I plan to section hike, The Birches to Rangeley in August. Based on recent journal entries, I have decided not to use my Crocs. Instead, I may use my Teva water sandals when needed or use my trail runners with waterproof socks. Which is the best option?
_Steamer_Fording Maine Streams
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#1
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#2
In August you don't need waterproof socks and can just cross streams with your trail runners, minus any socks if preferred. Tevas and crocs are just so much extra weight. Teva sandals in particular are actually really unstable, slip and slide prone when wet. There is a huge market in convincing backpackers of the need for special footwear when confronting water of all sorts. To a large extent it is to the company's advantage at the backpacker's expense.
_Hoch_
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#3
I used a cheap pair of light water shoes that I picked up at wal mart that worked just fine. That section of the AT I do not believe has any bad water crossings. You may be able to get away without any and cross bare foot.
_Big B_
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#4
Thanks for the info Hoch and Big B. My trail runners are considered quick drying but they need about 12 hours to dry. I agree the Tevas are heavy. Journalers who recently hiked through that area wrote of waist high streams and bare footers were wiping out. Locals say it has been raining a lot this year. I will check out Walmart and hope they have my size (13/14).
_Steamer_
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#5
I would bet that in the August heat, even with humidity, that the additional heat produced by the feet while walking would be enough to dry out most types of lightweight trail runners (mesh uppers) in a few hours of hiking. Even within a half hour after fording a creek they would probably just be damp, and you could stop, towel off your bare feet, don dry or damp socks, and not have much trouble with pruning, maceration etc beyond that point.
_hoch_
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#6
Or: I bought a pair of cheap knock-off crocs small and tight so they wouldn't fall off in water crossings. Knock-offs are lighter weight.
_mg_