5.10 Water Tennies Review

5.10 Water Tennie

Over my 17 years of playing and teaching in rivers I have had the opportunity to try many different water shoes and sandals.  So far I have to say the best high - top water shoe I have ever used is the 5.10 Water Tennie.  I have been wearing the Water Tennie for 2 years and it has seen 100+ days on the water per year.

What makes the Water Tennie so great?

1.      Comfort – spending 5 days a week in and out of the water while teaching swiftwater courses you need a comfortable shoe.

2.      Secureness – using laces, you can really crank down keeping the shoes on tight.  

3.      Easily drains – with drain ports on the sides of the shoes and synthetic mesh on top, the Water Tennie kicks most the water out quickly.

4.      Protection – As a high- top, it does give some ankle support and it has a rubber toecap to protect your toes.

5.      Last but not least GRIP – A necessity while being in the water, this shoe grips some of the slickest surfaces you will confront.  5.10 uses a composite rubber called AquaStealth which makes you grip the bottom of the river like Spiderman climbing a building.

Are there any draw backs to the Water Tennies?

Laces on water shoes can always pose a threat to snagging on something along the river bottom.  5.10 have hidden most the lacing using sewn in webbing to minimize the chance of them getting snagged.  If you want to minimize the chances even more, change out the laces with accessory (small diameter) bungee cord and a cord lock. 

I did have some separation between the fabric and the rubber on the shoes with my first pair.  I sent them back to 5.10 and they were easily replaced.  My new shoes have not seen any separation so far.   

Colors

Grey and Black or Grey and Black with Green trim

Price

Online $89.95 to $119.95.  I know we sell them at the USNWC for $110.

5.10s have been worn by whitewater paddlers for many years so they are well tested for their environment.  The Water Tennie by a far margin out performs any other water boot being used by Swiftwater Rescue Teams across the world.  Top military special operation teams have also found their capabilities very useful in many of the water environments they work in.  You want to invest in the right gear and I believe footwear should be an important investment for your team.

Check out 5.10’s SAR water boot as well on their website.