Footwear Question for Hobie Mirage Drive

Hello fellow Hobieists,

We're wondering what footwear works best for pedaling the Hobies.   We're on Big River in Mendocino where it can get pretty cold in Winter.  I'm assuming that one would want a low ankle shoe for ankle flexibility, but I don't know.

We just want the right footwear to keep our feet warm and dry and comfy, and that work well with the Hobie Drive.

Thanks for any suggestions/experiences.

-Matt and Mariko

I just wear my low-cut dive boots out here in the chilly Pacific...not dry, but warm enough.  When I went to Tahoe this summer I wore my waders and surf boots...stayed dry and warm, but I wouldn't use that combo in the ocean.  Had to open the footstraps pretty wide to fit those boots, too. 

Thanks Usagi,

I should have mentioned that we mostly kayak on the river, not the open ocean, so there is not a lot of splash.   Maybe we'll just wear cheap jogging shoes, but we're looking for something a little more water resistant.

By the way, did you find out anything new about custom photo-printed vinyl stick-on kayak graphics?   I've been searching the internet for a good company that can do that, but no luck yet.  I know that sticking to polyethylene is going to be tricky.

Arigato Onigiashimas,

-Matt and Mariko

By the way, did you find out anything new about custom photo-printed vinyl stick-on kayak graphics?   I've been searching the internet for a good company that can do that, but no luck yet.  I know that sticking to polyethylene is going to be tricky.

One of the artists at work is supposed to give me a website link for one place he knows of. I'll post it when I get it.

Howard

Thanks Howard,    I'll keep looking too.  I'll post anything I find in the "Kayak Nose Art"  thread.

-Matt

Matt-san,

Thanks Usagi,

Doo itashimashite 

By the way, did you find out anything new about custom photo-printed vinyl stick-on kayak graphics?   I've been searching the internet for a good company that can do that, but no luck yet.  I know that sticking to polyethylene is going to be tricky.

Not yet...he skipped karate on Wednesday, so I probably won't see him until Monday.  I'll post as soon as I hear anything though.

Ja mata!
Pete

Too thick a sole is not good.  I usually paddle barefoot or with slippers (even in winter). 

Two weeks ago, I tried lake DV in my adidas aditrail shoes, hated it!

I used to use my booties I use for tropical surfing. A low volume bootie. NRS makes something almost the same and think it'd work great. Get 'em a few sizes too big and they might fit over your waders. $44
Z
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2344&deptid=1168

Thanks Zeelander,

I think that is exactly what I was looking for.   Decent price too.

-Matt  ("HobieSport")

   Use my wet shoes (can't recall brand name, but made to get wet) normlly during summer/spring, and have used my wader boots with waders.

Troy

http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&categoryID=338&productID=6729&model=P-2

Teva P-2 .......IMO: simply the best

Had to open the footstraps pretty wide to fit those boots, too. 

You folks still use the footstraps? I pulled mine off long ago. If I pulled as well as pushed with my feet they'd serve some purpose. Since I don't, they were just in the way.

I wear booties, sandals, or go bare-foot.

Teva P-2 .......IMO: simply the best

 Mooch,  you have the Hook up on gear,  I like your taste

 

You folks still use the footstraps? I pulled mine off line ago. If I pulled as well as pushed with my feet they'd serve some purpose. Since I don't, they were just in the way.

 I would have to disagree,

I notice the difference just as if were a bicycle, and with the colder water/weather, I like how my footwear

 "locks in", I definitely have a stronger " Pedal " when my feet a secure IMO ......... Danglin

Had to open the footstraps pretty wide to fit those boots, too. 

You folks still use the footstraps? I pulled mine off line ago. If I pulled as well as pushed with my feet they'd serve some purpose. Since I don't, they were just in the way.

I wear booties, sandals, or go bare-foot.

Coming from a cycling background, I know the footstraps can provide an advantage provided you're wearing comfortable footwear and the straps are secure.  I once considered using clipless pedals with Shimano cycling sandals.  I was just afraid that the metal parts would rust quickly.

Had to open the footstraps pretty wide to fit those boots, too. 

You folks still use the footstraps? I pulled mine off line ago. If I pulled as well as pushed with my feet they'd serve some purpose. Since I don't, they were just in the way.

I wear booties, sandals, or go bare-foot.

I never use mine either. The way the pedal opposite the pushing pedal comes up so strongly I never felt there was a reason to pull. It's very different from a bicycle IMO. I actually like to flip my pedals over every now and then and have the post that connects to the pedal right in the arch of my foot. Kind of massagey.

Z