Best protection for your feet in the water...

[Patti Puzo]

I was just reading Dr. Ralph's addition to the "Don't Rock" depth thread and it got me thinking.
What is the best/most versitale footwear for wandering around in the water? I have tried Teva's, scuba socks, water shoes.
I know to watch for the spiny urchins, and resting rays,
but was looking for other suggestions.
Patti P.

[flyingdogs]

Crocs (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.rmconnection.com/images/AllBeechCrocs.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.rmconnection.com/Crocs.htm&h=531&w=564&sz=165&hl=en&start=5&tbnid=Bsk-C7rJKaaorM:&tbnh=126&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcrocs%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D% 26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG) great for mud, rocks, docks, boats...

[DrRalph]

I highly recommend the Merrell Waterpro Ultra-Sport (http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?type=brand&brandid=9&brandcatid=catall&ageid=1&gen=m&pcid=19082). It features sturdy uppers with mesh panels that allow water to freely drain, and tough Vibram soles that grip and won't slip on rocks or on deck. They look great, they're very light in terms of weight, and they dry quickly. You can wear them at the beach, then rinse them off, sit them in the sun for an hour, and wear them to dinner. Check 'em out.

[DrRalph]

While we're at it, a pair of Waterpros or Pentax' new Optio W10 (http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_details/digital_camera--Optio_W10/reqID--7399568/subsection--optio)waterproof camera (that's right, waterproof, no bulky case) are great late gift ideas for your Abaco-bound traveler.

Here's an elf from Santa's Southern Command busily wrapping up surprise goodies. And no, that ain't the North Pole.;)

[Patti Puzo]

Just what the Dr. ordered! Thanks Doc... already have some Crocs (thanks flying dog), so I will have to check out the Merrell's. I don't like having to second guess my footing, or what might be sitting along the bottom.
Patti P.

[SamFamAustin]

Hey I couldn't help but admire ... maybe some Guild, Fender, Ovation, and Martin guitars behind your elf? Now I'm just guessing but I am truly impressed by the line-up on the wall. Awesome! Nothing is more fun than to have some folks over to play & sing some music in the backyard ... I'm no good with the words at all, on account I can't walk and chew bubble gum at the same time, but somebody behind that picture has some really good taste in guitars and music. Myself, I have two Spanish classical guitars and two ukuleles. Cheap but fun!

So come on and fess up - is Bunny the Jingle Bell rocker or are you the Jimmy Buffet man? :D
Sammie

[PELLUCID]

Oh boy. Proper footgear for the Abacos could be quite a lengthy thread.

Based on having a LOT of kids walking a LOT of beaches, I would advise against any shoes that have a closed mesh top if you intend to do more than 1/2 mile of walking in the sand. The sand grains here are surprisingly coarse, and they will start grinding away on your tender northern feet until you have a sore spot.

Teva-type sandals are much better. They are open, so you can kick sand or shells or sticks out as you walk along. They have heel and arch straps, so they stay put on your feet without flip-flopping around.

Same comment applies to swim shorts with mesh linings. Fine for a pool, very bad for a sandy beach. No need to go into details other than to say that my boat reeks of Gold Bond if my crews don't follow my advice.

[Patti Puzo]

Thanks Bob.... I had Teva's but always wondered about walking into a spiny thing on the bottom if I wasn't watching where I was wading...poking a toe...maybe after a rum thing or two....

[DrRalph]

Sammy, I've been a musician for 40 years, Check out CFBM Music (http://www.drralph.net/musicpage.html).

[ECHO455]

Mine are still pretty new but I love my Keens. Bulkier than Teva's but better for walking and no stumping my tootsies on the boat.

[SamFamAustin]

Wow, no idea DrRalph, we'll have to catch you sometime for a song or two! As to footwear I just wear sandals, whatever I can get broke in pretty good. The Mexican huarache with a tire-like bottom and a leather sandal top is now available worldwide thanks to Walmart and outlets like that. I've hiked mountains, remodeled houses, and fished the flats in nothing but huaraches. To be honest, I haven't worn an honest pair of shoes or a lace-up in about four years. I tried "stingray boots" and was really disappointed. Real leather soaked in saltwater so you can see the white salts on top, now that's the real thing. It will never rub you wrong if broke in right. /Sammie

[Eva]

Ditto the recommendation on the Keens. In addition to the Newport model shown above, they have other styles. I especially like the Venezia, which is like the Newport but a bit more open.

Here's a picture of some Keen feet on the beach on Great Guana Cay.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p239/callaloo_photos/keen.jpg

[Henz]

I'd me more interested in hearing stories regarding that pink pole there.;)

[SamFamAustin]

A lovely lady, presents, a lava lamp, and a pink fireman's pole ... the possibilities seem endless...

[Patti Puzo]

OK, I'll jump right in.....advance apologies...

What is it with you guys and poles????:cool:

[SamFamAustin]

OK I'll take one for the team since you asked so nice, Patti. See, just one time during our bachelor party some of us went and saw a ... gosh how do I say this ... a strip club thang. Usually those dancing poles are shiny bright stainless steel, disco style. The nice pretty ladies dance to rock 'n' roll and leave pretty cool "presents" very, very close to it. Honest, this only happened to me once in my life! They wanted to put the nice gal's tassles on my glasses so I could spin them around in different directions, just like she did with her's. Thank goodness my buds were not such a persistent bunch, as I wasn't about to walk up on the stage with that pole standing there. In fact, me walking might have been out of the question. It is symbolic only in the sense that most men love the idea but are scared as a church mouse.
:eek:
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannuka, and Feliz Navidad,
Sammie

[Patti Puzo]

Sam, I was just funnin' ya......and the other guys.
A loaded question seemed like the way to go.
You are all such a fun group... I love this forum!
Patti P.

[Megalops]

A third vote for Keen, they are siped on the bottom (non slip) don't mark a boat deck, are machine washable and protect your toe. Much better arch and more supportive than crocs.

They also have a style called the Venice that has fewer starps and is not as bulky as the newport.

[DrRalph]

OK, I'll jump right in.....advance apologies...

What is it with you guys and poles????:cool:

No apologies necessary, it's great exercise (http://www.lilmynx.com/dancepolelessons.php), getting very popular all over the country.

[Patti Puzo]

It must be great, because Bunny looks wonderful.
Season's greetings Doc!
Patti P.

[Bunny]

It must be great, because Bunny looks wonderful.
Season's greetings Doc!
Patti P.
Thank you. He's still in the doghouse for posting that picture :mad: .

[ModeratorTwo]

ROFL!! I kinda thought Ralphie boy might be chasing a few cars around the neighborhood after that one..

[SamFamAustin]

Oh so that's how you get exersize from the thang.

[Island Daze]

Pat and Charlie, left foot right foot, get me by just fine and if it gets really bad then its time for shoes.If you know GTC george is the only one that i know of that goes shoeless more than me.

[Abacoparrott]

Who's lookin' at guitars? I wuz checkin' out the elf. It's called a Bunny-Elf. Has a MUCH better shape than ANY of the guitars. I imagine 'ol Dr Ralph plays both with equal dexterity........Ken

[SamFamAustin]

Better be careful, tho', I heard tell DrRalph got busted down a notch and had to buy his lovely some magic boots fer reef walkin'. Them newfangled bootie thangs can rise on up and kick ya right in your Solar Texas and make ya go on Preparation-H. Dat not zactly the trut, but close, mon! Dey sensitive, mon.
Sammie :rolleyes:

[DrRalph]

Yep, there are boots, but they ain't for reef walking;)

[Patti Puzo]

Amazon had them at an incredible price. The Merrell's were hard to find in my size, but thanks to everyone for the recomendations! Now, since Christmas is over.... bring on May and the Abacos! WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!
Patti Puzo

[truebrit]

As a flats fisherman, & more than usually concerned about this, I have to make the comment that pretty well all of these suggestions lack enclosure and ankle protectio, so I hope none of the users come across any stingrays! Not that I have needed that element............yet!

[Megalops]

True about the stingrays, though you should be shufflin' anyway. Besides if you pay attention to the media a spotted eagle ray can "shoot" its two foot long bard about twenty feet right into your heart.