Drysuit boots?

[1idrod]

This is a question for those who pedal. I purchased the Kokatat Supernova Angler suit a few months ago and wondered what boots for cold weather you use. I've searched and searched but not sure if the boots from Kokatat or NRS would work pedaling. Are they to stiff? I see those mentioned but mostly in paddle kayaks when I searched. So, if any of you pedal and go out when it's really cold could you give my your input. Thanks, I'm getting cabin fever.

[Mark]

I don't have a dry suit. In cold weather I use Kokatat pants with feet attached, like waders. If the feet in your dry suit are similar to the feet on Kokatat pants you may be able to use low rise rubber kayaking shoes similar to these:

http://www.nrs.com/product/30022.02/...-shoe-closeout

Get them several sizes larger than your normal size of course to accommodate the feet of your dry suit.

I have wading shoes for stream and river fishing that would fit over my Kokatat pants but they would indeed be awkward to pedal with.

The low rise kayaking shoes work fine for me and do not inhibit my pedaling.

[1idrod]

Thanks Mark. Those definitely look comfortable but what about keeping your feet warm also? I have a pair of Muck boots but to bulky plus would need another size bigger. My feet fit in them with the suit but way to tight anyway. I was thinking something like the NRS Boundary or the Kokatat Nomad for winter but wasn't sure of the flexibility for pedaling.

[Salty Dog]

I go from inside out. First layer, drysock, second layer, wool sock, third layer neoprene bootie, then put the drysuit/pants/bib on. The only thing I use on the outside is sandals, I like Crocs or Keens. For this application make sure the outer sandal is at least one size bigger then normal. If you use a neoprene boot on the outside and water gets between boot and drysock on your suit, your feet will be cold all day. I think Yakfish posted something about this on this site.

[Mark]

Thanks Mark. Those definitely look comfortable but what about keeping your feet warm also? I have a pair of Muck boots but to bulky plus would need another size bigger. My feet fit in them with the suit but way to tight anyway. I was thinking something like the NRS Boundary or the Kokatat Nomad for winter but wasn't sure of the flexibility for pedaling.

I wear athletic socks underneath the Kokatat pants and find that the feeling is no different for me than walking across a parking lot on a cold winter day. Remember that your feet will be active by pedaling and perhaps that aids circulation. Or maybe I'm just fortunate and wired to stay warm.

[sparky1423]

After experimenting a few winters with my drysuit I came to the conclusion that snow boots work the best for me. I wouldn't say they keep my feet warm, but enough to keep fishing for hours. I've tried layers of socks with crocs and neoprene booties. The booties were the worst because they kept the water trapped inside my feet the entire day. A few layers of wool socks and the snow boots show signs of promise, curious what others use. Hopefully I can get a look at Mark's wiring schematic.

[hookmeup]

This topic is likely to have a million variations since we are all different.
I really don't enjoy cold feet.
Feet have adequate warmth and moisture wicking so I stay dry inside between air/water temp 40F-55F and water under 55F. Temp greater than 55F my approach will vary.

From inside out:
Polyprolylene regular work socks. This makes the mysterioso wicking function work much better
Mysterioso socks
Smartwool hiking socks
Drysuit or waders
Diving boots two sizes larger than normal shoes. When warm, switch to crocs

[Mark]

Hopefully I can get a look at Mark's wiring schematic.

I'm not quite ready for that invasive process just yet.

If my status changes, I'm sure my friends will let you know!

[Egriger]

Smart Wool used to make several different thickness socks. I use the light hikers for everyday use- working outside wearing a Keen Dry hiking shoe. My feet almost never get cold. While fishing today, I wore a thicker pair SmartWool socks only inside my Drysuit, with a pair of crocs. My feet did not get cold! For me, i've noticed that to much compression caused my feet to cold faster.

In my back packing days, I used to wear a sock liner(wicking) and a pair of wool socks- Then one day i stumbled onto Smartwool and never looked back.(much more comfortable). REI and EMS make good socks as well.


Ed

[MD Dore]

I wear the NRS paddle shoe, on top of the Kokatat dry pants, on top of smartwool socks. Plenty of warmth and flexibility for me. I got the NRS paddle shoe one size larger than my normal shoe size and it works great.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[atv223]

I have the Nova drysuit. My feet get cold really easily, so this was a big concern. I ended up with smartwool socks under the dry suit and NRS ATB wet shoes over top http://www.nrs.com/product/2335/nrs-atb-wetshoe This works really well for me. I've heard of people getting little holes in the drysuit booties from sand and stuff, the nice thing about the NRS ATB is that it really keeps all the junk out. They also work well with the Hobie, just take those stupid foot straps off, they are useless!

[fishinggod]

so up until last year when I bought my kayak, I was a float tuber for 20 plus years. I almost wore waders or a dry suit. so heres what I did. I take by waders or dry suit, all underlayer clothing I would normally wear with it and take it all to any sports shot that sells diving gear and equipment. they will have many different dive boots to try on. I just put all my gear on in the store and tell the sales associate to grab me different boots and sizes till I find the one I love. I walk around in em and everything around the store. its the only way to know for sure you will enjoy an entire day with those boots on. hope this helps.

[Salty Dog]

I have the Nova drysuit. My feet get cold really easily, so this was a big concern. I ended up with smartwool socks under the dry suit and NRS ATB wet shoes over top http://www.nrs.com/product/2335/nrs-atb-wetshoe This works really well for me. I've heard of people getting little holes in the drysuit booties from sand and stuff, the nice thing about the NRS ATB is that it really keeps all the junk out. They also work well with the Hobie, just take those stupid foot straps off, they are useless!

I have cold feet as well even on dry land. When you ordered your wetshoe, did you order 1 or 2 sizes larger?

[silasvirus82]

I wear the NRS paddle shoe, on top of the Kokatat dry pants, on top of smartwool socks. Plenty of warmth and flexibility for me. I got the NRS paddle shoe one size larger than my normal shoe size and it works great.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

x2 my cold weather gear is similar with the same NRS paddle shoes, never had a problem with cold feet

[Salty Dog]

Thanks, did not catch this post.