NP dontgroandaddy, this is exactly the discussion I was hoping for! I'm still not clear on how a neoprene boot like the NRS boundary boot can possibly keep one's feet dry (warm, sure)?!? Also they don't look like they'd have the support for longer portages (?). I checked out the Kamik boots mentioned (on sale at CDN Tire this week)...warm but not too high...also found them a bit boxy which makes me worry about foot movement and blisters...the Lacrosse boots (CDN Tire) look great but start at $199 (on sale as well right now)...leaning toward the Itasca boots (again, CT on sale for $99)

goneagainjon wrote:

I'm still not clear on how a neoprene boot like the NRS boundary boot can possibly keep one's feet dry (warm, sure)?!?

No, neoprene paddling boots or socks aren't about keeping your feet dry. There are neoprene rubber boots that apparently keep you dry but those aren't paddling boots. The NRS boots would be great for spring and the ones Martin linked too would be great with a dry suit if I ever get a dry suit and get to do another far north trip. 

The choice between neoprene paddling boots and rubber boots is more about price with rubber boots starting at $19.99 at Canadian Tire. But then again, I spend enough on my other gear, so...

goneagainjon wrote:

 Also they don't look like they'd have the support for longer portages (?).

The are probably about as good as a pair of Keen's sandals which is what I portage in most of the time in the summer. There are portages, for example along the Petawawa, where I prefer hiking boots. Overall I would say that hiking or portaging in shoes or even Keen's is accepted much more today than it was 30 years ago. 
 

goneagainjon wrote:

NP dontgroandaddy, this is exactly the discussion I was hoping for! I'm still not clear on how a neoprene boot like the NRS boundary boot can possibly keep one's feet dry (warm, sure)?!? Also they don't look like they'd have the support for longer portages (?). I checked out the Kamik boots mentioned (on sale at CDN Tire this week)...warm but not too high...also found them a bit boxy which makes me worry about foot movement and blisters...the Lacrosse boots (CDN Tire) look great but start at $199 (on sale as well right now)...leaning toward the Itasca boots (again, CT on sale for $99)

If you want the best spring boot for dryness and comfort on long portages, go try on a pair of BOGS.  They fit like a hiking boot and are waterproof, and my feet dont sweat in these boots.  Bar none, my favorite and most comfortable foul weather boot i own, but they are around $200.  My second favorite that i own are the Salomon Quest 4D.  These are arguably THE most comfortable hiking boots i have ever worn.  These are around $270.

I never skimp on footwear.  Take care of your feet and you'll have a more enjoyable trip, trust me.
 

I've used the old-style NRS pictured for a couple of cold-weather trips now.  I like them, and on both trips those boots were the only footwear I had with me.  The downsides were 1) I had to wear an insert, otherwise it is like walking on bare ground, 2) zero ankle support.  Zero.  3) with inactivity, your footies get cold.  By the end of the day, when I pop those babies off, my feet are pretty sweaty/clammy.  Sleep in different socks, but the next day, the moisture remains in the boots.  I think it is just the nature of the beast.  On the whole I like them - keeps feet dry (aside from sweat), keeps feet warm - as long as you are active.

It looks to me like the new version might have a little bit of ankle support with that strap thing coming around.  That would be pretty nice.

I'm +1 on the argument of hikers over rubber boots. Even the thought of doing a 1km portage in rubbers has my feet aching.


If had great experiences with Vasque's line of goretex boots for the fit. And short of trying to swim in them, I've not had any compromise on water penetration.