Awesome Water Shoes - Honest Review

[@elderhiker7787]

Okay, basedreview review on your review, I purchased these water shoes and I agree with you. I have several different water shoes trying to find a water shoe that met my criteria that were very similar to yours. I wear mine in water crossings, to the beach, and at the pool during my water aerobic exercises. And, most importantly, they had to be easy to get on. These babies are the real deal. Thanks for your excellent review. The econochallenge rocks.

[@tdeeez]

Do you wear with or without a sock? Should we assume sizing down to wear barefoot?

[@elderhiker7787]

tdeeez, I wear mine without any socks. For me, it would be very difficult get the water shoes on and to fit properly if I had to struggle with socks.

[@1o1s1s1i1e]

When I first purchased my kayak I picked up a pair of NRS water shoes and they have worked well. They are not very packable, and with my nasty achy back a real fight to get on and off, but they worked great in the kayak for they were firm enough to push on the foot rests. They have removable innersoles which helps them to dry quickly, and high neoprene tops to keep out sand and small stones from getting inside. I really like how easy the Aleader shoes are to get on, so if I can still kayak next year I'll give them a try. A chilly 42f here this morning, and Orion is back in view so we know what that means, autumn is here. September is my favorite month for being out in the woods. Take care, Ossie

[@EconoChallenge]

I just got back from an overnight with the kayak. Did some fishing. But the temp dipped to 2 above freezing at night. So let me tell you the cold weather is not far away my friend. I for one was not ready for that kind of cold so soon. In the morning the lake looked like a steamy bowl of soup. I love the fall also. More for the complete lack of mosquitoes. The cold night was offset by the fact the night sky was crystal clear. The carpet of stars took your breath away.

[@timshel011]

Wow! That's what I call a real product review! Much appreciated. Thanks Bro

[@EconoChallenge]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

A proper, well designed and executed product review. It just happens to be on a product I am interested in. Wish I had seen this in the spring. Still time to use these yet this fall. Thanks for sharing Jeep

[@EconoChallenge]

Just got back from a weekend Kayak trip to a campsite with an oak tree. I noticed small acorns fit nicely in some of the larger drain holes. The cool part is the sole is thick enough that you never feel them. I had to look before I notice they were stuck in the sole.

[@TeacherSBD]

I have a pair of Vivobarefoot, water shoes that I also wear around camp to give my feet a rest after a long hiking day. They meet your 6 criterias, and the price is getting lower nowadays. But those you are reviewing might be my next pair.

[@EconoChallenge]

I really like the idea that the Vivobarefoot shoes are made from recycled water bottles. We need all the help we can get.

[@UrbCrafter]

I have been wearing OPs Menhaten Water Shoes for about a decade i suppose, i have purchased 5 pairs and i still have them all and they have lasted through all terrains. and the best part is they are cheap and attractive...

[@EconoChallenge]

If you would buy them again, that is the best proof of worthiness. I can think of only about a dozen pieces of kit I have repurchased over the years. But when you find what you like, that is what you do. What kills me is when you got back to purchase the item again and .... they have changed, no wait, "improved it" in some way.

[@UrbCrafter]

Sadly i think they have been discontinued, so there will be no "un-improvements" which is the reason i have so many pairs as you said i found something i like and i'm slow to change. so when i see a pair pop up on eBay i just buy them. i think the quality is the reason they discontinued them, they never wear out, the tread may wear to nothing but that only makes them more "grippy". the soles are like a silicon gel or something that are molded to the upper, which is the only real flaw as they are spandex but as long as you dont tear them or let the campfire pop a cinder on them they are bombproof. The night i posted this i found another pair on eBay so i'm up to 6 now, they are my go-to footwear for the outdoors, i even wear them for just running around town even in the winter, with 5 digit socks of course. I tend to buy multiples of many things when i find something i like my wife says it's like hoarders around here, eBay edition. but i'm a prepper by nature and its better to have and not need than need and not have lol anyway thanks for the reply, been a fan of your channel for as long as i can remember, back when you were on your world famous cook kit kick. learned a lot from you about DIY, i've probably built every stove on KZbin since then and even though i dont use much DIY anymore i still like to make them... anyway before i write a book i'm gonna run, thanks again... take care...

[@UrbCrafter]

btw here is what i came up with as my go-to back in the day... entered it in intense anglers contest but didn't win, years on i realized the cook kit was the real prize, i still throw one together now and again for a quick meal or just to show off at a church camping event lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHaZep9sbtJkebc Its no World Famous Cook Kit but i had a lot of fun with it...

[@jeffm5808]

might have to get a pair my old dive boots that i use for canoing and kayaking as on there last legs . there look perfect for fitting in to a touring kayak

[@Forestwalker111]

Great video. As always my friend. You did a really good job reviewing these water shoes. And for family beach outings I think this will be the new gear we’ll pick up. As far as trail crossings....boots are my trouble in late spring to early fall. I switched to trail runners. They’re great on trail of course but also dry fast after a crossing. Real fast. And you don’t have to mess with switching out footwear. Unless you abhor wet feet for maybe an hour tops.Lol I’ll be looking to take advantage of your kind code offer and try these out. Been through around 3 different of specifically designed shoes for “watershoes” and it’d be nice to not have that heavy feeling in water nor the sucking and slurping or water or sand build up. Thanks again very much. Good to see you chum. Be well Craig

[@EconoChallenge]

But you had the cool pair of boots that shed water almost instantly. I figured that was the perfect answer to 10 cm or less water crossing at least. I have been trying to find waterproofing that reproduced that effect ever since you demode them for me. Ya, I have never been big on hiking in wet feet any longer than I have to. If I have to stop for a rest, the boots come off and they get placed in the sun along with my hiking socks.

[@Forestwalker111]

EconoChallenge Yes but my hike distance increased and they became more uncomfortable at those distances. They perform great! But the trail runners were the next evolution for me. I still use them in winter and early spring of course. I hear ya on the wet shoes but they dry on foot faster than the sun dries them sitting in it. Of course a nice lunch break is appreciated. Lol

[@valeriabispo5223]

Love the grey one you wheare

[@EconoChallenge]

The work really well. I now have two pair. I thought I lost my first pair and purchased a second pair to replace them. The I found my first pair again.

[@andrewhasaname]

You should try Vivobarefoot Bloom Ultra III's if you're interested in a new water shoe.

[@EconoChallenge]

"made with BLOOM® foam, which removes harmful algae blooms from waterways to reverse the damage of water pollution.". Very interesting 🤔

[@maizevagastien8399]

My first pair of keens lasted like 10 years, the next three pairs all wore out in less than a year. So here I am about to try these strange new shoes with holes in the bottom

[@diceflawless9115]

Keen sandals (or similar) are perfect for hiking on trails where you may cross water. They're not good for swimming because they are too heavy. Not good for beaches because sand gets caught in them Water shoes are made for beaches and getting in and out of boats. Perfect for swimming in, but not good for long hikes across rough terrain

[@Odious83]

What's the hammock chair deal your sitting in?

[@EconoChallenge]

Available from Amazing Wilderness Products.com

[@BLynchCAN]

Looks good. I going to look at them.

[@samattapoluttamayotin1457]

Would it be possible reviewing water/hiking shoes? Many hikers need shoes that they could wear for hiking and creek crossing.

[@EconoChallenge]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaSVaoeVnsirfac this link will help I think.

[@shughalonly4724]

Thanks a lot for the awesome review ...amazing effort ...if you happen to cross over a thorn accidentally during trekking, will there be any protection ? Apparently the water drainage hinders that protection?

[@EconoChallenge]

The soles are pretty thick! So far I have not been stabbed by anything up through the bottom. But! Small stones, acorns and even some small pine cones get jammed in the smaller holes and can be challenging to get out. The thick soles are such that I don't feel even the rocks.

[@shughalonly4724]

@@EconoChallenge grateful for the detailed reply ...thumbs up 😊

[@mobiltec]

I've seen a lot of product reviews and this is by far one of the best. Noticed that in the first few minutes while you were hiking that the audio was out of sync though. Sup with that?

[@keeperofthegood]

Ive seen/heard out of sync audio all over youtube since their latest ad blitz and push for people to pay to go ad free with that new thingy they implemented a few weeks back. Really annoying and pushing me to want to see advertising by compaies on the stock exchang heavily regulated.

[@EconoChallenge]

Well. Behind the scenes, this project was a huge challenge from the start. After I tested them out and knew what I wanted to say and do, my first day of shooting included an hour of time in front of the camera with the mic turned off. It was the sound of silence. Next day of shooting included repeating myself with the mic on. Then came the editing part with all kinds of problems with the home computer system. On the first edit the audio matched perfectly with the video. The second edit included titling and no matter how many time I tried, no matter how many times I turned the computer off and on again for a clean start, no matter how careful I was not to run any other programs ... I could not fix the first few minutes of audio sync issues. It killed me to post it anyway after all the work I put into the video. Sometimes the software just screws me somehow and I can not fix it.

[@mobiltec]

Just went through a hard drive crash myself. Luckily I back up everything all the time. Still a pain though.

[@alfonsocasillas7290]

Do they have a odor after use?

[@EconoChallenge]

Great question. NO. I think I know what you are talking about. I did not have a pair to use in this video but years ago I tried some cheap neoprene water shoes from Wally World and your feet stink after wearing them for an afternoon. That plus the insole aways came out with your foot are the two main reasons I never liked them.

[@alfonsocasillas7290]

👍🏽

[@ThinkDifferentish]

The mesh in them look like they will allow A TON of sand in if at the beach/surf.

[@tdeeez]

Do these fit true to size? If barefoot, should we size down?

[@EconoChallenge]

Great question. They fit true to size

[@Nyki02]

Just bought a pair myself. Has durability been checked off or no?

[@EconoChallenge]

Yes. I am still using them. Durability check. I will say after using them for a few summers now that it is a bit of a pain digging small rock, small pine cones and acorns out of the holes in the bottom. Worth the fast drain time and comfort!

[@philipbuckley759]

so would the last one be one to use....all day, every day, on the AT....

[@EconoChallenge]

You could use these for your water crossings and around the campsite. The soul is no way durable enough to use constantly hiking the AT.

[@codypesta9604]

I want to buy these, does sand get into them?

[@EconoChallenge]

Yes it does.

[@kennyho1001]

Do the shoes keep sand from getting in? One big issue in walking in the stream is sand seem to always get into the shoes. How well does the shoes prevent sand from getting in?

[@EconoChallenge]

These shoes do not stop any sand from getting in. Best they can do is wash it out faster without taking the shoes off.

[@kennyho1001]

@@EconoChallenge , thanks for the prompt reply.

[@StefOutside]

Awesome! I use the Keen Newport H2 for portaging trips and they most of my criteria, but they do give me blisters on the really long, tough portages so I've been looking for something else. This video helped a lot, thanks! 💪🇨🇦👍

[@EconoChallenge]

Great feedback. Thank you.

[@gyasirossmusic]

How are these at keeping out sand in general, like if I'm on a beach all day are they a good alternative to sandals?

[@EconoChallenge]

They certainly will not keep the sand out. It is very easy to clean the sand out once you have left the sandy beach. I like them much better than sandals because more of my feet are protected. But you will get lot of sand inside these shoes.

[@johnwessinger7768]

Hey Jeep! Been missing you and our emails as well but I know you are a busy man with lots to do now that the company is pretty much on you. I really liked the review and might even get me a pair but I was wondering about the sizing? do they size the same as a regular pair of shoes?

[@EconoChallenge]

That is a great question. The answer is yes. I am a size 10.5 shoe and so I ordered a 10.5 and they fit perfect. Life is slowly returning to a new normal. I try not to be too busy for people. Other "stuff" can wait. Thank you for your kind words once again.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Jeep, do the shoes fit true to size?

[@EconoChallenge]

Yes. I am a 10.5 and they fit perfect.

[@msilverhammer]

I just watched your video, and then opened the Aleader website. It looks like they have a plethora of water shoes available! I assume that they have upgraded the shoes you reviewed, and also added additional models or types of water shoes to their line. Are you familiar with their line, and is there a recommendation you can make two years after your initial review. By the way, did the shoes hold up in the durability department?

[@EconoChallenge]

The shoes definitely held up. Taking them with me on another canoe adventure next week. We like them so much we have just purchased another pair for my wife. The style reviewed in this video are still available. Xdrain classic knit.

[@msilverhammer]

@@EconoChallenge Thanks!

[@kennethspeed2019]

I'm glad you found something that works for you. I have to say for my purposes my heart or should I say my feet belong to Teva sandals. They wear like iron, I'm on my second pair and my first pair lasted for years. They have a substantial rubber sole, like hiking boots, and they're light and comfortable. Not only do I take them when I'm out in the woods, I also wear them around the house as slippers and for short jaunts around town. Getting back to outdoors usage, they're easy to clean and can be easily hung on the outside of my pack to dry. I wear them around camp when I don't need the protection of boots. One of the things I really like about them is that they can be worn with or without socks. I think they're very good, but not perfect. They are sandals, one's toes don't get a lot of protection and wearing them as camp shoes gives flies and mosquitos easy access to your feet even through socks, treating one's socks with Permethrin largely solves that problem.

[@EconoChallenge]

When making this video, I was also introduced to the Teva brand for the first time. I don't know why but I just never noticed the brand until I was doing research. You are not alone in singing the praises of this brand.

[@jeffgrier8488]

Great review, they look like nice water shoes.

[@saradreaming]

These are really cool! Great find! Thanks! :-)

[@EconoChallenge]

Good to see you Sara!

[@saradreaming]

I don't comment as much any more, but I'm still around. Especially when one of your vids pop up.. :-)

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

Gotta say, those look pretty sweet. Thanks for the awesome review -- Thumbs-up !!!

[@EconoChallenge]

I really really appreciate that.

[@ibeenjammin]

Finally! An informative review! Do you have any updates on the durability now, after a few months of use?

[@EconoChallenge]

The tread is wearing as I would expect. A little better than crocs. One negative is acorns, small rock and even small pine cones get stuck in the larger holes in the sole of the shoe. The sole is so thick you don't always notice. Not all of them pop out easily when cleaning the shoe the way I show in this video. Sometimes you have to go digging to get them out. Still the best water shoe I have found so far. Very comfortable wet or dry.

[@dagger-cb6qq]

@@EconoChallenge you should try body gloves water shoes they make really good high quality shoes

[@dagger-cb6qq]

@@EconoChallenge i recommend the ribcage or dynamo rapids

[@Sigma_Freud18]

Awesome video, Jeep.

[@SilvestreVences]

I guess you weren't playing when you said you've tried it all. Great vid! Subd!

[@EconoChallenge]

Thank you!

[@thehorrifyinggamer5460]

Hard to watch a video when the music suddenly blares twice as loud as the person talking! Lower the music and get music that isn't so obnoxious please! Otherwise a great video.

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Get Your Honest Reviews Here @ Jeep-Jeep ! Looks like ya finally found Em ! ATB T God Bless

[@nikolaiklausvladimir5625]

WHAT ARE THOSE!!

[@EconoChallenge]

Awesome. Why did it take so long for someone to comment this? We say it all the time when we have them one. LOL

[@snakeclaw]

Lol. I own these shoes. Sorry but your review is 100% wrong. In Missouri walking on any river here there are small stones that get wedged in those holes in addition to sharp sticks that will poke through and hurt. Once the rocks are in they do not come out easily. "Take my shoe off and beat it on a tree"? Are you for real? Not only does that not work most of the time but who wants to do that? Thats a pain and its a sign of a bad designed shoe. My fabric tore on its 2nd trip as it brushed against a rock on the side of the shoe. It tears like old lady skin.

[@EconoChallenge]

I agree that stones are more of a pain in the foot than I noticed when I did this review. But the material is standing up to a lot of abuse for me.

[@chocomango2631]

*LMAO WTF IS THIS*