Simms AquaSteath?

[nookslayer]

I'm looking in to new boots and have alway run felt with studs but I'm curious about Simms studded AquaStealth bottoms. Has anyone run these and if so what did you think? Specifically I'm looking at the new Simms Guide Boot and Simms Rivershed Boot. Any input would be appreciated. I tend to do a LOT of hiking while fishing so comfort and stability are #1.

[NWaddict]

best boots you can buy if you do a lot of hiking. I will never go back to felt except for in the boat.

Dom

[w-fly]

We have used the LLBean Studded Aquastealth for years and they are really great for traction, comfort and ankle support....I've gone through 3 pairs for other quality issues - I'm tough on my wading gear, but they have always refunded my $$.

The Aquastealth/spike combo is the best thing for hiking or going down slick banks. Check out how far out the spikes stick out, my friends have some of the older SIMMs Guide boots w/ studded stealth and the spikes stick out way too far, the rubber can barely make contact w/ the rocks.

I'm using my spare pair of boots, Simms Freeston Spiked felt, and the felt is looking hammered after 2 seasons use - disappointing, and I don't have the confidence in tough wadings situations that I did w/ my Beans.

I was planning on getting the updated Beans, but may be worth waiting until Feb to check out the Riversheds.

Sorry to be so long winded...PM me if you want more info.

[nookslayer]

thanks for the input guys. I am down to the new guide with studded felt or the rivershed with the studded aquasteath. It will come down to which one feels better to me.

[Nick6547]

I have had studded aquastealth soles for a few months of hard fishing, and I am much happier with them than I was with studded felt. They grip just as well, but with the tough wading conditions on the coastal rivers, the felt just seemed to wear out too fast. Another issue is that felt soaks up water, and so is much heavier for hiking in. Plus all kinds of other stuff is in with the water. Felt soles are the probable cause for the infestations of "rock snot" in rivers all over New Zealand, and now in some pats of the US.

[Ty]

Better grip on all kinds of slippery river substrates, better on mud and snow, and last longer than anything else!