Footwear for Zion Narrows in November?

If you're renting other gear, or perhaps having someone shuttle you to the top of the narrows, then I'd rent what they're offering for footware. My recollection is that indeed neoprene is the way to go, and probably fairly beefy neoprene. Not goretex socks for that, and perhaps not just the thinner type of neoprene socks you might pick up at REI or the like.

Something else you might consider just renting (if in fact you're only doing the narrows …) is a stout wooden staff. I normally use trekking poles, but a single solid wooden staff is a good idea for hiking through the narrows IMO.

brian – thanks for the advice. It kills me to rent gear, but then again if it is something as specific as thick neoprene river booties it might be a better option.

when you say that you think we would probably need more than basic neoprene socks do you mean that more than that would be necessary to be comfortable or safe? neither of us have a problem pushing through and moving fast to keep up the metabolism (especially if it saves rental fees : ) and isn't something that would be dangerous from a hypothermia/frostbite point of view).

cheers,
Brendan

another question –

Are a solid pair of river walking booties something that we are going to feel that we need for a majority of the good canyon hikes down through the southwest? Any "MUST HIKE" spots aside from the Narrows that have enough cold river walking exposure that thicker neoprene river walkers are a necessity and not just a comfort? (as compared to pushing through in a pair of goretex socks or lighter neoprene socks?

cheers,
Brendan

My wife and I did the Narrows in mid-October 3 years ago. It was magical. We chose that time so we could see the fall colors, which worked out great. The air wasn’t cold but the water would have been numbing without the boots, particularly in the morning. I have some photos here.

I second Brian’s vote: you want the beefy neoprene boots for sure, and the wooden staff is pretty helpful too. They rent both in town for a fair price. (The boots were really specialized for “canyoneering”: heavy neoprene socks attached to Teva-like sandals for traction.) They can arrange the shuttle too if you like. I’m pretty sure we rented from the Zion Adventure Company.

Commented on your other thread on a similar topic.

"when you say that you think we would probably need more than basic neoprene socks do you mean that more than that would be necessary to be comfortable or safe?"

Unfortunately I don't remember reliably enough to want to say. I think it's going to be more a comfort issue, but am not 100% sure.

"Are a solid pair of river walking booties something that we are going to feel that we need for a majority of the good canyon hikes down through the southwest? Any "MUST HIKE" spots aside from the Narrows that have enough cold river walking exposure that thicker neoprene river walkers are a necessity and not just a comfort? (as compared to pushing through in a pair of goretex socks or lighter neoprene socks?"

I have no answers to any of this; my wife and I and another couple paid to rent gear and get shuttled up to do the entire Narrows (I think more people sort of walk in and then walk out again), but that's the totality of my experience along this line.

I will say that for any sort of river walking, I'd definitely favor neoprene over goretex socks. I generally prefer goretex socks, for walking in rainy wet weather or walking in snow, but for times when you expect to be walking extensively in quite cold water — neoprene every time.

Colin – AWESOME photos. thanks for the link. I'm psyched. It sounds like the canyoneering boots are the way to go. The only thing worse than frozen feet is a fiance with frozen feet : )

Brian – thanks for the input. I'll check out the Zion Adventure Company. Were there many people that left their cars at the dropoff point where you started the Narrows thru-hike? We have plenty of time and had considered driving up there leaving the car and then hitch-hiking back to the car after hiking through.

Cheers,
Brendan

It'll depend on various factors. Consider the air temp and how much clothing you are wearing. If its a cold day….

I've done that hoke a few times in november wearing trail runners and two pairs of wool socks.. But then again the low temp last november was -18f!

The rental five ten canyonners shoes that most out of towners wear are great but not necessary on warm days imo.

Neoprene socks under shoes would be better than goretx or wool.

thanks mate, I appreciate the insight. I'm tempted to walk it in woolies myself and then pick up some canyoneerers for my fiance. At least it cuts the rental in half. I can't STAND renting. Oh well….

Cheers,
Brendan

You might want to consider trekking poles with baskets, maybe even the snow baskets. The only time I've ever needed baskets on my poles was in the Paria canyon where there were some quicksandy areas. The poles really helped with balance and getting unstuck.

The Paria might be another good destination in that area, don't know about the flash flood danger in Nov. however…

thanks mate, I'll look into that. so many new gear directions in the SW! definitely forgot my snowbaskets at home – its hot down here! I'll be myog'ing mine from bailing wire : )

We were there in mid June, 2nd day the narrows were open due to high water levels from big late snow falls. Effectively the water was as high as possible to hike in. We rented shoes, booties, and staffs. My .02 is that if water is low, hiking pole is ok, one per. Anything over low, rent the staff, as you risk breakage, because footing is sketchy, and inevatibly you will severely lean on your pole at least once, and that could be the end of it.

The neo booties were great, no temp problems, and again, it was high water, the rental shoes gripped the slippy slimy rocks really well, as that is what they are designed for. Lower water, maybe not an issue. We were very happy paying the rental fees, about $20, and not having wet shoes to dry out. Good luck, have fun, its' an awesome hike.

We did Narrows in the summer in sandals and trail runners. There was no need for anything "hard core" or "specialized". But temperature wise in November, i suggest water socks/neoprene. I've seen too many people in yellow rented boots (forgot the brand name, 8/10 perhaps?) with sore swollen feet unable to move … these shoes are not comfortable and an overkill in my opinion. Just get socks that would keep your feet warm.

I'd agree. The 5-10 Canyoneers are a specialized shoe for canyoneering, ie rappelling and climbing in near freezing water. You would want them to fit properly and broken into your foot shape, not as a rental.

The water will be cold though, near freezing temperatures. You will NEED neoprene. The 3mm socks that REI sells should be fine. They are not waterproof, so you do get cold water in your socks from time to time (depending on water depth) but it quickly warms up.

When I hike South West canyon bottoms in winter, I usually wear a neoprene sock 2-3mm thick with an insulating hiking sock over it (wool or synthetic). My feet will be cold and wet most of the time, but not numb which is the key.

At normal water November water levels (50-70 cfs) you can expect a waist deep pool or two. More if you route find poorly. Trail runners, synthetics pants and long johns, warm layers in dry bags, and 2mm neoprene socks are the minimum. Seam taped 3mm neo socks like the NRS Expedition are better, but for most folks they'll require a 1/2 size larger shoe to avoid pinching your feet.

If air temps get cold, which they easily could, you might want more insulation. Something like a farmer john wetsuit, or dry pants/drysuit. ZAC can rent these, and you won't have problems with availability. Probably not necessary, but might make things more fun.

Bear in mind that the road up to Chamberlin Ranch is clay, and not passable when wet (early snowfall plus freeze thaw).

Shoes with sticky rubber (like the 5.10 Canyoneers) are stickier on wet sandstone, but not necessary. Any durable quick draining shoe will be fine. Expect them to get thrashed.

Depending on what other hikes you plan on doing, buying neo socks and maybe farmer johns might be worth it. If I were hiking Coyote Gulch, the Escanlante, Muddy Creek, etc, etc I'd bring neo socks for sure.

thanks everyone for your input – i've been out hiking for the past couple of weeks and haven't been able to reply. hope you all are having a wonderful november!