During development of the Gradient 3.0 boot, we started talking about the perfect footwear trilogy for paddlers. An all-terrain boot, a lighter shoe with the same capability, and something really low profile that could replace a neoprene bootie or sock, but with proper grip, protection and comfort.

We’d heard the need across different disciplines, but Heidi was one of the main voices pushing for it. Out on the Ottawa she was switching between her creek boat and playboat and wanted something low profile enough for both, capable on the bank, and something she’d actually wear while travelling too.

First stop was Vibram, who got the idea. They came back with a zero-drop Idrogrip sole inspired by barefoot running. A wider toe lets the foot sit naturally, while the low, flexible sole gives better feel and connection underfoot, much like a traditional moccasin, but with proper wet-surface grip.
Next, our designer Mike worked on the upper, taking what we’d learnt from the Wave sneaker: approach-style lacing, flexible mesh, welded reinforcement and a knitted ankle closure that keeps the shoe low without letting debris in, or the shoe come off.

Then we paddled in it. A lot. Over the last year Heidi Walsh, Andy ‘Chips’ Kettlewell, Joe Rea-Dickins, Cal Major and others have tested prototypes across different boats, disciplines and environments, feeding back into the final design.

The result is the Flex Moc, the final part of our footwear trilogy. The low-profile feel and flexibility of a bootie, with the grip, protection and comfort of a proper paddling shoe. Something that works in the boat, on the bank and beyond.