Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view

Tag: Footwear (Page 2 of 2)

Five Ten Canyoneer 3

A few months back I posted a video of the new Five Ten Canyoneer shoes. A few more details have appeared since then.

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In canyoneering, where static friction is life and sliding friction death, Canyoneers have become the gold standard. The Canyoneer 3, with its Stealth S1 soles, reflects more than 15 years of R&D in some of the world’s harshest environments. The new 2015 Canyoneer retains the burly protection and excellent stability of its predecessor, but adds an increased lug height for improved penetration on soft ground and easier mud release. We’ve added welded rubber rands that interlock with the mesh upper to eliminate any chance of delamination; an asymmetric fast-lace system for single-handed adjustability in cold, wet conditions; a protective tuck-away lace pouch and svelte heel cage for torsional stiffness and support. And the flexible ankle cuff gives you support and protection without compromising range of motion.

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Palm Equipment – New Footwear

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The Gradient and Camber, three new water shoes from Palm Equipment. Continue reading

Baffin Trail To Rapids Shoes – First Look

Over the past few months I have been testing a couple of pairs of shoes from the Canadian company Baffin. They both fall within the companies Trail To Rapids range and are designed for use on and off the water (with more of bias to waterborne activities).

Baffin are probably better known for their cold weather footwear which by all accounts is damn good stuff, but their Trail To Rapids range including the two pairs I have here at the Unsponsored HQ are worth having a look at.

First up is the Swamp Buggy:

This is relatively large set of shoes that offer great support. If you are familiar with the Five Ten range then they are certainly comparable in many ways to the Canyoneer shoe.

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Astral’s New Shoe – The Loyak

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After the huge success of the Brewer and Brewess, Astral have developed a new shoe called the Loyak.

The Loyak has a much lower profile than the Brewer. The upper of the Loyak is constructed from 1000 denier Cordura Nylon and the sole is made of G.15 rubber (The replacement for 5:10 stealth rubber).

Astral Brewer – Update

Since picking up a set of Astral Brewers last year they haven’t actually been used that much until quite recently. I also have a pair of Five Ten Water Tennies which I tend to wear with my drysuit and just love them so the Brewers haven’t seen much action. Which is unfair as the Brewers are a superb shoe. Read on….

We have had a small glimpse of summer so the shorts, short sleeved cag and Brewers have been put through there paces.

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ASTRAL Footwear Collection – the Brewer and Porter explained

Astral Brewer – First Look

My Astral Brewer shoes finally arrived today. Delays due to the Olympics meant they had been in the country for over 10 days waiting for customs to release them. Thankfully they (along with a few other goodies) have arrived in one piece.

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Astral Brewer

I have a pair of the new Astral Brewer shoes on there way to me as I type. I’m looking forward to trying these out. They will have to be pretty good to beat the Five Ten Water Tennies.

The Astral Brewers were born on the banks of the Green River Narrows giving the people a versatile shoe from a kayaker’s point of view. The upper is built to last with many of the same durable and fast-drying materials as our lifevests including Cordura® and AirMesh fabrics. Our Natural Balance™ midsole securely cradles your foot, providing stable navigation through unpredictable rocky terrain. For the bottom we use state of the art Stealth® Rubber for unsurpassed traction on wet rocks. Technical performance and classic style are blended perfectly to bring you the shoe whitewater kayakers have been waiting for.

Brewer Features:

Lightweight, Minimalist
Construction (avg. 214 grams)
Durable Cordura® Upper
Breathable Airmesh vamp & tongue
Natural Balance™ Midsole (zero drop)
Drainage at front sidewall and Silt Dump at heel
Stealth® Outsole
Step-Down Heel
Alternate lace color provided

Five Ten (5.10) Water Tennies

I have been using Five Ten products on on off for the last 12+ years. Doing a very quick count I have found that I have gathered a number of Five Ten products, including climbing shoes, mountain bike shoes, approach shoes and now the Five Ten (5.10) Water Tennies.

A number of years ago I used the Nemo shoes for both whitewater rafting and kayaking, I found the grip very good even on greened up concrete. But I could never of got into my current play boat whilst wearing them.

Five Ten (5.10) Water Tennies Continue reading

Old School Series – Five Ten Nemo

The Five Ten (5.10) Nemo Shoes are one of the best ways to keep your toes protected, and they let you walk as safely as possible in tough terrain. Like most neoprene shoes, these guys are warm and comfortable. What set these shoes apart from others are their soles. Their soles are made of 5.10’s Aqua Stealth rubber, which 5.10 developed specifically for technically savvy anglers, kayakers, canoeists, ww raft guides and search & rescue workers. The soles are also very flexible, which allows you to squeeze your feet quite comfortably into the smallest of boats (I had no problem getting into a disco with size ten feet). But they still protect you from those nasty little stones that always seem to find the boney part of your sole.

I found using the shoes on the Teesside ww course for rafting three to four times a week meant that the soles wore down rapidly (within about 3 months), however the soles can be replaced by a 5.10 recommended company for a cost or with a DIY kit that’s available on the net! I also found that the mesh outer could rip quite easily is caught on a raft seam.

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