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Fisher's Footgear Part I

© Louis Bignami

Espadillas, rope sole sandals popular in the Mediterranean, are another fine warm weather choice with good deck traction. Their usual mesh tops are more comfortable in warm weather than canvas, and they avoid sunburned feet, a major problem with sandals. Like Topsiders, espadillas are often worn without socks in tropical conditions.

Perhaps the best boat shoe on today's market is the Harken "2000" worn by the crew of Stars and Stripers in the America's Cup. Uppers are Propex III, a polypropolene fabric that won't absorb water, mildew or rot. The three rubber composite outsole sticks to wet surfaces, and the design features more instep support than any of the above. L.L. Beans sells these if you can't find them locally.

As weather chills fishing shoes that offer more protection against moisture suit. Moccasins sans soles are a good choice for canoeists who do not face long portages and need a flexible shoe that won't cramp their feet when they paddle. L.L. Beans Bluchers(tm), a special design with a gum rubber chain tread sole deserve special mention here. They are comfortable enough to wear without socks, but offer good traction in wet, slippery conditions. Standard "slick sole" mocs are instant upset on wet rocks or pavement.

A number of special "fishing shoes" are now on the market. Most feature non-slip soles, leather and fabric uppers with waterproofing and a comfortable low top. Cabela's, Orvis, L.L. Bean and Pro Bass Shops offer a variety of models. A pair of these should be in every shoe wardrobe.

WALKING AND LIGHT HIKING SHOES Traveling anglers find attractive dress-type walking shoes a great help on the long hikes through airports, museums and urban areas. Several firms offer shoes with a dress look, but walking shoe comfort. Look for air or water padded insoles, a sole that won't slip on wet pavement and an arch that fits.

If you don't mind the clunky look of walking shoes -- these are more suited for all-round foot comfort than jogging shoes -- you will find Nike, Addidas and a host of others a super choice for foot comfort. Selection really depends on the way an individual shoe, or size, fits your feet. For example, I fit Nikes, my wife fits Addidas.

All of these choices are low cut. When you move off pavement a higher shoe improves ankle support. Very light hiking shoes -- sometimes called "Sierra Sneakers" with a moderate tread, fabric top and reasonably light weight do the job at a budget price. They suit hiking anywhere the ground and foliage is reasonably dry. Models with Gore-Tex drop socks, as is often the case today, keep feet dry too.