PADDLER 5
Palm Gradient 3.0 boot https :// palm . equipment / gb / By Dale Mears
PADDLER 5
REVIEWS
Palm Gradient 3.0 boot https :// palm . equipment / gb / By Dale Mears
Let ’ s talk boots . I do not mean neoprene boots , seen worn by many . These are a great option or a shoe for summer and the shoulder seasons when bare-foot paddleboarding isn ’ t an option or where you can ’ t trust what ’ s in the water ( which is many of our waterways these days ). I ’ m talking about a larger boot mostly worn for kayaking and used when portaging parts of the river unrunable or scouting rapids . Yet , more and more people are travelling further on their SUP and with the continuous rise of white water SUP , people are finding themselves in more remote destinations .
Everyone knows the problem with a neoprene shoe or boot is that they generally have a softer sole . Although this offers some protection from stones and uneven ground , it is often unsuitable for a longer or more uneven surface . Because of this , people are turning to solid-soled shoes or boots . Palm has just released its redesigned Gradient 3.0 boot , which is another great option for water enthusiasts .
First , let ’ s look at the pros and cons of boots over other alternatives :
Pros : More support ; better foot protection and better grip .
Cons : More expensive ; often heavier ; bulkier ; usually , a much thicker sole and harder / longer to dry out .
Now , this is my list based on past experiences and years of paddling with canyoneers . Let ’ s look at Palm Equipment ’ s new offering .
The first observation is that these are not heavy , bulky boots and feel considerably light in size . I always recommend sizing up when buying boots to allow more space for drysuit socks or thick socks in winter . I usually wear a 10 in trainers and boots , and the size 11 is an excellent fit . They felt comfortable and fit well , wearing thin pairs of socks around the house . This is down to the design of the boot . It features neoprene ankle support , which then runs down the tongue of the boot and fits your foot nicely . There is a velcro wrap-around fastening mechanism to ensure a tight fit on the ankle ; this helps support the ankle and prevents water ingress and dirt / debris from getting into the boot .
Palm has also decided to keep laces on the boot , which , although only coming up to mid-height , allows you to pull in the lower boot to ensure a good fit . A second set of laces has also been provided as a backup or to change the styling . As well as plenty of adjustment on the boot , Palm has also included a spare set of insoles labelled ‘+ Fit ’ so that you can reduce the volume in the boot ; I ’ ve found this helped the fit for me . It will be interesting to see how long these last as they are fairly thin ; maybe a little glue might keep them down ; otherwise , they could become damaged if they slip about .
I mentioned weight . For such a big boot , these are very light , weighing 492g per boot . Once on , they do not feel heavy at all and don ’ t really feel too different from a neoprene boot or trainer .
The Gradient 3.0 is a comfortable boot with a lining throughout ; I ’ m not sure I would still wear bare feet in them . I ’ d prefer a thin sock inside or a dry sock . I have tried them without a sock , and they were surprisingly comfortable ; it ’ s just a habit of mine to wear something inside a boot .
The heel is rubber and protects the boot if sitting in a kayak or on your SUP , which will help the boot ’ s life expectancy . The front toe has a rubbery plastic coating , and combined with the rubber heel , it almost feels like a full rand , similar to that found on walking boots .
The soles are Vibram idrogrip a very sticky rubber when wet making these great for contact with your board or surface when not on your board whether you ’ re climbing or just enjoying a coffee on the bank and a pit stop . The boots use EVA foam to cushion the sole for comfort .
What I did notice is that although the soles look very thick on these boots , you do not feel elevated above your board ; there does not feel like a disconnect between board and person .
I ’ m really impressed with these boots , and they are definitely one for the winter months and shoulder seasons . They keep your feet warm , comfortable , and safe on any surface . The main negative is the cost . A boot like this is always going to cost more than a neoprene boot . However , it ’ s a bit like buying a drysuit ; it ’ s an investment that brings with it many benefits . These are well-made and looked after and should last you many seasons .
It ’ s important to say our dear friend Bren Orton played a major part in designing these boots with Palm . His feedback and ideas have been taken into account on these Gradient 3.0 boots . If you like a bit of colour in your kit , you can buy Bren ’ s colourway , Sherbet and Turquoise , or play it safe with Black , as pictured . Note : A portion of sales of the Gradient boots is being donated by Palm to a cause for Bren ’ s family and legacy . Price : £ 150