wading boots "WHAT TO BUY?"

Nomad · 01-09-2004, 10:07 AM

I got a pair of stocking foot waders for X-mas and want a versitile boot that will keep my tootsies warm in the winter. Anyone have a suggestion i would appreciate it.

01-09-2004, 10:12 AM

I like the Korkers w/ interchangeable soles. There is a link on the ifish homepage and they are made right here in Oregon.
Good Luck

Fishfinder1 · 01-09-2004, 10:16 AM

I have to agree w/Stew. You can change the soles for diffrent conditions, and they are reasonably priced. :grin:

MacEFL · 01-09-2004, 10:22 AM

The Korkers are even on sale right now at another of Ifish sponsers, GI Joes. 69.99 with both the hiking and the felt soles. I will be there later today getting mine!

UmpquaSpecial · 01-09-2004, 07:09 PM

In looking at the responses I didn't notice any recommendations for Patagonia's beefy wading boot, of which I'm a real fan. I've been wearing this boot for several years and it's held up excellent, dries fast, is light yet sturdy. They're available in felt or felt with studs. They aren't cheap, but you shouldn't expect a quality boot to be. Check out Sierra Trading Post for cheaper deals on this boot.
Chris

nitroduk · 01-09-2004, 07:11 PM

danners have held up the best for me, you spend a little more, but it's worth it!

Lund · 01-09-2004, 07:16 PM

I bank fish and hike as much as anyone here and have tried them all. Danners are the way to go, I've had mine for 8 years and they are on their 5 set of replaced felt. I can wear out the felt but not the boot.

Beer Waggin · 01-09-2004, 07:26 PM

Make sure you check for an arch support. Many of the lower end boots have none and you'll feel it at the end fo the day.

Umpqua S-
Patagonia was once known for their support of tree huggers and anti-hunters. I'm pretty sure they are still in support of such agencies, but I haven't looked to see who they are supporting lately. I just choose not to spend my coin on their apparel.

ibnfshn · 01-09-2004, 08:05 PM

The only concern I have with Korkers is:

surface area
an extra backpack to carry the additional soles.

Any thoughts?

NRD, tree huggers and anti hunters but they make/have wading shoes?

[ 01-09-2004, 09:11 PM: Message edited by: ibnfshn ]

RogueFishr · 01-09-2004, 08:19 PM

another vote here for the Korkers with the interchangeable soles. I have head them for a year now and they have held up great. The soles still fit great, and interchange very easy (not getting loose or sloppy).
ibnfshn>> the soles do not take up very much room at all. They are a little less than the length of the boot, and pretty thing. They would easily fit into the back of a fishing vest, and not take up any noticeable amount of room.

RF

5-Cents · 01-09-2004, 09:31 PM

Danners with studs. My first pair lasted 6 years... working on the second!

cully · 01-09-2004, 11:06 PM

My two cents is that you get a pair of Simms guide wading boots felted if your in a boat or spiked if your doing bank fishing. Korkers are fine but after awhile they'll loosen up somewhat. You'll also need to have a boot/shoe anyway to strap your korkers on to so why not just get a pair of wading boots and be done with it. Simms are expensive, around 125.00, You might be able to find them on Sale at Sierra Trading Post.I did and they cost me 70 bucks for the felted unspiked. Check online. Another good option is Hodgman's felted spiked wading boot. They are less expensive. A friend of mine has them and likes them very much. Their cost is around 70 bucks. Good luck.

Green Willie · 01-09-2004, 11:12 PM

I REALLY like my Korkers. You can wear spiked soles from your rig to the riverbank. Change to felts, and fish. When done, change back to the lugs, or spikes for the hike out. Get the boot versions of Korkers, you don't need another pair of boots to strap them to, as they are the boot.

Much versatility for the $$. Their top boot sells for $129 and comes with felt and lug soles. They are well made, in Oregon.

JMHO

JN

notaclue · 01-09-2004, 11:20 PM

I like my Cabela's Master Giude Wading Boots. They come up high over the ankle to give great support. Get them big though, I wear a 10 1/2 and got a 12. I wish I had about a 13.

notaclue

Ryan Pultz · 01-09-2004, 11:24 PM

Korkers will be my next boot

Bluwrt · 01-09-2004, 11:28 PM

It's hard to beat Danner. They do cost a little more, but if you run out to the factory, you can get a pair of seconds for a reasonable price.

Riverkeeper · 01-09-2004, 11:51 PM

Turns out danner has discontinued their "rivergripper" boots, and when I was last out there about 2 weeks ago, they only had a few sizes left, almost none with studs. They are my favorites as well.

There have been several threads about this recently. I'd search the 2003 archives.

blacktail · 01-10-2004, 12:10 AM

Chotas.

DAB · 01-10-2004, 04:05 AM

Which ever ones you get, get them big enough that they do not hamper blood circulation in your feet, your feet will stay wramer longer that way. -- my $0.02 worth.
DAB

rock bottom · 01-10-2004, 07:38 AM

Another vote for cabelas guide masters. had them for 2-3 years now and hardly showing any wear. good boot in my opinion.

boo · 01-10-2004, 08:06 AM

Like UmpquaSpecial, I'm a fan of Patagucci's Beefy Wading Boot. Very solid, light, and great if you're going to do a lot of walking along, and in, the river. Spendy, yes, but with a lifetime warranty, it may be the last wading boot I ever buy. I had the Chotas for awhile (and liked them mostly for the ease of getting them on quickly), but they wore out after two seasons. The whole felt bottom wore/fell off leaving only the screw in cleats.

hawgcatcher · 01-10-2004, 01:30 PM

My next ones will be Korkers. Part of the reason is I ordered a couple pair of their shoe Korkees for walking on Ice. Ordered them on one day and got them back UPS the next during the storm. That is great service. And they worked.

SalmonNilla · 01-10-2004, 11:29 PM

I got a pair of korkers after recieving many recommendations for them after posting the same question on ifish. I think they are great. Just get them a couple sizes bigger than you normally wear to make room for the waders and socks.

Wannabe · 01-13-2004, 07:22 AM

I recieved Dan Baileys for Christmas. I've only worn them a couple times so don't know how long they'll last. From what I understand their warrenty is awesome. I've also found them comfortable and they seem to have more studs then some of the other brands. They run around a 100 I believe.
&lt

))><

River Ranger · 01-13-2004, 07:46 AM

Does anyone know of a company that sells large wading boots,Say size 16??
R.R.

Rakkasan · 01-13-2004, 08:12 AM

I just got a pair of Korkers and as far as I am concerned they are the best way to go with being able to change soles and get new ones when you need them.

rustyhull · 01-13-2004, 08:46 AM

[QUOTE]I got a pair of korkers after recieving many recommendations for them after posting the same question on ifish. I think they are great. Just get them a couple sizes bigger than you normally wear to make room for the waders and socks.[QUOTE/]

i purchased korkers that were my shoe size. I wear them with stocking foot waders and thick socks and i have plenty of room. i suggest you take your waders if you go to joes or other retail locations that sell korkers. korkers designs them keeping in mind socks and waders.

SteelieSlammer · 01-13-2004, 03:28 PM

I have a pair of felt sole, steel stud danners which are good but kind of spendy.

Check of the wading boots on Jennie's Favorite Products link. They have an interchangable sole on them. That sure would have been nice last week when I would take 5 steps and end up with a nice set of snow stilts.

kevray · 01-13-2004, 03:45 PM

Most any wading boots take into concideration the bootie your will be waring. Only once did I have a representative from Cabelas recomend getting a size larger, because that particular style and maker was simply running small.

I really enjoy my Cabelas Guide Boots.

Good Luck