creek fording / wading footwear

[hiker97]

Here's what may be a dumb question....where you are fording a very wide creek and cannot rock-hop, what do folks typically choose to do in terms of footwear or lack thereof? I have heard people say they bring along some other type of water shoes just for the creek or river crossing. I have heard people go barefoot. Keeping the boots on would seem like a blister factory to me. My particular trip I am heading out for is actually not in Yosemite (Evolution Creek crossing along the JMT) but it is a general question where I'm sure folks have some opinions and recommendations. Thanks for any insights!

[AlmostThere]

Crocs are the lightest (ugliest) solution I've found. Flipflops tear out toe webbing and aren't stable. If you want traction on wet slimy rocks, superglue or epoxy felt strips to the soles of the crocs.

Another solution - take off boots and socks, put boots on, ford the creek. on the other side, pour out water, dry off feet, put on socks, and hike on. Your feet won't be soaked and the boots will dry as you walk.

[Hikin Mike]

I bought a cheap ($5) pair of "water shoes" at Target 5-6 years ago. Not sure what the proper name, but they just look like slippers, but they're for water. I use them at camp too!

[SteveH]

Here's what may be a dumb question....where you are fording a very wide creek and cannot rock-hop, what do folks typically choose to do in terms of footwear or lack thereof? I have heard people say they bring along some other type of water shoes just for the creek or river crossing. I have heard people go barefoot. Keeping the boots on would seem like a blister factory to me. My particular trip I am heading out for is actually not in Yosemite (Evolution Creek crossing along the JMT) but it is a general question where I'm sure folks have some opinions and recommendations. Thanks for any insights!

Wife and I use Tevas we have bungied on back of our packs. Also use them as camp shoes to cool feet off after a long day of hiking.

/r

[hiker97]

great stuff everyone...I was kind of thinking along those lines but just had to post the question! Thanks

[bill-e-g]

Take shoes off. Walk across with socks on.
(I hate cold water)
Take socks off, ring out, strap to pack...
Put dry socks on... good to go.

[balzaccom]

I am a big believer in Crocs now. I have some that even have a kind of bungie to keep them on my feet. They hang on the back of my pack, dry quickly, and are great around camp. And they weigh almost nothing.

[bill-e-g]

Myself have almost bought crocs a number of times.
Reason haven't is that it's just more stuff to carry and I haven't
seen the reason b/c I wear trail running shoes and those
are comfy in 'camp' too.

[Keep35]

+1 for Tevas.

I have a pair that's at least 10 years old, still in good shape.
Of course, that's probably because I only use them camping.
I wouldn't be caught dead in public in them.