What type of boots should I look for?

rockaway · 02-06-2010, 07:32 PM

I am looking for a new pair of waiding boots. What type of boot and sole? Felt or rubber? Any help is much appreciated.

Greg

FishonDon · 02-06-2010, 10:12 PM

Type of boot is really personal preference. I fish alot. I mean alot, and I can't say enough about studded felt soles. In my opinion, they are the best way to go. The new grippy rubber may help keep invasive species from getting transfered from boot to river, but I don't think it has the same gripping power as studded felt. At least not yet.

When I'm wading, I want all the protection I can get, and I count on my boots to keep me stable on slick rocks.

Another consideration is durability. Most wading boots that have been well used will eventually tear out somewhere along the boot. For me, it is the area between the upper portion (where the laces go) and the lower portion (that part that wraps up from the sole). I look for boots that connect these two sections physically with heavy duty material. Some boots have a fabric piece between, but no heavy duty material. My boots of choice connect those two areas with three pieces of heavy leather. That leaves a few small areas of fabric that allow the boots to drain fast, while the leather keeps them rugged.

Price is aslo a consideration, but don't let a higher priced boot scare you off. I have purchased several inexpensive boots, and found that they don't hold up. One pair of those inexpensive boots didn't even last one trip. Now my boots last several seasons, and are more dependable.

I shouldn't mention brand here, but if you PM me, I can fill you in on what I consider to be a really great boot.

AndyK · 02-07-2010, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishonDon

I can't say enough about studded felt soles. In my opinion, they are the best way to go. The new grippy rubber may help keep invasive species from getting transfered from boot to river, but I don't think it has the same gripping power as studded felt. At least not yet.

Good advice there.

The rubber soled boots are just not "good enough" yet for tricky wading.

Oregonism · 02-07-2010, 11:47 AM

I used rubber hip waders for a few years and this year I got myself some wadelites and a pair of felt soled boots, and there is no comparison. Felt feels far more stable and slip resistant. I just got the cheapest pair of felt soled wading boots I could find ($60), and they work perfectly.

nitsuj · 02-08-2010, 05:48 PM

I just picked up my first pair of wading boots ever, some closeout Patagonia Canyonwalkers for cheap, about $60 shipped. Keep in mind I have nothing to compare them to but using old hiking boots, but WOW what a difference! MUCH better fit (as they're actually designed to have neoprene feet in them) and SUPER stable on slick rocks (they have a felt sole). The only issue that I noticed is for the hike in they don't hold as well on steep gravel/loose dirt/etc. sidehilling. Next time I'll probably wear hiking boots into the spot and switch into the Patagonias when I get to the river.

jdougher · 02-08-2010, 06:48 PM

"I can't say enough about studded felt soles. In my opinion, they are the best way to go. The new grippy rubber may help keep invasive species from getting transfered from boot to river, but I don't think it has the same gripping power as studded felt."

nookslayer · 02-10-2010, 08:11 AM

I have always gone studded felt soles and swear by them. I did notice that SIMMS has now gone to a new 360degree Vibram sole they designed in conjunction with Vibram. It ahs replaced their felt and does have the option of studs. I have not used them but have talked to a couple guides who have with good reviews.

Jeep60154 · 02-10-2010, 08:18 AM

Felt is a most for me to have.

C-lice · 02-10-2010, 09:01 AM

Studded felt.

I get about 2 years out of a pair of these.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...616&id=0026700

Slow and Low · 02-10-2010, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nookslayer

I have always gone studded felt soles and swear by them. I did notice that SIMMS has now gone to a new 360degree Vibram sole they designed in conjunction with Vibram. It ahs replaced their felt and does have the option of studs. I have not used them but have talked to a couple guides who have with good reviews.

I haver heard they are about 60-70% as effective.

I did see Korkers is still offering studded felt.

PacificCoastSteel · 02-10-2010, 10:01 AM

i really like the new vibram soles, and it has nothing to do with invasive species..

i have the simms g4 boots with the vibrams and the low profile star cleats and i love em.

for me they are as good as studded felt in the water, and far far superior on land... way lighter than the 1st gen G3 boots too