A lot of chit-chat recently regarding alternative footware. And interest in the Zuuk range. I've bought a pair, and they look to be the business for camp-wear and strolling into flesh-pots. But for river-crossings? Not on my watch. Same goes for #*Shudders and Total Fashion-Fail* Crocs.

River crossings are the most dangerous events that the majority of Challengers face. I welcome the fact that this has been pointed out in this year's notes, and that the Venerable Vetters have highlighted these dangers. Glenmore Lodge have produced an excellent series of videos on this aspect.

Key to crossings is secure footware. Getting wet is not an issue - as Mr Grunpy has pointed out on many occasions, our skin is waterproof! Secure footware to my mind is a system that gives you confidence, and that's robust enough to handle diverse conditions. Frankly I'd never consider Crocs for a river crossing, but each to their own. Equally, fine tho' Zuucs may be, they're more a delightful camp luxury.

Personally I find that Innov8 Terrocs do the biz under all conditions - but that's just my personal view, and not prescriptive. I prefer a system that can handle all eventualities - I really don't want to be endlessly changing footware every time I come to water. But hey . . . It's a big tent!

You will indeed be pleased to know that I have moved away from the LEFT hand path of darkness (CROCS) to the sartorial elegance of the ZUUK them Humph.. :-) See you soon fella..

Thoughtful and provocative as ever, Mr Wightman!

I agree with you about the need for security of footwear when crossing rivers.

I am happy that my Teva sandals provide this under most circumstances. If in doubt, however, then I will just take the plunge in my boots. Wet boots and socks are not the end of the world. Drowning, on the other hand, usually leads to withdrawal from the event ... and if you don't notify Challenge control that you have done so, then they won't let you back in for the next three years.