Issue link: http://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25120
TEXT: KEN KRISTENSEN � r;J CHOTA MUKLUK The name says Iditarod but this sea kayaking wunderboot wi ll leave you anything but cold. Its knee-high, fleece-lined neoprene gasket pre vents water from flooding over the top of the boot as you wade in and out. Makes it easier to get to that $3000 fiberglass or Kevlar rig that you don't want to run up on shore. Chota; 423-690-1814, $67 NIKE AQUA SOCK The stalwart Aqua Sock has been upgraded for Spring with a four-way stretch mesh with a neoprene coll ar. This sock also features high-wrapping synthetic leather in the toe and heel. Nike; 800-895-6453, www.nike.com. $35 VOYAGEUR RIVER BOOTY Specifically designed for river paddlers, this beauty of a booty features an oversized toe cap providing abrasion resistance, a 5mm neoprene upper and a sticky, flexible sale. An instep strap and side zipper allow for a snug fit, but also make it easy to get on and off. Voyageur; 802-496-3127, $49.95 � specifically designed to combat the rigors of adventure racing, the Exydro style is essentially a trail shoe adapted to water sports. Design elements include: light r-;;--J SALOMON EXYDRO Developed as part of Salomon's Raid Galloises line, a group weight synthetic materials, breathable meshes and quick-drying linings that do not absorb water, drainage vents in the base of the shoe and a heat-molded, moisture wicking insole. The outsole features Salomon's Contagrip CX2, a rubber material devel oped for sticking to multiple terrains. Men's and women's sizes available. Salomon; 877-2SAlOMON, www.salomonsports.com. $79 r-;:Ⴀ䊉 TECNICA BARRACUDA The Barracuda's midsole/outsole irrigation "pump" sys � tem uti lizes channels and portals that eject water through the sale of the shoe-whether you're standing, walking or even sitting down. The result: you're foot may not be dry, but it'll be drier. The Barracuda laces up with the snug fit of a climbing shoe and has a gummi sale to match. Available in men's and women's sizes. Tecnica;800-258-3897, www.tecnicausa.com. $95 � Fascist mil itant references aside, Das Boot gives the lateral support of a hiking boot without the weight or bulk. The 7mm rubber compression-molded sale provides r;;;--, SALAMANDER DAS BOOT Don't be afraid, this shoe's not as scary as it sounds. good protection and traction during portages, scouts and boat hikes on all surfaces. It's low profi le which makes it compatible with the tight constrai nts of today's high perfor mance kayaks, and there are no zippers to jam. This shoe is designed with a unique lace and buckle system with a heel pocket to provide a customized fit that should keep it secure in big hydraulics, and comfortable for extended hours. Salamander; 541 -388-1821, www.salamanderpaddlegear.com. $59.50 � no-slip grip a step further. Adidas has placed a recessed piece of felt in the out sale, like that used on the boots of fly-fishers, that grips mossy and slimy wet rocks. A r-;-Ⴀ䊉-, ADIDAS EQUIPMENT ESCALANTE FELT-TRAC, a proprietary technology, takes perforated synthetic nubuck and nylon mesh with open cutouts help drain the shoe while protecting your foot from chaffing agents like gravel and sediment. Plastic inserts are part of the upper, acting like armor for the ankle as well as lateral and medial parts of the foot. A neoprene tongue and collar give this lace-up a snug fit and good padding. Men's sizes only. Adidas; 800-289-2724, www.adidas.com. $90 o On the Water since 1969 Available at the finest paddling shops, world-wide. Free Catalog (800) 535-3565 Stohlqllist . ('om