TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR FEET

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TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR FEET

Many whitewater boaters underestimate the importance of footwear and foot protection while paddling, often times going with the minimalist approach of wearing only socks or no footwear at all.

Good footwear is vital to a successful paddling trip by providing traction, protection, and padding in any whitewater situation. Also, properly outfitting your boat will allow you to spend more time on the river and can prevent injury while boating.

Here are some suggestions from Teva and CKS that will protect your kayaking feet while maximizing your performance on the river. Start by taking a look at your kayak’s foot system. If you’re a river runner or creeker you will need a well padded bulkhead. Most creek and river running boats come with an adjustable bulkhead that is attached to an aluminum rail. The bulkhead should be covered in at least 1’’ of minicell foam to act as shock absorption in the case of a piton. Make sure that the foam extends to meet the deck of the boat, eliminating the chance of foot entrapment between the bulkhead and deck. Next, make sure that you have the right footwear for running difficult whitewater.

Teva’s latest design for the hardcore kayaker is the P2, the first split toe creeking bootie. The split toe design provides lateral control for better balance and has already been dubbed as Teva’s best performance bootie ever made. Internal pads protect your ankle from abrasion inside the boat, and the high friction SSR outsole is burly enough for the most demanding portages.

If you prefer a more traditional lace-up shoe, then check out the Gamma. This shoe was finely tuned by Teva’s Kayaking Team to be the ultimate whitewater shoe by making it low profile, protective, self bailing, and super sticky. The Gamma combined with a thin synthetic sock will protect your lower leg from scratches and blisters during a portage or long hike.

A good foot system in your freestyle boat will allow you to spend more time having fun on the water. A heel block made of minicell foam can give you more room in the smallest boat and will give you extra control.

Also, consider padding the inside of the bow with self adhesive foam to protect the top of your foot. Another option is to purchase an inflatable foot bag which gives you an instant custom fit and can be used in any freestyle boat.

Freestyle kayakers will appreciate footwear that is comfortable in the smallest kayaks. Traditional neoprene booties work for park n play, but will provide little sole protection at the put-in and take out and will be uncomfortable for scouting or portaging.

Teva has created the Neutron II to be low profile and lightweight allowing it to fit into most of today’s freestyle boats, while still providing the protection and traction needed for kayaking.

When you’re done kayaking for the day your feet will find relief in Teva’s Elixer. Its anatomically shaped topsole and encapsulated shock pad make it one of the most comfortable sandals to date, and the River Rubber sole offers traction in wet environments. These sandals are extremely durable and lightweight, making them the perfect off-river sandal.

Bryan Owen, CKS

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