Sandals: How to protect your feet against mosquitoes and ticks

Clothing absorbs permethrin but the rubber/plastic on synthetic sandals is cured, so not sure it will penetrate. Then again, we used it on brick in the Middle East desert since our sleeping quarters had a large gap under the door and we didn't want more "visits" from the local insects/arachnids. It worked, but it did not rain in summer and the brick is somewhat porous.

Thinking the permethrin impregnated socks would be better. I've been using a "spray-on" permethrin myself.

The straps on my Keens would soak up permethrin well. I'm going to try that. I think I'll stuff newspaper inside so I just treat the straps.

Permethrin works for mosquitos in my experience.

DEET is the stuff that damages plastic. Use a good container and put that in a zip lock.

I don't think that putting permethrin on sandals will really have much of an effect. Just carry DEET in case the bugs become a problem.

I've worn sandals through some pretty bad mosquitoes and it's always been fine. Generally, if you're hiking along at a good pace it's hard for the bugs to get at your feet, but if they're really bad just apply some DEET.

As far as paddling goes, if you're getting out and portaging the DEET will get you through that, just as it'll protect your feet from flies or something on a long paddle. If your feet are staying wet (getting in and out, wet portage, rapids…) the bugs probably won't be biting them.

What about a MYOG simple "over-sock" of light netting, treated in permethrin? Even if you didn't sew or have time, this would be a simple and inexpensive project to pay someone.

It would have to be large enough to slip over the shoe and go up mid-calf with elastic or simple drawstring? No need for complicated seams if you didn't need to wear them walking.

This should be fine while paddling, maybe a little harder while cycling, as it the bottom would be chewed up quickly on most pedals. However, you could make 20+ "disposable" pairs, basically knowing they would get shredded. This wouldn't weigh very much either.

Like the socks here (ignore the pants) but taller:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clothing/Mens-Hunting-Clothing/Mens-Specialty-Clothing/Mens-Bugproof-Clothing|/pc/104797080/c/104748480/sc/104590080/i/103952880/Sea-to-Summit-InsectShieldreg-Bug-Pants-and-Socks/1708485.uts?destination=%2Fcategory%2FMens-Bugproof-Clothing%2F103952880.uts&WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat103952880

Dale put me on the right track: The inside of the straps of the Keen sandals are Neoprene and that should soak up the Permethrin.

I am not worried about getting bitten by mosquitoes while cycling (I am too fast for them then) but when I am setting up camp. I would like to avoid wearing socks other than for warmth because socks look pretty ridiculous with sandals and bike shorts (I am touring in Scandinavia and will do a lot of sightseeing) and get dirty and wet very quickly when cycling. I guess I will try out "panty hose" socks that are provided in shoe stores for trying on shoes. They are lightweight, cheap, should dry fast and are almost invisible. I just do hope the Permethrin stays in there long enough but I will bring along DEET as well.

If Permethrin is not really what you want, you could try Citronella Oil. The mossies don't like it. We use it at home.

However, it may not last while paddling. For that I can only recommend light socks. Yes, they will get wet and worn – so buy cheap ones.

Cheers

"…I would like to avoid wearing socks other than for warmth because socks look pretty ridiculous with sandals and bike shorts…"

What? I thought the Germans were leading the trend on socks with sandals…

You are absolutely right! I am probably a national disgrace in that respect….

That is a PNW standard since Tevas arrived. A local insurance company has a parody on the subject.

http://www.werealotlikeyou.com/mobile/default.aspx?id=104

Shows what you PNWers know. For the past 20+ years, everyone knows chicks only dig black sandals when worn with black sandals. Think fashion.

Everybody (not only women) should know: Never wear socks with sandals! Christine, you obviously know about Modesunde No. 1, so don't give in to looking dorky for merely practical reasons!