What types of boots are good for caving?
Considering the following options:
- watertight: because caves are often wet or muddy
- stiff sole: to provide more grip and protection from the rocky bottom.
- durability
What is better, a rubber boot or a hiking/military type boot?
What other aspects should one consider?
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The best qualities of caving footware are actually
- easy to clean (especially now with WNS concerns)
- easy to walk/crawl in (must fit well and now slide around)
- keep your feet warm
- durable (caves eat clothing)
Watertight shoes hold water in just was well as they keep water out, and in a wet cave water will get in.
First get yourself a pair of 3mm neoprene socks. That will keep your feet warm, even when wet. Then go get yourself a good pair of "wellies" (Wellington style boots). I have a pair of Servus Northern 15" rubber boots I got from tractor supply. They have excellent grip to keep you from slipping on wet and muddy rock, will keep out low water, and are easy to pour water out of once you emerge from high water. When you get home just throw the socks in the washer and boots under the hose.
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I am member of a caving association, and we have found no better equipment than the good old 5 EUR rubber boots. Equipment manufacturers know this as well, therefore a specialized marked is small and brings no better value. Use wool socks inside.
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