Whats the best wading boot?

[HeavyMetal BankFisherman]

What is the best boot available for wading? I have been using the hook on felts. I have found that they work ok as long as you keep all of your weight on the front of your feet. Most of the boots that I have seen looked pretty flimsy. Thats why I wear the hook on felts. I can put those on over a better boot. Also, how much better do the ones with the metal slats work? Seems that they would get much better grip.

[Charlie]

I ware Danner's with the metal cleets as I fish
the Deschutes and one really needs them.
There are a number of less expensive boots on
the market, try various flyfishing shops and of
course GIJoes and Fishermens, of course one
must have on bootless waders to ware that
type of wading boot. I usually put a light sock
over the bootless waders then my boot which
is a larger size then my regular shoe.

I even use a wading staff at my age, not as
young and dareing as I use to be.

Charlie

[ragjr]

I have a pair of redballs/w the felt. I like them, they are of a stiffer materal that the hodgmans and cost less money at the time and I got them at Bob's over in Longview,Wa.

[Barviewrocks]

I would try the Danner outlet store located at the factor near the airport. Be sure you get the ones that have felt with metal studs embedded. I find they work very sell for most situations I get into. This included moss covered jetty rocks in the winter.

[steelheadslayer]

I got a pair of Baileys lightweight from Great American Tackle in Clackamas. They're really light and made of a cordura type material. I haven't tried em yet but will do so in the morning. I've also thought about the new korkers that I don't think are out yet. They come with five interchangeable soles of different sole types and just pop in and out. Sounds good but I don't know how well they work due to them being so new and I can guess a little spendy.

[garyk]

Simms Guide model w/studs is tops for a maximum support. Padded integral insole makes it very comfortable too. Add crampons and it's a passable summer climbing boot. About $125.

[SSPey]

ditto GaryK. I love my simms guides. I wish that the danners were cut without such pointy toes, if they were, I would consider them.

[blacktail]

I'll vote for Chotas. I love mine. Very nice with removeable screw in cleats.

Mike

[luguando]

I've bought cheap wading boots and I've bought expensive ones and they all lasted about the same length of time. One to two years tops is all I ever got out of a pair. I may be a little hard on them but I doubt I'm much different than others. In the cold season I put them on over my waders. In the warm season I wear them as my walking shoes along the river. The best advice I can give is make sure they are comfortable. I kind of liked the ones that had the three velcro straps instead of laces. As the boots age the loops or cleats that the laces hook on tend to fall off the boots. That's where the velcro straps came in handy (also much easier to put on and take off).

[cully]

simms guide. I've had mine for 5 years and there just now showing signs of wear. The cleats are all still there except one. I'm not sure but I think they can be sent back to simms for a redo and at a moderate price. I've really been hard on them. Gravel logging roads, pavement through parks, roadsides. They are lower cut than Danners I believe but still beefy enough to resist rock hopping fatigue. They open up wide so when you enter you don't have to pull like a madman and when done for the day your foot exits with ease. They are neoprene lined which also gives some comfort and warmth. You won't regret the hefty 125.00. They are life savers.

[Ramstrong]

Danner river grippers with studs. Simply phenominal. They are a bit narrow in the toe, but they've saved my bacon a few times over the last 3 years. I got mine as seconds for $85 at the danner outlet.

[Mojo]

Wienbrenners, felt with carbide studs soles. I've had mine for 5 years of tough fishing. Thay are still kicking, and when they finally crapp out, I'll get another pair for sure. They are more comfortable than Danners, durable, and provide great support. They were less expensive than the Danners as well.

[Anadramous Junkie]

Heavy Metal,

Danner all the way!!! I have a pair of studded Danners that I have got 6 seasons out of. I wade fish probably 15-20 times a season and it is just this year that the stitching is failing.
I will be buying Danner again this time around.

AJ

[GoFish]

Just ignore everything you have read to this point!!

LaCrosse makes the best wading boot, period. More support and foot protection than any other. They work best if you add the cleated felt replacement soles. Can't believe the traction I get with these. Filling my waders and bruising my feet on the Deschutes taught me the value of good boots. I got mine at Fisherman's Maring Supply.

[5-Cents]

Danner with cleats all the way if you are fishing mainly from the bank. I have had a pair for 7 years and they are still going strong!

Beware of cleats if you are in a driftboat a lot since you can tear the floor up!

:cheers:

[speyfly]

Choata, the best on the market. Great ankle support, good arch support, VERY easy to get in and out of, quick tie bungie laces, replacable titanium cleats and the price..... around $100.

[Steelie28]

Simms AquaStealth Studded Guide boots. Outstanding. I also have a pair of regular felt bottom Simms guide boots that have made it through a season of guiding in Alaska along with serveral days on the river. I now use them for waterfowl hunting and they are almost as good as new. They are a nice, comfortable boot with great support that has saved my bacon more than once. Go to www.simmsfishing.com (http://www.simmsfishing.com) to check them out.

Steelie28

[Sirprize Sirprize]

I use the Danner's also. I love them except for one problem...the ankle support is lousy. FYI..Danner at 122 and Airport way will resole and get the boot back to near original condition for about 75 bucks.

[Bankbound]

I recieved a pair of Xtreams??? Don't know about the price but they have taken me along way in the last two years and are holding up just fine. They have the felt only sole i don't see where or when you'd want the studs (one would think that studded boots would be more slick on rocks???). Comments??

Mike H.

[ 12-20-2002, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: Bankbound ]

[RogueFishr]

Has anyone seen the new Korkers with the interchangeable soles? I think they were due out this month. I have used the Simms studded guide boots and love them. But, the new Korkers look interesting also.

RF

[HeavyMetal BankFisherman]

Thanks all for the info. I checked out most of the boots mentioned at various websites.

Going with the Danner option They make a good product and they have that outlet by the airport.

I definately need better traction as I have taken a couple spills recently. It can get treacherous out there during the winter.

[sturgeon slayer]

wienbrenner all the way made in U.S.A had my 10 years and i think i might have to have them resoled this year which they also do get the studded felt like there propex corker

[ 12-20-2002, 08:39 PM: Message edited by: sturgeon slayer ]

[big foot]

Have to second Simms studded guide boot. Have used then for the last 2 years on the Deschutes for several weeks at a time and parts of Idaho and Montana streams most of the summer,s with hikes of 10 to 12 miles with very little wear. they are as confortable as a regular hiking boot and still great for wading.

[KillerDave]

I stuck in the office today :depressed:

The best wading boots are WET wading boots :dance: