Going to Greece in September & understand some of the beaches can be rocky. Any recommendations for an ultra-light weight water shoe or aqua sock? Hope to keep the backpack as light as possible...thanks!
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
I have a great little pair of lightweight aqua socks with excellent treaded soles that I bought long ago to use while white water rafting and hiking the Zion Canyon Narrows in Utah. They were inexpensive and have held up well. They don't have an identifying label, but if you search Amazon for 'aqua socks' or 'water shoes' you will get many results that should meet your requirements. Or try looking at an REI or other large sporting goods shop if you have one nearby.
Posted by
New York, NY, 10025
392 posts
Honestly, I got some cheap ones that do the trick at Walgreens.
Posted by
San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
4 posts
I just got a pair of Vibram toe water/walk/hike shoes. Really strange looking, I call them "weird feet" but comfy supportive and have amazing soles for rocky shores and street, good for water also. Very light. They are replacing my cheaper sporting goods store water shoes. Bought them on sale at REI last week.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17360 posts
Rose, you hiked the Narrows in Aqua Socks? I am impressed. We rented the canyoning shoes at Zion Adventure Company and were very glad we did. That river bottom is quite rough and slippery. We met one woman who tried it in water sandals and ended up with a badly broken toe. But for Gail, you might consider sandals like Tevas, or Keen Venice sandals if you want your toe covered. These would double as walking/light hiking shoes, so you wouldn't be carrying an extra pair just for the beach rocks. And they would protect your feet better than Aqua Socks. (The original Nike Aqua Socks are no longer made, but there are cheap imitations sold at Target and Walmart. I think they are made for swimming pools, not rocky beaches).
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
Lola, my aqua socks have great non-slip soles that protected me totally from any slips both during 13 days on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon (many brilliant slot canyon adventures) and the Zion Narrows. We rented wet suits from Zion Adventure Company, which was so conveniently right next door to Flanagan's Inn where we always stay, and we carried the shoes they gave us in our day packs as an extra precautionary measure, but we had no difficulty picking our way through the sandy and rocky bottoms of the Narrows. Heaven on Earth. Dreaming now of going back; it's been a while since I hauled myself up those chains to the top of Angel's Landing.