gear _ TEXT: SIMON FRIEDMAN
FEATHERWEIGHT WATER FOOTWEAR
INTENDED USES; ANYTHING FROM CHECKING OUT TIDE POOLS TO KAYAKING TO WALKING BACK OUT TO A POINT AFTER CATCHING A MILE-LONG WAVE.
NIKE ALL CONDITION GEAR IACG} AQUA SOCK As the saying goes, with age comes wisdom. Very little slowed us down in these ultraversatile footwear. Lightweight and comfortable, the elastic mesh upper holds onto the foot, wet or dry. A rubber outsole leaves little to malfunction: the Aqua Sock has no buckles to break, laces to trip on or Velcro to fray. The shoes dry in minutes, weigh in at less than one pound per pair and take up minimal room in the backpack. Simplicity is bliss. Nike ACG, 800-806-6453, www.nike.com. $35
O'NEILL FREAK SOCK SPLIT TOE The Freak Sock's split toe allows phenomenal dexterity and control while surfing. Cut below the ankle, it allows maximum flexibility and comfort. The textured grade A rubber sole provides good lateral traction and protects the foot from all those pointy, spiny creatures that live on the seafloor. This is one fine surf bootie. The only question is: How long will the Velcro last in saltwater? O'Neill, 800-662-7873, wwwoneill.com, $36
WATER SANDALS
INTENDED USES; HIKING BEACHES OR TRAilS, FORDING RIVERS, SHORT PORTAGES, WHITEWATER RAFTING/PADDLING, SEA KAYAKING.
~:?l.!~~HIJt SMELLING SHOE
Lightweight, stable and nimble, the Shandal is a great rock scrambler. The closed-toe, open top allows ventilation as well as toe-stubbing protection. The synthetic upper and neoprene lining both dry quickly. When wet, the Shandal has the tendency to accumulate sand inside. But the Shandal made it through the trip without anything breaking, falling off or falling apart. Curiously, even after multiple weeks of saltwater baths, the Shandal never lost its new-shoe smell. The odor was strong enough to be noticed over surf wax melting in the backseat and banana peels decomposing on the dash. Tecnica, 603-298-8032, www.tecnicausa.com. $65
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