View Full Version : Wading boots - Advice
Steve L.
10-24-2005, 04:42 PM
After years of only using felt soled boots I'm convinced I need studded boots. Enough slipping and sliding so I'm starting to shop around.
What do you wear,what sold you on them, how do you think they measure up now that you've had em' awhile ?
Riverkeeper
10-24-2005, 04:54 PM
In the last approximately 12 years, I have owned two (2) pairs of Danner studded river grippers and needed no other boots. I think Danner just discontinued them (which sucks) but you may still be able to find some on the internet.
R Jackson
10-24-2005, 07:26 PM
My two pairs of Danner studs lasted about as long as RK's. My second pair died about a month ago. I replaced them with Chota's studded boot, WW350. The studs are removeable and replaceable. I've used them about 6 times and I love them. They retail for around $110.00
TVFOWLHUNTER
10-24-2005, 07:53 PM
buy the SIMMS studded felt guide boots. love them SIMMS are the best! the studs are long but after a while wearing them in the river they wear down ,and are awesome for late november icy steelhead fishing.
retail for about $220
Trent
In the last twenty years I have used two pairs of Danner river grippers (still have them as back ups!) In the last six years I have gone through one pair of Patagonia Beefy wading boots (3 times, warning) I am now wearing the Simms studded guide boots. The Simms are the best I have owned, after the Danners.
Yeti
Richard
10-25-2005, 10:09 AM
Orvis has their top of the line "Henry's Fork" studded boots on sale on their website for $89. I was thinking of buying a pair myself. I've always had great customer service and quality from Orvis.
Fish Slayer
10-25-2005, 03:47 PM
I have a pair of Korkers and love em. I think you can get the base model for around $90. I bought those, and the sweet thing is that you can change soles for whatever type of fishing you want to do. They make a wide variety of soles and I think they come with lug and felt. I've had mine for only a couple years, but haven't had any problems. They're comfortable too. Great product, you may want to check 'em out at joes or your local fly shop will probably have some. Just my $.02.
EugeneFisher
10-26-2005, 04:25 AM
I also have Korkers. While they are a decent boot, I have had the removable bottoms fall out on me while wading on multiple occations. This little "glitch" can be overlooked though if you really like the idea of interchangable bottoms.
cphatts
10-26-2005, 07:55 AM
I have Korkers and the bottoms have fallen out so many times on me that I have resorted to screwing them in. They are a comfortable boot but I am not sure I would buy them again unless they improve their design.
I have the Patagonia Beefys and contrary to a prior comment, I've had no problems what-so-ever. They fit and feel like hiking boots for me and are perfect for long days of hiking around the Deschutes. Durable and light, though I wish they'd figure a better way to lace, maybe similar to Chotas or something.
There are several top brands out there and I'm sure they're similar but don't try and save a buck..the investment is worth the comfort, support and warranties.
I would recommend either the SIMMS boots or the Chota boots :cheers:
I've had trouble with the Korkers also and while they are indeed very comfortable the soles falling out is a major hassle.
Good luck!
Steve L.
10-27-2005, 07:45 AM
Thanks for all the information :applause:. It helped me narrow down the choices. Ultimately it came down to Simms and Choata. I ended up going with the Simms. I was concerned that with the diameter of of the hardened screws Choata uses for studs once the edge wore down it might have too much smooth surface area :shrug:, comfortable boot though.