The Nike shoes are just that, a great shoe and perfect for the warm season paddler.  Tough as hell for scouting/portaging the big drops, good grip on the rocks, etc.........  But

I had the pleasure of taking a swim on the Tellico on Sunday, air temp 35 water temp right at freezing, my feet froze and I wished my 510's hadn't fallen apart (all 3 pairs).  My feet were frozen instantly because of the "cute" litle drain holes.

Water moves at will in and out of the shoe offering no warmimg to the tootsies.

These shoes are tough and are great for "off season" paddling, but when the water runs in the winter and your feet go in the water, I'll take one of my old delaminating pairs of 510's any day.  I wish 510 would solve their material problem and return to the paddling scene with my favorite bootie.

Anyone out there know of a good replacement for winter paddling shoes that are nice and flexible, grab the side of a slippery rock like a lizard and keep your feet warm?

Frank