Canyoning boots
A girl can never have too many shoes 🥾
Cue the music… 🎶 these boots are made for walking canyoning, and that’s just what they’ll do 🎶
Just over a decade ago, your average Aussie canyoner would pull on a pair of Dunlop Volleys or whatever old sneakers were gathering dust in the back of the cupboard. The “go-to” for many, they were cheap, they kind of worked, and you didn’t mind when they blew out halfway up the walk-out. But times have changed - and for the better.
Australia’s canyoning is unique. The bush is unforgiving, the access tracks are often scrubby, and the walk-ins and outs can stretch for kilometres. Unlike Europe, where canyons are often accessed via short well marked trails, canyoning here can mean bashing through scratchy bush, crossing rough ground covered in sticks, logs and rock, and surviving brutal sandstone scrambles. Our canyons demand more from your footwear.
The arrival of the Bestard Canyon Guide boot was a turning point. It was the first purpose-built canyoning shoe that Aussies could easily get their hands on. Suddenly, we had grip, ankle support, and our shoes didn’t fill with sand every 3 steps. Now, with the canyoning growing rapidly in popularity, several brands have jumped on board, and today we’re practically spoiled for choice. From Italian and Spanish tech to German precision, here’s a breakdown of some of the top canyoning boots now on the Australian radar.
La Sportiva TX Canyon (thanks to Summit Gear for the loan of these boots)
La Sportiva TX Canyon
Website: La Sportiva TX Canyon
Country: Italy
Sole: Vibram Idrogrip
Cost: AU$320
What we like:
Rugged one-piece sole construction that wraps up over the toe—less chance of splitting
Sleek, minimal design with excellent heel mobility and velcro-protected lacing
Neoprene inner offers warmth and comfort
Excellent build quality, with few seams to fail
What we don’t like:
The relatively low-cut ankle lets in more sand than other models—Blue Mountains users take note
Stiff out of the box - needs a few trips to break in
Available from:
Bestard Canyon Guide boots (thanks to Adventure Base for the loan of these boots)
Bestard Canyon Guide
Website: Bestard Canyon Guide
Country: Spain
Sole: Vibram Idrogrip
Cost: AU$300
What we like:
A tried-and-true workhorse that grips well on sandstone
Flexible sole provides great contact with the rock
High cut and drawstring closure keep sand out better than most
What we don’t like:
Fabric and joins can wear quickly under heavy use
Laces tend to break easily
Available from:
Adidas Terrex Hydro Lace
Adidas Terrex Hydro Lace
Website: 🤷♂️ seriously looked, but we couldn’t’ find an offical Adidas product page
Country: Germany
Sole: Adidas Stealth rubber
Cost: AU$320
What we like:
Excellent drainage with mesh panels
Performs well on hard rock surfaces
Neoprene liner adds warmth and comfort
Lightweight and loved across Europe
What we don’t like:
Stiff when new and less durable in harsh Aussie conditions
Lighter build makes it less suitable for extended bush-bashing
Available from:
Fitwell Aquator
Fitwell Aquator
Website: Fitwell Aquator
Country: Italy
Sole: Vibram Idrogrip
Cost: AU$445 (inc. shipping from Europe)
What we like:
Integrated full gaiter protects against sand and scrub
More supportive sole than Bestard - great for long approaches
Sizing accurate to Euro charts
What we don’t like:
Not stocked in Australia so postage is expensive and sizing is a bit of a gamble
Gaiter feels thin, though it surprisingly held up well in rough Victorian bush
Available from:
Whether you’re pushing deep into the Blue Mountains, descending pumpy Northern NSW canyons, or exploring scrubby Victorian gorges, having the right boots can make or break your trip. The days of Volleys are (mostly) behind us - modern canyon boots offer the traction, protection, and durability our Aussie canyons demand. Choose wisely, and your feet will thank you.