Why I use INOV-8 Footwear By Jesse Coombs When it comes to creek boating and exploratory kayaking there is only one choice in footwear. For as much hiking, climbing, scrambling and heavy lifting as we do, a shoe without a full sole is not an option. On the other hand, a heavy shoe or boot with a bunch of extra material is not beneficial either. The key to a good creek boating shoe is that it should have a full sole with medium to soft sole rubber for traction on the slipper rocks. The material of the shoe should be light weight and dry easily as it will get wet often. The shoe should also provide support for the foot and do a good job of not allowing sand and small pebbles in next to your feet. You definitely do not want to have sand and pebbles between your feet and the shoes for the long hikes as they will tear up your socks and feet and be uncomfortable. The best shoes for creek boating and exploratory kayaking are INOV-8. INOV-8 specializes in trail running shoes, and the same characteristics that make a great trail running shoe also make a great creek boating shoe. And no company does it better. I feel more confident and sure footed wearing my Mudroc 280 shoes than anything else. I know I am prepared for 8 mile hikes, steep rock screes, rock climbing, shuttle runs, and what ever else the day will throw at me. I also really enjoy wearing Flyroc 310 and Terroc 330 for around town, running and hiking. It is so important to me to trust the gear I use, and with INOV-8 shoes on my feet I know I will get where I want to be. Additionally INOV-8 has come up with an ingenious idea that is a must for creek boating. Creek boating always involved hiking in mud and river beds which always lends itself to getting rocks and sand in your shoes. This is hard on the shoes, hard on your socks and hard on your feet. Not anymore! INOV-8 developed the debrisgaiter, mudsoc and debrisoc which are unbelievably capable at keeping the rocks and sand out of your shoe and off your feet. Too good! I love it when a product solves something that has been a problem for a long time, and INOV-8 has done just that. If you want to be creek boating, hiking and running, you have to use the INOV-8 shoes and socks. They are just too good.