need wading boots advice

[wizi]

I'd like to purchase a new pair of wading boots and I really like both Simms Rivertek model and Cabela's Master Guide (within this price range):

http://www.simmsfishing.com/za/SIM?PAGE=PRODUCT_DETAILS&CAT=footwear&PROD.ID=40964

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20616&hasJS=true

Which would you recommend and why? :baby:

The main citeria for me are good ankle support, durability, not too heavy, felt sole, quick drying construction.

 

[flyman23]

I'm also looking at the Cabela's Master Guide boots. They look to be good for the price. I bought a pair of Hodgeman's last year. What a piece of junk. The soles pulled out of the uppers,felt fell off a couple times, I've got more aquaseal and them then boot. I'll never buy
Hodgeman again.

 

[mannix]

I can also attest to the poor quality of hodgemans boots. I bought a pair 2 years ago and they were done after one season. i am also looking into a new pair of Simms boots, i looked at the river tek and the L2. Im leaning toward the L2 myself due to the fact that its almost a pound and a half lighter than the rivertek.

 

[wizi]

Simms Rivertek is heavier than Cabela's Master Guide for > 1 pound...

 

[wizi]

On the other hand Master Guide is 9-3/4" tall, while RiverTek is just 6" tall, which makes RiverTek a better option in case of the wader's built-in gravel guards?? :confused3

 

[jholland]

Wading Boots

Guys,
There are some good boots out there but I prefer the Chota STL Plus boots. They are light and the quicklace system is useful for getting in and out of them. They also come with removable studs.-JH

 

[Steve M]

Chota

Been using the Chotas for a few years now and I really bang them up and use them in the salt heavily. I have the galvinized screws with mine and at first I would put them in for jetty hopping and take them out again, but I have found that just leaving a few in all the time at key points I can go from sand to rock hopping easily.

The only thing I've been able to break so far is one set of laces which I replaced.

I like them a lot and would buy them again. But to be fair I have not really checked out these news boots you mentioned.

I had the old Hodgeman Brogues years ago and they served me well. I think they were the best available at the time. New technology and materials have really changed things.

 

[Fly Tier]

I agree totally with Steve and Jim. The Chota boots are the most comfortable, light weight feeling boots out there. The quick lace system is excellent, except for the few times Ive broken them, but at 6 bucks for replacement laces, its worth it.

I use them heavily in the salt like steve and they have held up for years. I dont use the screw in studs, felt bottom only. If Im on a jetty, Ill wear korkers over the boots.

Excellent boots at an excellent price.

 

[wizi]

Thanks, guys, for your answers - a friend of mine convinced me into buying Cabela's Master Guide boots... Almost twice less the price was also taken into consideration...

 

[Scott]

I bought a pair of Hodgeman's cleated felt wading boots about 4-5 years ago, and they've held up really well. The felt is starting to come loose on one of them, but for $70 or so they have been great. I can't say the same for their waders. What junk those were.

My dad bought a pair of Simms boots a year or so before I got my H's. He had to replace them early last year because the leather had cracked apart along the drain grommets & the soles just about fell off. I told him he should return them but he uses them so much he felt he should just get a new pair.

I think he got the Orvis super light wading boots, and he likes them a lot.

 

[BigH]

Korkers Anyone?

One of my local fishing store recommended the Korkers wading boot with convertible soles. Neet idea but are they really praticle and will they hold up?:confused3

 

[Rolemodel]

I have the Riverteks and can say tehy are great!I have the Aquasoles on mine,their Sewn on so I don't have to worry about the Glue weakening and losing my Felts!The Shock cord speed-lacing system is great also,quick and easy!