Sock 'shoes' for wading?
June 20, 2024 8:19 AM Subscribe
If you have any experience with socks-as-shoes products like this, please share!
Our family likes to go wading/swimming in creeks and rivers. We typically use "water shoe" products somewhat like these, but we find that they always let in some amount of gravel, and getting that gravel out when it gets intolerable is an annoying and slow process. I'm thinking a sock-type produce might let in less gravel, and be easier to pop on/off it it does take some in. Barefoot is not a realistic option due to the sadly common sharp litter and unavoidable naturally sharp hazards in the rivers we go to.
So, let us know if there's any of these sock-shoe products you've used and liked in any circumstance, and also especially if you have experience with them in water. Also will take suggestions for traditional water shoes if they have some kind of high ankle or adjustable fit or other feature that will really keep out gravel when wading. Thanks!
Our family likes to go wading/swimming in creeks and rivers. We typically use "water shoe" products somewhat like these, but we find that they always let in some amount of gravel, and getting that gravel out when it gets intolerable is an annoying and slow process. I'm thinking a sock-type produce might let in less gravel, and be easier to pop on/off it it does take some in. Barefoot is not a realistic option due to the sadly common sharp litter and unavoidable naturally sharp hazards in the rivers we go to.
So, let us know if there's any of these sock-shoe products you've used and liked in any circumstance, and also especially if you have experience with them in water. Also will take suggestions for traditional water shoes if they have some kind of high ankle or adjustable fit or other feature that will really keep out gravel when wading. Thanks!
sandals?
posted by HearHere at 8:32 AM on June 20 [2 favorites]
posted by HearHere at 8:32 AM on June 20 [2 favorites]
I tried a pair that seems extremely similar to the linked "sock" and didn't like it even for using around the house. Poor traction, and you really want a stiff sole for walking around on rocks. Neoprene scuba boots (which zip up and are quite snug) definitely keep most of the gravel out but are expensive, difficult to don/doff, and stink to high heaven unless you are meticulous about rinsing and drying after use. So far the best alternative I have found is Teva or similar sandal worn with thin socks. Even cotton crew socks will work in a pinch, but I like these US$12 Lycra Scuba Socks. Absolutely not for wearing without a shoe, they are super thin, but they do a great job of keeping out all but the finest grit and dry quickly. Believe it or not, acrylic dress socks are also a good choice for this application.
posted by wnissen at 9:05 AM on June 20 [6 favorites]
posted by wnissen at 9:05 AM on June 20 [6 favorites]
I had a pair thirty years ago that I really liked, but I couldn't remember the brand if you put a gun to my head. This is, however, the perfect use case for Vibram FiveFingers, which I have used and liked much more recently. (Those are the women's, these are the men's, I have never noticed much of a difference beyond available colors.) They stay on, the soles are genuinely protective, and as silly as the little toesies are in other contexts, they are *perfect* for hiking in slippery circumstances. They also dry quickly and I've never had a problem with anything getting into them.
Downside, they are the cost of a pair of regular shoes, because they're intended to have the lifespan and usage of regular shoes.
posted by restless_nomad at 10:03 AM on June 20 [1 favorite]
Downside, they are the cost of a pair of regular shoes, because they're intended to have the lifespan and usage of regular shoes.
posted by restless_nomad at 10:03 AM on June 20 [1 favorite]
I usually use Teva-style sandals for wading as do the people I wade with. The pebbles shake right out. I've also had good experiences with old running-style sneakers I don't mind getting nasty.
I think you should really rethink the ease-of-removing-pebbles from socks idea . . . putting on wet socks is hard. The Vibram FiveFingers idea is an intriguing one that I've never tried.
posted by Press Butt.on to Check at 10:39 AM on June 20 [3 favorites]
I think you should really rethink the ease-of-removing-pebbles from socks idea . . . putting on wet socks is hard. The Vibram FiveFingers idea is an intriguing one that I've never tried.
posted by Press Butt.on to Check at 10:39 AM on June 20 [3 favorites]
My husband has these sock shoes and he really likes them, he wears them out of the house a lot. They have good traction and protection. He has not tried them in water, but the description does mention water shoes.
posted by Eyelash at 10:44 AM on June 20 [1 favorite]
posted by Eyelash at 10:44 AM on June 20 [1 favorite]
Apologies if this is not helpful, but have you considered proper water sandals like Tevas or Chacos? As a raft guide, as long as it wasn't cold, Chacos were my go-to shoes for walking in rivers, and what I used for wading in streams and rivers with my kids. You can get a bit of sand or gravel in there, but it comes out pretty easily. They might be pricey for kids whose feet are still growing, but they can be a fine investment for adults. I'd encourage you to keep them mostly specific to use in and around water and on dirt trails to maintain the tread, unless you don't mind wearing them out walking on pavement.
On the cold days, I'd wear neoprene booties with a zipper like these. The zipper makes them a bit easier to take on and off, and they are grippy.
The newer thing is shoes like these from Astral, which fit more like sneakers.
I'd avoid something that isn't made for water. Something that's grippy on land or for trails might be slippery in the water and on slick rocks. And those socks would likely be a pain to take off when wet and might not have drainage holes.
posted by bluedaisy at 2:17 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
On the cold days, I'd wear neoprene booties with a zipper like these. The zipper makes them a bit easier to take on and off, and they are grippy.
The newer thing is shoes like these from Astral, which fit more like sneakers.
I'd avoid something that isn't made for water. Something that's grippy on land or for trails might be slippery in the water and on slick rocks. And those socks would likely be a pain to take off when wet and might not have drainage holes.
posted by bluedaisy at 2:17 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
Zippered scuba boots and low-top scuba shoes are available. I highly recommend them in the lakes and ocean, particularly since they protect my feet from sharp rocks, shells, glass, metal, and aquatic life.
They also stay in place and do not twist around, which would be a problem for easy on, easy off socks.
I can add open scuba fins as needed, then walk on the beach or boat in the boots. This is very helpful when shore diving across the street from the hotel.
I bring a plastic box and water for my snorkeling gear, soak the plastic and neoprene for at least thirty minutes, then air dry.
Safety alert: I've used my dive scissors on fishing line wrapped around my boots and fins while diving in a lake. Standard equipment for scuba, but helpful in other circumstances.
posted by TrishaU at 4:28 PM on June 20
They also stay in place and do not twist around, which would be a problem for easy on, easy off socks.
I can add open scuba fins as needed, then walk on the beach or boat in the boots. This is very helpful when shore diving across the street from the hotel.
I bring a plastic box and water for my snorkeling gear, soak the plastic and neoprene for at least thirty minutes, then air dry.
Safety alert: I've used my dive scissors on fishing line wrapped around my boots and fins while diving in a lake. Standard equipment for scuba, but helpful in other circumstances.
posted by TrishaU at 4:28 PM on June 20
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posted by Tell Me No Lies at 8:31 AM on June 20 [2 favorites]