known for making some of the best rock climbing shoes
out there. Low Sign: Save your pennies. $120 |
www.fiveten.com TEV A
CHERRY BOMB 2 Completely revamped from the original Cherry Bomb shoe, this bootie was designed with in- put from the U.S. National Raft Team and is a favorite of pro kayaker Ben Brown. A Spider Rubber sole and JStep outsole mean a steady grip—Teva claims it’ll grip firmly even on a grease-covered aluminum ramp. The entire bootie is streamlined, so nothing will snag in the tight space of a raft or kayak. High Sign:
Secure and comfy. Low Sign: Little drainage. $80 |
www.teva.com NRS
FREESTYLE WETSHOE For everyone who struggles to squeeze their
feet into their cockpit, the NRS Freestyle Wet-
shoe is the answer. This playboater favorite is an updated version of NRS’s Desperado Sock. Stretchy three-millimeter Terraprene neoprene gives you cushion and warmth while soft, fleece-like VaporLoft lining repels water and dries quickly. The thin rubber sole doesn’t add bulk but does offer protection out of the boat. High Sign: Warmth and comfort for a very rea-
sonable price. Low Sign: More of a sock really. $44.95 |
www.nrsweb.com ASTRAL
BREWER The Astral Brewer’s durable materials are built for rough terrain and sandy, gritty environ- ments. The uppers, made of durable Cordura and AirMesh fabrics, dry fast while the midsole securely cradles your foot for stability through unpredictable, rocky terrain. The Five Ten Stealth rubber outsole offers exceptional trac- tion. High Sign: Classic skate shoe style. Low Sign: Sole is great for slippery river rocks, but
will wear down on pavement. $99.95 |
www.astraldesigns.com —Kaydi Pyette
www.rapidmag.com 29
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