Water shoes for lakes?

[Bend123]

Wondering if it's best to bring water shoes for possible swimming in Lake Ritchie, W. Chickenbone, or E. Chickenbone lakes (accessed from campgrounds)? Didn't know if those lakes have mucky bottoms. I know to expect leeches.

[Base654]

I have stepped out of my kayak at those campgrounds and stirred up the standard muck... I would bring shoes just for the rocks you will be walking on.

[huntertim214]

I was in E. Chickenbone a few weeks back and it was fine... standard silty/sandy type bottom. It will stir up, but not what I would call "mucky", although as mentioned there were some larger rocks to be aware of. That particular lake has a pretty small access spot though, and it is the only place to filter water so there may be people there doing that.

[Tortuga]

I would wear the shoes not just for rocks but for the mussel shell's you'll find. Those can be pretty sharp and I would not want to get sliced by one. When I was at W Chickenbone I saw several broken shells.

[IncaRoads]

I bring water shoes to protect my feet from cuts and abrasions in rocky areas. My feet are my ticket to an enjoyable backpacking trip, and I like to keep them in good conditon. I also use the water shoes as a general purpose camp shoe, and give my barking dogs a rest from the hiking boots at the end of the hiking day.

[Tortuga]

I bring water shoes to protect my feet from cuts and abrasions in rocky areas. My feet are my ticket to an enjoyable backpacking trip, and I like to keep them in good conditon. I also use the water shoes as a general purpose camp shoe, and give my barking dogs a rest from the hiking boots at the end of the hiking day.

I'm not even embarrassed to say I wear Crocs as my camp/water shoe out there

[Bend123]

Thanks for all the replies - that really helps in deciding water shoes vs. flip flops for campsites.

[DonNewcomb]

Thanks for all the replies - that really helps in deciding water shoes vs. flip flops for campsites.

For me, it's a trade-off between weight and function. Flip-flops (a.k.a. slaps) are light weight but almost non-functional. Crocs weigh about 8 oz but can function as camp shoes and water shoes for crossing. At time I've even considered those little foam sandals my wife wears when she gets her toenails painted. They'd hold up about 5 seconds.

[fonixmunkee]

Bring watershoes, I always regret not bringing them.