Kokatat Portage 3mm Neoprene Shoe

I ordered both a size 9 and 10 for me and hubby. Neither size fit hubby because he has a high arch and there is no zipper on these - he couldn't get them on. The 9 fit me (true to size) the way I like - snug, so that when they get water in them they won't be loose. They were not easy to get on, but doable. Wore them for a few hours on a paddle but when I tried to get them off they were pretty much suctioned on. Needed help to remove them. Then, my toes were sore on the TOP all night - the toes caps pressed down too much. Have returned them (thanks Backcountry - you rock!) and ordered NRS booties with a zipper :-).

The size too small they sent me is too narrow and too long. Not sure where kokatat gets their sizing from but definitely not looking at a standard human foot and adhering to any standards in sizes. Also backcountry.com doesn't have live chat the window just closes.

I normally wear a size 7.5-8, but took a chance on a size 7 based on reviewer comments. The size 7 is still a little big, but I'm sticking with them. Since I kneel in my canoe to paddle, I can't have anything on the top of my ankle. I haven't used these on our cold Vt lakes yet (hello, February it's -40* some nights). But I did test them in a tub of cold water. I think they're going to be just what I need. Very excited for spring now!