River Crossing Footware

[Maddog Trekker]

Has anyone used reef boots for crossing streams etc on the track? These are normally made from wet suit material and have a thick sole and the sides cover the heel and ankle. Some have studs for added traction in slippery conditions .
Would these be better than sandles etc?

[Brian]

Hi

I purchased a cheap pair of Crocks from KMart with the idea of throwing them away at the end of the trek they served the purpose well and I am still wearing them around the yard. Saw them there the other day still $12.95 whilst others elsewhere were 3 times that price but looked the same and same quality to me.

Brian

[Maddog Trekker]

Hi Brian,
Thanks for the reply, will take your comments on board and have a look at them.
Colin

[Anthea]

Hi Colin,

I got a pair of Chaco's to serve as both river crossing foot wear and to wear around camp at night (something you would still need if you used reef boots for crossings). Chaco's retail about $150 for a pair, obviously there are similar products around for varying prices. As sandals, they allow your feet to air and dry out between crossings. I imagine neoprene would keep your feet pretty soggy. Also a point to think about is making sure whatever river crossing footwear you invest in is quite secure on your foot, toe loops, ankle straps etc etc. last thing you want is your footwear to go floating off down the river without you….

[Geoff Hardie]

Hi Anthea,
You seem to be mistaken as to the extent of river crossings where it is necessary to take your boots off. There are only two,Brown & Goldie Rivers, days apart on the Track. Once the crossing is completed you immediately put boots back on. All other water crossings, which there are many, are by rock hopping or by log bridge.
I am not familiar with the shoes you have purchased for this purpose, but they are certainly very expensive when $12/15 pair of Crocs from KMart are more than adequate.
As I have emphasised in many of my past posts, it is important that all contemplating walking Kokoda, that thorough preparation is necessary, including finding out what works best for them, hence my decision to go with two telescopic shock obsorbing trekking poles with collars. These were very important for me in managing an achilles tendon problem.
Cheers, Geoff Hardie

[Brian]

Geoff 100% spot on the $12 Crocs at Kmart are ideal and all that you will ever need crossing the two rivers and around camp at nights.

I saw an advert on "Rivers" on the TV last night saying that they have a 4 day sale, on now I think, with the same Crocs for $4 a pair.

For those reading this and Geoffs post take our word the $12 Crocs are all you need if you have spare cash put the money into better boots and socks.

They are light, easily cleaned, dry quickly, so cheap that they can be thrown or given away at the end of your trek if you wish.

Whilst I gave my good boots to my porter the crocs ended up coming home and I still wear them around the yard.

Brian

[Anthea]

Hi Geoff and Brian,

Thanks for your input. I am looking forward experiencing kokoda
Naturally the factors that lead to someone making an informed choice as a consumer are wide and varied. For someone who was potentially planning on spending about $100 on neoprene reef boots, as well as then foot wear for camp, (lets face it-who wants to spend any more time than they need to in hot soggy booties) i was simply hoping to provide a suitable alternative for consideration. I appreciate this may not be an appropriate choice for everyone and the factors that lead to my personal decision as a consumer may be poles apart from the choices another person may make. Thats something each person has to weigh up themselves. Similarly, for shock absorber walking poles, and carved poles.

After speaking to several of my colleagues who guide kokoda treks (not with KTL) I was on the understanding that there was at least one day where it is useless to put boots on at all due to river crossings. However, I look forward to finding out personally in a few weeks! 🙂

[phantom]

Hi Anthea,
I agree with Geoff and Brian, the Brownie and Goldie are the only two 'major' river crossings. Last trip for me the Brownie was not an issue but it came up very quickly when it rained. It all depends on the season they are having and what size groups are before you. The large groups taken by some companies chop up the track and make shoes other than boots a folly. Good boots and camp shoes are all you need, we barefooted it across the Goldie on each of three occassions and no issues. There are no fools who throw bottles into there rivers in the hills. My advice on everything for up there, minimalistic and simple.Don't overcomplicate anything. It is a great experience.

[Author]

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